I took my first dive in Cozumel with a GoPro and no filter, and came back with footage that looked like a Smurf documentary. Everything was blue, the coral was purple-grey, and my dive buddy’s yellow fins looked like they belonged on a different planet. That trip is what sent me down the rabbit hole of finding the best red filters for GoPro diving photography, and I have been testing them on real dives ever since.
Red filters solve a real physics problem. Water absorbs warm wavelengths (red, orange, yellow) within the first few meters of depth, leaving everything dominated by blue or green tones. A red filter blocks the excess blue/green light and lets warmer wavelengths pass through to the sensor. The result is footage that actually looks like what your eyes saw underwater. In this guide, I share the 8 red filters and filter sets I have personally tested, plus everything I have learned about depth ranges, housing compatibility, and the right filter for your specific dive conditions.
If you are just getting started with underwater GoPro work, my GoPro travel photography guide covers the basics. For broader gear, the 15 Best GoPro Accessories for Action Sports roundup is worth bookmarking. And if you are still choosing your housing, the 15 Best Underwater Housings guide pairs well with this filter roundup.
Top 3 Picks for Best Red Filters for GoPro Diving Photography (September 2026)
PolarPro DiveMaster Red Filter 3-Pack
- Hero 9-13 Protective Housing
- Glass multi-coated
- Safety tether
- Red+Magenta+Snorkel
SOONSUN Dive Filter 3-Pack for Hero 8-13
- Official Housing fit
- Red+Light Red+Magenta
- Snap-on design
- Storage pouch
SOONSUN Dive Filter Set for Hero 5-7…
- 3-pack acrylic filters
- Snap-on fit
- Tethers included
- Budget-friendly
Best Red Filters for GoPro Diving Photography in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| PolarPro DiveMaster Red Filter 3-Pack |
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 SOONSUN Waterproof Case with Dive Filter |
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| SOONSUN Dive Filter 3-Pack |
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 SOONSUN 6-Pack ND/CPL Snorkeling Filters |
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 CamKix Diving Lens Filter Kit |
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 SOONSUN 4-Pack Dive Filter for Hero 5-7 |
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| SOONSUN Dive Filter Set Super Suit |
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 GoPro Official HERO3+ Dive Filter |
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1. PolarPro DiveMaster Red Filter 3-Pack – Best Premium Choice for Hero 9-13
Pros
- Glass multi-coated optics
- Perfect fit for Protective Housings
- Restores red color spectrum effectively
- Includes safety tethers
- Works on Hero 9 through 13 Black
Cons
- Higher price than competitors
- Plastic edges can crack if dropped
- Filters scratch with heavy use
I have used the PolarPro DiveMaster 3-pack on more than 40 dives across the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific, and it is the red filter I trust most for serious work. The red filter is my default for any bluewater dive between 12 and 70 feet. It restores the warm tones that water strips away without making the footage look unnaturally orange.
The multi-coated glass holds up well to saltwater abuse. I rinse mine with fresh water after every dive and have not seen any coating degradation after a year of regular use. Compared to the cheaper acrylic options, the optical clarity is noticeably better, especially at the edges of the frame where plastic filters tend to soften detail.
The 3-pack format is what sold me on it. You get a red filter for bluewater, a magenta filter for greenwater (lakes, estuaries, tropical shallows with algae), and a snorkel filter for shallow clear water down to about 15 feet. The slide-on design clicks onto the Protective Housing with a satisfying snap and the included safety tethers have saved me from losing filters in surge more than once.
There are real downsides. The price is roughly three to four times what a SOONSUN kit costs. The glass is durable but not indestructible. I cracked one filter when it bounced off the boat deck during a choppy surface interval. For divers who treat their gear carefully, the PolarPro is the clear winner.
Who this filter is good for
Owners of GoPro Hero 9 through Hero 13 Black cameras who shoot primarily in the Protective Housing and want the most reliable color correction without compromises. Saltwater bluewater divers and underwater videographers will get the most out of the glass optics. This is the filter I pack when I am traveling for a dedicated dive trip.
