Silver filter vs black polymer

[quesne]

Sorry if this is a common question, but a search in the Lunar/Solar forum did not come up with a match.....

I am looking to buy or make a solar filter for my Orion XT8.  The two best options I see are the ready-made Orion "silver" filter or an 8"x8" black polymer sheet to make one up myself.

I have no problem at all making one, and I am happy to do so.  And I will do a good job if I take on the task (i.e. my question is not about safety, but optical quality).

The question is simple: Which material makes a better filter?  And what (if any) are the differences with respect to viewing benefits?

Thanks for any help :-)

[Merlin66]

The Orion version seems to be a glass filter - it will be safe to use but....unless "real" quality glass is used there may be a slight reduction in performance (contrast/ detail)

The 1000 Oaks "Black Polymer" looks very similar to the Seymour design https://www.seymoursolar.com/

Again this will be 100%....they seem to be more popular in the US than the Baader Solar film used elsewhere...

http://www.cloudynights.com/page/articles/cat/user-reviews/solar/white-light-solar-filters/seymour-solar-vs-baader-astrosolar-solar-filter-thin-film-comparison-r2019

[Steve Ward]

Without doubt the best "whitelight" Solar filter to fit to your 'scope is one that uses "Baader Solar Film".

It will give much better , more detailed views than either a glass type filter or any of the polymer film types , having tried them all there is no way I would use anything but Baader.

A slightly better view is attainable with a Herschel Wedge but these are NOT to be used on any reflecting type telescope so please do not try one.

Baader film is available on your side of the pond , either in loose sheet form or in ready made filters ... http://www.astro-physics.com/index.htm?products/accessories/solar_acc/astrosolar ... http://www.astro-physics.com/index.htm?products/accessories/solar_acc/astrosolar

For your 'scope I wqould buy a sheet of loose film and make a holder with an off-set filter of about 4" aperture positioned so as to coincide with one of the spaces between the secondary spider vanes . Making or buying a full aperture filter will be a waste unless you are blessed with near perfect seeing conditions .

[Pig]

There are two types of Baader solar film:

• One type for visual observations (double sided)
• One type for photography (single sided)

Make sure you buy the correct type that you want, as damage to the eyes is not reversible, if your not sure ask the retailer from whom you are getting it.