Got a GoPro Hero 9 and ready to take your footage to the next level? You’ve come to the right place! While your Hero 9 is an incredible piece of tech on its own, adding the right filters can truly transform your videos and photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. From reducing glare on sunny days to achieving silky-smooth motion blur, the best filters for GoPro Hero 9 are game-changers for any content creator.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into the top 5 filter sets designed specifically for your GoPro Hero 9. We’ll break down what makes each one special, so you can pick the perfect companion for your adventures.
Why You Need the Best Filters for GoPro Hero 9
Think of filters as sunglasses for your camera. Just like you need different shades for different light, your GoPro can benefit from filters to manage light, enhance colors, and reduce unwanted reflections.
- ND (Neutral Density) Filters: These are like dimmers, reducing the amount of light hitting your sensor. This allows you to use slower shutter speeds in bright conditions, creating that dreamy cinematic motion blur, especially for action shots like surfing, skiing, or even just a fast-moving car. Without them, your footage might look blown out or overly sharp.
- CPL (Circular Polarizer) Filters: Ever notice harsh reflections off water, glass, or even bright skies? CPL filters cut through that glare, enhancing color saturation and contrast, making blues deeper and greens richer. They’re fantastic for outdoor landscape shots.
Ready to see our top picks? Let’s dive in!
1. NEEWER ND Filter Set Compatible with GoPro Hero 12 Hero…
This NEEWER ND and CPL filter set is a fantastic starting point for any GoPro Hero 9 user looking to up their game. What really makes this set shine is its comprehensive nature, offering both ND and CPL filters along with a smart protective case. You get a range of neutral density options (ND8, ND16, ND32) to tackle various bright light scenarios, plus a CPL filter to banish glare and boost colors. They twist on easily, ensuring a snug fit without any worry of scratching your precious lens.
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Key Features:
- Includes CPL, ND8, ND16, ND32 filters for versatile use.
- Designed for GoPro Hero 9, 10, 11, and 12 Black.
- HD optical glass for clear, color-accurate images.
- 28 layers of multi-resistant nano coatings (water repellent, scratch resistant, oil proof, anti-fingerprint).
- Lightweight aluminum frame.
- Comes with a protective filter case.
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Pros:
- Excellent value with a complete set of essential filters.
- High-quality optical glass prevents color cast.
- Multi-coated for durability and easy cleaning.
- Secure and easy twist-on installation.
- Effective in reducing overexposure and glare.
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Cons:
- Only the glass surface is waterproof, not the whole filter for underwater use.
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User Impressions: Users often praise this set for its optical clarity and robust build. Many highlight how effectively it helps control exposure in bright outdoor settings and appreciate the noticeable improvement in color vibrancy thanks to the CPL. It’s often cited as a reliable and affordable choice for improving GoPro footage.
2. PolarPro – Shutter Collection – Filters for GoPro Hero 9,…
PolarPro is renowned in the action camera community for its premium accessories, and their Shutter Collection is no exception. This set stands out for its “CinemaSeries Glass,” which is designed to be incredibly durable and impact-resistant – perfect for the demanding world of action sports. If you’re serious about getting that buttery-smooth cinematic look in your high-action footage, these filters are engineered to reduce shutter speeds perfectly in bright environments, ensuring every frame looks professional.
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Key Features:
- Compatible with GoPro Hero 9, 10, 11, and 12 cameras.
- Includes ND8, ND16, and ND32 filters.
- Features durable, impact-resistant CinemaSeries Glass.
- Directly replaces the front lens element for quick and secure application.
- Designed for reducing shutter speeds for smooth motion capture.
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Pros:
- Exceptional build quality and impact resistance.
- Delivers consistent, professional cinematic results.
- Easy and secure installation mechanism.
- Trusted brand known for optical excellence.
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Cons:
- May be a higher price point compared to some other brands.
- Does not include a CPL filter in this specific collection.
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User Impressions: PolarPro users consistently rave about the superior optical quality and ruggedness of these filters. They often mention the noticeable difference in motion fluidity and the peace of mind knowing their filters can withstand rough treatment. It’s a popular choice for serious creators who prioritize performance and durability.