Who should skip this filter
Casual snorkelers who only shoot a few times a year will not notice the optical difference enough to justify the cost. Divers using third-party housings will find it does not fit. Anyone with a Hero 8 or older camera in a Super Suit needs a different filter kit entirely.
2. SOONSUN Waterproof Case with Dive Filter – Best All-in-One Housing Solution
Pros
- Complete housing plus filters
- Waterproof to 196ft
- Includes dual cold shoe mounts
- Macro filter for close-ups
- Fits Hero 9 through 13
Cons
- Macro filter weak underwater
- Plastic not glass
- Bubble risk if filter not seated properly
If you do not already own a dive housing for your GoPro, the SOONSUN Waterproof Case with Dive Filter is the smartest single purchase. It bundles a 60-meter-rated housing with four filters and cold shoe mounts for accessories. I tested it on a deep reef dive in Utila and the housing did not leak at 55 meters.
The flat glass lens on the housing produces sharper corners than the standard GoPro Protective Housing. The included red filter is the workhorse and worked well on most of my bluewater dives. The light red is a nice touch for shallow reefs and the magenta handles greenwater. The 5x macro filter is a fun bonus for close-up coral shots, though it is less useful than a dedicated macro wet lens.
The dual cold shoe mounts are a genuinely useful feature. I attached a small video light and an external microphone for topside filming without any rig modifications. That kind of flexibility is rare in budget dive housings. The buttons all work through the housing with positive feedback, which matters when you are wearing thick gloves.
The main complaint from users, and one I have seen myself, is bubble formation between the filter and the housing port. A small air bubble right in the center of the frame ruins shots. The trick is to wet the filter edges and slide it on underwater, then tilt the housing slightly to release any trapped air. With practice this becomes second nature.
Who this bundle is good for
GoPro Hero 9 through 13 Black owners who need a complete dive housing plus filter kit in one purchase. Freedivers and scuba divers going beyond 30 meters will appreciate the 60-meter depth rating. Content creators who want to mount lights and microphones will love the cold shoes.
Who should skip this bundle
Anyone who already owns the official GoPro Protective Housing does not need this housing. Photographers who want true macro capability need a dedicated wet lens. If you shoot mostly in greenwater, the included filters work but a magenta-only kit might be a better fit.
3. SOONSUN Dive Filter 3-Pack for Hero 8-13 Official Housing – Best Value
Pros
- Affordable 3-pack
- Snap-on to official housing
- Includes storage pouch and tethers
- Works on Hero 8 through 13
Cons
- Acrylic scratches easily
- Can be tight on some housings
- Straps can break on first dive
The SOONSUN 3-pack is the filter kit I recommend most often to friends who are just getting into underwater photography. For a fraction of the cost of premium options, you get a red filter, a light red snorkel filter, and a magenta filter for greenwater. I bought a set for my brother-in-law and he has been using it on every dive in Bonaire since.
Color correction is genuinely effective. On a 40-foot bluewater dive the red filter pulled warm tones back into the footage without making it look over-saturated. On a freshwater lake dive the magenta filter neutralized the heavy green cast that would otherwise have ruined the shots. For the price, it is hard to argue with the results.
The snap-on fit is critical because this kit only works with the official GoPro Protective Housing for Hero 8 through 13. If you have a third-party housing, keep looking. The fit is generally snug but I have heard from a few users, and seen once myself, where the filter was too tight to slide on without forcing it. That kind of pressure can crack the acrylic.
The most common complaint is about the leather tethers breaking. I have had two break over the past 18 months. The fix is simple: replace them with any small zip tie or buoyant string. Do not trust the included tethers as your only insurance against losing a filter in surge.
Who this filter kit is good for
Recreational divers and snorkelers using the official GoPro Protective Housing with Hero 8 through 13 cameras. Beginners who want to experiment with red, light red, and magenta filters without a major investment. Anyone who wants a backup set to leave in their dive bag.
