h alpha filter

[fungussface (Colin Noy)]

I would like information about hydrogen alpha filters to put on my digital camera. (that are reasonable priced) Do I need more than one filter? Do I put the h alpha filter on as well as a solar filter. I have a 1200mm lens on a canon camera. Got some great photos of the eclipse. (see fungussface post in eclipse)
I would like to get some pictures of the sun in greater definition.
Am I considering the impossible. (It takes a little longer to achieve.)
Thanks

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Unfortunately, yes, you're chasing the impossible dream!
Solar Ha imaging requires some expensive and complex filter systems.
The bandwidth you need is around 1A - far, far finer than any astrophoto Ha filter - then you have to reduce the amount of energy getting into the scope/ camera - an energy rejection filter (ERF) is required.
The cheapest entry point to Ha solar is the Coronado PST or one of the smaller Lunt scopes.
Hope this helps.

[pluto (Hugh)]

Thanks for the info Ken, I had been wondering about this also and had no idea there was a difference between the Ha filters for astro and for solar.