The sun, a majestic ball of fire in the sky, beckons photographers with its captivating beauty and celestial grandeur. But before you embark on your solar photography adventure, heed this crucial warning: NEVER photograph the sun without a certified solar filter! Ignoring this rule could have devastating consequences, permanently damaging your eyes and equipment.
Before you continue, make sure you understand the dangers to your eyes and your camera.
Luckily, with the right knowledge and tools, you can capture the sun’s brilliance safely and responsibly. Learn about certified solar filters, so you know how to you choose the right one and use it effectively.
Why Certified Filters Matter
Regular sunglasses, neutral density filters, or makeshift contraptions simply won’t cut it. These offer inadequate protection against the sun’s intense radiation, including harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays, which can burn your retinas and melt your camera sensor. Certified solar filters, however, are specifically designed and rigorously tested to block these harmful wavelengths while allowing safe observation and photography.
Neutral Density Solar Filters
Searching for DSLR solar filters brings up numerous options for Neutral Density filters. Some sites recommend a minimum of 16-stop filters. These filters are low-cost, and are often a tempting option when getting started with solar photography.
BE WARNED – Standard ND filters, including 16-stop filters, do not effectively block UV or infrared radiation. They are primarily designed to reduce the intensity of visible light entering your camera sensor, allowing for longer exposures or creative depth-of-field effects.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Neutral density: ND filters work by absorbing all wavelengths of light equally, which reduces the overall light intensity without introducing color casts. However, this absorption happens within the visible light spectrum.
- UV and IR: Ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation fall outside the visible spectrum. Standard ND filters are not specifically designed to absorb these wavelengths effectively.
- Risks: Looking directly at the sun, even through an ND filter, can be incredibly dangerous due to the unblocked UV and IR radiation. This can lead to permanent eye damage and even blindness. In addition, this type or radiation can cook your camera’s sensor or create heat buildup in the lens and camera body. If you decide to use ND filters, just remember, although you can easily replace a camera, replacing your eyes is much more difficult.
Certified Solar Filters
As with most things in life, there are multiple types of solar filters
- Mylar film filters: Affordable, lightweight, and easy to find, these are ideal for beginners. However, they can scratch easily and introduce color casts. You will notice that the film will have slight wrinkles. Don’t worry, they are normal.
- Polymer Filters: A low-cost alternative to mylar is polymer filters. This durable, double-metallized, high-strength polymer allows solar filters to deliver a natural white image of the Sun. Options include Baader AstroSolar as well as Thousand Oaks SolarLite filter.
- Glass filters: More durable and offer superior optics, resulting in sharper images. They come in various densities for different purposes and are the preferred choice for serious astrophotographers.
- Hydrogen-alpha (H-alpha) filters: Specialized filters that capture the sun’s chromosphere and prominences in specific wavelengths, revealing stunning details like solar flares.
Choosing the Right Filter
Consider these factors when selecting your filter:
- Your experience level and desired results: Beginners can start with Mylar filters, while experienced photographers might prefer glass or H-alpha filters.
- Target features: For capturing sunspots, white-light filters work well. For prominences, H-alpha filters are essential.
- Your camera setup: Ensure the filter diameter fits your telescope or camera lens.
Safe Usage Techniques
Every time you want to use the filter, follow this checklist:
- Double-check filter integrity: Look for scratches, pinholes, or delamination before each use. Replace damaged filters immediately. Pinholes might hard to see, so hold the filter up to a bright light (NOT THE SUN). If you see light through the filter, throw it away as it is damaged and won’t protect you from the harmful solar rays.
- Never stack filters: This can trap heat and damage your camera.
- Use appropriate exposure settings: Consult resources for recommended settings based on your filter and camera.
- Never look directly through the viewfinder: Use Live View or electronic viewfinders instead.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Each filter may have specific usage guidelines.
- Never, ever leave your equipment unattended while pointed at the sun. You never know who will walk by and look through the viewfinder.
What’s Next
With the right certified filter and knowledge, solar photography can be a rewarding and awe-inspiring experience.
The next step is to get your solar imaging equipment ready.
Capture the sun’s fiery spectacle safely and responsibly, and share your celestial masterpieces with the world!