Who said you have to be in the dark to do astronomy? Turning your telescope to the Sun is fun and educational. Watch the march of giant sunspots, the clouds of glowing vapor in the photosphere, and solar "granulation" detail. But be sure to protect your precious vision with a safe Thousand Oaks solar filter! Looking at the Sun without one, even for an instant, can permanently damage your eyes.
Thousand Oaks Optical's high quality black polymer from Thousand Oaks Optics provide the highest safety features, along with crisp and beautiful eye pleasing orange solar images. Unlike metallized Mylar, the black polymer gives a sharp, comfortable orange image instead of unnatural pale blue. The protective filtering properties of the black polymer are throughout the substrate so there is no concern about safety. It is great for making inexpensive and safe filters for binoculars, cameras, and custom solar viewers.
Low cost for safely looking at the Sun
These black polymer telescope filters deliver superb views of the Sun, without risk to your eyes. The Thousand Oaks black polymer solar filters also provide better contrast, a more natural yellow-orange color instead of blue. They're ideal for photographing the Sun too!
Thousand Oaks Optical's high quality black polymer from Thousand Oaks Optics provide the highest safety features, along with crisp and beautiful eye pleasing orange solar images. Unlike metallized Mylar, the black polymer gives a sharp, comfortable orange image instead of unnatural pale blue. The protective filtering properties of the black polymer are throughout the substrate so there is no concern about safety. It is great for making inexpensive and safe filters for binoculars, cameras, and custom solar viewers.
CAUTION: Never look at the Sun, even for an instant, without a protective solar filter. Doing so can permanently damage your eyes.
Pinholes and Minor Scratches
Pinholes and minor surface scratches are common in solar filters, however, Thousand Oaks Optical's multi-coating technique keeps them to a minimum. A "bright" pinhole may cause "ghosting" due to scattered light. If this is seen during observation, the pinhole(s) should be blocked out. Blocking out any pinholes should be done on inside coated surface. Hold filter 1-2 feet in front of a standard 60-100 watt "soft white" light bulb. Blocking can be done with a fine point felt marker, small drop of paint, typing correction fluid etc. The touch up procedure will not degrade the optical performance. It is not necessary to touch up any small pinholes that do not cause image problems. There is no danger if some small non light scattering pinholes or minor scratches are present. All filters are tested for safety before shipment.
Glass 2+: High quality hand selected glass with metallic coating on inside surface facing optics. SolarLite Film: Metallic coating outside surface & absorptive material within substrate. Silver-Black Polymer Film: Metallic coating outside surface absorptive material within substrate.
All filters block 99.999% of the energy from entering the instrument. For visual and photographic use.
IMPORTANT:
Check the solar filter for damage before each use.
The filter must be FIRST in-line between sun and instrument. Do not use filter behind any lens.
Truss design telescopes must NOT be used without covering the open section of tube. Sunlight entering from the side will reflect off mirror and damage the solar filter.
Secure filter properly. (See mounting instructions)
Do not leave instrument unattended where a child or inexperienced adult could point it at the sun without the filter properly attached.
Keep the finder-scope covered if not equipped with a proper solar filter.
Point the instrument away from sun when attaching and removing solar filter.
Do not place the filter up against a smaller instrument. The end of the tube will damage the filter.
When looking through the focusing tube without an eyepiece, there may appear to be small defects in
the coating that are not seen when observing through the eyepiece. This is normal and is not a coating defect or safety concern.
“Ghosting” can occur due to internal reflections (glass filters only). If this is a problem, simply tilt the filter slightly.
Filter may absorb solar energy and get hot during use. Use extra care when removing.
Pinholes and minor surface scratches are common in glass solar filters; however, our multi-coating technique keeps them to a minimum. A “bright” pinhole in the coating may cause “ghosting” due to scattered light. If this is seen during observation, the pinhole(s) should be blocked out. Block out any pinholes on inside surface facing telescope. Hold the filter 1-2 feet in front of a 50-100 soft white light bulb. Blocking can be done using a fine point felt marker. There is no danger if a few pinholes or minor scratches are present. The touch-up(s) will not lessen the optical performance. Small pinholes need not be blocked if not causing an image problem.
MOUNTING:
If your filter is too loose, it can be custom fitted using the extra felt included. If the paper backing is difficult to remove, dampen with water or alcohol using a wet sponge or fine spray mist. Peal backing off slowly. Let dry if necessary before installing on inside of cell. Extra felt can be added over any existing felt. Test fit before removing the backing and permanently installing the felt. We cannot exchange for another size if the felt is installed.
TIPS:
Allow instrument and filter to equalize to the outside temperature for at least 15 minutes.
If possible, do not view over pavement or buildings. Viewing over grass or water will help avoid heat currents that will degrade the image.
Cover dark colored instruments with a light colored cloth.
CLEANING:
Glass: Loose dust can be blown off with up to 15 PSI. Clean with Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and a soft tissue. Do not use a cloth. It’s best to mist the filter with a spray versus soaking the tissue. Use a 3 inch or larger circular wad of tissue and lightly rub across surface using long strokes. Lightly wipe dry with a fresh dry tissue.
SolarLite & Silver-Black Polymer Film: Same as glass, however, polymer is more susceptible to small surface scratches, so extra care should be taken. Surface scratches will not compromise the safety.
Please observe the following safety precautions with EVERY solar observation
Prior to each and every solar observation session, check the filters fit and - if necessary - tape it to prevent slipping. Never use the filter at the eyepiece, only attach it onto the front of the objective, in front of the Schmidt-plate (SC-owners) or in front of the tube of a Newtonian-telescope. Otherwise it can become dangerously hot inside your instrument and inside your eyes.
If you use a binocular, protect both objectives with a filter. Also make sure, that the viewfinder of your telescope is properly covered, either with foil or with the original dust cover. Unprotected views through your finderscope would have the same catastrophic consequences for your eyes as a look through the main telescope itself !
A filter made of film is relatively resistant to breackage in comparison to a glas filter. However, care should be taken with sharp pointed objects.
Emphasize the importance of caution to those observing with you, especially children. Intentionally removing or damaging the filter can endanger their eyesight. This is no place for jokes. Never leave the telescope outside unattended during the daytime !
CAUTION:Never look at the Sun, either directly or through a telescope, without a professionally made protective solar filter installed that completely covers the front of the instrument, or permanent eye damage could result.
Levenhuk Zeno Read ZR10 Magnifier with a rectangular lens is ideal for reading books, magazines, newspapers, drafts, and geography maps. It is convenient for working with large photographs and engravings as well as for the detailed studying of particular areas.
A great starter telescope for electronically assisted astrophotography. Price is excellent for the ease of use and quality of pictures. APP is easy to use. Very quick and easy to setup, especially when weather is unpredictable here in Thailand. Beats setting up the large rig.