How safe is the Baader Sun Filter ND5 product?

[REKAU (Russ)]

Hi

I am not sure if this topic has been covered, but how safe is the Baader ND5 Sun Filter product? I am keen to observe the sun, but with only one set of eyes it makes me nervous to take any chances....

I would love to get you thoughts / experiences, and advice.

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

The Baader Solar film, if mounted correctly is 110% safe.
I can assure you, based on MANY users in the UK and Europe that there is absolutely no risk to your eyes.
It's a great way of appreciating the fantastic views the solar disk has to offer.
Highly recommended.

[Steffen]

Yes, as long as you make sure the filter can't fly off in the wind or be pushed off easily you're safe.

Also, it is not an ND5 filter, it has an optical density of 5. An ND5 filter has an OD of 0.7. Likewise, the OD 5 Baader film amounts to an ND100000 filter.

Cheers
Steffen.

[ZeroID (Brent)]

As Steffen has said, Just make 100% .. make that 110% sure that the filter cannot be dislodged, removed, blown off or in any way taken of while you are using it. Mine slides right down inside the front glare sheild on the refractor and is a real nuisance to remove but better than catching a flash of the old solar blast.
Also make sure your finder or any other optical accessory, guidescope, camera etc is covered as well if it is still attached to the OTA. Make a tube sighter to fit in the the finder mount to assist lining it up with the sun. Move the scope around tll you can see the sun shine through onto a rear panel, screen or wall. DON'T look up the tube.
I also added a 13% moon filter at the eyepiece as it was still pretty bright to see details.
I was a bit scared first time as well, it's pretty natural, that thing is hot!!

[Steffen]

Originally Posted by ZeroID

I also added a 13% moon filter at the eyepiece as it was still pretty bright to see details.

I like to use a Baader solar continuum filter at the eyepiece. It cuts away a fair bit of light, removes a lot of turbulence and squirming and thereby brings out detail better. Very popular on St Patrick's Day, too

Cheers
Steffen.

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

+3 on the safe mounting and use of the solar filter , I used to use 2 small strips of duct tape as well as the felt packing and nylon grub screws on my now sold Kendrik solar filter , you cant be to safe especially if friends and family want a look .
Baader solar filter material is very safe to use , millions of people use it world wide .
I also used a " variable polarising " filter screwed into the eyepiece to tone it down a bit .
I now use a Lunt Hershell wedge I got from Bintel and you cant get safer than that , but these only work on refractors and are quite expensive .
Brian

[REKAU (Russ)]

Thanks for the advice - just wanted to be certain that I don't burn the eyeballs - I guess you can never be too careful.

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Originally Posted by REKAU

Thanks for the advice - just wanted to be certain that I don't burn the eyeballs - I guess you can never be too careful.

Thats what we want to hear .... enjoy !!

[OzEclipse (Joe Cali)]

I have a description of how to securely mount Baader or other thin film on my web site :

http://www.joe-cali.com/eclipses/EQU...arfilters.html

I have used these filter mounts over and over for years without any problems. The mount protects the Baader film during transport but makes it easy to transport - no big containers required. Lot's of feedback from people who have found they work well.

Joe