Solar eclipses are awesome spectacles of nature that are irresistible to photographers. Besides eclipses, the star at the center of our solar system is an amazing photographic subject—even when it is not being partially or totally blocked by the moon. If you want to photograph a solar eclipse, or just photograph the source of our fragile planet’s warmth and light, you need a solar filter for your lens. Let’s look at the different options available to photographers.
Photographs © Todd Vorenkamp
Safety
Before we begin…
WARNING!
Do NOT look through the OPTICAL VIEWFINDER of a camera when the lens is NOT protected by a filter that is specifically designed for SOLAR VIEWING.
Do NOT wear solar observing glasses and look through the OPTICAL VIEWFINDER of a camera when the lens is NOT protected by a SOLAR VIEWING filter.
These warnings are for OPTICAL VIEWFINDERS and do not apply if you are using a mirrorless camera’s electronic viewfinder, digital camera LCD screen, or Live View on the LCD screen on a DSLR.
All solar filtration, with the exception of H-Alpha filters and drop-in solar filters, should be mounted at the front of the camera’s optical system. If using an H-Alpha or drop-in filter, an IR/UV Cut filter at the front of the lens is recommended.
For more solar viewing and solar eclipse safety tips, please click here.
Types of Solar Lens Filters
We will discuss several types of solar filters in this article:
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Mylar® film white light solar viewing filters
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Heavy Neutral Density (ND) filters (minimum 16-stop)
We will also discuss UV/IR Cut filters but, these are NOT, on their own, solar photography filters.
Mylar® Film Solar Viewing Filters
Mylar® is a brand name for a polyester film that has dozens of uses, from wrapping Pop-Tarts to insulating spacecrafts to party and large balloons to… solar photography filters and solar glasses. Mylar® film solar filters are perfect for solar photography and solar viewing.
If you are using the optical viewfinder on a DSLR or another type of optic, you may look at the sun through a Mylar® filter mounted on the front of the lens. (Do NOT look through an unfiltered camera lens while wearing Mylar® solar glasses.)
When shopping (or owning) a Mylar® solar filter, you will see that the surface of the filter may be wrinkled. To a photographer, photographing through a non-uniform surface seems like a horrible idea, but these Mylar wrinkles will NOT affect image clarity and they are intentionally engineered into the film to reduce distortion.
Characteristics of a Mylar® solar lens filter:
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Less expensive than other types.
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Some filters render a whiteish or pale-yellow sun in photographs. Others may give a yellower color. The sun’s color can be changed in post processing.
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Not as durable as other types. The material is fairly fragile and, if a hole develops in the film, the filter must not be used.
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Avoid touching the film with your fingers. They may be cleaned with the same tools and methods you use for proper lens cleaning, but you must be careful not to puncture the Mylar.
White light solar viewing filters made from optical glass are not currently available at B&H. These glass filters are more durable than Mylar® and may show a more natural yellow-ish sun. The big catch: images with glass filters are not as sharp as with the Mylar® filters—a huge win for Mylar® filters!
Neutral Density Filters
ND filters simply darken an image. The advent of digital cameras and electronic viewfinders has made the ND filter a viable tool for solar photography—but NOT for solar viewing or using optical viewfinders.
For solar photography, you should use, at the minimum, a 16-stop ND filter.
Characteristics of an ND filter:
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CANNOT be used with optical viewfinders or to view the sun.
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More expensive than Mylar® filters.
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More durable than Mylar® filters.
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Easier to clean than Mylar® filters.
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Generally, the sun may be rendered more yellow with an ND filter than a Mylar® filter, but the color rendering is dependent on the specific ND filter. The sun’s color may appear very similar to what you get with Mylar® filters.
Photographers often ask if they can stack multiple less-than-16-stop ND filters to create a single 16-stop+ setup. The answer is, “Yes.” But, for every piece of glass you place between the sun and your lens, image quality gets degraded. We recommend using a single 16-stop+ ND filter for NON-OPTICAL VIEWFINDER solar photography.
Hydrogen Alpha / H-Alpha / Ha Filters
H-Alpha filters capture a very narrow band of sunlight and allow you to view details on the solar surface beyond sunspots. These electronic filters are often tuned to allow viewing of either solar prominences or chromosphere details.
H-Alpha filters require an electrical power source and can be mounted on telescopes between the scope and eyepiece, or on camera rigs between the camera and lens. Be sure to verify compatibility with your camera/lens mount or scopes. Additionally, H-Alpha filter manufactures often recommend the use of UV/IR Cut filters when doing extended observations.
