7 Best Accessories for GoPro Hero 5: Mastering Sunny Outdoor Photos

[PRODUCT_IMAGE_HEADER]

Got a GoPro Hero 5 and love shooting outdoors, especially on those bright, sunny days? You know the drill: intense sunlight can sometimes mean washed-out photos, crazy glare, or just not getting that vibrant, cinematic look you’re after. But don’t fret! With the right gear, your GoPro Hero 5 can truly shine, delivering stunning photos even in the harshest sun.

We’ve scoured the market to bring you the best accessories for GoPro Hero 5 photo sunny conditions. These aren’t just random gadgets; they’re tools designed to help you control light, reduce glare, protect your camera, and ultimately capture breathtaking images and videos when the sun is beaming down. Let’s dive in and see what can supercharge your sunny day shoots!

1. LENSKINS MRC ND16 Filter for GoPro Hero 5 6 7

When the sun is blazing, an ND (Neutral Density) filter is your best friend, and the LENSKINS MRC ND16 is a stellar choice for making your GoPro Hero 5 photo sunny sessions pop. This filter acts like sunglasses for your camera, reducing the amount of light hitting the sensor without affecting color. The ND16 is particularly effective for very bright conditions, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds for smoother video or wider apertures for a more cinematic depth of field, all while preventing overexposure. It’s made from high-quality optical glass with multi-layer coatings, meaning less glare, truer colors, and a durable surface that resists scratches and water.

• Key Features:
  • Made from high-quality Japanese AGC optical glass for crystal clear footage.
  • 30-layer nano-coating reduces flare, ghosting, and makes it water/oil/dust resistant.
  • ND16 filter reduces light by 4 stops, perfect for bright sunny days.
  • Ultra-thin design prevents vignetting (dark corners).
  • Specifically engineered for GoPro Hero 5/6/7 Black.
• Pros:
  • Excellent optical clarity with no color shift.
  • Durable and easy to clean due to nano-coating.
  • Effectively manages overexposure in bright conditions.
  • Prevents dark corners in your shots.
• Cons:
  • Only a single filter, a kit might be more versatile for varying light.
  • Requires careful handling due to glass material.
• User Impressions: Users frequently praise the clarity and color neutrality of LENSKINS filters, often noting a significant improvement in footage quality on sunny days. Many highlight the robust build and effective light reduction.
• Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here

2. SOONSUN ND Filter Kit for GoPro Hero 5/6/7 Black, 4-Pack

If you’re serious about taking stunning photos in various bright conditions, the SOONSUN ND Filter Kit is a total game-changer. This comprehensive 4-pack includes ND8, ND16, ND32, and a CPL filter, giving you immense control over light and glare. The ND filters are essential for sunny outdoor adventures, allowing for balanced exposure and cool motion blur effects for cinematic videos. What really makes this kit shine for sunny photos is the CPL (Circular Polarizer) filter, which dramatically reduces glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and windows, while boosting color saturation to make skies deeper and greenery richer.

• Key Features:
  • Includes ND8, ND16, ND32 (3, 4, 5 stop reduction) and a CPL filter.
  • CPL filter reduces glare and enhances color saturation/contrast.
  • HD multi-coated optical glass ensures clear footage with accurate colors.
  • Snap-on design for quick and secure attachment.
  • Comes with a hard plastic storage case and safety tethers.
• Pros:
  • Versatile kit for a wide range of bright lighting conditions.
  • CPL filter is invaluable for glare reduction and color enhancement.
  • High-quality optical glass with durable coatings.
  • Easy to install and remove.
• Cons:
  • Can be a bit pricey as a full kit.
  • Requires carrying multiple filters.
• User Impressions: Customers love the versatility and the noticeable improvement in image quality, especially appreciating how the CPL filter makes a difference in reducing reflections and boosting vibrancy in outdoor shots. The snap-on design is also a big hit.
• Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here

3. Action Camera Mount The Frame Hero Housing

While not a filter, “The Frame” housing is an essential accessory for any GoPro Hero 5 owner who frequently shoots in sunny conditions. Why? Because it provides critical protection while offering full access to your camera’s ports. This means you can keep your GoPro charged during long sunny shoots (think time-lapses or extended adventures) or offload footage quickly without removing the camera from its protective shell. It also allows you to attach your GoPro to various mounts, ensuring stable, shake-free shots even when you’re on the go in bright outdoor environments.

