DW

As most everyone knows, we will be treated to a full solar eclipse on Aug, 21st of this year. Although I'm not in the path of totality I'm pretty close. I have a Nikon D5500 and the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR lens. What type of solar filter would be recommended?

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

There was some talk about this a few weeks back. Seems like the recommendations pointed towards a $100 filter from B&H. All agreed not to "cheap out" on the filter.

DW

Thank you.

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

Equipment options:
DIY
*Cheap and effective filters (solar) by trophygeek in photography (make your own solar filter using step up ring and uv filter)
*How to Make Your Own Objective Solar Filters for Binoculars, Cameras or Telescopes for Visual and Photographic Use
*Video on How to Make a Solar Filter for a Camera
Supplies:Amazon Solar Filter supplies

Filters
B&H Solar Filters
Oceanside Photo & Telescope
Seymour Solar - Thin Film Threaded Camera Solar Filters
Seymour Solar - Glass Threaded Camera Solar Filters

Djedi

Agena Astro ( http://agenaastro.com/ ) sells Baader solar filters - well regarded among astronomers.
I bought a sheet http://agenaastro.com/baader-astrosolar-film-visual-nd-5-8-203mm.html
You can make several filters for different lenses out of one sheet. Especially if you have an old, cheap filter of the correct size. Just break or carefully remove the glass, lay the
solar filter down flat on a piece of carboard. Put a thin coat of elmers or epoxy glue on the top, unthreaded side of the filter holder, and then carefully place it straight down on the solar filter (near one corner so you can use the rest for more filters). and let dry.
After the glue dries, while still on the cardboard, cut the remainder from the outside of the filter with a razor knife.

The filter will reduce the image to more of a black and white. You can add the color back in as I did on this image of the Mercury transit.

(Download)

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Lots of info. Astronomy magazine was selling eyeglasses for the eclipse.

Filters -
http://www.thousandoaksoptical.com/solar.html

Technique -
http://www.mreclipse.com/SEphoto/SEphoto.html
http://www.eclipse2017.org/2017/photographing.HTM
http://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/article/h20zakgu/how-to-photograph-a-solar-eclipse.html
https://photographylife.com/how-to-photograph-a-solar-eclipse

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Check out Thousand Oaks Optical, reasonable prices and great variety. I bought one for my Nikon D500 from them for $79 + shipping http://www.thousandoaksoptical.com/solar.html

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

For anyone who just wants to look at the eclipse rather than photographing it (if there is such a person), a number 12 or higher welder's helmet filter is the safe way to go and they are very cheap.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I think I'll get the entire helmet.