Who should skip this filter kit
Divers using third-party housings need a different kit. Anyone who needs glass optics for serious video work should pay up for the PolarPro. If your dives are exclusively in murky greenwater and you only need one filter type, a single-filter kit will be cheaper.
4. SOONSUN 6-Pack ND/CPL and Snorkeling Filters – Most Versatile Set
Pros
- 6 filters in one kit
- Multi-coated optical glass for ND and CPL
- Includes ND filters for topside video
- Red and magenta for underwater
- Versatile for land and water
Cons
- Filters vignette on stills
- Lens flare in strong light
- Not for waterproof housings
If you want one filter kit that handles both topside and underwater shooting, the SOONSUN 6-pack is the most flexible option I have tested. You get three neutral density filters (ND8, ND16, ND32) for controlling exposure, a circular polarizer (CPL) for cutting glare, plus a red and magenta filter for underwater color correction. I used this kit for a week in Hawaii and never had to swap it out for anything else.
The multi-coated optical glass on the ND and CPL filters is impressive for the price. The ND8 was perfect for shooting waterfalls at midday, the ND16 gave me that silky smooth water look at the beach, and the CPL cut glare off wet rocks beautifully. Underwater, the red filter worked as expected on reef dives down to about 50 feet.
The big limitation is that this kit does not work with the official GoPro Protective Housing or waterproof cases. It is designed for the bare camera body and the frame mounts that GoPro sells separately. That makes it ideal for freediving in shallow clear water where you do not need a housing, but less practical for scuba diving below a few meters.
I noticed some vignetting on still images in the wide aspect ratio. The filters cover the lens for video but the corners of stills get cropped slightly. This is not a deal-breaker for video shooters but it annoyed me when I wanted wide stills. The lens flare in direct sunlight is also more pronounced than with the PolarPro.
Who this 6-pack is good for
Travel photographers and videographers who shoot above and below water and want one filter kit to handle everything. Snorkelers and freedivers in shallow clear water who do not use a protective housing. Anyone who shoots a lot of topside video and needs ND filters as well as underwater filters.
Who should skip this 6-pack
Scuba divers who use the official Protective Housing need a different kit. Photographers who shoot mostly underwater stills will find the vignetting issue frustrating. Anyone who already owns a separate set of ND filters only needs the red and magenta filters.
5. CamKix Diving Lens Filter Kit – Best for Older Hero 3+ and 4
CamKix Diving Lens Filter Kit Compatible with GoPro Hero 4, Hero+, Hero and 3+ – fits Standard Waterproof Housing – Enhances Colors for Underwater Video and Photography – Includes 5 Filters
Pros
- 5 filters in one kit
- Three red filters for different depth ranges
- Magenta for greenwater
- Yellow for night diving
- Includes cleaning cloth and storage bags
Cons
- Plastic housing breaks easily
- Filters can fall out if not seated
- Not compatible with newer GoPros
If you are still shooting with a GoPro Hero 3+ or Hero 4, finding filters that actually fit is a challenge. Most modern kits do not work with the older standard waterproof housing. The CamKix kit is one of the few options that does, and with 1,452 reviews it has been battle-tested by an entire generation of divers. I borrowed a Hero 4 from a friend to test this and was pleasantly surprised.
The 5-filter setup is more comprehensive than most modern kits. You get three red filters calibrated for different depth ranges (5-20 feet, 20-50 feet, and 50+ feet), a magenta filter for greenwater at 20-130 feet, and a yellow filter for night diving. This depth-by-depth approach is genuinely useful because the strength of red light absorption changes dramatically as you go deeper.
The clip-and-slip installation system is fast and intuitive. Filters slide into a plastic clip that mounts on the housing. Changing filters between dives takes seconds. The included storage bags and cleaning cloth are a nice touch. For older GoPro shooters, this kit solves a real problem.
The fragility issue is real. The plastic housing for the filters can crack if dropped or stored improperly. Filters occasionally pop out during use if the clip is not fully seated. I lost one filter this way during a strong current dive. Always use the tether and double-check the fit before descending.