• Key Features:
  • Wide compatibility with GoPro Hero 5/6/7 Black and Hero (2018).
  • Allows charging and data transfer without removing the camera.
  • Provides full access to USB-C, HDMI ports, and card slots.
  • Reserved openings for microphones and speaker for optimal audio capture.
  • Includes a protective lens cap.
• Pros:
  • Excellent protection for everyday outdoor use.
  • Convenient access to ports for charging and data.
  • Enhances audio quality compared to fully enclosed housings.
  • Lightweight and compact.
• Cons:
  • Not waterproof for submersion.
  • Offers less impact protection than a full dive housing.
• User Impressions: Users frequently commend its slim profile and the convenience of port access. It’s often chosen for everyday filming and vlogging where light protection and audio quality are prioritized in outdoor settings.
• Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here

4. FitStill 148FT/45M Underwater Waterproof Protective Case

If your idea of a perfect sunny day involves water – be it the ocean, a lake, or a swimming pool – then the FitStill Waterproof Protective Case is a must-have. This robust housing provides ultimate protection for your GoPro Hero 5, allowing you to dive deep (up to 148ft/45m) and capture stunning underwater photos and videos. What makes it especially great for sunny conditions is the included high-transparency diving filter, which helps correct colors underwater where sunlight can cast a blue or green tint. Plus, the anti-fog inserts ensure your lens stays clear, and the floating grip means you won’t lose your GoPro to the depths even if you drop it!

• Key Features:
  • Compatible with GoPro Hero 5/6/7 Black (not Silver/White Hero7).
  • Waterproof up to 45 meters (148 feet).
  • Features a large flat glass lens for maximum image sharpness above and below water.
  • Includes a high-transparency diving filter for color correction.
  • Comes with anti-fog inserts and a floating hand grip.
• Pros:
  • Exceptional waterproof protection for deep diving.
  • Diving filter ensures accurate colors in underwater sunny conditions.
  • Anti-fog inserts maintain lens clarity.
  • Floating grip prevents loss in water.
• Cons:
  • Adds bulk to the camera.
  • Cannot directly access camera ports when in case.
• User Impressions: Divers and snorkelers rave about the case’s robust build and its ability to keep their GoPro dry even at significant depths. The color-correcting filter is frequently highlighted as a key feature for vibrant underwater photos.
• Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here

5. Movo GPR-5 Media Housing – GoPro Case Compatible with Hero 5/6/7

Similar to ‘The Frame’ but with a slightly different design, the Movo GPR-5 Media Housing offers solid protection for your GoPro Hero 5, making it an excellent companion for outdoor sunny photography. What sets this media housing apart is its dedicated accommodation for a GoPro microphone adapter and a cold shoe mount. This is perfect for vloggers or anyone wanting to capture high-quality audio alongside their sunny visuals, whether you’re interviewing someone on the beach or narrating your mountain biking adventure. It also features a tripod mount adapter, ensuring stability for time-lapses or hands-free shots in bright, open environments.

• Key Features:
  • Solid case construction protects your GoPro Hero 5/6/7.
  • Accommodates GoPro microphone adapter.
  • Features a cold shoe mount for attaching mics, lights, or other accessories.
  • Includes a tripod mount adapter for stability.
  • Comes with a 1-year warranty.
• Pros:
  • Excellent for enhancing audio capture in outdoor settings.
  • Provides a versatile mounting solution for accessories.
  • Good protective casing for general use.
  • Tripod mount adds stability for clear shots.
• Cons:
  • Not designed for deep underwater use.
  • May add a bit of bulk compared to a minimalist frame.
• User Impressions: Users value this housing for its microphone compatibility and cold shoe mount, calling it a versatile tool for creating content in the field. Its protective quality is also a common positive point among those who use their GoPro extensively outdoors.
• Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here

6. Generic Fish Eye Replacement Lens for GoPro Hero 5/6/7

Sometimes, the best accessory for GoPro Hero 5 photo sunny shots isn’t an add-on, but a replacement for something essential that’s broken. If your original GoPro Hero 5 lens has been scratched, cracked, or damaged, this Generic Fish Eye Replacement Lens is your ticket to restoring crystal-clear wide-angle photos and videos. A damaged lens can significantly degrade image quality, especially in bright conditions where imperfections become more apparent. Replacing it ensures your GoPro can once again capture sharp, distortion-free images of those expansive sunny landscapes, vibrant outdoor events, or dynamic action shots.

