Best ND Filters for the DJI Osmo Action 6 - Is the Variable Aperture Enough

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Best ND filters for DJI Osmo Action 6? The ND8, ND16 and ND32 set

For the Osmo Action 6, get a set of three ND filters: ND8, ND16 and ND32. It covers most bright conditions, from an overcast day to full sun on snow. The filters must be made specifically for the Action 6, because older models have a different mount.

The official DJI Osmo Action 6 ND Filter Set includes exactly these three filters plus a case. DJI recommends it for shooting in bright surroundings, such as on a snowy slope.

An ND filter works like sunglasses for the lens. It reduces the amount of light, so the camera doesn't have to shorten the exposure time to avoid overexposing the image.

Is a variable aperture enough instead of filters?

No, if you want to film in sunlight with natural motion blur. The variable f/2.0-f/4.0 aperture gives you about two stops of light control. That helps adjust brightness, but it doesn't let you deliberately lengthen the exposure time in full sun.

The ND32 darkens by five stops, which is more than twice the entire aperture range. In bright outdoor light, the aperture alone quickly reaches its limit and the camera starts shortening the exposure time.

There is also the matter of predictability. Camera Butter, a filter seller, notes that with manual exposure a fixed f/2.8 aperture gives a more predictable result than a smoothly changing one. An ND filter lets you set your parameters once and not return to them every time the light changes.

Fun fact: The Osmo Action 6, launched on November 18, 2025, is the first action camera with a variable f/2.0-f/4.0 aperture, according to Engadget.

We selected filter sets that state compatibility with the Osmo Action 6 in their descriptions, including the original DJI set.

ND filters for the DJI Osmo Action 6 we recommend

Which filter for which weather and what exposure time

The reference point is the filmmakers' rule: an exposure time about twice as short as the frame time. At 25 fps that is 1/50 s, and at 30 fps it is 1/60 s. This exposure time gives natural motion blur. Without a filter in the sun, the camera shortens the exposure time and motion looks jittery.

The strength of a filter is simply the number of stops: ND8 darkens by 3, ND16 by 4, and ND32 by 5. In practice, choosing one works like this:

• ND8: lighter cloud cover, bright shade, early afternoon without harsh sun.
• ND16: a typical sunny day, cycling, walking, the city.
• ND32: the brightest conditions, meaning snow, the beach, and water in full sun.

Start with the middle filter and watch the exposure time on the screen. If the camera still sets a time clearly shorter than your target, put on a stronger filter. If the image is too dark, go down to a weaker one.

On the slopes, reflection from the snow adds to the brightness, so it makes sense to start with ND32 there. This is also the scenario DJI recommends its kit for.

Why filters from the Action 5 Pro don't fit and what a CPL is

Filters for the Action 5 Pro and Action 4 do not fit the Action 6. Descriptions of filters for the Action 6 list compatibility with this model only, and the original DJI kit fits only this camera, because it has a new lens. Before you buy used filters, check that the listing names the Action 6.

A separate matter is the polarizer, or CPL. It is not an ND filter. It removes glare from water and windows, so it comes in handy at a lake, by a car window, or on wet rocks. It darkens the image only slightly, so it will not replace an ND filter in full sun.

If you want both types, look for a kit with a polarizer and ND filters. For recording on snow, an ND-only kit is enough.

A battery for the Osmo Action 6, useful for longer recordings in freezing weather, is covered in a separate article.

Most common questions about filters for the Osmo Action 6

Which ND filters for the DJI Osmo Action 6?

The best choice is an ND8, ND16 and ND32 kit designed for the Action 6. The official DJI kit includes this set along with a case. It covers conditions from overcast skies to full sun on snow.

Does the DJI Osmo Action 6 need ND filters?

If you shoot in bright light and care about natural motion blur, yes. Without a filter, the camera shortens the exposure time and motion looks jittery. For photos and fast shots where blur does not matter, filters are not needed.

Do filters from the Action 5 Pro fit the Action 6?

No. Filters for the Action 5 Pro and Action 4 do not fit the Action 6, and descriptions of filters for the Action 6 list compatibility with this model only. Buy filters that explicitly name the Osmo Action 6.

Which ND filter for snow with the Osmo Action 6?

ND32 works best on snow, as it darkens by 5 stops. DJI recommends its ND kit for recording on the slopes. When the light is weaker, for example under cloud cover, ND16 or ND8 is enough.

What does the variable aperture in the Osmo Action 6 do?

The f/2.0-f/4.0 aperture gives about two stops of control over the amount of light. It helps match exposure, but it does not replace ND filters when you want to deliberately lengthen the exposure time. In bright sun, it is the filter that makes the difference.

Sources

• DJI Store: Osmo Action 6 ND Filter Set - manufacturer page (store.dji.com)
• DJI: Osmo Action 6 specs - manufacturer page (dji.com)
• Engadget: DJI Osmo Action 6 review - industry article (engadget.com)
• Camera Butter: DJI Osmo Action 6 ND filter guide - industry article (camerabutter.com)
• Gizmodo: DJI Osmo Action 6 variable aperture - industry article (gizmodo.com)