jamesl Loc: Pennsylvania

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My brother is flying to Texas to photograph the solar eclipse and he is going to use ND filters but in checking into it he was told he needed an ND equivalent to 12 or 15. He is going to combine an ND 10 with others to get the value he needs. He also has a regular solar filter he is taking too. He has photographed three or four solar eclipses before and has experience at it.
He and I went and photographed the solar eclipse in 2017 too. Solar filters look pretty much pure black and looking through it is like trying to look at something through a welders mask before they strike an arc.

If the filter isn't dark enough you can fry your sensor and possibly your eyes too.

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

Thanks to all of you who replied. Special thanks to the 3 fellows that actually explained the difference between ND5 and ND 5. The space between the letters and number is the key to understanding the difference between ND filters and astronomical filters. Best of luck to all of you who attempt to get the shot!! I live in SW Ohio in the perfect spot. Almost dead on the center line. Thanks again for all your help.

Michael1079 Loc: Indiana

My suggestion would be to purchase a filter dedicated for photographing the eclipse. The main reason is safety. They are a bit on the expensive side (>$100.00), but once purchased it is available for use for future events. During the last eclipse (2015) we went to the Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Park in southern Illinois. Took a 77mm Seymour Solar filter and it worked very well. They can be viewed here: https://astronomyplus.com/products/seymour-threaded-hyperion-solar-film-camera-filters?variant=44686709784805 if interested. Amazon has the 77mm for $109.95...search for: Hyperion Solar Film Camera Solar Filters Threaded - Solar Eclipse Camera Lens - Photograph The Sun (77mm)

Michael1079 Loc: Indiana

To go along with this discussion, here is a PDF that has some useful information about photographing the eclipse. The recommended filter for capturing a solar eclipse should be ISO 12312-2 standard certified.

Attached file:
(Download)

bnsf

I wanted to know this before the last eclipse and I called Hoya, talked to a service tech and was told that during an eclipse without the eclipse filter and using the ND5 filter the light from the sun will permanently damage the sensor of your digital camera plus damage the lens and if you look directly into the eclipse your Retna will also be damaged.

A filter for the eclipse is a lot cheaper than buying new digital equipment plus losing your eyesight looking at the eclipse is not replaceable.

petrochemist Loc: UK

NO! It will work for visual light, but not for infra red. With normal photographic filters very little infra red is removed, so you will cook you camera & possibly your eyes (the eyes depends on the camera & how long your looking through).

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

I purchased mine at a reasonable price from https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806209340376.html?
They sell Hercules Solar Film Camera Lens UV Mirror Filter Shooting Eclipse Sunspots
The brand page dealing with telescopes is http://www.hercules.net.cn/wsolar.html

You can buy flat material 3" for $6 and glue it to a low-cost screw ring or UV filter.
https://agenaastro.com/thousand-oaks-optical-solarlite-solar-filter-film-nd-5-square-piece.html#976=6799

Big discussion on solar photography:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/buying-guide/lens-filters-for-solar-photography

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

I wouldn't do it, though theoretically stacking them might work. Is the price of a new filter cheaper than the price of a new camera or getting it fixed?
not worth risking it to me.

1grumpybear

Buy an ND16 90mm or 95mm with step up rings. The step up rings will allow you to use the filter on all your lenses.

jim quist Loc: Missouri

Buy some welders glass

User ID

Is it 5 stops or is it ND 5.0 ?
ND 5.0 is about right, 16 stops.

Dont know the *exact* density of exposed processed film but Ive used it and I know its WAAAAAAY denser than 5 stops, which would be only ND 1.6.

On a sunny day you can see the world fairly clearly thru ND 1.6, IOW much less density than exposed processed film, which pretty much looks opaque unless your viewing the sun disc itself.

User ID

Cant put solid trust in any source that says sunlight will damage your lens. What a crock. You can ignite tinder with a camera lens. It takes a while, and has no effect on the lens.

Ive noticed that many Hawgsters fear that their monster long lenses greatly intensify the risk to the camera. This shows what little they know. The opposite is true.

Its the short wide FLs that would increase risk. These folks have never actally lit or scorched any paper or tinder with a loupe or lens. The LONGER the FL, the LESS intense is the energy. If that doesnt makes sense to you, then avoid all forms of solar photography. Always. Forever. Period.

jcboy3

Heat from the sun can permanently warp aperture blades if the lens is stopped down.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

It has been recommended to use a 16.5 stop filter. I would not use anything less for looking directly into the sun. It could be dangerous for you and you could damage your camera.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Absolutely not! You need to do more research. If you use an unacceptable filter, you will damage or lose your eye or damage your shutter and/or sensor. You must go to proper sources and have proper equipment. Start with NASA's eclipse web site and the Thousand Oaks web site. B&H Photo and Adorama should have proper information also.

Most photographic camera filters for eclipses will cut the light level but not the UV. That concentrated UV will burn your eye if you are using a DSLR. There are materials made by manufacturers that will cut out both high light levels and stop the UV rays. And then there are other materials that just cut the light level and not the UV. You have to use the absolutely correct materials with your camera or your eyes unless you want to chance eye damage or blindness. Welders glass will also attenuate both light level and stop UV rays. Welding produces both high intensity light and UV similar to the sun. I have used an ND 18 welders glass, along with Thousand Oaks eye shades, in the film days for both shooting and naked eye viewing. But when I was much younger, I came within a half a second of being blind in one eye because of incorrect filter usage. You must be very careful with your filter usage when it comes to viewing the sun. If done properly, it is exciting and fun. But it is a dangerous risk if not done properly.

Again, go to both the NASA web site and Thousand Oaks web site for the best information.