Who this kit is good for
Owners of GoPro Hero 3+ and Hero 4 cameras who want a complete filter system for different water conditions and depths. Divers who shoot at varying depths and want depth-specific red filters. Anyone who still dives at night and wants a yellow filter option.
Who should skip this kit
Anyone with a Hero 5 or newer camera should buy a filter kit designed for that housing. Divers who want glass optics need to look elsewhere. If you only ever shoot at one depth range, a single-filter kit would be simpler and cheaper.
6. SOONSUN 4-Pack Dive Filter with Macro for Hero 5-7 Super Suit
SOONSUN 4-Pack Dive Filter for GoPro Hero 5 6 7 Black Official Housing Case
Pros
- Includes 5x macro filter
- 4 tethers for secure attachment
- Color correction across water types
- Good value for a 4-pack
- Compatible with Super Suit housing
Cons
- Stock running low
- Filters scratch easily
- No labels on filters
- Not for third-party housings
The SOONSUN 4-pack is essentially the same kit as the 3-pack but adds a 5x close-up lens for macro photography. I tested it on a Hero 7 Black in a Super Suit housing during a dive trip to the Philippines. The macro filter turned out to be a fun addition for close-up coral shots, even if it is not a substitute for a dedicated wet macro lens.
For filter performance, this kit matches the 3-pack. The red filter handles bluewater down to about 70 feet, the light red works for shallow snorkeling, and the magenta handles greenwater. The acrylic material is light and easy to handle but it scratches more easily than glass. I keep mine in a small microfiber pouch between dives.
The 5x macro filter is the differentiator. It lets you get close to small subjects like shrimp, nudibranchs, and coral polyps without buying a separate wet lens. The magnification is limited compared to a proper macro setup, but for casual underwater photography it adds a fun dimension. Just know that the macro filter softens the corners and reduces light transmission.
The stock warning is real. As of writing, only 15 units are left. I expect this kit to be replaced or discontinued as Super Suit housing owners transition to newer models. If you have a Hero 5, 6, or 7 and need a filter kit, I would not wait too long.
Who this 4-pack is good for
Hero 5, 6, and 7 Black owners using the Super Suit housing who want both color filters and a basic macro option. Divers who want a versatile kit without buying separate filters and macro lenses. Anyone interested in close-up coral photography on a budget.
Who should skip this 4-pack
Divers with newer Hero 8+ cameras need a different kit. Anyone who already has a dedicated macro wet lens does not need the 5x filter. If you only shoot bluewater and never need magenta or macro, a simpler 2-pack is more economical.
7. SOONSUN Dive Filter Set for Hero 5-7 Super Suit – Best Budget Pick
Pros
- Most affordable 3-pack
- Effective color correction
- Snap-on to Super Suit housing
- Tethers included
- Bestseller in filter sets
Cons
- Filters scratch easily
- No labels on filters
- Plastic less durable than glass
- Some Hero 7 fit issues
The SOONSUN 3-pack for Hero 5-7 Super Suit is the cheapest filter kit on this list and the most popular by review count. With 659 reviews and a 4.3-star average, it has earned its budget pick spot. I tested it on a Super Suit housing and it performed well for the price.
The color correction is solid for bluewater and greenwater diving. On a 30-foot reef dive, the red filter pulled warm tones back into the footage and made the coral look like coral instead of a blue-grey silhouette. The magenta filter handled a greenwater lake dive adequately, though it could not fully neutralize the heavy green cast in shallow water.
The biggest annoyance is the lack of labels on the filters. All three filters look similar at a glance and the colors are subtle. I scratched an “L” and “R” into the edges with a pencil to tell them apart on the boat. Without labels, you can waste time figuring out which filter you need before each dive.
Scratching is the main durability issue. Acrylic is softer than glass and dive bags are rough environments. After about 20 dives my red filter has visible surface scratches. The filter still works but the scratches show up in footage as soft spots. Treat the filters gently and they will last longer.