3. NEEWER CPL Filter Compatible with GoPro Hero 9/10/11/12/13,…
Sometimes, all you need is a really good CPL filter to make a massive difference. This dedicated NEEWER PL filter is specifically designed to eliminate reflections and boost color saturation, giving your GoPro Hero 9, 10, 11, 12, or even 13 footage a truly professional sheen. What’s unique here is that it’s a linear polarizer (PL) that comes pre-set to the optimal polarization angle, meaning no fiddling around with rotation. Just pop it on, and you’re ready to capture vibrant, glare-free shots.
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Key Features:
- Wide compatibility with GoPro Hero 9 through Hero 13.
- Linear Polarizer (PL) filter with fixed, optimal polarization angle.
- Effectively eliminates reflections from non-metallic surfaces.
- Enhances image contrast and color saturation.
- Multi-coated HD optical glass for clarity and reduced flare.
- Easy screw-on installation.
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Pros:
- Simplifies CPL use with no rotation needed (preset angle).
- Excellent for vibrant colors and reflection reduction.
- High-quality HD optical glass ensures clarity.
- Easy to install and swap.
- No vignetting issues commonly associated with CPL adjustments.
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Cons:
- Only provides polarization, no neutral density.
- Not designed for full underwater immersion.
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User Impressions: Customers love the simplicity and effectiveness of this filter. The “set it and forget it” nature of the preset polarization is a huge hit, making it easy to get great results without complex adjustments. It’s highly recommended for anyone looking to make water, sky, or foliage pop without dealing with glare.
4. Tiffen Filters for GoPro Hero 9/10/11/12/13 Filter Kit…
Tiffen is a name synonymous with professional-grade filters in the photography and filmmaking world, and now they bring that expertise to your GoPro. This kit focuses on giving you greater creative control, especially when it comes to managing depth of field and light. While the specific filter types aren’t detailed in the immediate description, Tiffen’s reputation suggests this kit will provide high-quality neutral density filters to help you achieve beautifully controlled exposures and cinematic effects, allowing you to create more professional content with ease.
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Key Features:
- Compatible with GoPro Hero 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13.
- Aims to provide greater control in-camera for professional content.
- Allows wider aperture use for depth of field control (suggests ND filters).
- Improves image quality by controlling light via neutral density filters.
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Pros:
- Backed by Tiffen’s long-standing reputation for quality optics.
- Designed for serious control over exposure and depth of field.
- Likely to deliver excellent image clarity and color rendition.
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Cons:
- Specific filter types (ND strengths, CPL presence) not explicitly listed in the brief description, requiring further investigation.
- Might be a premium investment due to brand reputation.
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User Impressions: While specific details on this kit are lean, Tiffen products generally receive high praise for their optical clarity, color neutrality, and durability. Users typically expect professional-level performance that helps them push their creative boundaries, and they’re often seen as a worthwhile investment for serious creators.
5. TELESIN 3 Pack Neutral Density Filter ND8 ND16 ND32…
The TELESIN 3-pack of ND filters is designed with precision and practicality in mind, offering the essential ND8, ND16, and ND32 filters for your GoPro Hero 9, 10, 11, or 12 Black. What stands out here is their commitment to image quality through multi-coated optical glass that’s built to resist the elements – water, fingerprints, smudges, and scratches. Their ultra-slim design is also a major plus, ensuring no vignetting (dark corners) even with the widest GoPro settings, and they come in a handy portable case.
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Key Features:
- Specifically designed for GoPro Hero 9, 10, 11, and 12 Black cameras.
- Includes ND8, ND16, ND32 filters.
- Made from premium multi-coated optical glass, double-sided coated.
- Resists water, fingerprints, smudges, and scratches.
- Ultra-slim design to eliminate vignetting.
- Comes with a portable storage kit.
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Pros:
- Excellent optical clarity and true color reproduction.
- Durable and easy to clean thanks to multi-coating.