UV/IR Cut Filters
UV/IR Cut filters are sometimes added to solar viewing setups to help reduce the amount of UV or IR radiation that reaches the H-Alpha filter and/or camera sensor. They also assist in accurate focusing when using H-Alpha filters.
WARNING: These filters are NOT stand-alone solar filters for photography and viewing. These filters can be combined with different solar filters for an added level of specific protection.
UV/IR Cut filters are not required add-ons for Mylar® or ND filter setups, but they may improve sharpness or detail.
Styles of Solar Photographic Filters
Solar photography filters generally come in four types: threaded, slip-on covers, square, and drop-in filters.
Threaded filters are like standard photographic filters and screw onto your lens’s threaded front opening. The advantage of these is that they are very secure once in place and their operation is familiar to most photographers.
Slip-on cover "universal" filters are more universal in nature and cover the entire front of your lens. They are available in sizes that cover large lenses and telescopes and are very easy to don and doff. That ease of operation can be beneficial during a total solar eclipse because you can go from photographing the “diamond ring effect” to removing the filter and photographing totality within seconds. A threaded filter will require more time to remove. If they are not secured properly, they can be knocked off easily. Again, do not fret over the fact that the Mylar® material on these filters is not super smooth—the wrinkles do not affect image quality. For very large telephoto lenses, you might find that a telescope slip-on solar filter works for the large objective lens. Also, similar to slip-on universal filters, but specific for smartphone photography of the solar eclipse, there is the Visisolar Solar Filter that can be held over your mobile device's lens for safe sun shooting.
Square solar filters, like their mainstream square photo filter compeers, require a special filter holder to secure them in front of the lens. If you already have a square filter system, adding square solar filters to your quiver might make good sense.
For large telephoto lenses, drop-in ND-style solar filters are available. If you have a lens that accepts drop-in filters, you may want to use these drop-in solar filters in conjunction with an IR/UV Cut filter at the front of the optic as you would with an H-Alpha filter. Since the drop-in solar filters are ND-style, do NOT use them with optical viewfinders.
Do you have questions about solar filters for photography? What filters have you tried? Which ones do you love? Let us know in the Comments section, below!
59 Comments
I'd like to attempt capturing the upcoming total eclipse on a Canon Powershot SX70. I'm hoping to capture this at least when the moon is 1/4 across the sun, 1/2 way, total coverage, and on the way after total. What filter would be best for doing this?
You will need to purchase the Canon Filter Adapter FA-DC67A, B&H # CAFADC67A, in order to use a filter on the Canon PowerShot SX70 HS Digital Camera: https://bhpho.to/3uROteH. You can pair the filter adapter with the Tiffen Solar ND Filter (67mm, 18-Stop, Special 50th Anniversary Edition), B&H # TI67ND54, or the MrStarGuy Thread-In Natural-Light Solar Filter (67mm), B&H # STSG67MMSOLY, which are compatible filter options for your usage needs: https://bhpho.to/3SP1Lk2 or https://bhpho.to/3UUqWnQ. If you need further assistance, please contact us at [email protected] or 800-606-6969 or 212-444-6615.
Hello Todd
Would a IR converted camera be useful for the upcoming eclipse? Also I have a Canon M50 with a 70-200 Canon lens will the 20Stop ND filter be sufficient? Thanks in advance
An IR converted camera is not really needed for solar eclipse photos. There isn't extra information in the infrared spectrum that would make the photo more interesting. A 20 stop ND filter is sufficient for eclipse photos.
Hey there, I have been thinking about taking photos of the upcoming eclipse. I have a few cameras but I am wanting to use my Coolpix P1000 but I have no idea what solar filter would be good for it. I don't want to do any damage to my camera I haven't had it that long. Any suggestions.
There are many solar eclipse filters. The Nikon Coolpix P1000 uses a 77mm filter thread.
I would recommend this one, MrStarGuy Thread-In Natural-Light Solar Filter (https://bhpho.to/3SX9k9z).
Hi there, all these comments are getting me very confused! I am hoping to photograph the upcoming eclipse with a canon 90D and sigma 150-600mm (95mm diameter) lens. What kind of filter do you recommend? At totality can I shoot without a filter? Thanks.
