Filter for a Solar Eclipse?

[zoiberg137]

I thought if i went on ebay and typed in sun or solar camera filter, I'd get hundreds of results. Instead, I got 0! Called around all the local camera shops, and no one has one.

So, what exactly should I be looking for in terms of a filter that is safe for viewing a solar eclipse? And should I have a different filter for taking pictures of the sun normally?

If somone could recommend a specific brand or model number, that would be great so it would be easy for me to find online!

(I have a cannon dslr with a 58mm lens...)

Thanks!!!!!

 

[table1349]

Solar Filters - Advertiser Directory - SkyandTelescope.com
http://thousandoaksoptical.com/solar.html

You might want to do a little research on photographing an eclipse. Google is your friend here.

 

[Garbz]

Solar filters are not something that is normally mounted to a camera. Even with a 200mm lens the sun ends up being quite small in the frame. Solar filters are usually mounted to the FRONT of telescopes and attenuate some ludicrously high amount of light, while blocking all UV and IR. They come in glass format or in film format, the film needs to be handled very carefully to make your own filter. You should be able to get either from a local astronomy shop, they typically stock this quite well.

For viewing though if there's a solar eclipse coming just grab your local newspaper. No doubt there's some big campaign about not looking at the sun directly with some information on where to buy the glasses.

DO NOT MAKE YOUR OWN FROM ANYTHING OTHER THAN PROPER SOLAR FILM BOUGHT FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS A CLUE.

If you do, don't repeat the mistake with remaining eye at the next eclipse.