- Ultra-slim profile prevents vignetting.
- Helps achieve precise exposure balance and cinematic effects.
- Convenient and portable storage case.
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Cons:
- Does not include a CPL filter, only NDs.
- Not explicitly designed for prolonged underwater use.
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User Impressions: Users frequently commend TELESIN for providing high-quality ND filters at a competitive price. The absence of vignetting is a commonly praised feature, and many report a significant improvement in their footage, especially when shooting in bright sunlight. The durability of the coatings also gets positive mentions for ease of maintenance.
Wrapping Up: Choosing the Best Filters for GoPro Hero 9
Choosing the best filters for GoPro Hero 9 ultimately depends on your specific shooting needs and budget. If you’re looking for an all-around great starter kit with both ND and CPL, the NEEWER ND Filter Set is a strong contender. For those prioritizing ruggedness and cinematic quality in action sports, the PolarPro Shutter Collection is worth the investment. If glare is your main enemy, the dedicated NEEWER CPL filter could be your perfect match. And for reliable, high-quality ND options, both Tiffen and TELESIN offer excellent choices.
No matter which set you choose, adding filters to your GoPro Hero 9 setup is a fantastic way to unlock its full potential and capture truly stunning, professional-looking footage. Happy shooting!
FAQ: Your GoPro Filter Questions Answered
Q1: Why do I need filters for my GoPro Hero 9?
A1: GoPro cameras have a fixed aperture, meaning they can’t adjust how much light enters the lens like a traditional camera. Filters, especially ND (Neutral Density) filters, help reduce the amount of light, allowing you to control shutter speed in bright conditions for cinematic motion blur and prevent overexposure. CPL (Circular Polarizer) filters reduce glare and enhance color saturation.
Q2: What’s the difference between ND and CPL filters?
A2: ND (Neutral Density) filters act like sunglasses, reducing the overall light entering the lens without affecting color. They’re used to enable slower shutter speeds for motion blur or wider apertures in bright light. CPL (Circular Polarizer) filters are designed to reduce reflections from non-metallic surfaces (like water, glass, or sky haze) and enhance color saturation and contrast.
Q3: Which ND filter strength should I use (ND8, ND16, ND32)?
A3: The number indicates how much light the filter blocks:
* ND8 (3 stops): Good for cloudy or slightly bright days.
* ND16 (4 stops): Ideal for bright, sunny conditions.
* ND32 (5 stops): Best for extremely bright scenarios like snow, deserts, or direct harsh sunlight, allowing for very slow shutter speeds.
Q4: Can I use these filters underwater?
A4: Most standard ND and CPL filters for the GoPro Hero 9 are not designed for full underwater immersion. While many have water-repellent coatings, the filter itself is not sealed for depth. For underwater shooting, you typically need specialized dive filters (often red or magenta) that correct color absorption at different depths. Always check the product’s specific waterproof rating.
Q5: How do I install and clean my GoPro Hero 9 filters?
A5: Most filters for the Hero 9 either twist on/off or replace the camera’s front lens element directly. To install, gently twist your existing lens cover counter-clockwise to remove it, then align the filter and twist clockwise until snug. To clean, use a microfiber cloth specifically designed for optics. For smudges, a breath or a small amount of lens cleaning solution can be applied to the cloth, never directly to the filter.
Q6: Will filters cause vignetting on my GoPro footage?
A6: Vignetting (darkening at the corners of the image) can occur if filters are too thick or not precisely designed for the GoPro’s wide field of view. The filters reviewed in this article, especially those with “ultra-slim design,” are specifically made to avoid vignetting. Always check user reviews if you’re concerned about this issue with a particular filter.
Q7: Are cheaper filters good enough, or should I invest in premium brands?
A7: While cheaper filters can get the job done, premium brands often use higher quality optical glass with more advanced multi-coatings. This translates to better image clarity, more accurate color rendition, less lens flare, and greater durability against scratches and smudges. For casual use, affordable options are fine, but for professional-looking content or challenging conditions, investing in quality pays off.
