The Short Answer: Pick by Light, Not by Price

Both Fotodiox GoTough filters use the same silicone sleeve design and fit only the GoPro HERO and HERO5 Session. The real decision is how much light you need to cut. The ND4 removes two stops; the ND32 removes five. That difference changes whether you can handhold a shot or need a tripod, and whether motion blur is subtle or strong.

If you shoot in moderate brightness and want a slight shutter-speed reduction, the ND4 is the more flexible starting point. If you film in very bright conditions or want pronounced motion blur and wobble reduction, the ND32 gives you more headroom. Neither filter is adjustable, so choosing the wrong strength means either too little or too much darkening for the scene.

ND4 vs ND32: What Changes on the Camera

The table below reflects only the supplied catalog facts. It does not assume shutter speeds, frame rates or exposure settings, because those depend on your camera and scene.

  • Light reduction: ND4: 2-stop (optical density 0.6). ND32: 5-stop (optical density 1.5). The ND32 cuts substantially more light.
  • Typical bright-condition use: The ND4 suits bright but not extreme light where you want a modest reduction. The ND32 is aimed at very bright conditions where excess light causes overexposure or blown-out video.
  • Motion blur and Jello effect: Both filters are described as reducing shutter speed to create motion blur and helping with the common Jello effect or wobble in RC, quadcopter and motorsports footage. The stronger ND32 gives more blur potential when light is abundant.
  • Mounting: Both use the same slide-on/off silicone sleeve that surrounds the camera and holds the filter in front of the lens. No adhesive or tools are mentioned in the supplied information.
  • Compatibility: Both are compatible only with GoPro HERO and HERO5 Session. Do not assume fit with other HERO models.

Fotodiox GoTough ND4 (2-Stop) at a Glance

Fotodiox GoTough ND32 (5-Stop) at a Glance

When the ND4 Is the Better Fit

Choose the ND4 when you want to tame bright light without dramatically changing your exposure. Two stops is often enough to reduce overexposure and bring back detail in skies or bright surfaces while keeping shutter speeds in a range that still works handheld. It is also the more forgiving option if light shifts during a shoot, because you are not starting five stops down.

The ND4 is a reasonable first ND filter for HERO Session owners who mostly shoot in daylight but not in extreme glare. It still supports the motion-blur and Jello-effect benefits described in the catalog, just with less intensity than the ND32.

When the ND32 Is the Better Fit

The ND32 makes more sense when you regularly film in very bright conditions—think open snow, bright sand or direct sun—and your footage is consistently overexposed. Five stops gives you much more room to slow the shutter for visible motion blur, which is why it is often associated with motorsports and aerial footage where the Jello effect is a problem.

The tradeoff is that five stops can be too much in moderate light. If you put the ND32 on in shade or on a cloudy day, you may find the camera struggling to expose properly. The catalog does not list recommended lighting conditions or exposure settings, so you will need to test in your own environment.

Practical Checks Before You Choose

  • Confirm your camera model: The filter fits GoPro HERO and HERO5 Session only. Check the model name on your camera before ordering.
  • Estimate your typical light: If you mostly shoot in ordinary daylight, start with the ND4. If you shoot in very bright, reflective environments, the ND32 is the stronger tool.
  • Decide how much blur you want: Both filters can create motion blur, but the ND32's five stops allow slower shutter speeds in the same light. The catalog does not specify shutter-speed values, so experiment.
  • Plan for one strength per scene: These are fixed filters, not variable NDs. You cannot dial the strength down, so pick the one that matches the majority of your shooting.

What the Supplied Information Does Not Cover

The catalog does not provide installation steps beyond the slide-on/off sleeve description, nor does it list exact exposure settings, frame-rate recommendations or battery-life effects. It also does not confirm compatibility with other GoPro models or third-party action cameras. Treat any such claims as unverified unless you confirm them with the manufacturer.

Both filters carry a limited two-year manufacturer warranty and are made by Fotodiox. The dimensions listed are approximately 2.5 x 2.5 x 1.8 inches (6.3 x 6.3 x 4.5mm) and weight is 1.4 ounces, but these figures appear to describe the filter and mount together; the catalog does not break them down further.