+Stu Posted March 27 Share Posted March 27 (edited) Hi all. I'm making a big of a leap of faith, but assuming that there will be some sunny skies I'd like to do a bit of solar observing. I have 2 scopes to choose from. The Meade 6" Mak at F12 and the WO GT81 at F6. I'm intending on making a solar filter for one of them, as well as my 8x50 finder. So...... Is the GT81 the better option? Is a solar filter all I need for the scope and my eyeballs to be protected? Does the EP focal length affect how well my eyes are protected? Is there anything else I need to be aware of before pointing my scope at the sun? Edited March 27 by Stu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Bino-viewer Posted March 27 Share Posted March 27 I would say refractor all the way. But then, i'm a refractor guy. I use a Herschel Wedge : others will better advise on solar filters. Lots to choose from. Whatever option you try, take great care . https://www.firstlightoptics.com/solar-filters/page/1/ The 6" Mak is a bit big for solar work and you could argue it would need an ERF (energy rejection filter) +Stu 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Stu Posted March 27 Author Share Posted March 27 @Bino-viewer Is a Herschel wedge instead of a filter? So the lens glass doesn't need protection, it's where it's being focused that's the danger area? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Ibbo Posted March 27 Share Posted March 27 11 minutes ago, Stu said: @Bino-viewer Is a Herschel wedge instead of a filter? So the lens glass doesn't need protection, it's where it's being focused that's the danger area? The HW should come with the required ND filters No filtration at the front end. I also use a continuum filter in the HW +Stu 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Streetbob Posted March 27 Share Posted March 27 I would also go with the frac. I started with a solar filter and it got me hooked. If you can afford it I’d go for a solar wedge. Safer and easier to use. It just replaces your diagonal. Solar observing gives another use for your gear. And as Rob said to me ‘it’s warmer’. +Stu 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Stu Posted March 27 Author Share Posted March 27 Thank you all 👍 Frac it is then. Going to get some film and 3D print a holder so I get a nice secure fit on the scope. Maybe a wedge one day, I'll have to see if the amount of observing I do justifies the cost. +Glafnazur and +Streetbob 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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