Summary
- GoPro introduces PolarPro diopter filters for the MISSION 1 and MISSION 1 PRO.
- The +0.5, +1 and +2 strengths focus as close as 50, 45 and 30 centimetres respectively.
- They produce optical subject separation and background blur while narrowing the usable focus range.
- Prices start at $49.99 for the single filter and $99.99 for the kit.
GoPro is giving the MISSION 1 and MISSION 1 PRO a simple way to shoot close subjects against naturally blurred backgrounds, thanks to three new PolarPro-made diopter filters.
Announced on October 22, 2026, the Close-Up Filters shift the fixed wide-angle lens’s focusing range closer, down to just 30 centimetres from the camera. No focus adjustment is needed, and the effect is recorded directly in photos and video.
How a GoPro can create a softer background
The MISSION 1 and MISSION 1 PRO use a fixed-focus, very wide-angle lens: great for action and landscapes, less suitable when a face or product needs to stand out against its surroundings. The one-inch-sensor MISSION 1 range with 8K and Open Gate recording already targets more demanding productions; the new filters add a different type of creative control.
A diopter shifts the plane of sharp focus towards a closer subject. Keep that subject inside the specified focus range with the background sufficiently far behind, and the background can fall out of focus. This is a real optical effect, not software-generated portrait blur or autofocus.
Three strengths for different shooting distances
PolarPro makes the filters from multi-coated optical-grade glass, designed to preserve image sharpness and colour accuracy. Higher diopter strength means a closer, narrower focus range and potentially stronger separation between the foreground subject and background.
| Strength | Focus range | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| +0.5 | 50–150 cm | Vlogs, travel, close portraits |
| +1 | 45–90 cm | Stronger subject separation |
| +2 | 30–50 cm | Details, products, tight close-ups |
The +0.5 is available on its own, while +1 and +2 are included in the three-filter kit along with a protective case. The +2 requires particular attention to camera-to-subject distance, as its entire sharp-focus zone is only 20 centimetres deep.
More information here.
Mounting, compatibility and limitations
The filters slide over the existing MISSION 1 or MISSION 1 PRO lens, including over a compatible M-series ND filter. The camera remains fixed-focus, without calibration or manual focusing. Combining a diopter with an ND filter can be useful when controlling shutter speed and the depth-of-field look in the same shot.
The MISSION 1 PRO Grip, Creator and Ultimate Creator Editions are also supported, but the interchangeable-lens MISSION 1 PRO ILS is not. GoPro warns that high vibrations or fast camera movements with the +2 may affect stabilisation. When a diopter is combined with an ND filter, subject tracking in VLOG mode also performs poorly.
For filmmakers also using the MISSION 1 range’s recent RAW updates and monitoring tools, choosing a diopter should start with the subject’s actual shooting distance, rather than just how blurry the background should be.
Price and availability
The filters are available now from GoPro’s official store. The standalone +0.5 costs $49.99, while the +0.5 / +1 / +2 kit costs $99.99. Official European listings show €49.99 and €99.99, respectively. GoPro advertises 20% savings for Premium and Premium+ subscribers, subject to the applicable subscription terms.
What we think
If you shoot with a small GoPro and want a tight product, food or talking-head shot with less distracting background detail, these filters address a specific problem. The camera can stay small and quick to use, but the frame no longer has to look uniformly sharp from front to back.
The +0.5 seems the most flexible choice for everyday work: its focusing zone gives a presenter some room to move without immediately losing sharpness. The +2 is more tempting for deliberately composed close-ups, but at 30–50 cm even a small change in distance can throw the subject out of focus. A locked-off shot makes more sense there than aggressive handheld movement.
There is a trade-off worth remembering. Once a diopter is mounted, you cannot just turn towards a distant landscape and expect it to remain sharp. These are shot-specific tools, not a permanent lens upgrade. The full kit makes most sense for creators who regularly switch between vlogs, portraits and close details.
Frequently asked questions
Do the filters work with the MISSION 1 PRO ILS?
No. The Close-Up Filters are for the fixed-lens MISSION 1 and MISSION 1 PRO, including the supported PRO editions, not the interchangeable-lens PRO ILS.
Can the +2 filter still focus on a distant subject?
Not while it is attached. The +2 is intended for subjects roughly 30–50 cm from the camera. Remove the filter before shooting distant scenes.
