Top Picks for Safe Sun Viewing in 2024
Observing the Sun through a telescope can be an amazing experience. It lets you see sunspots, solar flares, and other fascinating features up close. But looking directly at the Sun is very dangerous and can seriously harm your eyes. That’s where solar filters come in. These special filters attach to your telescope and make it safe to view the Sun.
Solar filters block most of the Sun’s light and heat. This protects your eyes and your telescope from damage. They come in different types, like glass filters that fit over the front of your telescope or film filters that cover the eyepiece. Some are made for visual observing, while others work better for solar photography.
When choosing a solar filter, safety is the most important factor. You need a filter that fits your telescope properly and is made by a reputable company. The filter’s optical quality also matters. A good solar filter will give you clear, sharp views of the Sun’s surface. Price is another thing to think about, as filters can range from budget-friendly to quite expensive. With the right solar filter, you can enjoy views of our nearest star safely and comfortably.
Best Telescope Solar Filters
Want to safely view the sun through your telescope? You’ll need a quality solar filter. We’ve rounded up the top options to protect your eyes and equipment while getting amazing solar views.
Celestron EclipSmart Solar Filter

This solar filter is a solid choice for safe Sun viewing with your 8″ Celestron telescope.
Pros
- Meets safety standards for direct solar viewing
- Easy to attach securely
- Produces clear, natural-looking images
Cons
- Only fits specific 8″ Celestron models
- Film is somewhat thin
- May be tricky to store safely
The Celestron EclipSmart Solar Filter lets you turn your telescope into a solar observatory. It’s made for 8″ Schmidt-Cassegrain and EdgeHD scopes from Celestron. The filter blocks 99.999% of visible light, plus harmful UV and IR rays. This keeps your eyes safe when looking at the Sun.
You can use this filter to check out sunspots, solar flares, and eclipses. It attaches to your scope with two straps, so it won’t fall off while you’re using it. The orange tint gives the Sun a natural look, which is nice for both watching and taking pictures.
The filter is made in the USA and tested to meet safety rules. It comes with Celestron’s lifetime warranty too. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, it’s a good investment if you want to explore our nearest star safely. Just remember to handle it gently – the film is thin and could tear if you’re not careful.
Thousand Oaks Solar Filter Sheet

You should buy this solar filter sheet if you want a safe and affordable way to observe the Sun through telescopes or binoculars.
Pros
- Safe for solar viewing
- Affordable DIY option
- Versatile for different devices
Cons
- Requires DIY assembly
- Needs secure attachment
- May be darker than expected
This solar filter sheet from Thousand Oaks Optical gives you a budget-friendly way to safely look at the Sun. It’s made of black polymer, which is great for seeing sunspots and other solar details. You can use it with telescopes, binoculars, or cameras.
One cool thing about this filter is that it makes the Sun look orange, which is pretty neat. It’s stronger than Mylar, so it should last a while. The company even gives you a five-year guarantee. That’s good peace of mind when you’re dealing with something as important as eye safety.
Remember, you’ll need to make the filter yourself. It’s not too hard, but you have to be careful. Always tape it on really well so it doesn’t fall off while you’re looking through your telescope. Safety first! This DIY approach lets you save money compared to ready-made filters, which is a big plus if you’re on a budget.
Baader AstroSolar Film

This high-quality solar filter film is a great choice for safe and clear solar viewing.
Pros
- Excellent optical quality
- Versatile for various devices
- Produces natural white solar images
Cons
- Delicate material needs careful handling
- Requires DIY filter construction
- Higher price compared to some alternatives
The Baader AstroSolar Film offers top-notch solar viewing for astronomy fans. You’ll get crisp, white-light solar images that look amazing. This film works well with telescopes, binoculars, and camera lenses.
Making your own solar filter with this film takes some work, but it’s worth it. You’ll need to be careful when handling the thin material. Once set up, though, you’ll see the sun in stunning detail. The film’s optical quality is so good, it’s like using an expensive lens.
One sheet gives you enough material for several filters. You can make custom sizes for different devices. While it costs more than some other options, the Baader film’s performance makes up for it. If you want the best views of the sun, this filter film is a solid choice.
Thousand Oaks SolarLite Filter

You should buy this filter if you want a durable, high-quality solar filter for your 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.
Pros
- Fits Celestron and Meade 8″ SCTs
- Durable polymer material
- Natural yellow-orange solar image
Cons
- May need extra securing
- Pricier than some options
- Might not fit all 8″ telescopes
The Thousand Oaks SolarLite Filter is a great pick for safe solar viewing. It’s made to fit 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes from Celestron and Meade. The filter uses a special polymer material that’s tough and long-lasting. It won’t get pinholes or scratches that could let in harmful light.
When you look through this filter, the Sun will appear yellow-orange. This color is more natural than the white image you get with some other filters. The SolarLite filter is also very even across its surface. You won’t see wrinkles or creases that can mess up your view.
One thing to watch out for is how the filter attaches. It fits like a cap and stays on by friction. You might want to use some tape to make sure it’s extra secure. Also, check your telescope’s size carefully. The filter is 236mm (9.312 inches) in diameter, so it won’t fit every 8-inch scope out there. But if it does fit your telescope, you’ll have a safe and clear view of the Sun for many years to come.
Thousand Oaks 52mm Solar Filter

