Solar Observing Filters

To fit Model	Description	Stock code	Price (GBP)
7" Mak 8" SCT	Focus Master to use FI092	FI096	69.99
10" SCT	Focus Master to use FI093	FI097	79.99
12" SCT	Focus Master to use FI093	FI098	89.99
14" SCT	Focus Master to use FI094	FI099	99.99
TeleVue Pronto	Pronto Adaptor to use FI092	FI102	24.99

To fit Model	Description	Stock code	Price (GBP)
ETX 60 & 70	Screw-on solar filter	FI092	59.99
ETX90 RA&EC	Screw-on solar filter	FI093	69.99
ETX105EC	Screw-on solar filter	FI094	79.99
ETX125	Screw-on solar filter	FI095	99.99

solarfilters
Solar Observation Filters
Discover the nearest star, our Sun, in stunning detail with our multi-coated solar filters

Our Solar filters have been designed to allow direct viewing or photography of broadband solar phenomena (sunspots, faculae etc). The filter is manufactured from glass and has a multi-layered metalised coating applied by a process of evaporation in a vacuum chamber. A blend of metals layered together gives a pleasing look to the sun and allows natural colours to be seen. For safe and secure observation the glass filter is sealed in a high-precision black anodised aluminium cell, that screws directly onto the thread on the front of the telescope tube. For safety the glass filter is held in the cell with a precision-machined collar held in place with screws and not glue (or tape!) as in some competitor products. See below for a range of adaptors to allow fitting to other models.

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fi906
Filter Adaptors
Total power solution for many small telescopes

Our range of solar filters shown above can be attached to all models of the Focus-Master and allow off-axis solar viewing with the 7", 8", 10" 12" and 14" Meade, and other brands of Mak and SCT telescope. Simply unscrew the aluminium cap off the Focus-Master and screw in the appropriate filter. The Focus-Master does not include the solar filter - see above for models and pricing (see LX SCT Range Accessories for more information about the versatile Focus-Master, focussing, collimation and off-axis viewing aid).

The Pronto adaptor is a simple ring adaptor to allow the FI092 filter to be attached to the front filter thread of the TeleVue™ Pronto - watch this space for more TeleVue adaptors for other BC&F AE solar filters.

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Large add-on solar finder
Converts your optical view finder into a solar finder

Simplicity itself to fit and use, the solar finder (LX) fits directly over the front of any viewfinder with a front lens barrel between 50 to 63mm diameter inclusive. Lock it into place with the single nylon thumbscrew and in seconds your scope is fitted with a safe solar finder. Your crosshairs are safe from burning through as the solar finder fits like a cap covering the optical finder lens completely. Point the scope in the general direction of the sun and a small image of the sun a couple of millimetres in diameter will appear on the projection screen - simply steer the telescope and centre the bright dot in the circle-sight and the instrument is pointing directly at the sun! The insert (top right) in the picture shows the rear of the projection screen seen from the eyepiece end of the telescope. Observing the sun is dangerous and can cause permanent blindness. The solar finder (LX) must only be used in conjunction with a safe solar viewing energy rejection filter (see above).

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Small add-on solar finder
Converts small optical viewfinder into a solar finder

Designed initially for the Meade ETX, the small Solar Finder fits directly over the front of any viewfinder with a front lens cell barrel between 27 to 32.5mm diameter inclusive. Simplicity itself to fit and use, lock it into place with the two nylon thumbscrews and in seconds your scope is fitted with a safe solar finder. Your crosshairs are safe from burning through as the solar finder fits like a cap covering the optical finder lens completely. Point the scope in the general direction of the sun and the stainless steel mast will casts a vivid shadow onto the engraved front face - simply steer the telescope and make the shadow disappear and the instrument is pointing directly at the sun! Click the picture to see it in action. Observing the sun is dangerous and can cause permanent blindness. The solar finder must only be used in conjunction with a safe solar viewing energy rejection filter (see above).

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addon
Universal Solar Finder
A safe and accurate solar finder that easily attaches (permanent or temporary) to all telescopes large or small

Anyone who has used a solar observation filter or made observations by the eyepiece projection method knows the frustrations of accurately pointing an instrument at the sun. This cleverly designed finder has two collimatable targets: one permanently fixed, and the other magnetic and repositionable. The finder has a universal mounting platform (identical to the one supplied with the Easy-Aim Red dot finder AC544) with self-adhesive strips for permanent attachment. The kit is also supplied with a Velcro strap for quick temporary fitting to a wide range of instruments. Though compact enough for the smallest scopes, it is precise enough to point even long focal length telescopes accurately. Perfect for use with all Coronado MaxScopes.

