So, you’ve got a GoPro Hero 5, and you’re ready to capture some epic adventures! While your action camera is already fantastic at recording high-quality footage, there’s a secret weapon that can truly elevate your shots: a good quality filter. Whether you’re battling harsh sunlight, cutting through glare, or diving deep underwater, the right filter can make all the difference, transforming good footage into truly cinematic masterpieces. Finding the best filter for GoPro Hero 5 can seem daunting with so many options out there, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Filters aren’t just fancy accessories; they’re essential tools for any serious GoPro user. They help manage light, correct colors, and reduce reflections, allowing your Hero 5 to perform at its peak in diverse shooting conditions. In this guide, we’ll dive into some of the top filter options available, helping you pick the perfect one to enhance your action camera experience.
Why Your GoPro Hero 5 Needs a Filter
Ever noticed your outdoor footage looking a bit washed out or overly bright? That’s where Neutral Density (ND) filters come in. They reduce the amount of light hitting your camera’s sensor, allowing for slower shutter speeds, which is perfect for capturing buttery-smooth motion blur in bright conditions.
Then there are Circular Polarizer (CPL) filters. These magic discs cut down glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, or glass, enhancing color saturation and contrast. Think deeper blue skies and richer greenery!
And for those underwater escapades, dive filters are non-negotiable. Water absorbs different colors at various depths, making your footage look overly blue or green. Dive filters color-correct your footage, bringing back those vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows that the ocean tends to “eat up.” Choosing the best filter for GoPro Hero 5 often means considering what kind of adventures you’re planning!
Let’s dive into our top picks!
SOONSUN 4-Pack ND & CPL Filter Kit
The SOONSUN 4-Pack ND & CPL Filter Kit is a versatile powerhouse for any GoPro Hero 5, 6, 7 Black, or Hero (2018) user looking to master light and color control. What makes this kit stand out is its comprehensive approach to improving outdoor footage. You get a range of Neutral Density filters (ND8, ND16, ND32) to manage varying levels of bright light, along with a CPL filter to tackle glare and boost saturation. It’s like having a professional lighting crew in your pocket, ensuring your videos always look balanced and vibrant, whether you’re shooting action sports or stunning landscapes.
- ND & CPL Filters: Includes ND8, ND16, ND32, CPL, and a storage case.
- Wide Compatibility: Specifically designed for GoPro Hero 5/6/7 Black and Hero (2018).
- ND Filters for Motion Blur & Exposure: Reduces light by 3, 4, and 5 stops for cinematic effects.
- CPL Filter for Glare Reduction: Eliminates reflections and enhances color saturation.
- HD Optical Glass with Multi-Coated Protection: Ensures crystal clear footage with accurate color and scratch resistance.
- Snap-On Design & Complete Set: Quick, secure attachment and includes safety tethers.
Pros:
– Excellent for controlling exposure in bright daylight.
– Creates cinematic motion blur effects for videos.
– Effectively reduces glare and boosts color saturation.
– High-quality optical glass ensures clear, color-accurate footage.
– Easy to snap on and off the GoPro lens.
– Comes with a protective case and safety tethers.
Cons:
– Not designed for underwater use.
– Only compatible with specific GoPro Hero Black models (5/6/7) and Hero (2018).
User Impressions: Users frequently praise this kit for its noticeable improvement in video quality, especially in sunny conditions. Many highlight the ease of installation and the durability of the filters. It’s often called an “essential kit” for anyone serious about getting professional-looking footage out of their Hero 5.
SOONSUN 3-Pack Dive Filter Set
If your adventures take you below the surface, the SOONSUN 3-Pack Dive Filter Set is an absolute game-changer for your GoPro Hero 5. This kit specializes in bringing back the vibrant colors that disappear underwater. It includes a Red filter for blue tropical waters, a Light Red (Snorkel) filter for shallow depths, and a Magenta filter for green freshwater environments. This tailored approach means no more dull, blueish footage – instead, you’ll capture the stunning, true-to-life beauty of the underwater world, making your aquatic videos pop with dazzling clarity and natural hues.
- Professional 3-in-1 Set: Enhances colors and contrast for various underwater conditions.
- Direct Snap-on Attachment: Designed for easy mounting onto the official GoPro Super Suit housing.
- Reserved Slot for Tether: Includes a safety tether to prevent loss.
- Includes: Red filter x 1, Light red filter x 1, Magenta Filter x 1, safety tether x 3, drawstring bag x 1.
- Compatibility: Works with GoPro original Super Suit housing for HERO 5/6/7 Black, HERO (2018), and SOONSUN waterproof housing cases.
Pros:
– Drastically improves underwater color correction.
– Covers a range of underwater environments (tropical, shallow, freshwater).
– Easy and secure snap-on design (with official Super Suit).
– Comes with safety tethers to prevent accidental loss.
– Affordable way to enhance underwater footage quality.
