Solar film or Thousand Oaks?

[Screwdriverone]

Hi All,

I may be going to China in time to see the Total Solar Eclipse and have a quick question re solar filters.

I am thinking of buying a DSLR (to be given to my son later :)) in my travels and with this I intend to take some eclipse shots (weather permitting)

Now, the question is; What should I get to cover the front aperture of a DSLR lens to SAFELY and with good quality, take photos of the eclipse?

I have seen a few glass Thousand Oaks versions but there are so many choices and different styles, I am hoping there is a pretty much standard size to fit over the lens of a DSLR in the Pentax or Nikon range.

I hope thats not too vague..... :P

Can anyone advise on something thats not too expensive please?

Cheers

Chris

[Saturnine]

G'day Chris
Hope you get to the eclipse, they're one of the awesome spectacles in nature. For solar filters I would recommend purchasing an A4 sheet of Baader Astrosolar Safety Film , about $50, from any online retailer that stocks the film, such as Aquila Optical & Electronics.com.au or Telescopes & Astronomy.com.au. Some of the major retailers may stock the same or similar material,and the Baader film has a comprehensive instruction sheet included explaining how to make simple filter mounts for telescopes or cameras.
I've made several filters for my scopes from 1 sheet and they work just fine.

Regards
Jeff

[Dennis]

Hi Chris

Using a Thousand Oaks solar filters on my Vixen 4” F9 refractor produced a flare or hot spot from a reflection that I just could not get rid of, no matter how I fitted and rotated the filter.

As a result, I changed to the Baader solar film and I am very pleased with the results. I also prefer the cooler colour of the Baader to the more orange warm colour of the Thousand Oaks.

Note that the Baader solar film comes in two grades; one that allows visual and photography, the other for photography only as it transmits much more of the visual spectrum but is completely unsuited and dangerous for visual.

I hope you get to see what should be an awe inspiring event.

Cheers

Dennis

[Screwdriverone]

Thanks for the info Jeff and Dennis,


The Baader A4 sheet sounds like a good idea, simply because of the flexibility of using it on the DSLR and / or the aperture stop on the DOB or the 5 inch scope as well.

It sounds like a plan to get the Visual/Photography version as I can then use it for visual if the need arises. (and keeping in mind all the OTHER safety aspects in mind also)

Thanks for the help,

Cheers

Chris

[jjjnettie]

When you make your filter with it, remember that it doesn't have to be super smooth and taut. It's ok if it's a bit wobbly, it won't affect the image.
While you're at it, you'll have enough to make filters for your binos too.

[Dennis]

And don’t forget to make one for your finder scope too. That way, it is safe when the main tube is pointing at the Sun and you can use the finder to locate and centre the Sun.

Cheers

Dennis

[jjjnettie]

For a 50mm finderscope, the lid from a can of fly spray or spray paint is usually just the right size to make a filter holder . Cut the bottom out, leaving 1cm all round to attach the film. Too easy.

[Screwdriverone]

Sweet, Thanks Jeanette and Dennis,

Never even thought of the binos or the finderscope, now I can safely take the binos to China with me and use those as well as the camera.

Cool!

Glad I asked.

Thanks heaps.

Chris

[alphamone]

yeah, baader solar film is good enough for a camera, just place it in front of the lens. I am using the stuff i have leftover from making the filter for my scope on my cameras (video and still).