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ac635
Announcing
The SolarVue 2 solar observing 2” diagonal
Observe the REAL sun in safety with our new Herschel wedge observing system - the ultimate way to observe and photograph the sun with refracting telescopes

The SolarVue 2, when used with a good quality refracting telescope, provides the finest natural white-light views of the sun obtainable. The Herschel wedge diagonal gives safe full-aperture solar views without the artificial colour and image deterioration associated with solar filters. Even all thin metalised plastic (eg Mylar et al) film filters come a poor second to our direct full-colour viewing method. The system relies on a precision-ground 2” wedge-shaped prism (of our own design and manufactured entirely in Britain) to actually form the viewable image and thus relies on a principle that is almost as old as the telescope. Perfect for photography: the SolarVue 2 permits full-aperture photography using cameras as large as medium format film size. The SolarVue 2 comes complete with a double-element 2” polarising filter unit for precise and comfortable image brightness control, and is packaged in a handsome and functional black foam-lined attaché style ABS storage case. The SolarVue 2 solar observing diagonal can only be used with refracting telescopes with a 2” eyepiece holder - we further suggest that its use should be limited to telescopes of an all-metal design only. In contrast to objective-fitting solar filters, the SolarVue 2 Herschel wedge does not restrict or absorb any of the visual wavelengths of light passing through it and thus provides a pure, natural true-colour white light view limited in detail virtually only by the quality of the optics of the telescope. An innovative light baffle is incorporated into the SolarVue 2 to increase viewing contrast by allowing less light back into the eyepiece from the open exhaust side of the diagonal. This baffle can easily be removed if required.

Here are just some of the great features of the SolarVue 2 Solar wedge diagonal:

• Simple, safe high-performance design

• Ideal for photographic and visual use

• Passes a broad spectrum, allowing other filters to be usefully employed

• Precise polarising filter-based brightness attenuation - allows the widest range of eyepieces and accessory equipment to be used

• Fits all quality (all-metal recommended) refractors fitted with 2” eyepiece holders

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The SolarVue 2 solar observing 2" diagonal

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SolarVue 2 fitted to an
Orion ED80 telescope

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ac667
Solar-Mate Universal solar observing shade for all telescopes
Improves eyepiece contrast and observer comfort

The Solar-Mate universal observing shade will greatly improve contrast and observer comfort by minimizing glare. It’s an obvious fact of solar observation that in most cases the eyepiece end of the telescope and observers face will be subjected to the full glare of the sun, and from the simple fact that telescopes fitted with solar observation filters and diagonals can offer moderately dim eyepiece views it follows that the instrument will perform significantly better in terms of contrast and detail if steps are taken to reduce local glare.

Our handsome universal-fit glare shield is designed to cast a perfect shadow over the eyepiece region of the telescope and create an ideal mini-environment for the observer to ensure that the eyes are always in a comfortable shadow when near the eyepiece. The Solar-Mate is easy to fit and requires no tools; -it simply adjusts to the size of your tube or dew-shield with a single adjustment and lock screw.

On the rear face of the Solar-Mate Universal is a panel of useful facts about the physics of the sun (surface temperature, rotation speeds etc). Clever design allows the Solar-Mate Universal shade to fit all telescopes with tube diameters ranging from 75mm (3”) to 300mm (12”) and larger! The Solar-Mate works particularly well with the full range of Coronado Ha Solar telescopes, enhancing the eyepiece views impressively (owing to the relatively dim nature of the red solar disc presented in this type of instrument - especially when viewed at higher powers).

To enhance contrast in the eyepiece views and observer comfort still further, use the Solar-Mate with our winged rubber eyecups AC418 and our Blackout Observing Hood AC470 (click on stock codes for more info). The Solar-Mate is made of lightweight aluminium and is finished in durable black resin powder coat.

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To fit tubes with external diameters of	Description	Stock code	Price (GBP)
70mm to 85mm	Sol-Vu full-aperture solar observing filter	AC657	27.99
85mm to 95mm	Sol-Vu full-aperture solar observing filter	AC658	29.99
93mm to 108mm	Sol-Vu full-aperture solar observing filter	AC659	33.99
94mm to 125mm	Sol-Vu full-aperture solar observing filter	AC660	38.99
119mm to 130mm	Sol-Vu full-aperture solar observing filter	AC661	38.99
130mm to 150mm	Sol-Vu full-aperture solar observing filter	AC662	39.99
150mm to 179mm	Sol-Vu full-aperture solar observing filter	AC663	39.99
199mm to 235mm	Sol-Vu full-aperture solar observing filter	AC664	49.99

solVU
Sol-Vu full-aperture solar viewing filter
A range of value-for-money safe solar filters in sizes to suit all telescopes - combining tip-top performance with affordable price!

Our new range of full aperture solar observing filters offer superb high-resolution views of the white light phenomena that can be seen on the solar disk. Sunspots showing some natural colour as well as faculae are easily visible and even the granular structure of the photosphere is visible in many small instruments. All Sol-Vu filters have rigid aluminium mountings and use three nylon lock screws to achieve a firm reliable fastening to your telescope. Plus, three thick but soft self-adhesive neoprene foam pads are supplied to improve the fit if needed. The Sol-Vu offers truly stunning natural-looking solar views using the well-established Baader AstroSolar‘ safety film. The film is made of thin (0.012mm), but incredibly strong, metal coated plastic foil. The film’s thinness offers the minimum optical intrusion into the telescope’s performance and easily performs to standard set by only the finest plane-parallel glass. The filter medium is made of this durable material and is relatively resistant to breakage, even during intentional attempts, in comparison with a glass filter. To find the correct filter for your scope simply measure the maximum external tube diameter at the very front of your instrument and select the filter that covers this size. The filters can be used on all telescopes, binoculars (in pairs!) and camera lenses. Please note: Solar observing is dangerous and can be hazardous to eyesight. Safety is everyone’s responsibility - please read the safety notes supplied with the product carefully - if the notes are missing, please contact us for a copy.

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