En GoPro Hero 12 ND filter can really elevate your videos, making scenes like rushing waterfalls and fast-moving rivers look absolutely stunning and movie-like.
Wondering how to pick the right ND filter for your adventures?
Don’t worry! This guide will walk you through the top ND filters for the GoPro Hero 12.
We’ll cover the various types of ND filters, what they’re great for, and any downsides to keep in mind.
GoPro Hero 12 ND Filter
GoPro Hero 12 ND filters are like sunglasses for your camera, fitting snugly over the lens of your GoPro Hero 12. ND stands for neutral density, and these handy filters dial down the brightness entering your camera.
This cool feature gives you more control over the camera’s exposure settings, like shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, opening up a world of creative possibilities. Want to capture the smooth flow of a waterfall or the bustling movement of a city street? ND filters make it possible by allowing slower shutter speeds for that dreamy motion blur effect.
They’re also great for preventing your shots from getting washed out in bright conditions, like on a sunny beach or a snowy mountain, by cutting down the light that hits the sensor. Plus, they can pump up the color saturation and contrast in your images by cutting out pesky reflections and glare from surfaces like water or glass.
Types of ND Filters
ND filters come in various types and strengths, each suited to different lighting situations:
Fixed ND Filters
These are your go-to for consistent light reduction, perfect when the lighting environment doesn’t change much.
Variable ND Filters
These versatile filters let you adjust the level of light reduction on the fly, ideal for shooting in varying light conditions.
The most common ND filters are ND8, ND16, and ND32, which cut down the light by 3, 4, and 5 stops, respectively. A “stop” is a way to measure changes in exposure, with each stop halving or doubling the amount of light. So, an ND8 filter lets in only 1/8 of the original light, an ND16 filter lets in 1/16, and an ND32 filter lets in just 1/32.
Best ND Filters For GoPro Hero 12
Here are some of the best ND filters that you can use on your GoPro Hero 12:
Neewer ND Filters
- 【Widely Compatibility】This ND Filter Kit with gold frame is compatible with GoPro...
- 【Multi Coated Glass】Premium 18 layers of multi resistant coatings for a flawless...
- 【Reduce Lens Flare】Neutral density filters reduce light to decrease the chance of...
The Neewer ND Filter Kit comes with a stylish gold frame, perfectly fitting the GoPro Hero 12, Hero 11, Hero 10, and Hero 9 Black. It boasts 18 layers of top-notch multi-resistant coatings, enhancing your footage by reducing lens flare and preventing vignetting.
The cutting-edge coating technology ensures your images are crisp and clear, making these filters a great choice for various shooting environments.
Freewell ND Filters
- Unmatched Optics: Each of Freewell 4K Series optics are handcrafted precisely made...
- GimbalSafe: Freewell GimbalSafe technology ensures each filter frame goes through a...
- What is included: Just as the name suggests this filter kit takes care of your need...
Freewell’s 4K Series filters are renowned for their exceptional optics, each one handcrafted to fit the Hero 11, Hero 10, and Hero 9 Black precisely. This meticulous design guarantees superb image quality in all types of conditions.
Featuring GimbalSafe technology, these filters are tested for their lightweight design to ensure they don’t affect the performance of drones and gimbals. The set includes ND8, ND16, ND32, and PL filters, catering to a wide range of lighting conditions, from overcast to bright sunny days. Each set also comes with a durable magnetic filter case, making storage and transport a breeze.
K&F Concept ND Filters
- 【Compatible】K&F Concept CPL + ND 8 + ND 16 + ND 32 + ND64 + ND1000 Lens Filter...
- 【Multi-Coated Top AGC Optical Glass】Made with high-grade imported AGC optical...
- 【ND Filter】The K&F Concept ND4, ND8, ND16, ND64, and ND1000 neutral density...
Tailor-made for the GoPro Hero 12, Hero 11, Hero 10, and Hero 9 Black, the K&F Concept Lens Filter Kit ensures a perfect fit and enhances your photography and videography adventures. Made from superior imported AGC optical glass, these filters promise no color distortion and deliver high-definition clarity in your footage.
The precise engineering ensures a snug fit, and the nanometer coatings make the filters waterproof and scratch-resistant. Despite the glass’s waterproof coating, it’s advised not to submerge the entire filter kit underwater.
