11 replies to this topic

[Duggernaut]

So I've decided to get into solar imaging, I just ordered this filter for my Svbony MK105:

 

https://www.amazon.c...0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

So will I need any additional filters or will I be good to go with that solar filter? I've been reading in the forums here, people talking about adding a Baader Continuum filter to help with contrast, so I may do that eventually. I was also wondering, should I use my UV/IR cut filter in the image train or use nothing but the solar filter itself? My camera is the ASI585MC, just wanted to make sure I didn't need any additional filters or accessories to avoid damaging anything. Thanks in advance, and clear skies!

[gstrumol]

I don't know this filter, but I would have liked some details about performance (is it ND5?). The images show a red sun with a very poor image. Does it tint the sun red? Sloppy details.

 

I prefer the Baader film filter from Astrozap:

 

https://astrozap.com...er-solar-filter

[kgb]

So I've decided to get into solar imaging, I just ordered this filter for my Svbony MK105:

https://www.amazon.c...0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So will I need any additional filters or will I be good to go with that solar filter? I've been reading in the forums here, people talking about adding a Baader Continuum filter to help with contrast, so I may do that eventually. I was also wondering, should I use my UV/IR cut filter in the image train or use nothing but the solar filter itself? My camera is the ASI585MC, just wanted to make sure I didn't need any additional filters or accessories to avoid damaging anything. Thanks in advance, and clear skies!

I am not familiar with that filter from Spectrum, but it appears to be standard solar film. Yes you should continue using the UV/IR filter with your camera. The solar continuum filter can be added later and, as far as I am aware, are more commonly used with a Herschel wedge, but I cannot see a reason why it wouldn't also help with solar film.

[doole]

If my understanding is correct, the design intent of the 'Solar Continuum' filter was to attenuate wavelengths that got their wires crossed in older refractors, so I might compare with and without results before I committed to one. It will likely depend on your scope. On the other hand, perhaps you want those wavelengths attenuated anyway. -chris

Edited by doole, 29 September 2023 - 02:34 PM.

[BYoesle]

Other than a Zeiss or Questar optically polished - and therefore expensive optical glass solar filters - the only other filter you should consider is the Baader OD 5.0 Astrosolar material filter -- which is second only to a Herschel wedge.

 

Since you've used Amazon for the purchase, upon arrival immediately return it without opening it for a refund. Then buy any other filter that uses the Baader Astrosolar material, like the Astrozap filter linked to above. You can even get the Baader Astrosolar material as a sheet and make your own filter.

 

Even Lunt, which used to sell a really good glass solar filter when operated as Coronado in the early 2000's before MEADE bought them, and Astro-Physics, sells the Baader material filter as the alternative to a Herschel wedge.

 

The Continuum filter not only was designed for the chromatic and spherochromatic aberration suppression, it also corrects for atmospheric dispersion effects when observing the sun at lower solar elevations in the early morning or late afternoon when seeing conditions are often more favorable.

 

For more detail, see this post.

Edited by BYoesle, 30 September 2023 - 06:33 AM.

[gstrumol]

Other than a Zeiss or Questar optically polished - and therefore expensive optical glass solar filters - the only other filter you should consider is the Baader OD 5.0 Astrosolar material filter -- which is second only to a Herschel wedge.

 

Since you've used Amazon for the purchase, upon arrival immediately return it without opening it for a refund. Then buy any other filter that uses the Baader Astrosolar material, like the Astrozap filter linked to above. You can even get the Baader Astrosolar material as a sheet and make your own filter.

 

Even Lunt, which used to sell a really good glass solar filter when operated as Coronado in the early 2000's before MEADE bought them, and Astro-Physics, sells the Baader material filter as the alternative to a Herschel wedge.

 

The Continuum filter not only was designed for the chromatic and spherochromatic aberration suppression, it also corrects for atmospheric dispersion effects when observing the sun at lower solar elevations in the early morning or late afternoon when seeing conditions are often more favorable.

 

For more detail, see this post.

Just to correct a typo - you meant ND 5.0, not OD. Don't want to confuse the OP. 

[BYoesle]

Yep - you're right - (but they are the same thing ;-) 

[Prasad]

Just to correct a typo - you meant ND 5.0, not OD. Don't want to confuse the OP. 

ND and OD are one and same. Can be interchanged. 

 

-Prasad

[T~Stew]

If my understanding is correct, the design intent of the 'Solar Continuum' filter was to attenuate wavelengths that got their wires crossed in older refractors, so I might compare with and without results before I committed to one. It will likely depend on your scope. On the other hand, perhaps you want those wavelengths attenuated anyway. -chris

I don't think the age is the factor here but the design and quality. For example a brand new achromat will not focus all visible wavelengths of light together by design, so I would definitely think about the continuum filter for any achro. Even APO's have varying degrees of ability to reach focus across the spectrum, and to provide ideal optical characteristics across the spectrum. Green seems to be a safe bet for most scopes to focus well and sharp. 

[gstrumol]

Yep - you're right - (but they are the same thing ;-) 

 

ND and OD are one and same. Can be interchanged. 

 

-Prasad

Gentlemen, I stand corrected! 

[Nicole Sharp]

So I've decided to get into solar imaging, I just ordered this filter for my Svbony MK105:

 

https://www.amazon.c...0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

So will I need any additional filters or will I be good to go with that solar filter? I've been reading in the forums here, people talking about adding a Baader Continuum filter to help with contrast, so I may do that eventually. I was also wondering, should I use my UV/IR cut filter in the image train or use nothing but the solar filter itself? My camera is the ASI585MC, just wanted to make sure I didn't need any additional filters or accessories to avoid damaging anything. Thanks in advance, and clear skies!

I recommend a Solar finder such as the Far Laboratories HelioPod.

 

https://www.farlabor...m/dyna-hp1.html

[doole]

...or this one: (my personal favourite) https://www.fruugo.c...MkaAlipEALw_wcB