Baader AstroSolar® ClearWhite Safety Film OD 5.1

• AstroSolar® ClearWhite Safety Film OD 5.1 – High-quality solar filter for direct solar observation and use as a front filter.
• Optical density OD 5.1 – reduces sunlight by more than 99.999% (approx. 1:125,000)
• Versatile use – suitable for direct observation of the Sun with the naked eye when mounted in a suitable holder, as well as for constructing front filters for telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes and camera lenses
• Clear, white image of the Sun – delivers a razor-sharp, high-contrast image, even at the highest magnifications
• Complies with standards – meets the transmission and safety requirements specified in EN ISO 12312-2:2015 for filters used in direct solar observation
• Further development – successor to the AstroSolar® Safety Film OD 5.0, which has been tried and tested since 1999, now with a clear white solar image and even higher optical density
• Roll sizes: 100 x 50 cm and 117 x 117 cm as well as customised cuts carried out by us

Baader AstroSolar® ClearWhite Safety Film OD 5.1 combines maximum safety with excellent image quality – perfect for solar observers, astrophotographers and instrument builders.

Baader AstroSolar® ClearWhite Safety Film OD 5.1

The Baader AstroSolar® ClearWhite Safety Film OD 5.1 is a top-quality solar filter film metallised on both sides. It is suitable both for direct solar observation and for constructing front-lens filters for telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes and camera lenses.

• Optical performance – OD 5.1 reduces the intensity of sunlight by approx. 99.9992% (factor ≈ 1:125,000) and meets the transmission and safety requirements of EN ISO 12312-2:2015.
• Improved image quality – Compared to the previous version, OD 5.0, the ClearWhite version delivers an even clearer, pure white image of the Sun. Sunspots, granulation and fine photospheric structures appear sharp and high-contrast.
• Neutral colour cast – Thanks to the special coating, there is virtually no bluish or orange colour cast, which is common with simpler filters.
• High optical purity – The film consists of a special, streak- and bubble-free film (thickness 0.012 mm), the quality of which is comparable to that of high-quality plane-parallel glass filters. It is not ordinary ‘Mylar’, but has been developed for exceptional uniformity and purity.
• Double-sided coating – Ensures a uniform filtering effect and minimises microscopic irregularities; a single layer is sufficient to produce a reliable, sharp solar filter.

Application

• Direct observation: Provided the film is undamaged and secured in a light-tight, rigid holder, it can be used safely with the naked eye.Front-lens filter: The film must be attached exclusively in front of the entrance aperture of telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes or camera lenses, covering the entire aperture and secured to prevent slipping.
• Photography: The film is equally suitable for visual observation and photography. It allows for short exposure times, meaning that both single shots and ‘lucky imaging’ can be carried out without difficulty in normal sunlight and during the partial phases of solar eclipses. It is safe to look through the camera viewfinder, provided that the light is not viewed directly but is deflected by the camera.

Important note

Never use the filter on the eyepiece, behind the lens, at the focal point or in a non-front-facing optical path. Similarly, a solar filter hand viewer or solar viewing glasses must not be viewed through an optical instrument (telescope, binoculars, spotting scope, camera).

Making your own solar filter

In just a few simple steps, you can create a high-quality front filter using Baader AstroSolar® ClearWhite Safety Film OD 5.1. Detailed assembly instructions, including safety guidelines, are included with every sheet and are also available in the download section at the bottom of the product page.

• Installation: The film must not be stretched taut – it should be crease-free but without any mechanical tension. Slightly wavy or loosely fitted film does not impair the optical performance (tightly stretched film immediately reduces image quality!).
• Pre-use inspection: Before each use, the film and its holder must be checked for tears, holes, creases, scratches, delamination or extensive soiling. Damaged films must not be repaired but must be replaced.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Never look directly into the sun without an intact, tested solar filter. Everyday items such as sunglasses, emergency survival blankets, CDs or ND filters are unsuitable and can damage the eye (= lead to blindness). A safe filter is also required during partial or annular solar eclipses. The corona may only be viewed without a filter during the total phase of a total solar eclipse. Children must only use solar filters under adult supervision; all equipment (filters, viewing glasses, handheld viewers, telescopes, binoculars, cameras) must never be left unattended.

100% viewing experience

For unforgettable, breathtaking viewing experiences, we highly recommend an additional Solar Continuum filter as well as our Astrogarten Professional observation cloth.

Dimensions

We supply the BAADER AstroSolar® solar filter film in a wide range of dimensions, which you can select from the options provided.

We have perfected our cutting technique to such an extent that you will receive clean, precise cuts without the usual rough edges, creases(!), fingerprints, etc.