Sun filter skymax 127 AZ-GTi

[Knighter]

Hi can anyone recommend a sun filter for my skymax 127 scope. What’s the best design and where I can get one from that are actually available.

Thanks 

Matt

[johninderby]

Astrozap or Kendrick make excellent solar filters using Baader solar film. The Baader solar film gives the best views you can get for a mak. Stay away from glass  filters as they aren’t as good as the solar film. Problem with glass filters is the cheap,glass used that isn’t optically flat.

BTW the film is optically flat although it doesn't look it. Something that confuses many at first.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/solar-filters/astrozap-baader-solar-filter.html

This is a filter fitted to a Bresser 127 mak which will show you what it looks like.

Edited May 15, 2020 by johninderby

[George Gearless]

You won't go wrong with what Johninderby has posted. That would be the 'Rolls Royce' of solar filters for your particular size of scope.

Allow me to offer an alternative. Like this https://www.firstlightoptics.com/solar-filters/explore-scientific-solarix-a4-solar-filter-film.html.

Took me no more than 20 mins to cut out pieces of cardboard from a box that fits perfectly on my scope and glued the filter on it. I even had some left over to fit on some cheap binoculars I had lying around. Sure, it doesn't look as professional as the premade one. But it works just as well.

I'll try and post a pic of it when I get home tonight. 

[johninderby]

Yes much cheaper to make your own. 

https://astrosolar.com/en/information/how-to/how-to-make-your-own-objective-solar-filter-for-your-camera-or-telescope/

Edited May 15, 2020 by johninderby

[Knighter]

That’s brilliant guys thank you very much, will have a closer look at both options 

Matt 

[Knighter]

7 hours ago, George Gearless said:

You won't go wrong with what Johninderby has posted. That would be the 'Rolls Royce' of solar filters for your particular size of scope.

Allow me to offer an alternative. Like this https://www.firstlightoptics.com/solar-filters/explore-scientific-solarix-a4-solar-filter-film.html.

Took me no more than 20 mins to cut out pieces of cardboard from a box that fits perfectly on my scope and glued the filter on it. I even had some left over to fit on some cheap binoculars I had lying around. Sure, it doesn't look as professional as the premade one. But it works just as well.

I'll try and post a pic of it when I get home tonight. 

 

[Knighter]

That would be great Thankyou certainly a cheaper option and if it works as well why not 

Matt 

[George Gearless]

12 hours ago, Knighter said:

That would be great Thankyou certainly a cheaper option and if it works as well why not 

Matt 

Here are my astounding examples of engineering at its finest :).

The first one I made was for my Mak 127 just like yours. I just used the foam that the telescope came in. Don't worry about the filter not being completely tight like a drumskin. It doesn't matter. Just make sure it's as 'light-proof' around the edges as possible. In fact, you should take extra care NOT to stretch it. That'll ruin the structure of the filter.

 

  

 

The second one was made with cardboard and tape for my 80mm refractor. Looks terrible I know. But it works.

 

 

 

 

Just make sure that 'cap' has an edge on the inside, so the edge of the telescope doesn't rest directly on the foil when you put it on. The foil is rather flimsy. 

 

 

Setting esthetics aside, when you look through your eyepiece, you will see no difference between the homemade filter or the 'proffesional' one.

[Knighter]

3 hours ago, George Gearless said:

Here are my astounding examples of engineering at its finest :).

The first one I made was for my Mak 127 just like yours. I just used the foam that the telescope came in. Don't worry about the filter not being completely tight like a drumskin. It doesn't matter. Just make sure it's as 'light-proof' around the edges as possible. In fact, you should take extra care NOT to stretch it. That'll ruin the structure of the filter.

 

  

 

The second one was made with cardboard and tape for my 80mm refractor. Looks terrible I know. But it works.

 

 

 

 

Just make sure that 'cap' has an edge on the inside, so the edge of the telescope doesn't rest directly on the foil when you put it on. The foil is rather flimsy. 

 

 

Setting esthetics aside, when you look through your eyepiece, you will see no difference between the homemade filter or the 'proffesional' one.

Hi George 

That’s brilliant I particularly like the foam filter I still have the original packaging so will definitely give that one a go it should also be a snug fit over the scope so no danger it if coming loose and falling off. 
really helpful thank you will send you some photos when I have made it to ‘compare notes’ 

Thanks again 

Matt

[johninderby]

Very important to make sure it can’t come off accidentally. Some tape or bungee cord can be used.

Here’s a filter I made a few years ago using thin modeling plywood. 

[Knighter]

That’s great thank you. I have borrowed a solar filter from a friend until I sort mine out. Yesterday I had some great views of the sun. Today is too cloudy at the moment which is typical. I also have the Celestron xyz mount for my iPhone but when I tried to take a photo it looks like I get glare etc which effects the photo. Normally the photos are excellent so do you think I need some form of sun shield for the back end of the scope to improve this?. Can anyone suggest anything or something that I’m doing wrong?.