The GoPro Hero 12 ND filter can transform your footage into something truly cinematic, particularly when capturing dynamic scenes like waterfalls and swiftly flowing rivers.

But how do you select the perfect ND filter for your needs?

This article will guide you through the best ND filters available for the GoPro Hero 12.

You’ll learn different types of ND filters, their uses, and any limitations they might have.

Check out this tutorial where I explain when you should use ND filter with The GoPro Hero 12:

When Should You Use GoPro ND Filters? No Filter vs ND (Polar Pro)

 

 

What Are GoPro Hero 12 ND Filters


GoPro Hero 12 ND Filters are accessories that can be attached to the front lens element of the GoPro Hero 12 camera. ND stands for neutral density, which means that these filters reduce the amount of light that enters the camera sensor. This allows the user to control the exposure settings of the camera, such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, to achieve different creative effects.

best ND filters

For example, ND filters can help to create a motion blur effect by allowing a slower shutter speed, which captures the movement of the subject or the background. ND filters can also help to avoid overexposure in bright environments, such as sunny days or snow scenes, by reducing the amount of light that reaches the sensor. ND filters can also enhance the color saturation and contrast of the image by eliminating unwanted reflections and glare from water, metal, or glass surfaces.

Variants of ND Filters

There are different types and strengths of ND filters, depending on how much light they block.

  1. Fixed ND Filters: These filters provide a constant level of light reduction and are ideal for scenarios where the lighting conditions remain consistent.
  2. Variable ND Filters: Offering flexibility, variable ND filters allow you to adjust the level of light reduction, providing versatility in dynamic shooting environments.

The most common ones are ND8, ND16, and ND32, which reduce the light by 3, 4, and 5 stops respectively. A stop is a unit of measurement that indicates how much the exposure changes. For example, an ND8 filter reduces the light by half three times, which means that it lets in 1/8 of the original light. An ND16 filter reduces the light by half four times, which means that it lets in 1/16 of the original light. An ND32 filter reduces the light by half five times, which means that it lets in 1/32 of the original light.

 

The Best ND Filters for GoPro Hero 12 


Below mentioned are 5 such amazing ND filters for you to choose from. 

Neewer ND Filter Set

NEEWER ND Filter Set Compatible with GoPro Hero13 Hero 11 Hero 10, Pack of 6 (CPL/ND8/ND16/ND32/ND64/ND1000) Hero 9 10 11 13 Camera Accessories Neutral Density Polariser Lens Filter Set (Gold Frame)
  • Wide compatibility: this ND filter kit with gold frame is compatible with GoPro Hero...
  • Multi-coated glass: premium 18 layers of multi-resistant coatings for a flawless look...
  • Reduce lens flare: neutral density filters reduce light to reduce the risk of...

The Neewer ND Filter Kit, equipped with a gold frame, is designed to effortlessly fit GoPro Hero 12, Hero 11, Hero 10, and Hero 9 Black, ensuring seamless compatibility across a range of GoPro models.

With an impressive 18 layers of premium multi-resistant coatings, these filters provide a flawless aesthetic, effectively reducing lens flare and eliminating vignetting. The advanced coating technology significantly improves overall image quality, ensuring optimal performance in diverse shooting scenarios.

Freewell Standard Day ND Filters

Freewell Standard Day - 4K Series - 4Pack ND Filters Compatible with Hero12, Hero11, Hero11 Mini, Hero10, Hero9 Black
  • 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...

The Freewell 4K Series boasts unparalleled optics, with each filter meticulously handcrafted for precise compatibility with Hero11, Hero10, and Hero9 Black. This commitment to precision ensures optimal performance and image quality across various shooting conditions.

Freewell’s advanced GimbalSafe technology subjects each filter frame to a rigorous lightweight test, guaranteeing no adverse effects when used on drones and gimbals. This technology underscores the versatility of these filters, providing stability and reliability in diverse photographic and cinematic scenarios. The kit includes ND8, ND16, ND32, and PL filters, covering your needs from cloudy to standard sunny days. Additionally, each filter kit comes with a sturdy magnetic filter case, offering efficient storage and protection for your valuable equipment.

K&F Concept ND Filter Set

SPECIAL SALE
K&F Concept ND Filter Set Compatible with GoPro Hero12, Hero11, Hero10, Hero9 Black, 6 Pack (CPL/ND8/ND16/ND32/ND64/ND1000) Hero 9/10/11/12 Action Camera Accessory Neutral Density Polarizer Filter Kit
  • 【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...

The K&F Concept Lens Filter Kit is meticulously crafted to cater specifically to the GoPro Hero 12, Hero 11, Hero 10, and Hero 9 Black cameras. This precision engineering ensures a seamless fit, allowing users to optimize their photographic and videographic experiences with these high-quality filters.

Crafted from premium imported AGC optical glass, the filters guarantee no color shift, delivering high-definition footage with crystal-clear clarity. The precise machine tooling ensures a secure fit, while nanometer coatings provide waterproof and scratch-resistant features. With a high transmittance rate exceeding 99.5%, these filters maintain optimal image quality. It’s essential to note that while the glass has a waterproof coating, the entire filter kit should not be submerged underwater.

