Remember your trusty GoPro Hero 3? While it might not be the latest model on the block, it’s still a fantastic little action camera capable of capturing some epic moments. But even a great camera can benefit from a few clever upgrades, especially when it comes to its optics. Whether you’re trying to protect your lens, improve underwater footage, or just get more versatility out of your older setup, finding the best lens for GoPro Hero 3 can truly elevate your content.
You might be thinking, “Can I even find accessories for such an older model?” The answer is a resounding yes! While the market has certainly moved on, there are still excellent options that can make your Hero 3 feel fresh again. From protective covers to specialized filters, these accessories can help you get the most out of your vintage GoPro.
Let’s dive into some of the top picks that can enhance your GoPro Hero 3 experience.
Top Lens & Accessory Picks for Your GoPro Hero 3
Here are our handpicked recommendations for improving your GoPro Hero 3 footage, starting with compatible accessories.
1. 2-Pack UV Filter Lens Protector for GoPro Hero 3, Hero…
Every adventurer knows the feeling: you’re out there capturing incredible footage, and suddenly, a rogue branch or a speck of dirt threatens your precious GoPro lens. This 2-pack UV Filter Lens Protector is your first line of defense, offering peace of mind while subtly improving your image quality. It’s a simple, yet incredibly effective accessory that helps ensure your GoPro Hero 3 (and even 3+/4) stays pristine for many adventures to come. Think of it as insurance for your optics, with the added benefit of cutting down on UV haze.
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Key Features:
- UV filter lens cap protects against scratches, dirt, and reduces UV damage.
- High-quality optical glass construction for excellent clarity and light transmission.
- Built-in silicone layer for secure fit and scratch protection during installation.
- Easy to install and remove with precision fit for Hero 3/3+/4 Black/Silver.
- Two-pack provides a spare filter for backup or multiple cameras.
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Pros:
- Essential protection for your valuable lens.
- Reduces UV haze for clearer outdoor shots.
- Easy to install and remove.
- Comes in a convenient two-pack.
- Affordable way to extend camera life.
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Cons:
- Doesn’t offer color correction like specialized filters.
- Could potentially add minor glare in specific lighting conditions (though rare).
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User Impressions: Users love how easily these filters snap on and provide immediate protection. Many highlight the value of having two in the pack, especially for an older camera where replacement parts might be harder to find. It’s often praised as a “must-have” for casual and active users alike.
- See it on Amazon here
2. CamKix Diving Lens Filter Kit Compatible with GoPro Hero…
If you’re taking your GoPro Hero 3+ or Hero 4 underwater, you know the struggle: everything looks blue, dull, and lacks that vibrant punch. The CamKix Diving Lens Filter Kit is specifically designed to combat this, bringing back the natural colors of the underwater world. With a range of filters tailored for different depths and water types, this kit transforms washed-out footage into stunning, colorful visuals, truly making it one of the best lens for GoPro Hero 3 (or rather, filter accessory) options for aquatic adventures.
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Key Features:
- Boosts underwater footage by enhancing colors and improving contrast.
- Includes switchable RED, MAGENTA, and YELLOW filters for various conditions.
- RED filters (3 included) for tropical blue water at different depths (5-50+ feet).
- MAGENTA filter for fresh or salt green water (20-130 feet).
- YELLOW filter ideal for night shooting up to 130 feet.
- Easy ‘Clip & Slip’ system for quick filter changes on standard waterproof housing.
- Designed for GoPro HERO 3+ and HERO 4 standard waterproof housing.
- Complete kit includes filter holder, 5 filters, storage bags, tether, and cleaning cloth.
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Pros:
- Dramatically improves underwater color accuracy.
- Versatile kit with filters for multiple depths and water types.
- Simple and secure clip-on design.
- Comprehensive package with accessories.
- Essential for serious underwater videography.
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Cons:
- Requires the standard waterproof housing (not compatible with the camera directly).
- Not compatible with the original Hero 3 without the 3+/4 housing.
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User Impressions: Divers and snorkelers rave about the noticeable difference these filters make. They consistently praise the ease of use and the quality of the color correction, saying it makes their underwater videos look professional. The variety of filters for different conditions is a big plus for dedicated water enthusiasts.
