Best essential accessories and mounts for the GoPro 8

The GoPro 8 is an amazing action camera. Gimbal-like HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization and easier to use UI make this camera one heck one of an action camera. Though going out and spending more money might not be your first thought after just dropping $400 on a camera, getting the right accessories and mounts is key to being able to film awesome videos like the one below.

So, without further ado: here are the most essential accessories and mounts to get for your new GoPro 8.

#1 – GoPro Headstrap/Chest Mount

If you only get one GoPro accessory, this is it. With a major draw of action cams being the ability to capture your own POV no matter what activity you’re doing, a chest mount or head strap mount is essential.

The Head Strap Mount is both cheaper and takes up less space while traveling. You also don’t have to straps crisscrossing all over your chest while out in public. The downside? If you need to wear a helmet or are tall and try to use it when driving a vehicle with a roof, the head strap will not work for you.

In either of these situations — or if you just prefer the angle of POV shots from the mid-chest level — GoPro’s Chest Mount is the way to go. It is far more secure as well and generally gets more stable footage.

#2 – Tripod Adapter mount(s)

Tripods are an essential accessory for any camera and the GoPro 8 is no different. Whether it’s for filming a beautiful timelapse or capturing your own awesome moves, being able to attach your GoPro securely to a tripod is invaluable.

GoPro and several other companies sell GoPro specific tripods, but to save some money and go with the GoPro Tripod Mounts kit. It includes two different adapters for making your existing tripod work with a GoPro. As an added bonus it also includes a mini GoPro tripod.

#3 – Extra battery or external battery pack

Even though we’re on the GoPro 8, battery life hasn’t gotten much better than previous generations — especially when using power-hungry modes like TimeWarp or 4K/60. Getting an extra battery (or two) will allow you to extend the time by easily swapping out battery packs. You can purchase a GoPro brand battery or try off-brand to save money (however as of writing there aren’t any batteries designed exclusively for the GoPro 8 rather than repurposed from the GoPro 7).

Another option is to get an external battery pack like this one from Anker — if you don’t already have one that is. An external battery will allow you to charge up your GoPro in your backpack or even extend the length of time-lapses by allowing you to power the camera while shooting. Definitely a must-have if you’re consistently away from outlets all day.

#4 – GoPro Jaws: Flex Clamp

By far my favorite mount — and possibly one of the most versatile — the GoPro Jaws: Flex Clamp is the one I find myself grabbing when I can only pack one mount. It allows you to attach your GoPro onto anything the clamp can get its jaws around, which is a lot. Kayak paddles, shelves, tree branches, fences…the list goes on and on. Steer away from off-brand versions (unless you want to take a risk) as they sometimes are less sturdy than GoPro’s version.

#5 – Extension Pole

Though number 5 on this list, if you’re looking to use the GoPro for vlogging or some other activity where your hands are free, an extension pole will be more useful for you. And luckily for you, there’s a variety of choices.

First off is GoPro’s dedicated extension pole. Dubbed the El Grande it is definitely large extending a full 38″ and featuring a sturdy build. The downside is that both its price ($59) and collapsed size (15″) are also large.

Secondly is GoPro’s innuendo-named accessory: the Three-Way Mount. At $69 (seriously GoPro?) it’s also expensive, but unlike the El Grande, you get a variety of uses. Like the name suggests it can officially be used as an extension pole, tripod, and grip — though with a bit of creativity you can find many more.

Finally, you can go with an off-brand extension pole. This option is not only cheaper but offers a wider variety of options. Smatree makes a couple of nice options at a reasonable price, but if you’re willing to spend a little more take a look at the extension poles from Sandmarc.

That’s it for now. The accessories/mounts above should be enough to get you started in most cases. ND filters, gimbals, and other more expensive accessories are nice to have but it’s often better to hold off purchasing them until you have a real feel for how you’ll be using your new GoPro 8.

I’ve linked to all the products throughout the article on Amazon (as it’s generally the cheapest and most convenient place). However, before purchasing any of the GoPro brand accessories, consider signing up for a free trial of GoPro Plus — if you haven’t already — which gives you half 50% off all GoPro brand accessories when you purchase through GoPro.com.