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Agena Visual Baader Solar Filter - 200mm Cell ID (70mm On-Axis Filter Aperture)
Brand | Agena AstroProducts |
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Product Info
Manufacturer Description
A. Information About Our Ready-To-Use Solar Filters
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? Agena's visual solar filters are available in several sizes to fit virtually any finder, binocular, or telescope OTA/dewshield between 40mm and 225mm in diameter. They are made from the famous white light Baader AstroSolar safety film made by Baader Planetarium in Germany. The filter aperture and axis design varies by size (see specifications below). The filter cells are made of tough ABS plastic (sizes up to 140mm) or cast aluminum (sizes larger than 140mm) and are fitted with nylon thumbscrews for a secure fit. Optional screws are available (see "Accessories" section on this page) to increase the range over which each filter cell can fit. We offer Baader AstroSolar filters in visual density, ND 5 (0.00001 transmission) for direct visual use only. This can also be used for photography.
B. Baader AstroSolar Safety Film - Brief Overview
In its September 2000 issue, Sky & Telescope magazine proclaimed Baader Planetarium's AstroSolar⢠Safety Film to be "the new standard in solar filters." AstroSolar Safety Film delivers white light views of the Sun that are unmatched by any other objective solar filter or material. The views through AstroSolar display fine solar details, including fine penumbral detail, solar granulation, and lighter colored faculae. The disk is set against a dark background, free of the haze and scatter that is common in typical 'mylar' films or inexpensive glass filters. The performance of AstroSolar is even more remarkable when considering its very low cost. When combined with Baader's tips for a simple do-it-yourself filter mount (see below), anyone can construct a complete low cost, high quality, white light solar filter for any telescope.
What is even more important - with AstroSolar Film the Sun appears in its real color - neutral white (with only a slight bluish tinge). Other films and glass filters produce a blurry bluish or reddish/orange/yellow Solar image, thereby cutting part of the spectrum. Especially with an orange sun, it is very hard to see faculae regions which are visible predominantly in the blue wing of the spectrum.
Due to its neutral color balance, AstroSolar Film enables the use of various color (or interference) filters which allows the observer to concentrate on certain spectral passbands for investigations of different layers within the solar "atmosphere". It is also possible to further improve the stability and sharpness of the solar image through the use of the Baader Solar Continuum Filter (sold separately). Views of granulation and faculae are particularly enhanced through the use of this continuum filter, in combination with AstroSolar film. Users of achromatic refractors will be particularly pleased with the performance using this additional filter.
Please note that you cannot see solar prominences with white light solar filters such as this - that requires the use of sophisticated and significantly more expensive narrowband solar filters or telescopes.
C. Appearance of Baader AstroSolar Film and Solar Filter Cell
At first glance, Baader AstroSolar Film appear to be like ordinary aluminum foil. You will often notice streaks or bends on the Baader film you receive. Sometimes, it also appear that the film might be slightly "warped." 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. Please also note that the "flashlight test" is not a good way of inspecting this film. Putting it right against a very bright light will show a very mottled and non-uniform appearance, but again, this is normal and does not indicate a problem with the film piece.
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.
Our filter cells are hand-produced in small lots and may have a slightly rough finish or minor cosmetic blemishes in parts. They may also have casting imperfections that look very much like cracks, but are not. However, these are all cosmetic and have no impact on the performance of the filter.
D. Tips on Selecting a Solar Filter for your Telescope
- Do NOT buy a filter that is the same size as your telescope aperture. For example, a 90mm telescope requires a filter cell LARGER than 90mm.
- Measure the outside diameter of your telescope tube/dewshield. Pick a solar filter with a Cell ID ("B" = Inside Diameter in specifications below) that is slightly larger than this. Do not select a filter cell that is exactly the same size as your tube/dewshield diameter - it won't slide on.
- Make sure that the included screws are long enough to clamp down on your tube/dewshield. Longer screws are sold separately if you need them. See specification "C" below.
- Make sure that the filter you select is deep enough to securely sit over your tube/dewshield. Use the Inside Depth ("D") specification below to determine this. Some telescopes have a beveled/slanted dew shield - our filter cells are probably not deep enough for a secure fit on these telescopes.
- Our on-axis design filters are perfect for refractor telescopes, but are not suitable for most reflector telescopes (Newtonian/SCT/Mak/etc.). If you use these with reflector designs, a significant portion of the filter aperture will overlap with your secondary and will effectively be wasted. Use simple geometry to calculate what portion of the filter aperture will be blocked by your secondary and whether the remaining clear filter aperture is adequate for your needs.
- Our off-axis design filters may work with some reflector telescopes, but you should compare your telescope's primary/secondary schematic to our filter specifications. Your scope's secondary may overlap with the Baader film rendering a portion of it ineffective. Similarly, a portion of the film may lie outside the edge of your primary mirror. You can use the detailed diagram and specifications provided below to see what portion of the filter aperture can be used with your reflector or catadioptric telescope.