- See it on Amazon here
3. GEPULY Frame Mount Protective Housing Case with Bracket…
Sometimes, the best lens for GoPro Hero 3 isn’t a lens at all, but rather an accessory that enhances the camera’s usability and protection while keeping the lens safe. The GEPULY Frame Mount offers a minimalist yet robust solution for your GoPro Hero 3, 3+, or Hero 4. Unlike bulkier waterproof housings, this frame mount keeps your camera compact, allowing for better audio capture and easy access to ports, all while providing a measure of protection for the camera body and, importantly, including a lens cap for the optic itself.
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Key Features:
- Full access to all buttons and slots (USB, HDMI) for charging, data, and live-feed.
- Ultra-big side opening for easy installation/uninstallation of the USB door.
- Enables optimal audio capture for low-speed activities.
- Compact and lightweight design for Hero 3, 3+, and Hero 4 Black/Silver cameras.
- Includes a silicone lens cap to protect the camera lens from dirt, dust, and scratches.
- Comes with a tripod adapter for easy mounting.
- Not compatible with Bacpac LCD screen and Battery extension.
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Pros:
- Allows full port access for continuous power or data transfer.
- Improved audio quality compared to closed housings.
- Keeps the camera lightweight and compact.
- Includes a protective lens cap.
- Versatile mounting options with the tripod adapter.
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Cons:
- Offers less impact protection than a full waterproof housing.
- Not suitable for water activities.
- Limits the use of Bacpac accessories.
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User Impressions: Customers appreciate the convenience of the open design, especially for vlogging or situations where audio quality is crucial. The included lens cap is a nice bonus, and many find it a perfect everyday protective solution for their older GoPros when waterproof capabilities aren’t needed. It’s often seen as a superior alternative to the standard skeleton housing.
- See it on Amazon here
Important Note on Compatibility for Newer GoPro Models
While you’re likely searching for the best lens for GoPro Hero 3, it’s worth noting that GoPro technology has evolved significantly. The following two products are not compatible with the GoPro Hero 3, 3+, or 4. They are designed for the much newer GoPro Hero 13 Black. We’re including them to illustrate the advanced lens options available for current-generation GoPros, in case you’re considering an upgrade in the future, or simply want to see what’s out there in the broader GoPro ecosystem.
4. SOONSUN 3-Pack Lens Filter Set for GoPro Hero 13 Black…
This SOONSUN 3-Pack Lens Filter Set exemplifies modern filter technology, offering precise control over your footage in various lighting conditions. While it’s designed specifically for the naked GoPro Hero 13 Black lens, it shows the power of specialized filters – from balancing bright light with an ND filter to correcting colors in challenging underwater environments. It highlights how far lens accessories have come, offering snap-on convenience and multi-coated optical glass for crystal-clear results.
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Key Features:
- Compatibility: Specifically designed for GoPro Hero 13 Black camera lens (naked camera).
- ND16 Filter (4 f-stops) for bright sunlight, minimizing glare and preventing overexposure.
- Red and Magenta filters for underwater color correction in blue/clear and green water, respectively.
- Made of high-grade multi-coated optical glass for crystal clear footage.
- Snap-On Design – attaches directly to the camera lens without removing the original.
- Complete package includes ND16, Red, Magenta filters, pouch, and tethers.
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Pros:
- Comprehensive filter set for diverse shooting conditions.
- High-quality optical glass for superior image clarity.
- Quick and hassle-free snap-on installation.
- Effective color correction and exposure control.
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Cons:
- NOT COMPATIBLE WITH GOPRO HERO 3, 3+, OR 4.
- Requires the naked camera; not for use with dive housing or media mod.
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User Impressions: (Based on Hero 13 Black users) Users are impressed by the optical quality and the ease of switching filters. The ND filter is a standout for balancing bright outdoor scenes, and the underwater filters receive high praise for bringing vibrancy to aquatic footage without complex post-processing.
- See it on Amazon here
5. GoPro Ultra Wide Lens Mod (HERO13 Black) – Official GoPro…
The GoPro Ultra Wide Lens Mod showcases the cutting-edge of GoPro lens accessories, transforming the Hero 13 Black into an even more extreme POV camera. With an incredible 177° field of view and enhanced HyperSmooth stabilization, this mod pushes the boundaries of immersive footage. While it’s not a solution for your Hero 3, it’s a peek into the future of action camera optics, demonstrating how external lens attachments can dramatically alter the camera’s native capabilities for truly breathtaking wide-angle shots.