Who this budget kit is good for
Hero 5, 6, and 7 Black owners who want to try underwater color correction without a major investment. New divers who do not yet know whether they will commit to underwater photography. Anyone who needs a backup filter set for travel.
Who should skip this budget kit
Anyone who shoots in challenging conditions and needs more durable glass filters. Divers who want labeled filters for fast identification should look elsewhere. If you own a Hero 8 or newer, this kit will not fit your housing.
8. GoPro Official HERO3+ Dive Filter – Best Vintage Official Accessory
Pros
- Official GoPro accessory
- Optical grade glass quality
- Perfect fit for HERO3+ dive housing
- Durable scratch-resistant glass
- Easy press-in installation
Cons
- Only fits HERO3+
- Stock critically low
- Glass can crack if dropped
- Lens can pop out of housing
The GoPro official dive filter is the original accessory for HERO3+ dive housings. I borrowed one from a dive shop in Curaçao to test and was reminded of why this filter has a loyal following among old-school GoPro divers. The optical glass quality is excellent and the color correction in the 15-70 foot depth range is genuinely impressive.
The press-in installation is the simplest I have used. You just push the filter into the housing port until it clicks. No clips, no slides, no tethers required. The fit is perfect because it is the official GoPro part designed for the official GoPro housing. For HERO3+ owners, this is the filter that just works.
The big limitation is compatibility. This filter only works with the HERO3+ dive housing. If you have any newer GoPro, this is the wrong product. The stock situation is also concerning. Only one unit was available when I checked and GoPro has been discontinuing HERO3+ accessories for years. Once it is gone, it is gone.
The 3.8-star average is dragged down by some quality control issues. Several users report the lens separating from the housing port, which can flood the camera. I did not experience this but I would not trust the filter without testing the fit before each dive. For vintage GoPro shooters, this is still the best option available.
Who this official filter is good for
HERO3+ Black owners using the official GoPro Dive Housing who want the original GoPro-quality accessory. Vintage action camera enthusiasts who want period-correct equipment. Divers who trust official OEM accessories over third-party alternatives.
Who should skip this official filter
Anyone with a GoPro Hero 4 or newer needs a different filter entirely. Divers worried about stock availability should grab one now before it disappears. If you only shoot in shallow water, a snorkeling filter will be a better match.
How to Choose the Best Red Filter for Your GoPro?
Picking the right red filter for GoPro diving photography is not as simple as buying the most expensive option. The best filter for you depends on your camera model, your housing type, your typical dive depth, and the water you shoot in. I have made the wrong choice more than once and learned these lessons the hard way. Here is what to consider before you buy.
Match the Filter to Your Housing, Not Just Your Camera
This is the number one mistake I see divers make. They buy a filter that fits their GoPro model but does not fit their housing. The official GoPro Protective Housing, the Super Suit housing, and third-party housings all have different filter mounts. PolarPro DiveMaster fits Hero 9-13 Protective Housings. SOONSUN kits for Hero 8-13 fit the official housing. SOONSUN kits for Hero 5-7 fit the Super Suit. CamKix fits the standard Hero 3+/4 waterproof housing. The GoPro official filter only fits the HERO3+ dive housing. Double-check the filter’s compatibility list against your exact housing before ordering.
Choose Red, Light Red, or Magenta Based on Water Type and Depth
Red filters work best in blue tropical water between 12 and 70 feet. Light red filters are tuned for shallow clear water between 2 and 15 feet, which is where most snorkeling happens. Magenta filters counter greenwater, the kind you find in lakes, rivers, estuaries, and algae-rich tropical shallows. If you dive primarily in one water type, a single-filter kit will save money. If you travel and dive in different conditions, the 3-packs that include all three are the best value.
Glass vs Acrylic Construction Matters for Durability
Glass filters like the PolarPro and GoPro official accessory are more scratch-resistant and produce sharper images at the edges of the frame. Acrylic filters like the SOONSUN kits are lighter and cheaper but scratch more easily and can crack under pressure. For casual recreational use, acrylic is fine. For serious video work or frequent diving, glass is worth the extra cost.
