Seymour Solar Filter

[Pig]

Does anyone have any experience with the Seymour solar filters ? I am thinking of purchasing one but would like to know if anyone else has one and if so what is the performance like ? I will only get the type that fits onto the front of the scope ----- Shaun the link is below http://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/seymour-solar-sf1075-10-75in-type-2-solar-filter_d5644.html

[Steve Ward]

Seen various reviews and images on Cloudy Nights , personally I'd go with the Baader film .

For that unnatural orange look you can always add a filter on the back end , and for £55.00 you can get a 500mm x 1000mm roll of Baader.

[Pig]

Steve thank you, I had the film type with my last scope, I kept tearing it accidently so I thought the glass would be a better option for my sausage fingers, I don't mind to much about the orange colour as long as the detail of the sun spots are not compromised.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

I have a similar filter from Thousand Oaks for my C8, and it is quite good, but when I bought it the solar films were not as durable as the current ones. I have only used Baader Solar film on the kids' mini-Dob, and it is nice and sharp. The C8 with its glass filter is better, but probably mainly because the mini-Dob had some collimation issues.

I now use a Herschel wedge on my 80mm and that seems to be the sharpest solution

[Pig]

Thank you Michael that's interesting, do you think the crumpled nature of the film has any impact compared to the smooth glass ?

[Steve Ward]

The 'crumpled' nature will have no effect , unless it's been really scrunched up.

I think the main problem with the glass filters is the less than perfect (optically) glass that is used , and the fact that they are coated on one side only making them more susceptible to pin-holes and damage ( and they don't like being dropped ... )

A wedge is the way to go ideally provided you're using a refractor , you cannot use them on reflectors or Maks or SCT's.

[Peter Drew]

No impact whatsoever due to its incredible thinness. Glass filters, although more durable, have to be very accurate (expensive) to match the optical properties of solar film.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Mine was very expensive at the time. Had for years and it is still OK. I would go for solar film today for my SCT.

[Pig]

Ok guys I will give the Glass a miss as it does not sound like its worth the trouble thanks for all your help.