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Key Features:
- Compatibility: Designed exclusively for HERO13 Black.
- Transforms HERO13 Black into the ultimate POV camera.
- Achieves the widest field of view (177°) ever on a GoPro.
- Offers the highest level of HyperSmooth video stabilization.
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Pros:
- Massively expands the field of view for ultra-immersive shots.
- Enhances GoPro’s already impressive stabilization.
- Official GoPro accessory, ensuring perfect integration.
- Ideal for action sports where every bit of peripheral vision matters.
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Cons:
- EXCLUSIVELY FOR GOPRO HERO 13 BLACK; NOT COMPATIBLE WITH HERO 3, 3+, OR 4.
- Adds bulk to the camera.
- Premium price point.
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User Impressions: (Based on Hero 13 Black users) Enthusiasts describe this mod as a “game-changer” for specific types of footage, especially for skiing, mountain biking, and other fast-paced activities where a super-wide perspective is desired. The improved HyperSmooth is a frequently cited benefit, making even the most chaotic footage smooth and watchable.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is it worth buying accessories for an old GoPro Hero 3?
A: Absolutely! While newer GoPros have advanced features, accessories like protective filters, mounts, and specialized underwater filters can significantly improve the footage and lifespan of your Hero 3, Hero 3+, or Hero 4. They’re a cost-effective way to refresh your existing camera without buying a whole new unit.
Q2: What’s the difference between a UV filter and an ND filter?
A: A UV filter primarily blocks ultraviolet light, which can cause haze in outdoor photos, and more importantly, acts as a protective layer for your lens. An ND (Neutral Density) filter reduces the amount of light entering the camera sensor, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds or wider apertures in bright conditions without overexposing your footage. ND filters are crucial for cinematic motion blur in bright light.
Q3: Can I use newer GoPro lenses (like the Max Lens Mod) on my GoPro Hero 3?
A: No. Newer GoPro lens mods, such as the Max Lens Mod or the Ultra Wide Lens Mod, are designed specifically for the latest GoPro models (like the Hero 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 Black). They are physically and electronically incompatible with older models like the GoPro Hero 3, 3+, or 4.
Q4: How do I clean my GoPro Hero 3 lens safely?
A: To clean your GoPro Hero 3 lens, first use a blower brush to remove any loose dust or debris. Then, gently wipe the lens with a microfiber cleaning cloth designed for optics. For stubborn smudges, use a small drop of lens cleaning fluid applied to the cloth, not directly to the lens. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Q5: What’s the most important accessory for a GoPro Hero 3?
A: This depends on your usage! For general protection, a simple UV filter or a frame mount with a lens cap is invaluable. For underwater enthusiasts, a diving filter kit is essential for vibrant colors. If you want to use your Hero 3 handheld, a good grip or small tripod adapter can make a huge difference.
Q6: Do these accessories affect the waterproof rating of my GoPro Hero 3?
A: Lens filters like the UV protector or diving filters usually attach to the standard waterproof housing, so they do not affect the housing’s waterproof rating. A frame mount, however, is an open-design case and offers no waterproofing; it’s meant for dry, casual use where audio quality is preferred over water protection. Always ensure your original GoPro waterproof housing is sealed correctly for water activities.
Q7: Where can I find more accessories for my older GoPro Hero 3?
A: Online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and specialized camera accessory stores are your best bet. While GoPro itself focuses on current models, third-party manufacturers still produce a wide range of compatible accessories for the Hero 3, 3+, and 4. Always check product descriptions carefully for specific compatibility before purchasing.
Final Thoughts
While the GoPro Hero 3 might be a few generations old, it’s still a very capable action camera, and with the right accessories, it can continue to capture fantastic memories. Investing in a best lens for GoPro Hero 3 type of accessory – be it a protective filter, a diving kit, or a versatile frame mount – can truly unlock its hidden potential. Remember to always double-check compatibility before you buy, ensuring you get the perfect fit for your specific Hero 3 model. So go ahead, give your trusty GoPro a fresh lease on life, and keep those epic shots coming!
