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Which ND filter brand is best for DJI Osmo Action cameras?

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Hey everyone! I recently upgraded to the DJI Osmo Action 4 for my outdoor adventures, and while the stabilization and image quality are incredible, I’m running into that classic high-shutter-speed issue. When I’m out mountain biking or hiking in direct sunlight, my footage looks super choppy and 'staccato' because the camera is cranking the shutter speed up to 1/2000 or higher. I really want to get that smooth, cinematic motion blur by locking my shutter at double the frame rate, which obviously means I need a solid set of ND filters.

I’ve been doing some digging, but the options are honestly a bit overwhelming. I’ve seen a lot of people recommending the Freewell 'All Day' kits, but then I see others swearing by PGYTECH or even the official DJI ones. I’m specifically looking for a set that won't mess with the color science of the camera. My biggest fear is buying a kit and realizing later that it adds a nasty green or magenta tint to my footage that I have to fight in post-production.

Another thing I’m curious about is the build quality and fitment. Since the Osmo Action uses a screw-on lens protector system, I want to make sure the filters I buy have high-quality threads that won't get stuck or compromise the camera’s waterproofing. I’m mainly looking for a range from ND8 for cloudy days up to ND32 or even ND64 for those super bright sessions on the snow or at the beach. Some sets even come with a Circular Polarizer (CPL), which sounds great for cutting glare on the water, but I’m not sure if it’s worth the extra bulk.

Does anyone here have hands-on experience with different brands on their Action series? I’m willing to spend a bit more for glass that is scratch-resistant and easy to clean, but I don't want to overpay just for a brand name if the mid-range options are just as good.

For those of you who use these cameras regularly, which ND filter brand do you think offers the best balance of optical clarity, color neutrality, and durability for the DJI Osmo Action?


3 Answers
12

Yo! If you wanna save cash but still get pro results, I HIGHLY recommend the PGYTECH OSMO Action 4 ND Filter Set (ND 8 16 32 64). Honestly, the color neutrality is fantastic—no weird tints!! They use solid glass that’s easy to clean, and the fitment is perfect so you won't lose that waterproofing. Basically just as good as the pricey kits for way less. gl!!


12

sooo jumping in here! honestly i get the stress about the threads and waterproofing... its literally my biggest fear when im out by the water. you definitely dont want a cheap filter getting stuck or letting a leak in. i'm still a bit of a newbie with all the technical stuff, but i've found some things that really helped me feel safer about my setup. Check out these resources and options that might help: - There's a great resource at **DC Rainmaker's** website. He does these super detailed reviews on action cam gear and actually tests how they handle grit and water. It's a lifesaver for seeing which filters actually fit right and if they mess with the seal.
- I know people already mentioned Freewell and PGYTECH, but you might find the PolarPro Shutter Collection for DJI Osmo Action 4 (ND8, ND16, ND32) worth the extra cash. They use brass frames which feel way smoother on the camera threads compared to aluminum, so they're less likely to seize up or cross-thread. Their CinemaSeries glass is basically legendary for having no color shift.
- If you're looking for a solid mid-range alternative that's still super safe, I've been really happy with the K&F Concept DJI Osmo Action 4 Filter Set (ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64). The glass is actually really easy to wipe clean and the fitment is surprisingly snug without feeling like it's grinding the camera. Pro tip: i always carry a tiny microfiber cloth because even a small fingerprint ruins the shot. also, basically just make sure the rubber gasket is totally clean before you screw anything on!! gl with the mountain biking edits!!


2

Just sharing my experience: I went through this exact same dilemma last year when I started pushing my Action 4 for mountain biking edits. Honestly, Ive tried basically every brand over the years, and it usually comes down to how much you hate color grading in post lol. TL;DR: Freewell All Day 4K Series Filters for DJI Osmo Action 4 is the winner for color neutrality, while PGYTECH ND Filter Set for DJI Osmo Action 4 is great for the physical build, but watch out for slight tinting. I actually started with the official DJI Osmo Action 4 ND Filter Set and while the fitment is obviously perfect, they felt a bit limited for really bright snow days. When I swapped to the Freewell kit, the biggest thing I noticed was the lack of that annoying magenta shift. Cheap glass usually struggles with IR pollution which makes your blacks look muddy, but the Freewell glass is highkey solid. In my experience, the threads on the Freewell All Day 6-Pack ND Filter Kit are super clean—never had an issue with them getting stuck or compromising the seal. Plus, they have that hydrophobic coating which is a lifesaver when you get splashed. PGYTECH is a close second, but i noticed a tiny bit of softness in the corners compared to the Freewell glass. Also, regarding the CPL... I found it kinda annoying to dial in while wearing gloves, but for beach shots, it actually makes a huge difference in the water clarity. If youre just riding trails, stick to the standard NDs. If youre worried about color science, go Freewell. Its just more consistent across the whole range from ND8 to ND64... gl! 👍


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