Which Gopro dive accessories should you really add to your setup? I tell you my favourites, with their pros and cons and give you some handy tips.
We can't ignore the Gopro anymore, no matter what dive trip you go on, you will always come across one or two. I really like using it too, although not always for photography. For underwater photography, the Gopro is not necessarily very suitable, if you really want to photograph, you'd better choose another camera. I use my Gopro for video and for nice, quick shots in between.
Others do use the Gopro as their only camera, others use it as an extra or because it is handy to have with you while shooting macro. So if a manta ray, dolphin or whale does swim by, you can always prove that it's really true 😀
But however you use your Gopro, there are all kinds of Gopro dive accessories to make your underwater life easier and enhance your photos or video. Here are my favourite Gopro accessories to get the most out of your Gopro.
My favourite Gopro Accessories for underwater photography and video
1. Camera Tray - For Stability and Better Exposure
When shooting underwater video with a Gopro, it can be difficult to keep the camera steady properly. If you use a tray you make sure the camera doesn't shake too much and you get a more stable shot.
In addition, you have a great possibility of attaching your video lights properly. Which is also very handy for underwater photography with the gopro.
(see tip on video lights)
Advantages:
- Reduces vibrations and shocks in your video recordings.
- Provides a firm grip, nice to hold.
- Makes it easy to mount two video lamps for optimal lighting.
2. Waterproof Housing - Protect your Gopro at depth
OK, I hear you thinking: the Gopro is waterproof, right!
Yes, the Gopro is waterproof, but not all models to the same depth. If you are going diving, deeper than 10 metres, a dive housing is essential. This will protect your camera from pressure and leakage at greater depths.
Characteristics of a good diving housing:
- Waterproof to 60 metres or more.
- Sturdy buttons that you can operate even with gloves.
- Ability to add filters or additional accessories. (Whether or not combined with a camera tray.
Tip:
Always rinse your GoPro and the housing well with fresh water after use in salt water to prevent corrosion. You will also rinse away any sand grains or dried salt crystals.
Tip 2:
Also look at the other brands of dive housing, besides the standard one from Gopro. There is a difference in terms of price, but who knows, it might be something for you.
In any case, don't go for the super-budget unknown brand. You have a good chance that the housing can't handle the pressure underwater and, at best, you won't be able to operate the buttons. (At worst, everything will break down).
3. Red and Magenta Filters - Underwater colour correction
Underwater, colours are rendered differently, so images are often bluish or greenish. By using a red filter colour reproduction is adjusted and images look much more natural.
Recommended filters:
- Red filter: Suitable for blue water (such as tropical oceans); corrects colours between 5 and 20 metres depth.
- Magenta filter: Ideal for green waters (such as freshwater lakes or northern European seas).
Tip:
Use a filter designed specifically for the GoPro that fits your waterproof housing, so you can be sure it fits properly and that the footage will be of high quality.
Tip 2:
You can also have a ‘flip’ for your Gopro filter Then you can easily fold it away when you don't need it for a while.
4. Underwater Video Lights - Extra Exposure for Colour and Detail
An underwater video light ensures that your footage retains vibrant colours and you see more detail. Remember that your light does not reach very far underwater and you need to film/photograph relatively close with lamps.
What to look out for with video lights:
- Lumen: Choose at least 2000 lumens, preferably higher in various modes, for well-exposed shots.
- Beam angle: A wide beam (wide angle) prevents harsh shadows and provides natural lighting. Make sure your video lamp does not have a bright ‘hot spot’ in the centre.
Tip: Use two lamps on arms on a tray for balanced lighting without harsh shadows. The arms allow you to direct the lamps so the light comes from the right angle.
5. Extra battery with Dual Battery Charger - for extra-long action
One of the best Gopro dive accessories is the GoPro Dual Battery Charger.
This charger can charge two batteries simultaneously, which is handy for long diving days or diving trips from a boat where charging is less convenient.
It ensures that you always have an extra charged battery on hand, so you don't have to miss out on precious moments.
Then don't forget to order an extra battery 😀
6. Bonus Gopro diving accessories for underwater photography
The above accessories are just handy, useful and sometimes necessary. Others are especially a lot of fun! Hence another bonus tip, also check out the products below:
GoPro Dome - For split Images
A GoPro Dome is a half sphere that you place in front of your lens, allowing you to shoot both above and below the surface of the water, simultaneously. This produces spectacular half/half images or split shots and increases the field of view by about 30 per cent.
Tip: this dome is not for diving, but rather for use on the surface.
Extra wide angle, sharpness and contrast with the Gopro Wide Angle
For an improvement in the image quality of your GoPro, the Backscatter Sharp Wide Lens Pro a very nice addition. This optical glass lens increases the sharpness of your images from corner to corner, adding extreme detail and enhanced contrast.
Magnification field of view up to 140°
You can also focus closer, giving you a better view of your subject. That's really an advantage to the gopro, because you can't get as close to your subject with the gopro.
Compatible with GoPro HERO 9-13
Macro with your Gopro - MacroMate Mini +15
The big disadvantage of the Gopro, specifically for underwater photography, is that the focus distance is quite large. Shooting something up close is out of the question, let alone macro shots.
That is now changing with the MarcoMate Mini! This macro lens allows you to focus within 8 centimetres of your subject, ideal for photographing small marine life.
Tip:
Choose a flip system here too. You can even choose a double flip, so you can also have a colour filter with it!
With these Gopro dive accessories, you can really add a little something extra to your underwater image and stay nice and compact in your camera setup. Let's go!