Cons:
– Requires an official GoPro Super Suit housing (or compatible SOONSUN housing); does not mount directly to the camera lens.
– Not compatible with third-party GoPro cases.
User Impressions: Divers and snorkelers rave about the SOONSUN Dive Filter set, calling it indispensable for underwater videography. They love how it transforms dull blue footage into vivid, colorful memories, often noting the significant improvement in image quality and the ease of switching filters for different depths.
GEPULY 4-Pack Underwater Dive Filters
The GEPULY 4-Pack Underwater Dive Filters offer an incredibly comprehensive solution for vibrant underwater videography with your GoPro Hero 5, 6, 7 Black, or Hero (2018) in its official Super Suit housing. What truly sets this pack apart is the inclusion of a 5x close-up filter alongside the essential Red, Light Red, and Magenta filters. This means you not only get professional color correction for various water types and depths but also the ability to capture intricate macro details of marine life or coral, bringing a new dimension of clarity and wonder to your underwater storytelling.
- Perfect Compatibility: Designed for official Super Suit housing of GoPro Hero 5/6/7 Black/Hero(2018).
- Professional Color Correction: Corrects colors from 2 feet to 85 feet underwater in diverse environments.
- 4 Filters Included: Red, Light Red, Magenta, and a unique 5x Close-Up filter.
- High Quality Materials: Made of high transmission acrylic for clear photos and videos.
- Easy to Use: Simple snap-on/off mechanism.
- Extras: Comes with a drawstring bag with compartments and a safety tether.
Pros:
– Provides excellent color correction for blue, green, and shallow waters.
– Unique 5x close-up filter is great for macro photography underwater.
– Durable high-transmission acrylic ensures clear visuals.
– Convenient snap-on design for quick changes.
– Includes a protective bag and safety tether for secure transport and use.
Cons:
– Requires the official GoPro Super Suit housing; cannot be used directly on the camera.
– Not compatible with third-party housing cases.
User Impressions: Customers are highly impressed with the clarity and color correction provided by these filters, especially praising the versatile range. The 5x close-up filter is a definite favorite, allowing users to capture details they couldn’t before. Many found it to be a fantastic value, improving their underwater footage significantly.
SmallRig CPL & VND 3-5 Filter
The SmallRig CPL & VND 3-5 Filter is an innovative 4-in-1 solution, combining a Variable Neutral Density (VND) filter with a Circular Polarizer (CPL). This highly versatile filter is crafted from high-definition optical glass with multilayer coatings, ensuring superior color reproduction and resistance to common elements like mold, water, and oil. Its unique design allows for seamless transitions between different light conditions and reflection control, significantly boosting shooting efficiency for users of compatible GoPro models (GoPro Hero 10/11/12/13). While not for the Hero 5, its advanced features showcase what high-end filters can offer.
- 4-in-1 Filter: Features dual CPL and VND3-6 (ND8-ND32) combination for enhanced creative shooting.
- High-definition Glass & Multilayer Coating: Ensures superior color reproduction with resistance to mold, water, and oil.
- VND (ND8-32) Filter: Offers versatile exposure control from bright sunlight to dimly lit scenes.
- CPL Filter: Effectively eliminates reflections and enhances saturation/contrast on non-metal surfaces.
- Easy to Use: Simplifies operation processes for swift filter transitions.
Pros:
– Combines two essential filters (VND and CPL) into one convenient unit.
– Provides excellent control over exposure and reflections.
– High-quality optical glass ensures sharp, clear, and color-accurate footage.
– Durable multi-layer coating protects against environmental elements.
– Easy to install and adjust on compatible GoPro models.
Cons:
– IMPORTANT: This filter is NOT compatible with the GoPro Hero 5. It is designed for newer models (Hero 10/11/12/13).
– Not suitable for underwater use; it is splash-proof for land use only.
– May exhibit subtle unevenness in lighting in ultra-wide angle mode at highest ND setting.
User Impressions: While this specific filter isn’t for the Hero 5, users of the compatible GoPro models commend SmallRig for its robust build quality, exceptional clarity, and the convenience of having both VND and CPL in one unit. They highlight its ability to achieve cinematic results and its ease of adjustment, making it a favorite for outdoor shooting.
GEPULY Waterproof Housing Case with Diving Filters
The GEPULY Waterproof Housing Case with Diving Filters is the ultimate all-in-one protection and enhancement solution for your GoPro Hero 5, 6, 7 Black, or Hero (2018). Unlike standalone filters, this product combines an extremely durable waterproof housing (up to 147 ft / 45m) with a set of four essential diving filters. This means you not only get unparalleled protection from water, dust, scratches, and shocks for your camera but also integrated color correction capabilities for various underwater environments. It’s perfect for those who want maximum safety and vibrant footage from a single, robust accessory.
- Compatibility: Perfectly fits GoPro Hero 5/6/7 Black/7 Black Dusk White and Hero (2018) cameras.
