dmdmx2

Hello all,
I am wondering which (strength) neutral density filter would be good for capturing the solar eclipse in August?
I have looked on Amazon.com and I have seen neutral density filters that range from 2X-100,000. I am wondering what your feelings are on which one to use? I am not expecting to leave my camera pointed directly at the sun before it starts to eclipse less than 50%. Thanks for the help!

Basil Loc: New Mexico

You want to use a filter made especially for Solar viewing - NOT a regular ND filter; or so I've read.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

I would not use any neutral density filter. You might want to visit the Astronomical Photography Forum and see what the experts are using: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-109-1.html

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

You need special (Solar) filters, rather like welder's glasses. Remember, even 100,000x ND is rated for VISIBLE light. It is the UV that does most of the damage to your eyes and possibly sensor.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

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

cthahn

You use a filter that is designed specifically for shooting pictures of the sun. If you play around with something else, or listen to a self styled expert who does not know what he/she is talking about, you can have the misfortune of ruining your lens, camera, eye sight, and missing the once in a life time shot. Practice before the day comes. Use a tripod. Call Seymour Solar for help. 435-826-4212. Cokin also make a sun filter. Don't think you can cheat or use your own way of doing it. If it happens to be a cloudy or raining day, that is the way the sun shines.

jouster Loc: Witlesss Protection Program

Two years ago I attempted (unsuccessfully) to capture an International Space Station transit of the sun. I bought the "Orion 7785 4.00-Inch ID E-Series Safety Film Solar Filter" for $25 from Amazon. It's made to slip over the lens of a telescope and is dark enough to be safe for eyes. The inside diameter of the tube is 4". I put a 1/4" foam press-on weatherstrip inside. I compressed the foam slightly and the filter fit securely over the lens hood of my Nikon 300mm f/4 lens.

It is VERY dark. The notes say light transmission of 0.001% or less. That's about 16 stops. For this image of the sun I used 1/125 sec, f/5.6 (ISO 1000). I's not the optical glass filter that a serious astronomer would use but the price was good and I was satisfied with the quality/price ratio. I plan to use this filter for the upcoming solar eclipse.

(Download)

chikid68 Loc: Tennesse USA

I have been looking at that same filter

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Helpful if you quote who you're replying to so we know what filter you're talking about.

chikid68 Loc: Tennesse USA

sorry I just assumed it would post to the thread I was referring to the solar lens he used to photograph with.