• Key Features:
  • Genuine replacement fish-eye lens for GoPro Hero 5/6/7 Black.
  • High-quality optics for crystal clear video and photos.
  • Restores original functionality and image performance.
  • Ensures accurate color and detail capture.
• Pros:
  • Cost-effective way to repair a damaged lens.
  • Restores optimal image quality.
  • Maintains the original wide-angle perspective.
• Cons:
  • Installation requires some technical skill.
  • No manual included, so prior knowledge or a guide is needed for replacement.
• User Impressions: Customers who have successfully replaced their lenses report satisfaction with the restored image clarity and performance. They appreciate being able to revive their camera rather than buying a new one.
• Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here

7. GEPULY 3-Pack Dive Filter (Red, Light Red, Magenta) for Super Suit Housing

Another fantastic option for underwater enthusiasts, the GEPULY 3-Pack Dive Filter set is specifically designed to work with the GoPro Super Suit housing (often necessary for deeper dives). Just like the FitStill filter, these are crucial for achieving natural, vibrant colors when shooting underwater in sunny conditions. Sunlight filters differently through water at various depths and in different water types. This pack includes Red, Light Red, and Magenta filters, allowing you to pick the right one for blue water, tropical seawater, or green freshwater environments, ensuring your underwater photos are always vivid and true-to-life, even when the sun is beaming from above.

• Key Features:
  • Compatible with GoPro Hero 5/6/7 Black / Hero (2018) Super Suit housing case.
  • Offers professional color correction from 2 feet to 85 feet underwater.
  • Includes Red (blue water/tropical seawater 12-85 ft), Light Red (blue water/clear freshwater 2-15 ft), and Magenta (green water 8-75 ft) filters.
  • Made of high-transmission acrylic.
  • Comes with a cloth bag and safety tether.
• Pros:
  • Comprehensive set for various underwater conditions and depths.
  • Snaps on/off easily for quick changes.
  • Significantly improves color accuracy underwater.
  • Lightweight and durable acrylic construction.
• Cons:
  • Requires the GoPro Super Suit housing; won’t fit the camera lens directly.
  • Specific filters for specific conditions means carrying all three.
• User Impressions: Users highly recommend this set for anyone serious about underwater photography, particularly noting how the different filters help achieve stunning, natural colors in a variety of water environments under sunny conditions. The ease of use is a recurring positive comment.
• Call-to-Action: See it on Amazon here

Frequently Asked Questions about GoPro Hero 5 & Sunny Photography

Q1: Why do my GoPro photos look washed out in bright sunlight?
A1: This is typically due to overexposure. When there’s too much light, your camera’s sensor gets overloaded, resulting in bright areas losing detail and colors appearing faded. ND (Neutral Density) filters are specifically designed to reduce the amount of light entering the lens, helping to prevent this.

Q2: What’s the most important accessory for shooting GoPro Hero 5 photos on a sunny day?
A2: An ND filter (like the ND16 or a kit with multiple NDs) is arguably the most crucial. It directly addresses the issue of overexposure in bright light, allowing for better control over your exposure settings and leading to more vibrant, detailed photos.

Q3: What’s the difference between an ND filter and a CPL filter?
A3: An ND filter (Neutral Density) reduces the overall amount of light hitting the sensor, helping to avoid overexposure. A CPL filter (Circular Polarizer) primarily reduces glare and reflections from non-metallic surfaces (like water, glass, or wet foliage) and enhances color saturation and contrast, making skies bluer and greenery more vivid. Both are useful for sunny conditions!

Q4: Can I use these accessories with other GoPro models?
A4: Many accessories designed for the GoPro Hero 5 are also compatible with Hero 6 and Hero 7 Black models due to their similar physical dimensions. However, always double-check the product description for specific compatibility information before purchasing.

Q5: How can I protect my GoPro Hero 5 lens in sunny, outdoor environments?
A5: Using a protective housing or frame (like “The Frame” or Movo Media Housing) is a great start. For very bright or dusty conditions, or if you’re engaging in action sports, a UV filter or a robust lens cap can offer additional physical protection from scratches and debris.

Q6: Are dive filters only for underwater photography?
A6: Yes, dive filters (red, magenta, light red) are specifically designed to correct color loss underwater. They won’t improve your photos above water and can actually make them look discolored, so make sure to remove them once you’re out of the water.

Q7: Do I need a filter for every sunny day?
A7: Not necessarily every single sunny day. For slightly overcast or late afternoon sun, your GoPro might handle it fine. However, for intense midday sun, reflective surfaces (like snow or water), or when you want to achieve specific cinematic effects (like motion blur), an ND or CPL filter becomes indispensable.

Choosing the best accessories for GoPro Hero 5 photo sunny shooting boils down to your specific needs, whether that’s battling glare with a CPL filter, controlling intense light with an ND, or protecting your camera for adventures with a sturdy housing. Equip your GoPro with these tools, and you’ll be capturing amazing, vibrant memories every time the sun shines!