Baader Astro Film v Glass Filter

[slim80]

Hi

Im

looking to start making solar observations with my ETX90PE and was wondering what the pro's and con's of using astro film or a glass filter were.

Cheers

Rob

[Marky1973]

If you are talking about screw-in glass filters, then the main advantage of the Baader Film is that it doesn't crack and cause blindness.

From what I have read on these very pages, the glass filters are dangerous and should not be used. Making your own with the Baader Film is very easy if you have scissors, cardboard and tape. Even I managed it!

[ronin]

Which glass filter?

Never one that goes in the eyepiece end.

For the ETX90 there used to be an Astro Engineering glass solar filter that went on the front end, they were good but hunting one down may be a problem.

AE ceased (I think) some time back and so getting one would be difficult.

I have one for an ETX70 and it is great.

As it screws in it cannot Fall off or out, and they are well made.

Friend has one for his ETX90 and likes it. AE made some interesting items, often for ETX's

Equally I am about to make a solar filter for a friend and that is with Baader ND5 film.

So making your own is not too difficult, unless you do it like I have which makes the construction longer - must finish it soon actually.

Whose glass filter are you looking at?

I assume not an AE item.

[slim80]

Yeah making one out of film is easy then i saw this from Telescope house.

http://www.telescopehouse.com/acatalog/info_07733.html

[RikM]

I have looked through a few full-aperture glass solar filters and haven't seen one that matches the contrast and detail you get with Baader ND5 solar film. Much better views in my experience.

[JB80]

I think the Baader film is the best option you can get for your money, the views are second only to expensive Herschel wedge set ups but from my experience and what I have seen the film is in another class compared to any other product.

If you hunt around you can still buy a filter cell premade with the film too if you are not up for any DIY.

[slim80]

Im sold on the astro film going to order some from FLO.What about any other bits ill need like a Baader Solar Continuum filter etc?

Rob

[Zakalwe]

Glass filters are, AFAIK, made from ordinary float glass. As such, they are not optically perfect. The solar film is.

[Steve Ward]

Avoid the glass filters and stick with Baader Solar film , better views , safer , more robust and better value all round.

A Continuum gives a slightly better view contrast-wise but this is offset by the violent green cast , I personally find the green unpalatable so only use one for imaging.

Get the Baader , check the view and then see if you can borrow a Continuum from a local member or Astro-club to look through before forking out another £50.00.

[Highburymark]

Rob - You can get a ready assembled astrosolar filter with Baader film for under £50 at the widescreen centre. With a 90mm ETX you will need a filter diameter of 100-105mm or thereabouts to go around your scope - which may mean it's the spotting scope equivalent in the astrosolar range, but all use the same quality film. Speak to the guys at the shop. Have to agree with Steve that I'm not thus far sold on the continuum - but only got it a week ago and haven't had chance to really test it - the colour is indeed violent.

[RikM]

I like the solar continuum filter but I found I need to get the brightness right. Too bright and you get a washed out view, too dark and it just looks muddy. It is very strongly coloured. However, if you get the brightness right the views are much enhanced with the filter in place.

[slim80]

Thanks for the advice guy's.I decided to make my own in the end.still un-decided on the continuum filter.Highburymark i saw the that one on the widescreen centre website saved myself £30 making my own

[Highburymark]

I like the solar continuum filter but I found I need to get the brightness right. Too bright and you get a washed out view, too dark and it just looks muddy. It is very strongly coloured. However, if you get the brightness right the views are much enhanced with the filter in place.

That's good to hear Rik. I'm a complete newbie to solar so look forward to using the continuum.

Thanks for the advice guy's.I decided to make my own in the end.still un-decided on the continuum filter.Highburymark i saw the that one on the widescreen centre website saved myself £30 making my own

Slim - I know, it was complete laziness. For £15-20, your home made filter is the astronomy bargain of the 21st century.

[jonathan]

I looked at solar filters for my binoculars, the only ones I could find were those made by Orion (probably the same ones already mentioned in this thread), but at about £120 a pair it was just prohibitively expensive so I went down the DIY Baader solar film route.  The supplied instructions came in German but there are English versions on Baader's website for free download.

I purchased a round plastic food container to keep my completed filters safe, cost me all of 52p from Morrisson's and is a perfect fit.

[spaceboy]

I agree with others the solar film is the best and cheaper choice. As for the solar continuum filter I would see if there is anyone local to you who will let you try theirs for the day before parting with your cash. I found that the SC filter didn't work very well with solar film and performs far better in a Herchel wedge. A #58 dark green filter would be a better bet although not the easiest of filters to find they do come up on ebay and I think Rother valley optics may have a rather expensive branded one??

[toilandtrouble123]

Hey, I'd go with the sheets.  I got some on the way for the boyfriend to make me filters for my refractor and my DSLR, like so. More cost effective than a glass filter, and to think of the probability of me damaging a glass one, and then using it, ugh makes me cringe at what could happen.  We found a link for us to make ours from, and from the excess that will be left, we can retain as backup  http://astrosolar.com/en/information/how-to/how-to-make-your-own-objective-solar-filter-for-your-camera-or-telescope/

[slim80]

The film arrived from FLO today and the filter is done.had a quick peek through it (without scope) very pleased.Cant wait for some good weather so i can had a proper session with it