GoPro polarizer solutions for Phantom Zenmuse H3-2D gimbal

LayerLens for GoPro3 with circular polarizer lens mounted on GoPro in Zenmuse H3-2D gimbal

Lately, I’ve been flying my quadcopters over the ocean, which makes me want to put a polarizer over the GoPro HERO3 Black camera that I use on my DJI Phantom.

So far, I’ve found two solutions for putting a polarizer on a GoPro HERO3 mounted in a DJI Zenmuse H3-2D gimbal. 

The first solution is to modify a LayerLens for GoPro3 so it can be mounted on a GoPro in the Zenmuse gimbal by cutting a thin strip out of the back of the lens holder. Of course, you’ll also need a circular polarized lens for LayerLens. 

The second solution is the BlurFix3 Micro 52-Z by Snake River Prototyping. The BlurFix3 is a 52mm filter adapter that has a strip cut out of it so it can be installed on a GoPro in the Zenmuse gimbal. You need to purchase a 52mm circular polarizer to go with the BlurFix3 Micro 52-Z. I purchased the Marumi DHG MC CPL PL slim thin polarizing filter.

I have both of these solutions, but haven’t tested any of them in the air, yet. The Zenmuse H3-2D seems to hold the polarizer without problem, despite the slight change in camera balance.

Update 13 Sep 2013: Snake River has recalled the BlurFix3 because it might be helping to burn out Zenmuse motors. I think a Rotorpixel gimbal would handle the BlurFix + polarizer just fine because it uses stronger motors, but using it with the Zenmuse is not recommended. Also, I’ve put the Layerlens polarizer up in the air for over an hour with the Zenmuse gimbal with no problems. Use at your own risk, but it seems to be working just fine, for me.

The LayerLens also fits well on a Rotorpixel gimbal, but you need to cut away even more of the material.