Telesin 4-Pack Lens Filter
- TELESIN CPL + ND 8 + ND 16 + ND 32 Lens Fitler Kit, precisely engineered for gopro...
- Made with high grade multi-coated optical glass, high definition glass provides...
- High transmittance over 99.5% does not reduce image quality, ultra-thin glass design...
Crafted from premium multi-coated optical glass, the Telesin Lens Kit ensures your footage is crystal clear. The meticulous engineering guarantees a snug fit, and its ultra-thin design prevents any vignetting, offering a transmittance rate over 99.5% to preserve exceptional image quality. These filters empower you to manage aperture, exposure, and sensor sensitivity with ease.
The ND filters are your ticket to creative control, reducing excess light and avoiding overexposed shots in bright conditions, thus enhancing contrast and color vibrancy. The CPL filter is a game-changer, cutting out unwanted reflections and boosting color saturation for breathtakingly vivid landscapes.
SoonSun ND Filters
- The 4-pack lens filter kit is compatible with GoPro Hero 12 Black / Hero 11 Black /...
- The package includes CPL, ND8, ND16, ND32 filters and a hard plastic case to protect...
- Made of high grade multi-coated optical glass which provides crystal clear footage,...
Designed to seamlessly fit the GoPro Hero 12 Black, Hero 11 Black, Hero 10 Black, and Hero 9 Black, the SoonSun 4-pack lens filter kit is a comprehensive solution for your filming needs. Encased in a sturdy hard plastic case, these filters are well-protected and ready for any adventure.
Made with superior multi-coated optical glass, SoonSun filters ensure unparalleled clarity in your videos and photos. They’re precisely sized for a perfect match with GoPro Hero 9 through 12 Black cameras. The CPL (Circular Polarizing) filter is a marvel at eliminating unwanted reflections from surfaces like water and glass, not only reducing glare but also enriching colors and contrast for more dynamic imagery. The ND (Neutral Density) filters are crucial for controlling light intake, helping to maintain balanced contrast and capture detailed, vibrant footage under various lighting conditions.
How To Attach ND Filter To Your GoPro Hero 12
To incorporate ND filters into your GoPro Hero 12 setup, you’ll need to swap out the camera’s standard front lens cover with your selected ND filter.
Here’s how to get started:
- Simply twist off the existing lens cover and screw on your chosen ND filter in its place.
- Tailor your camera’s settings to match the lighting environment and the specific visual outcomes you’re aiming for. This includes adjusting the frame rate, resolution, white balance, color profile, and ISO limit to your preferences.
- For added convenience and to ensure your shots are framed just right, make use of the GoPro app or a remote control to access live view monitoring and easily tweak settings on the go.
Word Of Advice
Taking Good Care of Your ND Filters Ensures Their Best Performance.
How to Keep Them Clean: Use a soft cloth for cleaning to keep scratches at bay.
Storage Suggestions: Keep your ND filters in a dust-free environment to avoid scratches and damage, ensuring they last longer.
Challenges with ND Filters on The GoPro Hero 12
While ND filters are fantastic for adding a cinematic touch to your GoPro Hero 12 videos, allowing you to play with motion, enrich colors, and capture intricate details, they do come with their own set of hurdles:
The Vignette Effect
Ever notice those dark corners in your shots? That’s vignetting, and it can happen when using ND filters, giving your image a circular or oval frame instead of a clean rectangle. This effect can stem from the filter’s thickness or its fit with the camera’s wide-angle lens. To avoid this, opt for thinner or larger filters, or simply crop or zoom a bit during editing.
Unexpected Color Changes
Sometimes, ND filters can introduce color casts or shifts, altering the hue or tone of your scene in unexpected ways. But don’t worry, this can usually be fixed by tweaking the white balance or color settings on your camera, or with some post-production magic.
Learn more about the best GoPro Hero 12 settings>>>
A Bit Less Sharpness
Using ND filters might lead to a slight decrease in image sharpness and brightness, particularly in dim lighting or with stronger filters. You might find yourself needing to bump up the ISO or open the aperture more than usual, which could add some noise or graininess to your footage.
Stability Snags
ND filters can sometimes mess with your camera’s autofocus or stabilization features, leading to less-than-crisp images. To sidestep this issue, try switching to manual focus or securing your exposure settings. And for ultra-steady shots, consider mounting your GoPro on a tripod or a gimbal.