You do need to use a solar eclipse filter when photographing the sun. You need to use solar glasses as well; without the filter and glasses, you could damage your camera and eyes. I suggest the MrStarGuy 95mm Thread-in White-Light Solar Filter for use with the Sigma 150-600mm (95mm diameter) lens: https://bhpho.to/3uFi1w5.
If you need further assistance, please contact B&H by emailing [email protected] or calling 800-606-6969/212-444-6615.
I'm planning on photographing the solar eclipse using my Nikon D750 with the AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens. Will a K&F Concept Nano-x ND100000 provide enough protection for the camera's sensor? It's either that or buying a mylar filter but I'd rather not buy another limited use filter if I don't have to. Thank you in advance.
If you will be using the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens on your Nikon D750 DSLR camera and you will only be using the LCD screen for aiming/viewing the eclipse while photographing, then while we do not carry the K&F Concept Nano-x ND100000 in our inventory, it can be used for solar photography usage needs. However, if you will be looking through the camera's optical viewfinder, I would instead recommend purchasing the Mr. StarGuy Natural Light Adjustable Solar Filter (66-94mm OD), B&H # STSGFT040Y (https://bhpho.to/42TXGj8), or the DayStar Filters 70mm White-Light Universal Lens Solar Filter (Single, 65-89mm OD), B&H # DAULF70 (https://bhpho.to/4bU7wFH), for use with the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens to allow you to view and position your camera using the optical eyepiece.
If you need further assistance, please contact B&H by emailing [email protected] or calling 800-606-6969/212-444-6615.
I have a Canon R6 - and I’ll be using the Sigma 70-200 F2.8. Which filter do you recommend? If not using the viewfinder.
Hey Rickie,
With a mirrorless camera, you can either use a heavy ND filter or you can use a Mylar-type solar filter.
ND-style: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/solar-photography-filters/ci/34576
Mylar filters: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/universal-solar-filters/ci/57108
With a mirrorless camera, you can use the viewfinder regardless of what filter you have as you are just watching the action on a TV screen. Having said that, be sure to see the event with your own (protected) eyes as it looks way better in real life than on "TV!"
Let me know if you have more questions and thanks for reading!
Best,
Todd
(Sorry for the delay in replying...I no longer work at B&H, but I like to keep helping readers of my articles!)
Hi Todd! So i'm renting this monster specifcally for the eclipse. Solar filter reccomendation on this one?:
https://shop.canon.ca/en_ca/p/rf-1200mm-8l-is-usm
I would recommend purchasing the MrStarGuy Natural Light Adjustable Solar Filter (165-195mm OD), B&H # STSGFT043CY, as a compatible solar filter for use with the Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM Lens.
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https://bhpho.to/437ADkV
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Hello Todd. I'm wanting to film video of the solar eclipse taking place in April on my Canon EOS Rebel T6i DSLR 58mm camera. I am glad I came across this article because I didn't know what solar filter or lens I would need.
I currently have a pack of three 58mm lenses from Focus Camera. One of them is a UV lens and the other is a CPL lens.
With that being said, would these lenses be enough or would I need to use something completely different. If so, what lens or solar filter would you recommend I use for a DSLR camera for filming the eclipse? Thank you.
Hello Enzo,
Because you have a DSLR camera, I would definitely recommend a solar filter instead of a heavy ND-style filter.
Any of the filters on this link, as long as they fit over your lens, will be great:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/universal-solar-filters/ci/57108
Let me know if you have more questions and thanks for reading!
Best,
Todd
(Sorry for the delay in replying...I no longer work at B&H, but I like to keep helping readers of my articles!)
I plan to use my Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 (95 filter size) lens on my Nikon D750 to shoot the eclipse in April. What solar filter do you advise to use on that day? Thanks.
Hello Deirdre,
Thanks for your question! I recommend: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1284412-REG/mrstarguy_sgft039_86…
With that filter you can look through your viewfinder safely and get some great shots!
Thanks for reading!
Best,
Todd
Hello Todd,
I appreciate you spending time to respond to these comments. I have a 2 pronged question.
Best filter/choice for nikon z6 with 24-70 mm f/4 nikon z lens? I know I need 72 mm but plan is to take photos of landscape/people and eclipse.
2nd question is best filter for a nikon 14-24 mm nikon z /2.4 ? This lens will be on a nikon z8 and shooting the sun/eclipse directly.
Goal is to have eclipse photos and a photo with everyone looking at eclipse in black/white.
