solar filter

[nocturne smelt]

never ever ever make a filter out of foil or any type of material. They are far from enough to keep the concentrated rays from the sun from completely melting your retina. Always buy a professionally made filter from a reputable site (not amazon or ebay)

[fallow folio]

i meant like a solar filter foil thing

like this

[nocturne smelt]

ah ok. Yes that works, but you have to be careful to make a holder for it that won't accidentally come off while using the scope

[fallow folio]

but should i buy the filter or the foil thing

[nocturne smelt]

you can do either way

[fallow folio]

okay thanks

[fallow folio]

and one more question
how should i choose between filters, how do i know which is safe and good quality?

[nocturne smelt]

Avoid sites like amazon and ebay, as they can sometimes have fake filters or scams. Look on reputable sites and check the reviews, and also once you've picked one out you can send the link on here so people can make sure it's a good one

[fallow folio]

okay thanks

i was looking at this one
https://www.tavcso-mikroszkop.hu/product/baader-astro-solar-foil-nd38-photo-10x14-cm/i:82

[nocturne smelt]

Baader is a good brand, you may want to ask in #🤓-ask-a-nerd just to be safe though

[gusty snow]

3.8 film lets more light through than 5.0. 5.0 is the only one suitable for visual, I believe, but is also fine for cameras. I’ve just bought some 5.0 but haven’t yet made a filter.

[fallow folio]

found the same filter but ND5, but the images linked to it aren't very good, and a bit faint, is it worth buying?

[gusty snow]

I think it depends on your camera. I know that for the Seestar S50 people use the 5.0 Baader film and get better results than the standard ZWO solar filter, but it also seems to let more light through than the standard filter - you have to manually reduce the gain. I haven’t had a clear day since I bought it so I haven’t tested. Perhaps with a less sensitive DSLR the 3.8 may be better? The store you’re buying from may be able to give you advice also.

[fallow folio]

I'd want to do mostly visual rather than photography