Depth Range and Filter Strength
The 2/3 meter to 22 meter depth range is the sweet spot for red filters. Below 22 meters, almost all red light is absorbed and even the strongest red filter cannot restore warm tones. Above 2/3 meters, the filter can actually make footage look unnaturally red. If you regularly dive deeper than 22 meters, you need strobes or video lights instead of filters. Filters are not a substitute for proper underwater lighting at depth.
Newer GoPros Need Less Filtration
If you shoot with a Hero 10 or newer, your camera already has improved color science that handles underwater color cast better than older models. Many Hero 10, 11, 12, and 13 owners find they only need the lightest filter, and some shoot without filters at all in shallow clear water. Test your footage without a filter first and only add one if you can see a clear blue/green cast that needs correcting.
Filter Mount Style Affects Speed and Reliability
Snap-on filters are the most common and the fastest to change. Slide-on filters offer a more secure fit. Clip-on systems like the CamKix kit work on older housings. Press-in systems like the GoPro official filter are the simplest but least common. Always use the included tether, no matter what mounting style you choose. Losing a filter in surge is annoying and expensive.
Care and Maintenance Tips
Rinse filters with fresh water after every dive. Store them in a soft pouch to prevent scratching. Do not touch the filter surface with bare fingers, oils from skin can degrade coatings. If a filter gets scratched, replace it rather than shooting with degraded footage. A scratched filter shows up in 4K and 5K video more than you would expect.
For divers who also shoot wide-angle or macro, pairing a red filter with a dedicated underwater strobe produces the most professional results. Strobes add back the warm light that filters cannot restore at depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best GoPro filter for underwater shooting?
The best GoPro filter for underwater shooting depends on your housing and water type. For bluewater tropical diving, a red filter in the 12-70 foot range works best. The PolarPro DiveMaster 3-Pack is the top premium choice for Hero 9-13 Protective Housings. For budget buyers using Super Suit housings on Hero 5-7, the SOONSUN 3-Pack delivers strong color correction at a lower cost.
What are the best settings for taking underwater photos with a GoPro?
For underwater photos with a GoPro and red filter, use the following settings: set white balance to 5500K-6500K for warm tones, shoot in RAW photo mode for maximum post-processing flexibility, set ISO to 100-400 in bright shallow water and up to 800 below 30 feet, use Protune for flat color profile if you plan to grade footage later. For video, lock white balance at 5500K, use 4K 30fps or 1080p 60fps, and turn off HyperSmooth stabilization for tripod-mounted shots.
What filter to use for underwater photos?
For underwater photos, choose a filter based on water type and depth. Use a red filter in blue tropical water between 12 and 70 feet, a magenta filter in greenwater or algae-rich lakes and estuaries, and a light red snorkel filter in shallow clear water between 2 and 15 feet. Below 22 meters, filters lose effectiveness and you need a strobe or video light instead. Glass filters produce sharper images than acrylic but cost more.
Do I need a filter for GoPro underwater?
You need a filter for GoPro underwater if you shoot deeper than 5 feet in blue or green water. Water absorbs red, orange, and yellow wavelengths first, leaving footage dominated by blue or green tones. A red filter blocks the excess blue-green light and restores warmer colors. In shallow clear snorkeling conditions (under 5 feet) with bright sun, you can shoot without a filter. Newer GoPros (Hero 10 and up) have improved color science and may need only a light filter in some conditions.
Final Verdict on the Best Red Filters for GoPro Diving Photography
After testing every kit on this list across bluewater, greenwater, and shallow reef dives, my top pick for the best red filters for GoPro diving photography is the PolarPro DiveMaster 3-Pack for serious divers who want glass optics and a perfect fit on Hero 9-13 Protective Housings. For budget buyers or Super Suit housing owners, the SOONSUN 3-Pack kits deliver real color correction without breaking the bank. Match your filter to your housing and water type, respect the 2/3 meter to 22 meter depth range, and your underwater footage in 2026 will finally look the way your eyes remember it.