I appreciate you time, thank you
Hey Philip,
You are welcome. It is my pleasure to help fellow photographers!
Wow, those are some big lenses! I never looked at the specs until now.
For the 24-70: NiSi Solar Filter Pro Nano UV/IR Cut ND100000 Filter (82mm, 16.5-Stop)
For the 14-24: MrStarGuy Adjustable Objective White Light Solar Filter (86-117mm OD)
Note that, with the solar filters in place, you will not really be able to pick up any foreground detail unless you shoot very long exposures which will allow the sun to streak through the frame...not the desired result.
During totality, you remove the filter and then can shoot a balanced exposure with the foreground and eclipsed sun.
Let me know if you have more questions!
Best,
Todd
I am considering expanding my photography genre to photo the upcoming solar eclipse in April 2024. I am currently using a Nikon D850 camera and will be using my Nikon 70 - 200mm f2.8 lens or my Sigma 20mm f1.4 lens to capture the eclipse over the Niagara Falls. Will either of these lenses work? and what screw on solar filter do you recommend? Thanking you in advance.
If you're using a solar filter the falls won't be visible. Also, with the filter there's no need for fast/bright lenses, just use whatever is your sharpest lens for the focal length you want, and set it at its sharpest aperture.
If you're not using a solar filter you can take wide-angle photos of the falls together with the eclipse (the more zoom, the more likely you fry your sensor), though getting the exposure balanced in the early stages could be tough. During totality it will be dark so it should be easier, but then even with a bright lens you'll probably need a slow shutter -- good for waterfalls, but not so great for eclipses. Of course in this scenario, maybe don't leave your lens cap off for too long between shots, and absolutely do not use an optical viewfinder.
Good stuff, Mark! Thanks for the assist!
Hi Marianna,
Thanks for the questions!
Mark V. did you a great service there with some good answers.
My responses...
—Be sure you get a solar viewing filter as you have a DSLR. Do NOT get an ND filter unless you are exclusively going to use Live View.
—Either lens will work for the solar eclipse...the wide angle or the telephoto. What focal length you use depends on how close you want to get to the sun/moon and/or what landscape you want to include in the scene.
—Before and after totality, the sun is still normal daylight bright—bright enough to hurt your eyes and damage camera gear. When you put a solar filter on the lens, pretty much the only thing you will see is the sun, unless you run a very long exposure. And, if you ran a long exposure with a solar filter on to capture the landscape in the foreground, the sun would start to streak across the frame as the world turns.
—The best (only?) time to get the falls and the eclipse will be a long exposure during totality, but you will still have the movement of the earth to contend with. What may make the most sense is, once totality begins, take a photograph exposed for the eclipse and then take a photograph exposed for the landscape and, I hate to say it, composite the images into one. Take multiple images with both exposures and hope for two good ones to put together.
I have seen great composite shots, and I have seen others pull of miraculous exposures with the landscape and sun looking great (even on film!), so be flexible, have a plan, and shoot a lot....BUT...be sure you don't miss out on the incredible experience of seeing the eclipse with your own eyes and enjoying it. Photographs do NOT do it justice...no matter how amazing your photos turn out!
Let me know if you have more questions!
Best,
Todd
Marianna, you're going to find it difficult to get the sun and the falls in the same picture. The sun will be 45° up from the horizon and towards the southwest. You can go to suncalc.org to help visualize it.
Thanks for the support, Eric!
So I am actually driving clients to VT for the Eclipse in April 2024. I have a Canon 6D that I have NOT modified yet. I also have an R6. I plan on using my Sigma 150-600 C lens that, obviously, could be used with either camera. I may not have time to play around with settings depending on if we need to run around to find clear spots for totality. Just started to investigate settings and filters. Any advice would be awesome!
Hi James,
Sorry for the delay in replying! I don't work at B&H anymore, so logging in for fun!
You do NOT have to modify your cameras for solar photography. Out of curiosity, may I ask what modifications you were considering?
My advice for a filter would be to get a solar-viewing safe Mylar filter so you can use the viewfinder on your 6D...https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1284413-REG/mrstarguy_sgft040_66…
Let me know if you have more questions and thanks for reading!
Fingers crossed for clear skies in VT!
Best,
Todd
I had been planning on having a hydrogen alpha mod done to my 6D. I really plan to just use my R6 and enjoy the eclipse. Hopefully. We'll see...
Hey James,
The Ha mod would be super cool...and fun to use on any sunny day!
