Viewing the Upcoming Solar Eclipse -- is a Neutral Density Filter safe enough? Hey. I plan to use my Hoya 10-stop Variable Density Filter on my D500 for shooting the August 21st solar...

jdmarks64

Hey. I plan to use my Hoya 10-stop Variable Density Filter on my D500 for shooting the August 21st solar eclipse. I live in an 80% totality area. I've looked all over regarding eclipse-viewing safety, but have no found mention of using ND filters for safe viewing. Does anyone out there know one way or the other if I'm putting my eye in jeopardy? Thanks. John Marks

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Assuming that you focus in Live View or preview mode on the LCD screen, and set the exposure via your 10x ND, yes.

I once, in a scramble, used a 9x ND (the only one available) on the crappy Nikon kit lens to take perfectley awful photographs of a partial eclipse. Convinced me it was time to invest in better glass.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

jdmarks64 wrote:

Hey. I plan to use my Hoya 10-stop Variable Density Filter on my D500 for shooting the August 21st solar eclipse. I live in an 80% totality area. I've looked all over regarding eclipse-viewing safety, but have no found mention of using ND filters for safe viewing. Does anyone out there know one way or the other if I'm putting my eye in jeopardy? Thanks. John Marks

There's a reason why they make filters specifically for shoot in the direction of the sun

bwana Loc: Bergen, Alberta, Canada

jdmarks64 wrote:

Hey. I plan to use my Hoya 10-stop Variable Density Filter on my D500 for shooting the August 21st solar eclipse. I live in an 80% totality area. I've looked all over regarding eclipse-viewing safety, but have no found mention of using ND filters for safe viewing. Does anyone out there know one way or the other if I'm putting my eye in jeopardy? Thanks. John Marks

Be safe for eyes and camera, buy a good solar filter!

bwa

Tet68survivor Loc: Pomfret Center CT

NOOOOOO! But just so you know, your camera can be replaced, but your eyes can't!

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

bwana wrote:

Be safe for eyes and camera, buy a good solar filter!

bwa

Canon insists that a SOLAR filter must be used, as above thw camera can be replaced, your eyes can't

n3eg Loc: West coast USA

I've been shooting sunspots for a while now with my Olympus E-PL5 and E-M5 II and TWO 10 stop ND filters with no problems. I've tried with one filter but it overexposes even at 1/8000 and f/22. Sensors are still OK. Covering the OVF and using the LCD is a must.

wmurnahan Loc: Bloomington IN

jdmarks64 wrote:

Hey. I plan to use my Hoya 10-stop Variable Density Filter on my D500 for shooting the August 21st solar eclipse. I live in an 80% totality area. I've looked all over regarding eclipse-viewing safety, but have no found mention of using ND filters for safe viewing. Does anyone out there know one way or the other if I'm putting my eye in jeopardy? Thanks. John Marks

I'm using a 16 stop ND100000

Tet68survivor Loc: Pomfret Center CT

As an amateur astronomer, my opinion for what it's worth ? DON'T! Just my opinion! I need special filters on my telescope, and it doesn't have any expensive sensors in it, just mirrors! So far no "smoke and mirrors"! Again I'll say it, you blow the camera you can replace it, you blows your eyes, no more photography, no more seeing grand children, no more driving, no more!

n3eg Loc: West coast USA

Tet68survivor wrote:

So far no "smoke and mirrors"!!

I'll say it again: No mirrors, no smoke!

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Mac wrote:

There's a reason why they make filters specifically for shoot in the direction of the sun

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

jdmarks64 wrote:

Hey. I plan to use my Hoya 10-stop Variable Density Filter on my D500 for shooting the August 21st solar eclipse. I live in an 80% totality area. I've looked all over regarding eclipse-viewing safety, but have no found mention of using ND filters for safe viewing. Does anyone out there know one way or the other if I'm putting my eye in jeopardy? Thanks. John Marks

Only if it is a solar ND. Anything less than solar filter density will produce the first blind photographer in your family. I purchased one for this eclipse. There is possibly enough time left to order solar film to make your own filter. One of your other best bets is to go to your local welder's supply store. You will need #14 welders glass. Again, anything less will produce the first blind photographer in your family. This can be square or round. Purchase a size larger than your lense's outer diameter. Attach it to a cardboard tube that is also larger in diameter than the lense's outer diameter. That way you can slip it on and off. It will be needed for all of the partial eclipse and removed for totality.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

jdmarks64 wrote:

Hey. I plan to use my Hoya 10-stop Variable Density Filter on my D500 for shooting the August 21st solar eclipse. I live in an 80% totality area. I've looked all over regarding eclipse-viewing safety, but have no found mention of using ND filters for safe viewing. Does anyone out there know one way or the other if I'm putting my eye in jeopardy? Thanks. John Marks

One more thing; your 10 variable ND filter will not protect your eyes. If you use it, I can guarantee you will be the first blind photographer in your family. wmurnahan is correct that you will need a filter of 16 stops and it will have ND100000 on the filter. There are going to be people that will not listen because they "know" better than anyone else and they will become blind in one eye (and it will be more than likely the dominant eye).

Nikonman44

Longevity is the problem. Set the camera on a tripod. Aim it and then shoot with a release for best safety.

you should be able to capture the various stages .

A small adjustment to follow the sun might be needed but probably not .

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

jdmarks64 wrote:

Hey. I plan to use my Hoya 10-stop Variable Density Filter on my D500 for shooting the August 21st solar eclipse. I live in an 80% totality area. I've looked all over regarding eclipse-viewing safety, but have no found mention of using ND filters for safe viewing. Does anyone out there know one way or the other if I'm putting my eye in jeopardy? Thanks. John Marks

Also, travel to the shadow. An 80% partial eclipse is just that - an 80% partial eclipse. Partial eclipses occur nearly two times a year every year. Why take a picture of an ordinary event when you have a chance to take a picture of an extraordinary experience? The next total eclipse is in 2024 and the next one after that is 2045. Not quite as common as the nearly two a year partial eclipses. Do yourself a favor and get yourself into the shadow. You will not regret it.