Which Solar Filter for 127SLT

[ykket]

Hey guys,

As the title suggests, I currently have the Celestron NexStar 127SLT and love it! I do want to get into solar viewing a bit but having a hard time trying to figure out which filter I need. I've seen glass filters and films and that I would need one that goes over the end and not screwed into the eyepiece. Nevertheless, my mind is scattered and I have come to SGL for some assistance. I am located in the US, so some UK sites do not ship here

Thanks

[E621Keith]

Alpine astro is the US distributor for Baader Solar film. The film is highly recommended for white light solar observation.

http://www.alpineastro.com/Solar_Observation/Solar_Observation.htm

If you don't like making DIY filter cell, Astrozap makes complete solar filters using Baader film.

http://www.astrozap.com/Scripts/default.asp

Orion USA and Thousand Oaks are both US companies that sells full aperture glass solar filter.

http://www.thousandoaksoptical.com/solar.html

http://www.telescope.com/Accessories/Telescope-Eyepiece-Filters/Orion-Full-Aperture-Glass-Telescope-Solar-Filters/pc/-1/c/3/sc/48/e/4.uts

[JamesF]

Making your own with the Baader film is fairly easy if you want to go that route.

James

[ykket]

Ok very cool. Thanks for the links! Is there a specific reason to go one over the other?

[E621Keith]

Ok very cool. Thanks for the links! Is there a specific reason to go one over the other?

Baader film is cheap. It's also optically better than many glass filter, but you need to DIY a filter cell. Astrozap is the same as Baader film, but comes mounted in a filter cell. Orion and Thousand Oaks are glass filters and was a better choice than the old mylar film solar filter. However, when Baader started selling the Baader film, they became less attractive.

[JamesF]

My personal view is go for the Astrozap one if you don't want to make it yourself, otherwise get the Baader film and build the mount yourself. There are lots of instructions online and included with the film itself. You just need to make sure you remove *all* the protective sheets when you put it together. On one side there's a clear protective film that people sometimes don't realise is there until too late.

James

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

My personal view is go for the Astrozap one if you don't want to make it yourself, otherwise get the Baader film and build the mount yourself. There are lots of instructions online and included with the film itself. You just need to make sure you remove *all* the protective sheets when you put it together. On one side there's a clear protective film that people sometimes don't realise is there until too late.

James

Good advice. When I made one for the kids' dob, I only noticed just in time that there was this extra film.

[ykket]

Great! Thanks guys for all the input. I have a feeling I will be going for the Astrozap!