GoPro and PolarPro Release Close-Up Filters for Mission 1 Action Cameras

GoPro has announced a new set of close-up filters for its Mission 1 series action cameras, developed in partnership with PolarPro. The filters address one of the cameras’ limitations: their relatively long minimum focusing distance, which can make close-up vlogging and other tight compositions difficult.

Out of the box, the GoPro Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro can focus as close as 60cm (24 inches). That distance can be restrictive when filming subjects at arm’s length, particularly for creators who want to capture close-up footage of themselves, products, or other small subjects.

Three Diopter Strengths for Closer Focusing

The Mission 1 series uses a 1-inch sensor, which helps capture detailed images but comes with trade-offs in close-focusing capability. The new filters add optical diopters in front of the camera’s standard lens, allowing it to focus on subjects at shorter distances.

The set includes three strengths: +0.5, +1, and +2 diopters. Stronger diopters allow the camera to focus closer, although they also limit how far away it can focus.

The minimum focusing distances and far focus limits for the three filters are:

The +2 filter brings the minimum focusing distance down to 30cm (about 12 inches), compared with the camera’s native 60cm limit. The stronger filters can also produce more background blur, offering creators additional control over the look of close-up footage.

However, close-up filters come with an important limitation: the camera loses infinity focus while one is attached. They are therefore best suited to shots where the subject remains within the filter’s focusing range.

Optical Glass and Filter Compatibility

According to GoPro, the close-up filters use optical-grade, multi-coated glass designed to preserve sharpness and color accuracy. They slide over the lenses of the Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro cameras for installation.

The filters can also be used on top of an ND filter, allowing creators to combine close focusing with neutral-density filtration when managing exposure in bright conditions.

Pricing and Availability

The GoPro Mission 1 Close-Up Filter Set is priced at $100 and includes all three diopter strengths. Individual +0.5 diopter filters are also available for $50.

The filters are available through the GoPro online store and B&H Photo.