Telesin 4-Pack Lens Filter

TELESIN 4-Pack Lens Filter CPL ND8 ND16 ND32 Compatible for GoPro Hero 12 Hero 11 Hero 10 Hero 9 Black, Neutral Density and Polarizing Lens Filter Kit Lens Protector for Go Pro 12 11 10 9 Accessories
  • 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...

Constructed with high-grade multi-coated optical glass, the Telesin Lens kit delivers high-definition clarity, ensuring crystal-clear footage. The precise machine tooling contributes to a secure fit, while the ultra-thin glass design eliminates vignetting. With a remarkable transmittance rate exceeding 99.5%, these filters maintain superior image quality, providing creators with the tools they need to control aperture, exposure time, and sensor sensitivity.

The ND filters offer creative freedom by reducing incoming light, and preventing washed-out photos and videos in bright sunlight, resulting in enhanced contrast and vibrant colors. The CPL filter removes unwanted reflections, enhancing color saturation for deep and visually stunning scenic images.

SoonSun Filter Lens

SPECIAL SALE
SOONSUN 4-Pack Lens Filter CPL ND8 ND16 ND32 Filter for GoPro Hero 12 11 10 9 Black, Neutral Density and Circular Polarizing Lens Filter Kit Protector for Go Pro Hero 9/10/11/12 Accessories
  • Compatibility: The 4 pack camera lens filter kit is compatible with GoPro Hero 12...
  • Multi-coated Optical Glass: The CPL and ND filters are made of high grade...
  • ND Filters (Neutral Density Filter): ND8, ND16, ND32 filters reduce the amount of...

The 4-pack Soonsun lens filter kit is designed for compatibility with GoPro Hero 12 Black, Hero 11 Black, Hero 10 Black, and Hero 9 Black cameras. This comprehensive package includes CPL, ND8, ND16, and ND32 filters, all housed in a durable hard plastic case to ensure the utmost protection for your filters.

Crafted from high-grade multi-coated optical glass, these filters provide impeccable clarity for your footage. Their accurate size ensures a perfect fit for GoPro Hero 9, 10, 11, and 12 Black cameras. The CPL filter (Circular Polarizing) is specifically designed to eliminate unwanted glare and ghosting from reflective surfaces, such as water, snow, metal, and glass windows. It not only reduces glare but also enhances color and contrast, making it a valuable tool for capturing vivid scenes. The ND filter (Neutral Density) is instrumental in controlling the amount of light entering the camera sensor, aiding in balancing image contrast and achieving rich, sharp footage in various daylight conditions.

 

How To Use ND Filters on the GoPro Hero 12


how to fit ND filters

To use ND filters on the GoPro Hero 12 camera, the user needs to replace the original front lens element with the filter of their choice.

  • Easily install the ND filter by unscrewing the lens cover and replacing it with the filter.
  • Adjust camera settings to suit lighting conditions and desired creative effects.
  • Consider factors such as frame rate, resolution, white balance, color profile, and ISO limit.
  • Utilize the GoPro app or remote control for live view monitoring and convenient setting adjustments.

 

Limitations of ND Filters


ND filters are useful tools for creating cinematic and professional-looking videos with the GoPro Hero 12 camera. They can help the user capture the motion, the colors, and the details of the scene with more control and creativity. However, ND filters also have some limitations and challenges, such as:

Reduced Sharpness

They can reduce the sharpness and the brightness of the image, especially in low-light situations or when using high-strength filters. The user may need to increase the ISO or the aperture to compensate for the loss of light, which can introduce noise or grain to the image.

 

ND filters for hero 12 recommendedColor Shifts

They can cause color casts or shifts, which means that the image may have a different hue or tone than the original scene. This can be corrected by adjusting the white balance or the color profile of the camera, or by editing the video in post-production.

Dark Corners

They can create vignetting or dark corners, which means that the image may have a circular or oval shape instead of a rectangular one. This can be caused by the thickness or the size of the filter, or by the wide-angle lens of the camera. This can be avoided by using thin or large filters, or by cropping or zooming the image in post-production.

Shaky Image

They can interfere with the auto-focus or the stabilization of the camera, which means that the image may be blurry or shaky. This can be prevented by using manual focus or locking the exposure, or by using a tripod or a gimbal to stabilize the camera.

 

Last Word of Advice


Mastering the use of Neutral Density filters opens up a realm of creative possibilities for photographers. Armed with the knowledge from this guide, you’re equipped to tackle diverse shooting scenarios and elevate your photography to unprecedented levels. Embrace the power of ND filters, and let your creativity shine through every captured moment.

Proper Care of ND Filters is a must for Optimal Performance. 

  1. Cleaning Techniques: clean your filter with a smooth cloth to avoid scratches
  2. Storage Tips: store your ND filters in a protected from a dust place to prevent scratches and damage, prolonging their lifespan

 

 

Thanks for reading! 🙏

I hope this guide helped you learn all about GoPro Hero 12 ND filters 🙂

 

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