- Extreme Waterproofing: Submersible up to 147 ft (45m) with a solid, rustproof design (316 stainless steel parts).
- Superior Materials: Made of transparent plastic with high transmission tempered flat glass lens (98% light transmission).
- 4-Pack Filters Included: Red, Magenta, Light Red, and a 5x Close-Up macro filter for diverse water conditions and details.
- Perfect Performance: Offers protection and enhances footage for diving, snorkeling, and other extreme activities.
Pros:
– Provides comprehensive protection for your GoPro Hero 5 against water, dust, and shocks.
– Excellent waterproof rating suitable for deep diving.
– Integrated filters offer convenient and effective underwater color correction.
– Includes a useful 5x close-up macro filter for detailed shots.
– Rustproof metal parts ensure long-term durability in saltwater.
– All-in-one solution simplifies setup for underwater adventures.
Cons:
– Adds significant bulk to your GoPro camera.
– Not compatible with Hero 7 White/Silver models.
– Filters are integrated into the housing, not interchangeable with other standalone filter systems.
User Impressions: Users highly recommend this housing for its robust protection and the excellent performance of its integrated filters. Many appreciate the peace of mind it offers during deep dives and challenging water sports. The clarity of the lens and the effectiveness of the color correction are frequently praised, making it a top choice for serious underwater enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Choosing the best filter for GoPro Hero 5 really boils down to what kind of adventures you’re embarking on most frequently. If you’re often shooting in bright daylight or want to add a cinematic touch to your action footage, an ND and CPL kit like the SOONSUN 4-Pack is an absolute must-have. For underwater explorers, the SOONSUN or GEPULY dive filter sets will transform your aquatic videos, bringing back the natural beauty of the deep. And if you’re looking for ultimate protection combined with underwater color correction, the GEPULY Waterproof Housing with Filters offers a comprehensive solution.
Each of these filters offers unique advantages, designed to push the boundaries of what your GoPro Hero 5 can capture. Investing in the right filter isn’t just about getting clearer pictures; it’s about unlocking your camera’s full potential and telling your adventure stories with unparalleled visual quality. Happy shooting!
FAQ Section
Q1: Why do I need a filter for my GoPro Hero 5?
A1: Filters significantly enhance your GoPro Hero 5’s image and video quality by managing light, reducing glare, and correcting colors. In bright conditions, ND filters prevent overexposure and allow for cinematic motion blur. CPL filters cut reflections and boost color saturation. Underwater, dive filters restore lost colors, making your footage vibrant and true-to-life.
Q2: What’s the difference between ND and CPL filters?
A2: ND (Neutral Density) filters reduce the amount of light entering the camera’s sensor, much like sunglasses for your camera. This allows for slower shutter speeds in bright conditions, creating motion blur effects for water, clouds, or fast-moving subjects. CPL (Circular Polarizer) filters reduce glare and reflections from non-metallic surfaces like water, glass, or wet rocks. They also enhance color saturation and contrast, making skies bluer and foliage greener.
Q3: When should I use a dive filter for my GoPro Hero 5?
A3: You should use a dive filter whenever you’re shooting underwater, especially beyond a few feet of depth. Water absorbs red and orange light, making underwater footage appear predominantly blue or green. Dive filters (red, light red, magenta) color-correct this, restoring natural colors and making your underwater photos and videos much more vibrant and realistic.
Q4: Are these filters compatible with other GoPro models, like Hero 6 or 7?
A4: Many filters designed for the GoPro Hero 5 are also compatible with the Hero 6 Black, Hero 7 Black, and Hero (2018) models, as these cameras share similar physical dimensions and lens designs. However, it’s crucial to always check the specific product description for compatibility, as some filters (like the SmallRig one reviewed) are designed for much newer models.
Q5: How do I install filters on my GoPro Hero 5?
A5: Most filters for the GoPro Hero 5, especially ND/CPL filters, feature a snap-on design. They simply push onto or clip around the camera’s lens housing. For dive filters, many are designed to snap onto the official GoPro Super Suit housing, not directly onto the camera’s lens. Always ensure a secure fit before use.
Q6: Can I use filters with the GoPro Hero 5’s waterproof housing (Super Suit)?
A6: Yes, many dive filters are specifically designed to be used with the GoPro Hero 5’s official Super Suit waterproof housing. They often snap directly onto the housing’s lens port. Some products, like the GEPULY Waterproof Housing, even come with integrated filters, offering an all-in-one solution for underwater protection and color correction.
Q7: Do filters affect video quality or sharpness?
A7: High-quality filters made from optical glass with multi-coatings are designed to have minimal impact on video quality or sharpness. They are meant to improve, not degrade, your footage. Cheaper filters made from lower-quality materials might introduce slight distortions, color casts, or reduce sharpness, so investing in reputable brands is advisable.
