Gazing at the sun’s mesmerizing brilliance ignites a fiery passion in many photographers. But capturing the closest star requires more than just a camera pointed skyward. Learn about the essential gear you need to start your solar photography adventure, safely and effectively.
First, make sure you understand the dangers of photographing the sun.
Camera Choice:
DSLR vs. Mirrorless
Both DSLR and mirrorless cameras are capable of capturing the sun’s majesty. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose:
- DSLRs: Offer larger sensors for potentially better low-light performance, though their bulkiness might be a concern. Interchangeable lenses makes it easy to zoom in onto the face of the sun, allowing you to potentially capture the latest sunspots and streamers during total eclipses.
- Mirrorless: More compact and portable, often boasting advanced technology like electronic viewfinders (EVFs), crucial for framing with solar filters.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, portability needs, and preference for ergonomics.
Telescopes:
Unveiling the Sun’s Hidden Details
While you can capture the sun with just a camera, telescopes unlock a world of hidden features like sunspots and prominences. Consider:
- Refractor telescopes: Deliver sharp images but can be expensive.
- Reflector telescopes: More affordable but require collimation (alignment) for optimal performance.
As a beginner, solar imaging with a telescope is a more expensive option and a more complex option when compared to using a camera and camera lens.
If you opt for the telescope approach, remember that a sturdy mount is essential for tracking the sun’s movement. It will move much faster due to the smaller field of view often associated with a telescope.
Filters:
Your Safety Shield
Never point a camera or telescope directly at the sun! Invest in certified solar filters that blocks harmful radiation while allowing safe observation and photography. Popular options include:
- Mylar filters: Affordable and lightweight, ideal for beginners.
- 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 (which is the one I use)
- Glass filters: More durable and offer superior optics, preferred by serious photographers.
- Hydrogen-alpha (H-alpha) filters: Specialized filters for capturing specific solar features like prominences.
Read the following to learn more about solar filters before purchasing.
Tripods & Mounts:
Ensuring Stellar Stability
It will take time to center and focus on the sun while using the live view window. While pointing the camera at the sun, it will be too easy to accidently look at the sun.
A sturdy tripod is vital for solar photography.
A tripod will help combat camera shake while providing you with a more comfortable experience. Opt for a heavy-duty option capable of handling your camera and any additional equipment.
For telescopes, a suitable equatorial mount ensures smooth tracking of the sun across the sky.
Beyond the Essentials
Although these aren’t required, they will make your solar photography easier. However, if you are getting started, go ahead and skip these.
- Intervalometer: Automate capturing multiple images for time-lapses.
- Remote shutter release: Minimize camera shake during long exposures. Although this is optional, it is recommended as it keeps your hands off of the camera, which will help reduce camera shake and blurry images.
What’s Next
Remember:
- Safety first! Always use certified solar filters for sun observation and photography
- Start small and build your gear gradually
With the right equipment and knowledge, you’re ready to embark on your solar photography journey!
But when is a good time to capture solar activity? For that, you want to leverage a few resources to plan your solar imaging session.
Capture the sun’s magnificence safely and share its celestial beauty with the world. Happy shooting!