Make sure you use your actual eyes (with binos!) to enjoy the eclipse!
Clear skies!
Best,
Todd
Hello B&H, I would like to know which filters is best to use with my AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm 1:4G lens. I need a drop in filter and a front filter correct? I appreciate your help. Sincerely, Tom Wahweotten
Hi Tom,
Sorry for the delay in replying! I don't work at B&H anymore, so logging in for fun!
Thanks for your question!
A solar-safe (NOT an ND) filter that slips over the front of your lens will be sufficient for solar imaging for that lens.
Check out this filter and get one big enough for the front of your lens!
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1284413-REG/mrstarguy_sgft040_66…
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you have more questions!
Best,
Todd
Hi Thanks awesome review! I'd like to know please, what 77mm filter you would recommend, for me to use with a nikon p1000, for solar eclipse video and photo purposes. Thank you!
Hi Fabiano,
Thanks for the kind words!
Sorry for the delay in replying! I don't work at B&H anymore, so logging in for fun!
Because you are using a P1000, you do not need a filter safe for solar viewing because you don't have an optical viewfinder.
A filter like this will be great for you: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1776719-REG/tiffen_77nd54_77mm_n…
Let me know if you have more questions!
Best,
Todd
Although I have been doing astrophotography for several years, I finally shot the sun today for the first time. With a Nikon D850, Celestron Nexstar 8SE and solar filter. Exposure was 1/250 @ ISO 100. Focusing was easy looking through the eyepiece but not as easy using live view as it was a little difficult to see the LCD clearly. Overall I was pleases with the results, there were several sunspots and a couple of weak solar flares. I will definitely be shooting it again! I look forward to the next eclipse.
Hi Scott,
Keep practicing! Its amazing how many astrophotographers neglect our nearest star! :)
Thanks for reading!
Best,
Todd
Hello!
I will be attempting my first eclipse in 4/2024 and am thinking of using the Sony ASiii with the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 - 5.6 G OSS telephoto lens with a 2x teleconverter.
I’d like to capture all let’s if the eclipse, in particular the diamond ring, bailey’s beads, and the corona. As a result, high-quality and ease of removal and replacement are priorities. Based on your article, it seems a slip-on / slip-off Mylar filter would be best. Do you agree? And could you please recommend one which would fit my lens well?
Hi Aaron,
Sorry for the delay in replying! I don't work at B&H anymore, so logging in for fun!
Yessir! A slip-on/off Mylar filter will be your best bet.
Check out this one: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1284413-REG/mrstarguy_sgft040_66…
Let me know if you have more questions and thanks for reading!
Best,
Todd
Todd V:
I have a Nikon D7500 DSLR camera. I want to take pictures of the eclipse in April. I haven't had an opportunity to use the camera much so I'm still learning. What type of filter do I need to be able to safely take pictures of the eclipse?
Thanks!
Ralph
Hi Ralph,
Thanks for reading! The answer to your question is in the article above. But, what lens are you planning on using?
You will need a filter that is safe for solar viewing as you are using a DSLR. Do NOT use a heavy ND filter and your optical viewfinder together!
Thanks for reading!
Best,
Todd
Dear Todd,
Thanks so much for your great reviews and advice. I did some photography of the 2017 eclipse with my canon 7D, 70-200 2.8 lens, and a borrowed Thousand Oaks solar filter. The results were terrific (beginners luck). I have now progressed to a Canon R8 and was photographying the Annular Eclipse using the R8, 100-400 lens, and a 'solar filter' that was purchased at the last minute. I was not very happy with the results as the image was soft. The filter was one of the universal cover type and was mounted close to the lens - not to the lens hood. I was at B&H a few weeks ago and they advised a 77mm 18 stop ND filter which i purchased. I carried out an extensive comparison of my kit: ND and universal filter, the two lenses (plus and minus 1.4 extender), on the R8 and 7D. The results were pretty clear: the screw on filter provided a much greater clarity for the images and focused very nicely for both cameras, with 200 or 400, and with or without 1.4 extender. However, the image did not have much colour and was mostly shades of grey. The universal filter image was very soft, almost a small imperceptible double image, however the colour was much more of the yellow/orange colour that i expected and saw from the Thousand Oaks filter. Does this make sense and am i better off finding a good quality universal filter that will provide good optics and also allow for quick change during totality (or just use two cameras!). Thanks very much for your great information. Ken
Hey Ken,
Thanks for the kind words on the article!
