Below are the top five GoPro Hero 7 Black accessories that I found are needed to complete any GoPro setup. While there are hundreds of accessories out there, these are the key ones to make filming with a GoPro that much easier from the start, and are very inexpensive to purchase.
I ended up purchasing my Hero 7 Black during the week of Black Friday from Target. It included the camera and a $60 digital Target gift card, which I have yet to spend because I keep forgetting about it. But since then, I have thoroughly enjoyed filming with it and all the features that it has. One of the main features that was marketed, was the HyperSmooth stabilization. And, I can say that it lives up to the hype and has proven itself over the last couple of weeks.
However, within the first week of using the camera, I discovered a few accessories that were needed to get the full potential out of the camera. So I purchased these five accessories and implemented them into the production of my filming right away.
1. Extra Batteries
Batteries should be on the top of your list when you first buy a GoPro. Depending on your settings, one GoPro battery will last around 45-55 minutes, if not shorter. So when you stop and film a few clips an hour, you might only get about 20-30 minutes of footage before it dies on you.
So I picked up the $24 Ailuki Rechargeable Battery 1490MAH 2 Pack and 3-Channel Charger off Amazon and have been happy with them thus far. They do work with the GoPro Hero 7 Black and provide just the same life as GoPro branded batteries. Amazon has a few other options here or you can purchase a GoPro branded battery and charger combo here.
If you would like to see what the expected battery life is per video mode on GoPro’s website, click here. For the GoPro Hereo 7 Black’s product manual, click here.
Tips to extend your battery life:
- Turn off WiFi, GPS and/or voice control
- Update your GoPro with the latest firmware
- Set screen saver to turn on after one minute
- Lower screen brightness
- Turn off Protune
- Film at a lower frame rate and resolution
2. Screen Protectors
Next on the list are screen protectors for both the lens and the LCD screen. The screen protectors will prevent the screens from being scratched and will prolong the life that you will get out of the lens. If you do scratch the lens on the GoPro Hero 7 Black, you can buy a replacement lens for $15. GoPro made it super easy to replace because the newer models, like the Hero 7, have replaceable lens that only need to be rotated counter-clockwise to remove. No special tools are needed.
The $10 lens cover and screen protector package by Deyard that I purchased off of Amazon is a great deal when you consider everything that is included. The glass screen protectors were easy to apply and have held up well over the last couple of weeks. Two rubber lens caps are included and provide great protection while you store the camera in a bag or a pocket. You only need one, but they include an extra in case you lose it or have two GoPros.
You can find other screen protection options on Amazon if you follow this link.
3. Tripod Mount
The tripod mount is extremely useful if you already have a tripod or two with the standard camera screw mount. You’ll need this accessory mount to be able to use them because GoPro cameras do not come threaded with the standard tripod socket. I use it with the mini tripod that is featured below and with a larger tripod that I have.
While all the tripod mounts are basically the same, I went with this $9 Smatree Tripod Mount. It is well made and secures tightly to the tripods.
If you would like to see the other tripod mount options on Amazon, click here.
4. Mini Tripod
The mini tripod is probably my favorite accessory on this list. Since it is so small, I can carry it running or while riding my bike. It stores easily in almost any pocket even with the GoPro attached. It is great to use as a handle, like a short selfie stick, or as a mini tripod to get shots quickly. I picked up this Ulanzi Mini Tripod for $8.
My only compliant is that the legs don’t lock into place when positioned higher or lower. They do have small rubber grips on the ends, but on a slick surface the legs will slide down to the default height of the tripod (see the picture above). When used outside on a trail or a surface with some friction, you can position the legs higher and lower to level out the tripod.
Other options on Amazon can be found here.
5. Selfie Stick
Last but not least, the ultimate tool, the selfie stick. The selfie stick is a great accessory to have in your bag or on any adventure. When paired with the mini tripod like you see below, it can function like a small tripod to get shots at different heights.
The $10 Luxebell Selfie Stick that I purchased telescopes to about 40.5 inches and collapses to 12 inches. It is smaller than the large tripod I already own so I can pack it away easier during my bikepacking trips or on my longer trail runs.
There are others out there that can extend to different lengths and are smaller overall, if you want to see other options on Amazon, click here.
While you might have a different top five than me, these five items are what have worked best for me so far. I do believe they are essential for anyone who has just purchased a GoPro for the first time or are looking to improve upon their GoPro setup. Thanks for taking the time to review My Top 5 GoPro Accessories.
What would be on your top five? What’s missing, let me know in the comment section.
-thebidon
Disclaimer: As mentioned on my other posts and like most sites, if not all websites, the links above are affiliate links that help to keep this site running. Feel free to follow them if you like or you may search for them yourselves on both marketplaces.
