10 replies to this topic

[astrobeast]

I'm looking to start observing the sun with my Edge11 and was wondering if I would be better off with a full aperture (mylar type) filter or a higher quality ~3.5" glass filter inside an aperture block. For about the same money I can get a full aperture film or 3.2" glass filter.

 

I do see full aperture glass filters but not sure I want to spend that kind of $ or if it is really worth it. If it is, I'll consider it.

 

So general advice sought here!

Edited by astrobeast, 23 February 2025 - 03:28 PM.

[Astrojensen]

Forget the glass filters. Unless they're made by a very high end company (and the price here indicate that they aren't!!), they're optically poor. The Baader Solar film filters are by far the best full-aperture filters out there and vastly superior to most glass filters. The only glass filter I've seen that was as sharp as a Baader Solar film filter was one from Zeiss. All others have been worse. Often far worse. 

 

 

Clear skies!

Thomas, Denmark

[astrobeast]

Forget the glass filters. Unless they're made by a very high end company (and the price here indicate that they aren't!!), they're optically poor. The Baader Solar film filters are by far the best full-aperture filters out there and vastly superior to most glass filters. The only glass filter I've seen that was as sharp as a Baader Solar film filter was one from Zeiss. All others have been worse. Often far worse. 

 

 

Clear skies!

Thomas, Denmark

Thanks for the response.

 

Yeah, the Baader film filter was the comparison price point. This is the glass equivalent I was looking at, about 2x the money

 

https://agenaastro.c...er-st1250g.html

[astrobeast]

Thanks for the response.

 

Yeah, the Baader film filter was the comparison price point. This is the glass equivalent I was looking at, about 2x the money

 

https://agenaastro.c...er-st1250g.html

There is also this one which is a bit cheaper than the Baader

 

https://astronomics....-11-sct-s-12500

[vtornado]

I can see more detail in my 8 inch f/6 dob than a 4 inch refractor (both with astro film).  The extra aperture does NOT allow me to use any additional magnification.   I'm unsure if it is the potentially increased resolution, or the extra exit pupil. 

 

I have compared small samples of Baader astro to low cost but name branded glass filters. The astro film is noticably superior.   Not a conclusive test as I have only had 2 glass filters.

Edited by vtornado, 23 February 2025 - 04:10 PM.

[astrobeast]

I can see more detail in my 8 inch f/6 dob than a 4 inch refractor (both with astro film).  The extra aperture does NOT allow me to use any additional magnification.   I'm unsure if it is the potentially increased resolution, or the extra exit pupil. 

 

I have compared small samples of Baader astro to low cost but name branded glass filters. The astro film is noticably superior.   Not a conclusive test as I have only had 2 glass filters.

Is this the Baader filter you are referring to?

 

https://www.highpoin...lescopes-az1007

[PKDfan]

The glass filters only positive IMO is a nicer render colour.

Mylar to every review i've read has higher resolution than glass filters.

I love using my three small refractors with a mylar film.


Good hunting !


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[Sketcher]

There might be some confusion going on in this thread.  First off, the Baader Solar Film is not mylar.  Those are two different materials and are not even close when it comes to performance.

 

In my limited experience with mylar, the Baader material, and glass solar filters I would rank them in order from best to worse as:

 

1.  the Baader material that I've had experience with

2.  the glass filters that I've had experience with

3.  the mylar filters that I've had experience with

 

The mylar filters that I've used have been very noticeably inferior to the glass filters I've used.  The glass filters that I/ve used have been noticeably inferior to the Baader material.  In other words, in my experiences, mylar really ought to be totally avoided unless one has no other choice in the matter.  I still have one or two glass solar filters.  But I have many Baader material filters.  Long ago I trashed the mylar filters that I once had.  They were that bad in comparison.

 

Oh, and if one doesn't like the color when using the Baader material, one can add a colored eyepiece filter of whatever color one might prefer.

[PKDfan]

There might be some confusion going on in this thread. First off, the Baader Solar Film is not mylar. Those are two different materials and are not even close when it comes to performance.

In my limited experience with mylar, the Baader material, and glass solar filters I would rank them in order from best to worse as:

1. the Baader material that I've had experience with
2. the glass filters that I've had experience with
3. the mylar filters that I've had experience with

The mylar filters that I've used have been very noticeably inferior to the glass filters I've used. The glass filters that I/ve used have been noticeably inferior to the Baader material. In other words, in my experiences, mylar really ought to be totally avoided unless one has no other choice in the matter. I still have one or two glass solar filters. But I have many Baader material filters. Long ago I trashed the mylar filters that I once had. They were that bad in comparison.

Oh, and if one doesn't like the color when using the Baader material, one can add a colored eyepiece filter of whatever color one might prefer.

If its not mylar then i am sorry i was mistaken Sketcher so curious went to Baaders site.

From Wiliam Paolini's review...

The film itself is marketed as a step up in quality over standard
Mylar offerings being ion implanted and metallized with a tough, color-neutral layer on both sides of the film. This process claims being more durable and optically more precise.


I stand corrected; a superduper mylar then.


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[Scotty]

No,

not superduper mylar!

Nowhere is "mylar" mentioned in the Baader advertising.https://astrosolar.c...technical-info/

Mylar is a brand name: Mylar® brand is a registered trademark owned by Dupont Tejjin Films for a specific family of plastic sheet products made from the resin Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). The true generic terms for this material are either polyester film, polyester sheets or plastic sheet.

Nowhere are the optical qualities mentioned: https://www.archival...mylar®polyester

Baader Solar film is 100% safe and optically close to perfect.

[PKDfan]

No,
not superduper mylar!
Nowhere is "mylar" mentioned in the Baader advertising.https://astrosolar.c...technical-info/
Mylar is a brand name: Mylar® brand is a registered trademark owned by Dupont Tejjin Films for a specific family of plastic sheet products made from the resin Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). The true generic terms for this material are either polyester film, polyester sheets or plastic sheet.
Nowhere are the optical qualities mentioned: https://www.archival...mylar®polyester
Baader Solar film is 100% safe and optically close to perfect.

Oh Man I messed up twice !!

Its too late to amend my post.

Ok, i think i'll only comment on things i 100% know from now on.

Thanks Scotty- beam me outta here please !


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