Why mess around with trying to make your own filter cell when you can have a ready-made high quality Baader solar filter at a great price? Our visual solar filters are available in 6 sizes to fit virtually any telescope OTA/dewshield between 52mm and 225mm in diameter. They are made from the famous white light Baader AstroSolar safety film made by Baader Planetarium in Germany. The filter cells are made of tough ABS plastic are fitted with nylon thumbscrews for a secure fit. The filter film is mounted in its own cell, unlike many other commercially sold filters where the film is simply glued on to the inner rim of the cell without any reinforcement. The 70mm filter will work well for many models of 40 - 56mm binoculars, finders, or small telescopes and spotting scopes.
Please measure the outer diameter of your telescope OTA to ensure a proper fit before ordering any filter.
For OTA/Dewshields between | For OTA/Dewshields between | Use Filter Cell Size |
52 - 70 mm | 2.05 - 2.76" | 70 mm |
72 - 110 mm | 2.83 - 4.33" | 110 mm |
102 - 140 mm | 4.02 - 5.51" | 140 mm |
142 - 180 mm | 5.59 - 7.09" | 180 mm |
162 - 200 mm | 6.38 - 7.87" | 200 mm |
187 - 225 mm | 7.36 - 8.86" | 225 mm |
Nonetheless, if you are still inclined to make your own filter cell or would like a spare piece of film for your filter, we also offer Baader visual and photographic filter film pieces in many sizes at the best prices you will find anywhere.
In its September 2000 issue, Sky & Telescope magazine proclaimed Baader film to be "the new standard in solar filters." For more information about Baader AstroSolar Filter Film, click here.
Please note that you may notice streaks or slight bends on the Baader film you receive. This is perfectly normal and natural and does not imply that the filter film is defective or used. The optical and mechanical properties of the film are not compromised. We take great care while handling the film and will not sell you a piece we think isn't safe.
Also, the Baader film is mounted a bit loosely on the filter cell. Hence, it may appear slightly stretched or even loose and "billowy" and may flutter a bit in a strong breeze. Again, this is normal. In fact, Baader film should never be mounted taut in order to preserve its mechanical and optical characteristics. Because of the high contrast in the photos, this effect is not prominent (except a bit in the first image of the 70mm filters).
Specifications
| . | 70mm Solar Filter | 110mm Solar Filter | 140mm Solar Filter | 180mm Solar Filter | 200mm Solar Filter | 225mm Solar Filter |
| Inner diameter of filter cell | 70mm | 110mm | 140mm | 180mm | 200mm | 225mm |
| Using the supplied thumbscrews, will fit OTAs/ dewshields with an outer diameter of: | 52-70mm (2.05-2.76") | 98-110mm (3.86-4.33") | 128-140mm (5.04-5.51") | 168-180mm (6.61-7.09") | 188-200mm (7.40-7.87") | 213-225mm (8.39-8.86") |
| Using the optional 1" thumbscrews, will fit OTAs/ dewshields with an outer diameter of: | N/A | 72-110mm (2.83-4.33") | 102-140mm (4.02-5.51") | 142-180mm (5.59-7.09") | 162-200mm (6.38-7.87") | 187-225mm (7.36-8.86") |
| Baader film size (diameter) | 30mm (1.18") | 70mm (2.76") | 70mm (2.76") | 70mm (2.76") | 70mm (2.76") | 70mm (2.76") |
| Can the Baader film be replaced if necessary? | Yes (within cell, not within ring) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Filter design | On-axis | On-axis | On-axis | Off-axis | Off-axis | Off-axis |
| Cell material | ABS Plastic | ABS Plastic | ABS Plastic | Cast Metal | Cast Metal | Cast Metal |
| Thumbscrews | Yes (1/2") | Yes (1/2") | Yes (1/2") | Yes (1/2") | Yes (1/2") | Yes (1/2") |
| Weight | 1.0oz | 2.0oz | 3.0oz | 12.0oz | 10.0oz | 16.0oz |
| Protective box | Yes (plastic) | Yes (plastic) | Yes (plastic) | Yes (plastic) | Yes (plastic) | Yes (cardboard) |
Product Reviews/Testimonials
Some customer testimonials about these filters:
"The solar filter mounted easily using the supplied thumb screws and, well, looked good on [my] scopes. I can say I felt "smart" for having bought the filter. Thanks for the quality product, good price, and excellent service."
- B. Pugh, Oakland, California
"The integrity of your filters put me at ease. I am very pleased with the views, and feel confident observing with your filter. The thumbscrews grip nice and tight to the front of my scope, and they don't chew up the finish. I know this filter will not just come off. These are a great value!"
- B. Chellis, Seymour, Connecticut
"No joke: last week, my dog took the filter off the shelf, ate the box, and ripped out the Baader solar film! Fortunately, the way your filter is set up, I was able to unscrew it and replace the film with [another piece]. I doubt you could do that with any other style of filter."
- S. Azmus, Kenosha, Wisconsin