E. Product Reviews/Testimonials
"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
Reviews
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Mar 12, 2017
Excellent and safe solar filter
Pros: Cons: Comments:I use it on my Celestron Ultima 80 mm spotting scope. It fits very well and it stays firmly put on the scope. Agena service is fast and accurate as usual.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
alanoodle Member
- Skill Level
- Unknown
- Time with Product
- Unknown
- User Notes:
- Review by Alanoodle of Long Island, NY.
May 16, 2016Great Solar Filter
Pros:Lightweight,Strong Construction,Compact,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:I purchased this filter for my Orion ST80 to view the March 9 2016 transit of Mercury. The view was excellent. Great contrast and very comfortable viewing. The filter was very easy to attach and I like the nylon screws which will not scratch my scope. Agena's low price and fast shipping was also nice.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
May 10, 2016Works very well.
Pros:Easy to Use,Accurate,Strong Construction,Lightweight
Cons: Comments:I purchased the 120mm ID for use on the Orion ED80. Fit was perfect. Shipping was fast and arrived quickly, in time to photograph Mercury's transit on May 9, 2016. The result was excellent.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Mar 27, 2015Excellent contrast
Pros:Quality Lenses,Easy to Use,Accurate,Lightweight,Compact
Cons:None
Comments:I used this on my 4 inch f/6 achromatic refractor. I was impressed with how sharp images are with this filter.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Gunsmokeray New Member
- Skill Level
- Unknown
- Time with Product
- Unknown
- User Notes:
- Review by gunsmokeray of Northwest Louisiana.
Jan 30, 2015Perfect white light filter
Pros:Easy to Use,Lightweight,Strong Construction,Accurate
Cons: Comments:This is a perfect snug fit on my ED 80 APO. It performs as expected. It provides white views of the sun.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Feb 8, 2014Sounds great
Pros: Cons: Comments:Notes from a beginner to other beginners:
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
The 140mm measurement is accurate and sharp with regard to the external diameter of the receiving end on the telescope.
That means it can not be mounted on a Celestron 127SLT (127mm x 1500mm) whose external diameter is 145mm (I'll have to tinker and add an external sleeve to make them fit together).This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Feb 27, 2013Excellent and Sturdy Filter
Pros:Easy to Use,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:Good product. It is well-constructed, but you have to be careful with the Baader film, of course.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
I could make one of these, but this style from Agena Astro is much more versatile in being readily adjustable.
My "homemade" ones aren't!!
Good selection of sizes here, too.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Feb 9, 2013A better solar filter.
Pros:Easy to Use,Strong Construction,Lightweight
Cons: Comments:This was the first solar filter that I purchased using Baader solar filter film. The resolution of the Baader film is greater that other glass metallic film solar filters.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Sep 25, 2012Perfect match for William Optics GT81
Pros:Lightweight,Strong Construction,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:Supplied with pre-installed Baader Solar Film ND 5 for Visual Solar Observation, fits perfectly on my William Optics GT81 Triplet. It's so good that I'm getting another so that I can fit it with the Baader ND 3.8 Photographic Solar Filter for Imaging the Sun. And I also got the smaller size for the Finder Scope.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jul 17, 2012Fast Shipping and Worked Great
Pros:Worked fine on binoculars
Cons: Comments:Received two days after order, just in time to use viewing the Transit of Venus. Used on bincoculars, and had great results.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jul 16, 2012Great Filter
Pros:Easy to Use,Strong Construction,Lightweight
Cons: Comments:Bought this filter for use during the Venus transit. Views were excellent, nice sunspot details visible, and the use of a yellow filter gave the sun a nice color for showing the transit to neighbors. Excellent product, especially for the price!