I used a Thousand Oaks filter for the 2017 eclipse and will be using one for the 2024 show as well. B&H used to carry them, but stopped for some reason...unfortunate. :(
I think folks have gotten different mileage out of Mylar filters. I have been happy with the ones I have tried, and never really saw a difference in sharpness/quality...only color reproduction.
And, yes, ND filters might give you a dull gray sun. You could always add color in post production, if you wanted to go that way.
The good news for eclipse photographers is there are many sunny days between now and the next eclipse to try different configurations of gear and decide which one works best for you.
Having said that, I need to get out and do some solar photos soon!
I hope that answered your question. Standing by for follow-ups!
Thanks for reading!
Best,
Todd
Looking for the correct filter to use for the sun , and the eclipses, I am using a Canon 5d MKlll with a Canon 400mm L lens, Thank You
Hi Terry,
Sorry for the delay in replying...I am no longer at B&H and these comments get forwarded to me.
I think this one will work with your 400mm lens: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1336281-REG/mrstarguy_sgft043b_a…
But, break out a ruler and measure the outside diameter of the front of your lens before you purchase to verify my math!
Let me know if you have other questions!
Best,
Todd
HI Todd
I have a Canon EOS M50 Mark II with a 55-200mm lens. I just purchased a MrStarGuy mylar solar filter and took solar photos using an Auto setting. The image is sharp but is too washed out to see visible sunspots in the image. Current images from the National Solar Observatory indicated that there were small sunspots. Do you have any suggestions for Manual settings that would overcome this issue.
Thanks
Cliff
Hey Cliff,
Thanks for mentioning this.
In my experience, when I overexpose the sun, I lose out on smaller surface detail. Also, critically precise focus is needed.
Did you dial back the exposure at all to get a darker image? You'll also want to use spot metering as matrix or multi-segment will try to balance the exposure between the bright sun and the inky black of outer space. For focus, was the edge of the solar disk sharp?
Or, when you say, "washed out," did you mean that the overall photo was fuzzy as if you'd taken an image through a shower curtain? Or was it just overall pretty bright?
Standing by for follow-ups!
Best,
Todd
Hi Mark, I have the Nikon Z8 and plan on using it to photograph the entire April 8th, 2024 Total Eclipse. Can you please tell me the filter or filters that I should get for the best results. I want to get great pictures, but protect my camera and lens. Thank you!
Hi Nancy,
I don't know if you were looking for Mark B., or for me, the author of the article, but I will jump in anyway...
Please tell me what lens/lenses you plan on using for the Z8.
Thanks!
Best,
Todd
Hello. Thanks for all the info. For Solar Eclipse, I'd like the best option that will protect the camera, my eyes, best quality photo, allow for looking through Viewfinder while photographing the sun /eclipse. Quality and convenience over price. I have a Canon R, with 500mm Canon lens. Thanks in advance for your opinion!
Hi Mark,
You are welcome! Because you are using a mirrorless digital camera, you don't need a solar filter that protects your eyes or eyes through an optical viewfinder.
I also shoot mirrorless cameras, and, as you can see in the images above, I have both Mylar and ND filters for my camera/lenses, but I prefer how the sun is rendered through my Mylar filter than the ND filters due to the color of the sun in the images.
If you are going the ND filter route, I might suggest the added protection of a UV/IR cut filter.
If you would like more specific recommendations, may I ask what model 500mm lens you are using?
Thanks for reading, Mark!
Best,
Todd
Thanks Todd... so looking theough the Canon R viewfinder is ok without a filter?
My lens is the Canon 100-500 4.
Hit send too fast. But yes, Canon 100 - 500. Thanks foe thw quick response.
Hey Mark,
Yes, when you look through your electronic viewfinder you are basically looking at a TV screen—none of the radiation is getting to your eyes.
Thanks for clarifying the lens...I am a fan of this filter if you want a slip-on/off solar viewing filter: B&H SKU STSGFT040
If you are going the ND route, there are a bunch of brands that make 77mm filters.
I see the NiSi ND filters have built-in UV/IR cut, but if you want a separate filter there are several to choose from. (Sorry, the system is not letting me post links.)
Standing by for questions!
Oh, and most importantly, do NOT watch the entire eclipse through your viewfinder...you will be missing out on the majesty of the experience! Use you own eyes or, even better, a pair of binoculars (both filtered when needed)! Please trust me on that!
Best,
Todd