The Difference Between Glass and Film Solar Filters | High Point Scientific

If you’re in the market for a solar filter, chances are you’ve noticed that there’s a variety of materials these are made in. Naturally, this begs the question - what, if anything, is the difference between these different filters? Is one material more safe than the other?
In this video, we'll break down the differences between glass and film solar filters.
Learn more about glass and film solar filters here: www.highpointscientific.com/a...
Check out the interactive maps for all past and upcoming solar eclipse paths here:
xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/...
October 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse map: xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/...
April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse map:
xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/...
#highpointscientific #solareclipse #solarfilter #telescopes
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:44 Disclaimer
00:59 Annular vs Total Solar Eclipse
01:43 Glass vs Film Comparison
03:05 Our Experience
04:07 Conclusion

[@warddl01]

Good video, but the wording implies the only way to get a orange-yellow sun is by using a glass filter. Silver-black polymer and solar lite filters also yield that traditional yellow orange color.

[@highpointscientific]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@stuartdavis798]

Great video!
But of course I have to add something. When photographing a total eclipse the "ring" that holds the filter material is almost as important as you will want to be able to get the filter off and on at the beginning and end of totality very quickly. I've used the film in home made "rings" for two totals (shot with dslrs) and it worked just fine. I store the filters and rings in hard cases and wouldn't think of using anything other than a dust blower to clean them.
Again great video!

[@KE6DOA]

thanks..looking forward to the live stream

[@Astronurd]

Thanks for the video 👍.

[@Astrofrank]

Thank you for naming and showing the differences. I'm using film filters, mainly on a 90/1250 mm MCT and a 150/1200 mm Newtonian. The results are good, especially with the Newtonian (25 % obstruction).

[@never_give_up90]

One of my film filters does yellow and white color, depending on the exposure adjustment. So you can get yellow with film too. I also have a screw in glass but I only use it for my scope because my friend had it cracked or something so I've been paranoid since.

[@klttrll]

What about celestron solar filters?

[@mertus4395]

Thank you for the information! I bought an Apertura AD8 telescope two years ago, what are the two filters (glass and film) that fits my telescope?

[@highpointscientific]

Hi! We recommend either the Spectrum Solar glass filter model: SPR-ST950G Or the Astrozap Baader Solar filter model: AZP-AZ1004-1. You can use either of those models on our website and find the page to place an order!
Clear Skies!

[@av8rgrip]

So I had a glass filter for the eclipse. First time I’ve done any photography with a telescope. I thought the filter would allow a bit more definition but my video and images of the totality were phenomenal while the photos with the filter on were underwhelming. I was able to capture a couple sun spots but they just look like smudges. Even your photos aren’t much better than what I was able to capture. Are there filters that allow more optical clarity?

[@ChemSketch777]

Nice video. Can we use blackout film or multiple layers of 50percent vlt film as a solar filter?

[@rev_dude]

You need a minimum of 16.5 stops of ND to safely photograph the sun, and that nd filter also has to block IR and UV light or you risk blasting your sensor with concentrated IR/UV for hours. Film or a filter the only blocks visible light is not safe.
For the upcoming solar eclipse, I preferred to get a sheet of white light solar filter film and will be making my own filters for my lens to be safe. Its not that expensive as far as photography accessories are concerned

[@carlmcneill1139]

I opted for the solar film because I'm going to photograph the eclipse. Since the one in April is a total eclipse I want to be able to take the filter off easily during totality. I need to be able to take it off and on quickly and easily.

[@seanromocki4110]

why do you want to take it off during totality? curious...

[@deardaughter]

You're cool.

[@cdz9400]

Then why do I still see yellow/orange when I use the film glasses? Genuine question. Also, thanks this was very helpful
Clear skys!

[@EGL24Xx]

I used a silver-black solar film for the 2024 eclipse and the sharpness was incredibly mediocre. I had a very nice lens and the totality pictures have so much detail but everything from the partial phase was meh

[@philipchesleyiii]

The glass filter I have doesn't produce a yellow hue, but white.
It's a NiSi solar filter.

[@JohnDoukasPhotography]

Is it sharp? I’m trying to decide between a Nisi glass filter or a film filter. In 2017 I used a makeshift film filter for $30 and it worked great. It was super fragile and didn’t survive long past its only use. I figured a glass one would be easier to store, but I wouldn’t want to lose detail.