The outer protective lens of all GoPros till the GoPro Hero 7 Black are replaceable. But, things changed with the arrival of GoPro Hero 8 Black. Its protective lens is a permanent part of the camera and it can’t be replaced.
However, GoPro seems to have had second thoughts about this concept! Therefore, the company went back to having the outer lens replaceable on the latest GoPro Hero 9 camera.
So, if you are looking for a GoPro lens replacement but you don’t know which one is the right one for your GoPro, here you’ll find the answer you are looking for 🙂
Why is Lens Replacement Required?
The lens cover is the square shaped glass window that acts as a protective layer over the main lens. It shields the interior camera lens from dirt, dust and scratches. However, sometimes you need to replace the lens of your GoPro camera if the existing one is scratched or cracked. The replacement lens covers for GoPros are easily available in the market. So, scratching the lens cover doesn’t mean you have to replace the whole camera. You can just buy a new lens cover and your GoPro will function perfectly.
How to Replace the GoPro Lens Cover?
To replace the lens port cover of your GoPro, you need to follow these steps:
- Create a Small Gap Between Lens Port and Camera Body: Do it by slightly pulling the cover off the body so that there’s just a millimetre or so gap.
- Twist the Lens Cover Off: Now, just twist the lens cover a quarter turn in either direction.
- Reverse the Same Process to Install New Lens Cover: To install the new lens cover, slip it on the GoPro with the cover rotated a quarter. Now, push the cover back towards the camera’s body firmly, and rotate the lens cover back into place.
5 Best Wide Angle Lens Replacements
Here are the five best wide angle lens replacements available in the market for different GoPro models:
#1. Vicdozia 170 Degree Wide Angle Lens Replacement for GoPro
- Compatible with GoPro Hero, Hero 2, SJCAM SJ4000, SJ5000 series, HS1177, HS1199,...
- 2.5mm Replaceable Ultra-Wide Angle/M12 Thread Interface Camera Lens.
- Size: 1/2.5"; Viewing Angle: 170 °; Focal Length: F2.65 mm; Aperture Range: 2.8.
Compatibility: Hero, Hero 2
Built with high quality hard glass and tough metal, the Vicdozia Wide Angle Lens Replacement provides a 170 degree angle. It allows more of the scene to be included in the footage. With IR (Infra-red) Block, this lens performs really well during the day.
#2. Cvivid 170 Degree Wide Angle Lens Replacement for GoPro
Compatibility: Hero 3+, Hero 4 (Silver/Black)
The Cvivid 170 Degree Lens is another great replacement lens available for GoPro. This wide angle fisheye lens allows more of the scene to be included in the footage. It’s lightweight and super-sharp. Overall, a great replacement for damaged, cracked or dirty lens.
#3. ParaPace Protective Lens Replacement for GoPro
Compatibility: Hero 5 Black, Hero 6 Black
Made with high-quality materials, the ParaPace Protective Lens Replacement is the perfect alternative in case the GoPro lens is damaged. The HD flat glass design gives a new life to your camera and provides high quality shooting experience. Its installation is also pretty simple.
#4. GOHIGH Protective Lens Replacement for GoPro
Compatibility: Hero 5 Black, Hero 6 Black
Another great Protective Lens Replacement for GoPro, the GOHIGH Protective Lens protects your camera lens from dust, dirt and scratches. It’s lightweight and easy-to-carry. The flat lens design ensures undistorted capture of stunning underwater scenes.
#5. GoPro Protective Lens Replacement
Compatibility: Hero 7 Black
GoPro official accessory – the GoPro Protective Lens Replacement is identical to the original outer lens of your GoPro Hero 7 Black camera. It effectively shields the interior lens of your camera from dirt, dust and scratches. It is made with Corning Gorilla glass for exceptional strength. The flat design ensures that there’s no distortion while shooting underwater.
Wrapping up…
Instead of suffering from poor quality footage with your GoPro due to scratchy or dirty exterior lens, it’s a good idea to replace it with one of the above-mentioned replacement lenses for GoPro (depending upon which model you own). However, you should make sure to install the new lens cover in dry conditions, like an air-conditioned room. Otherwise, you may risk trapping humid air in there which might cause the lens to fog up.
Want to learn more about GoPro Lens? Have a look at these articles too:
- 7 Best GoPro Lens in 2021: Protective / Macro / ND Filter
- Top 14 GoPro Filters (Neutral Density, Polarizing, & Underwater)
- 5 Best ND Filters for GoPro Hero 9
- 5 Best ND Filters for GoPro Hero 8