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jul 15, 2012Great Product, fine quality
Pros:Lightweight,Quality Lenses,Easy to Use,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:Great for viewing / imaging the Sun in white light. The Baader Solar Film gives a nice, cool (color temp) image of the Sun with great sunspot detail. I like these better than the glass ones.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jul 7, 2012Baader Solar Filter 110mm - Visual
Pros:Strong Construction,Lightweight,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:I bought this filter for use on my Orion 90mm Mak-Cas and it fits perfectly. The 70mm of filter aperture is more than sufficient for my 90mm mirror, and as a result, sunspot images are bright and crisp. The filter is very light, so it adds hardly any weight to the front of my telescope. That being said, you might think that the frame is flimsy and weak, but that's not the case. Frame construction is solid and well done. Included with my filter was a purple, plastic sandwich container that holds the filter and keeps it safe from damage when not in use. Overall, I'm very satisfied with my purchase and would recommend this product without hesitation.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jun 30, 2012Great filter, great price
Pros:Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:Solar filter fit quickly and easily on my SkyWatcher 102mm Achro. Views of the Venus transit were very clear. Sunspots were also very easily seen.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jun 30, 2012Nice product
Pros:Accurate,Strong Construction,Lightweight,Sun looks great,Fits like a glove,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:No complaints, Arrived quickly and works great.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jun 29, 2012White Light Solar Filter
Pros:It works well
Cons: Comments:This is a white light solar filter with high-quality Baader Planetarium absorbing film in a simple mount. The filter is attached to the telescope tube using nylon screws. My experience: Delivery was prompt, it seems sturdy enough, it is easy to fasten it securely to the scope and easy to get it off, too. And when I tested it on a group of sunspots, the image was very clear and detailed - there was no visible deterioration caused by the filter foil.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jun 29, 2012Excellent Product
Pros:Multi-Purpose,Easy to Use,Lightweight,Compact
Cons: Comments:I used this filter for the "Transit of Venus" in 2012. It performed very well. I was pleased that it fits several of my refractor scopes. The thumb screws are plastic, so, that do not damage the finish on the scopes. All in all, an execellent product.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jun 29, 2012Worked perfect
Pros:Lightweight,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:Agena included a plactic case with the unit. This is an inexpensive addition I know, but it was nice of them to do so I didn't have to go find something myself. And prevented damage in shipping. Goes a long way to showing they care about the customer and the products they sell.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
May 16, 2012Fit my Orion ShortTube 80 perfectly!
Pros:Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:The 110mm version fit my Orion ShortTube 80 perfectly. Just in time for the transit of Venus!
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
gmartin02 New Member
- Skill Level
- Unknown
- Time with Product
- Unknown
- User Notes:
- Review by Greg of Santa Clarita, CA.
Jun 11, 2011Quality, reasonably priced solar filter
Pros:Replaceable film,Easy to use
Cons:None
Comments:I am really happy with this white light solar filter. The Baader film came installed perfectly, and the price was reasonable.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jan 17, 2011Great for White Light Solar Views
Pros:Inexpensive,Lightweight,Easy to use,Clear Views,Protective Case Included
Cons:Film can be Punctured,Sharp Screws on Inside
Comments:White light solar viewing allows one to see sunspots, faculae (threads or canyons of bright white areas, especially near sunspots or the edge of the sun), and some surface granulation. It is VERY important to safely reduce the light intensity before it can damage eyes or a telescope. This film is very good for doing that, and it comes in a plastic housing allowing it to be easily mounted to the telescope using non-marring nylon thumbscrews. Although the 70mm aperture might seem constrictive, it actually is very acceptable for solar views when the air is rather turbulent (i.e., heat ripples are everywhere).
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
This filter allows all of white light solar features to be seen, with considerable detail in and around sunspots. It shows more detail than a competitor's thick mylar film in an aluminum housing, and comes close to a Herschel wedge in performance, but costs much less. And it costs much less than a glass solar filter used at the front of a telescope, yet performs about the same. I use an old 4-inch f/10 achromatic doublet and get great views. I just had to measure the outside diameter of the objective lens cell and select the size that would fit. For another telescope I also use a bit of 1/2-inch foam plastic backing rod (used in caulking larger building cracks) around inside of the housing circumference to get a very snug fit (i.e., wind and mostly kid-proof).
One possible drawback is the off-white, perhaps slightly blueish view of the sun, which is a property of the film used - but if this detracts, then the use of an inexpensive Wratten 15 deep yellow filter will make the sun a pleasing yellow-orange (amber?) that also helps in seeing more detail (and minimizes any chromatic aberration of a simple refractor). Agena also sells an inexpensive W15 GSO filter that works quite well for this.
The only reason for not giving this five-stars is that small metal screws are used to attach the film to the housing, and their sharp points face the objective glass of a refractor (or corrector of a Cat). Normally the distance between the screw tip and the glass is enough to prevent a problem, but using small, self-taping nylon screws would be a better design. I have been looking for such screws to replace mine, but have not found them anywhere, which may be why metal screws are used.
If the film every gets punctured it can be easily be replaced. Any the film should be inspected for pinpoint holes before use (I have not seen any on mine) - if any are found they can be made opaque with something like "white-out" dots on the inside that will not be noticed when viewing the solar image (until a considerable number of them exist - before then, replace the film).
This is a great product for white light views of the sun.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jan 2, 2011Nice mount for solar filter
Pros:Strong Construction,Easy to mount
Cons:None
Comments:Got the 140mm filter to fit a 90mm refractor (110mm was too small). I had to replace the stock screws with longer screws, but Agena had alerted me to that and I had no trouble finding appropriately sized teflon screws at my local hardware store.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
With the longer screws the filter mounts tightly and securely. The Baader film filter provides great views of the sun. The filter film is mounted in a separate cell, so you can replace it if ever needed. In short, works great.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
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