GoPro and PolarPro Launch Close-Up Filters for Mission 1 Pro to Fix 60cm Minimum Focus Distance

GoPro has released a three-strength close-up filter system for its Mission 1 Pro and Mission 1 cameras, developed with accessory maker PolarPro, directly targeting the minimum focus distance that drew criticism at launch. The larger Type-1 sensor that improved resolution and detail on the Mission 1 pushed close focusing out to roughly two feet (60 centimeters), a limitation reviewers flagged for vlogging and any shooting where the camera sits near the subject, such as interior vehicle mounting. PetaPixel's Jordan Drake noted in his review that minimum focus moved from about one foot on the previous model to nearly two feet, making self-facing shots often out of focus. Emily Lowrey, posting on Instagram, called the 60-centimeter distance her first complaint about an otherwise appealing camera. The PolarPro +0.5, +1 and +2 Diopters progressively shorten near focus from the standard 24 inches to 19.6 inches (50 centimeters), 17.7 inches (45 centimeters) and 11.8 inches (30 centimeters); the strongest +2 diopter halves the close-focusing distance. Each filter also pulls in far focus, to 59 inches (150 centimeters), 35.4 inches (90 centimeters) and 19.6 inches (50 centimeters) respectively, so users must choose between near and distant subjects. The standalone +0.5 Close-Up Filter costs $50 and the three-filter Close-Up Filter Set costs $100, both available now. The launch follows the Mission 1's Strong 88 rating on PixelMeter, which reflected its sensor-driven image quality.