GoPro has launched a set of close-up filters for its MISSION 1 and MISSION 1 PRO cameras, designed to add subject separation and background blur that a small sensor and wide lens normally struggle to deliver.

Made by PolarPro from multi-coated optical glass, the filters are close-focus diopters. They slide over the camera’s lens, or over a fitted ND filter, and use static focus, so there’s nothing to adjust. By shifting the focus range closer to the camera, they throw the background further out of focus and draw the eye to the subject.

There are three strengths. The +0.5 is the everyday option, for vlogs, lifestyle and travel shots where you want a subtle, polished look. It focuses from 50cm to 150cm. The +1 covers 45cm to 90cm, and the +2 goes from 30cm to 50cm for the most dramatic effect. GoPro notes that with the +2, high-vibration activities and quick camera movements may affect stabilisation.

The +0.5 filter is sold on its own, or you can buy all three strengths as a set with a travel case.

Shallow depth of field is one of the things that has traditionally separated footage from a dedicated camera from that shot on an action cam, so this is a clever and relatively affordable way to close that gap. The trade-off is that you’re locked into a fixed focus band, with nothing sharp beyond 1.5m even with the weakest filter, so these are tools for close-ups rather than something to leave on all the time.

It’s another sign of how GoPro is positioning the MISSION 1 range as a creative camera, following last week’s update that added zero-lag stills shooting and anamorphic lens support. We’ve been using the MISSION 1 PRO ILS for our ongoing MISSION 1 series, and GoPro has offered to send the diopters for us to test.

GoPro Close-Up Filter specifications

GoPro Close-Up Filter price and availability

The Close-Up Filter (+0.5) costs $49.99 and the Close-Up Filter Set (+0.5, +1 and +2) costs $99.99. Both are available now globally from GoPro, and GoPro Premium and Premium+ subscribers save 20%. UK pricing hasn’t been confirmed.