Solar with bins, worthwhile?

[ismangil]

Hi all,

Is it worthwhile making solar filters for my 10x50 binoculars?

Are there specific factors for solar use?

On mobile (excuse the strange predictive words...)

[RikM]

I would struggle to use binos with solar filters. Being 'face on' to the sunlight is a pain. With a white light filtered scope you are looking at right angles to the sunlight and you can also have a shade fitted so you don't get glare in the eyes while observing.

[Photosbykev]

The glare would be an issue as Rik commented. Maybe think about a 10x50 right angle finder scope with a solar filter?

[JB80]

I made a similar thread the other day, mainly regarding that you cany buy or at least could buy specialised solar binoculars.

Although they don't seem to exist anymore, some places do sell small sized filter for bino's though.

[ismangil]

Thanks all. The filters itself wouldn't be a problem, Baader film is plenty.

The glare issue is a good point...

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[BinocularSky]

I do have solar filters for my 10x50. I do not have any problem with glare; neither has anyone else who has used it reported any problems (first filtered it for the last Venus transit and lots of people looked through it).

[GazK]

I hate to disagree (I love to disagree) but I have literally just finished making some solar bin filters for my 10x50s with the leftover Baader film from my Mak filter. I've got them on a tripod in the back garden and they give great views of the whacking great tadpole sunspot currently on view. The view is much enhanced if you throw something black over your head to reduce the glare, but the views are still good without. Go for it!

[ismangil]

Ah, I suppose advice from someone who wrote the book on binocular stargazing would be good to follow :thumbup:

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[Viv]

Have just seen this link from baader .......

http://www.baader-planetarium.com/pdf/construct_binocular.pdf

[ismangil]

Have just seen this link from baader .......

http://www.baader-planetarium.com/pdf/construct_binocular.pdf

Excellent somehow I missed that, I've read the one for the telescope.

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[BinocularSky]

Just remembered that the photos on http://binocularsky.com/binoc_hold.php were taken during solar obs. I always hold a binocular as in the second picture, which probably helps to reduce glare, but you can see from the shadows cast by the Sun on my lad's face by the binocular that glare is not a significant issue.

Edit: Note that I secure the filters in place with masking tape.

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[Grunthos]

Edit: Note that I secure the filters in place with masking tape.

+1

[Joy]

+1 can confirm the plans work.

I made these last night and they seem to work very well.

I used art and craft foam for the safety strap, and also lined the inside of the box with foam for a more secure fit and a bit of friction so it feels nice and tight.

Thanks for the link.

[jimmyjamjoejoe]

I use filters on my bins quite often, much less hassle than setting up the scope. I generally use them for a quick fix, or to see if it's worth setting up the pst.

[kenmyers]

Just remembered that the photos on http://binocularsky.com/binoc_hold.php were taken during solar obs. I always hold a binocular as in the second picture, which probably helps to reduce glare, but you can see from the shadows cast by the Sun on my lad's face by the binocular that glare is not a significant issue.

Edit: Note that I secure the filters in place with masking tape.

Sent from my HTC Wildfire S A510e using Tapatalk 2

Great images and descriptions. I like the rifle sling idea, will be trying it tonight.