Best Budget ND Filters for Action Cameras in 2025 (Under $40)
- gear4greatness
- Aug 10, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 31, 2025
Best Budget ND Filters for Action Cameras in 2025 (Under $40)
I still remember the first time I added ND filters to my action camera — it was like unlocking another level of control. Suddenly, my footage stopped looking “video-ish” and started looking cinematic. Every scene had smoother motion, more detail in the highlights, and a more balanced tone. And the best part? You don’t need to drop $100+ for that transformation.
In 2025, a growing number of brands are producing excellent ND filters under $40 that work beautifully with GoPro, DJI, and Insta360 cameras. Whether you’re shooting on a sunny beach, biking through snow trails, or filming slow-motion shots at golden hour, these affordable little glass panels can elevate your entire video aesthetic.
🎯 Why ND Filters Matter for Creators
Think of ND filters as sunglasses for your camera — but with a cinematic twist. They reduce the amount of light entering your lens, letting you keep your shutter speed low and your footage buttery smooth. Without them, your camera compensates for bright light by raising the shutter speed — which often leads to harsh, choppy video with no natural blur.
Here’s what ND filters help you control:
Control Brightness – Keep exposure balanced even in intense sunlight, so your footage never looks blown out or washed.
Cinematic Motion Blur – Follow the classic “180-degree rule” — keep your shutter speed roughly double your frame rate (e.g., 1/120 for 60fps) — to achieve that natural, film-like flow.
Better Color & Contrast – By cutting glare and reducing haze, ND filters help skies pop and restore true-to-life contrast.
Versatility for Any Scene – ND8 for cloudy days, ND16 for midday sun, ND32 or ND64 for blazing conditions. One simple switch changes everything.
💡 Creator insight: Once I started using ND16s on my DJI Action 5 Pro during bright rides, the difference was unreal — colors were richer, and every frame felt cinematic instead of “camcorder clean.”
📷 When to Use ND Filters
ND filters aren’t just for pros — they’re for any creator who wants smoother, more balanced footage in real-world lighting.
Bright Sunny Days – The most obvious use. ND filters keep your footage detailed instead of overexposed.
Water & Snow Scenes – Perfect for reflection-heavy shots, like paddleboarding, skiing, or snowmobiling.
Slow Shutter Shots – Use ND filters for motion blur — think silky waterfalls, moving crowds, or light trails.
Cinematic Video – When you want that “film” feel instead of “GoPro realism,” ND filters are your best friend.
🎬 Bonus tip: When using 60fps or 120fps, start with ND16 or ND32 and tweak based on lighting. If you’re shooting in full sun with reflective surfaces (like ocean water or snow), ND64 helps preserve detail without killing dynamic range.
💡 Top ND Filter Picks Under $40 (2025)
Here are a few reliable, budget-friendly sets that perform far above their price tag — ideal for creators upgrading their action camera setups without overspending.
📷 K&F Concept 6-Pack ND Filter Set (for DJI Osmo Action Series)
These are the filters I use most often — high-quality optics, solid fit, and clean threading. The ND8–ND64 range covers every lighting scenario, and the anti-reflection coating keeps images crisp even in strong sun.
Best for: DJI Action 3, Action 4, and Action 5 Pro.
🎯 Freewell ND Filter 4-Pack (for GoPro Hero 12/13/14)
Freewell filters are built tough — and they’ve nailed their budget line. Each filter locks in firmly, and the coatings handle flare well when filming against direct light.
Best for: Creators who film fast-action outdoor scenes and need something reliable under pressure.
🌄 TELESIN ND Filter Kit (for Insta360 X4 & X5)
Telesin’s ND filters are featherlight yet surprisingly sharp. Perfect for 360° users who don’t want to add bulk. Great clarity and a protective coating that resists fingerprints — a small touch that makes a big difference.
Best for: Insta360 X4, X5, and Ace Pro 2 users shooting outdoor adventures.
💡 Creator insight: The Telesin ND32 has become my go-to for daytime hyperlapses — it gives me that smooth, cinematic streak in the highlights while keeping motion natural.
Best Budget ND Filters for Action Cameras in 2025 (Under $40)
📦 Buy on Amazon USA
🛠 Choosing the Right ND Strength
ND8 – Light reduction for slightly overcast days.
ND16 – Midday sun, standard outdoor filming.
ND32 – Very bright conditions like snow or white sand.
ND64 – Extreme sunlight or creative slow-shutter shots.
🌄 Final Thoughts
🩵 Emotion:There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing your footage finally look cinematic. The way light moves, the smooth blur in motion, the depth that ND filters bring — it’s that moment when your everyday clips start feeling like short films. For me, that’s when creativity really starts to click.
💭 Insight:The beauty of these sub-$40 filters is that they give creators control without complication. Whether you’re filming beach waves, bike rides, or drone-like walkthroughs, the ND filter becomes your secret sauce for dynamic exposure. And it’s amazing how often that simple adjustment can turn average footage into something scroll-stopping.
🎬 Reflection:ND filters remind me that gear upgrades don’t always have to be big or expensive. Sometimes the smallest accessories — literally the size of a coin — can create the biggest visual leap. Every creator should have a small ND kit in their bag; it’s one of those tools that quietly makes everything else you shoot better.
🌅 Takeaway:If you’ve been chasing that smooth, cinematic look but haven’t tried ND filters yet, now’s the time. Start small. Experiment. Learn how light moves. Because once you see how these tiny filters transform your footage, you’ll never film without them again. 🎥✨
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