Baader Solar Continuum Filter

[Moonshane]

Hi all

I am considering the purchase of one of these to enhance my white light solar observing. Has anyone used one and are they worth buying? I understand the increase contrast and appearance of surface granulation?

Cheers

Shane

[iwatkins]

Also interested, but for imaging.

Cheers

Ian

[johninderby]

I've used the continuum filter for a few years now, both the 1.25" and 2".

The filter does help to increase contrast and surface detail but it won't transform your views. Think of the difference between say a Nagler and an Ethos eyepiece. Yes the Ethos is that step better, but not a huge amount better. This filter is for when you've done everything else to get the best views and you just want to get that last few percent of improvement possible.

John

[Stu]

Hi Shane

I have got one of these and have to admit I wasn't that impressed, I was expecting more from it. I was only using it on an 80mm scope which may not have helped. Others may find differently and perhaps I didn't persevere with it enough.

Somewhere on the web, there is a good review about using combinations of filters to give improved views of granulation in white light. I think it included using a particular green filter with one other, can't remember which! Will have a check and see if I can find it.

Cheers

Stu

[hunterknox]

I use a continuum filter for photography, but I also have a simple Wratten 58 (dark green) filter - not quite as good but not much in it.

[Moonshane]

cheers guys some really excellent comments. I think I may have found a solution - thanks Stu!

[Merlin66]

The Continuum certainly helps with visual contrast. Adding a UV-IR cut as well when imaging also seems to improve contrast in the image

[Moonshane]

cheers Merlin - I'll do a review when I get my hands on one as there seems to be a lot of mixed reviews out there.

[Adz]

Could try it with the baader neo as well Shane?

[Merlin]

I haven't noticed much, if any, improvement with the Solar Continuum filter.

A selection of green filters, allowing for fine-tuning of contrast, might be better at teasing out the solar granulation.

[spaceboy]

I found No. 11 & 12 colour filters stacked together worked best for me and they can be picked up a lot cheaper than the baader filter. Gives a nice yellow colour to the sun also.