You should buy this solar filter if you want a safe and reliable way to photograph the sun with your camera.
Pros
- Fits 52mm camera lenses
- Made by trusted solar filter company
- Shows sun in natural orange color
Cons
- Only works for cameras, not telescopes
- Needs careful attachment for safety
- May not fit all 52mm lenses perfectly
This black polymer solar filter screws onto 52mm camera lenses to let you safely take pictures of the sun. It’s made by Thousand Oaks Optical, a company that’s been making solar filters for over 30 years. When you use it, the sun will look orange in your photos.
The filter is stronger than Mylar and has its filtering properties protected inside the material. Thousand Oaks Optical guarantees it will last for five years. You can use it to see sunspots and surface details on the sun.
Be careful when you put this filter on your camera. Make sure it’s attached well and use tape if you need to. Never look at the sun without the filter securely in place. It’s meant for cameras only, so don’t try to use it on telescopes or binoculars.
Thousand Oaks Solar Filter

This 55mm threaded solar filter is a great choice for safe sun viewing and photography with your camera.
Pros
- High-quality black polymer material
- Easy to attach and secure
- Produces natural orange sun color
Cons
- Only fits 55mm lens diameters
- Requires careful handling and attachment
- Not suitable for water-based photography
The Thousand Oaks Solar Filter is a must-have for any sun-watching enthusiast. It’s made by a company with over 30 years of experience in solar filters, so you know you’re getting a top-notch product. The black polymer material is super strong and gives you a clear, orange-tinted view of the sun.
You’ll love how easy it is to use this filter. It screws right onto your camera lens, as long as you have a 55mm diameter. Just make sure it’s on tight! You might want to use some tape to keep it extra secure. Safety first when you’re looking at the sun, right?
One cool thing about this filter is how it lets you see sunspots and granulation. It’s like getting a front-row seat to the sun’s surface! Plus, it’s CE and ISO approved, so you can trust that it’s safe to use. Just remember, never look at the sun without a proper filter like this one. Your eyes will thank you!
Neewer Telescope Filter Set

This filter set offers good value for enhancing your views of the moon and planets.
Pros
- Includes moon filter and CPL filter
- Five color filters for different viewing needs
- Standard 1.25″ size fits most telescopes
Cons
- No filter numbers or labels
- May not dramatically improve views
- Filters can feel a bit flimsy
The Neewer filter set gives you several options to try out when stargazing. You get a moon filter to cut glare, a CPL filter to reduce reflections, and 5 color filters. The color filters let you bring out different details on planets. For example, the red filter can help Mercury and Venus stand out in daylight.
These filters screw into most standard telescope eyepieces. You don’t need any special tools or skills to use them. Just pick the filter you want and attach it to see the difference. The set comes with cases to keep everything organized and protected.
Some users find these filters work well for enhancing views of the moon and planets. Others say the improvement is subtle. Your results may vary based on your telescope and viewing conditions. For the price, this set gives you a chance to experiment with different filters without spending a lot. It’s a good starting point if you’re new to using astronomy filters.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a telescope solar filter, safety should be your top priority. Look for filters that meet ISO 12312-2 standards for solar viewing. This ensures they block harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
Check that the filter fits your telescope securely. A loose filter could fall off during use, which is dangerous. Many filters are made for specific telescope models, so know your scope’s specifications.
Consider the filter material. Glass filters offer excellent optical quality but can be fragile. Polymer filters are more durable and often less expensive.
Aperture size matters. Larger filters let in more light, giving brighter and clearer views of the Sun. But they also cost more.
Optical Quality
Feature | What to Look For |
---|---|
Clarity | No distortions or defects |
Coating | Even, non-reflective surface |
Color | Neutral density for true solar color |
Think about what solar features you want to see. Some filters are better for viewing sunspots, while others excel at showing prominences.
Don’t forget about ease of use. Filters that are simple to attach and remove make your viewing sessions more enjoyable.
Lastly, consider your budget. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a quality filter protects your eyes and enhances your solar viewing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing and using solar filters safely is key for telescope solar viewing. The right filter protects your eyes and equipment while giving clear sun views.
How do you choose the right solar filter for your telescope?
Pick a filter that fits your telescope’s aperture size. Check if it’s made for visual or photographic use. Make sure it’s from a reputable brand and meets safety standards.
Look for filters with neutral density and low scatter. These give the best views of the sun’s surface details.
What are the pros and cons of different types of solar filters?
Glass filters are durable but can be pricey. They offer great clarity for viewing and photography.
Mylar filters are cheaper and lightweight. They work well for visual use but may not be ideal for photos.
Polymer filters balance cost and quality. They’re good for both viewing and basic photography.
Can you create a DIY solar filter for telescopes, and how?
Making your own solar filter isn’t recommended. It’s risky and may not provide enough protection.
Buy a certified solar filter instead. This ensures your safety and gives you the best viewing experience.
Which solar filters are recommended for Celestron telescopes?
Celestron’s own brand of solar filters work well with their telescopes. They come in different sizes to fit various models.
Baader AstroSolar film is also a good choice. It can be used to make custom-fit filters for Celestron scopes.
What should you consider for safe solar viewing with a telescope?
Always use a front-mounted solar filter. Never look at the sun through an unfiltered telescope.
Check your filter for damage before each use. Replace it if you see any scratches or holes.
Avoid using eyepiece solar filters. They can crack from heat and are dangerous.
How do you use a solar filter safely for viewing solar eclipses?
Put the filter on before pointing your telescope at the sun. Keep it on during the whole viewing session.
Take breaks to let your telescope cool down. Remove the filter only when the sun is fully covered.
Have eclipse glasses ready for when you’re not using the telescope. Never look directly at the sun without protection.