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[Paulie pchris00]

Been meaning to ask about the difference in detail between Baader film and glass solar filters. I made a couple of Baader film (I forget the brand, but it was a solar film) for the Venus transit, and even keeping it protected when not in use, it wasn't too long after that I noticed pinholes in the film. I've been thinking about upgrading to glass. Do you think I'd be better off going with glass, or make another Baader film filter? I miss solar observing.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

I use three types of solar filters....

The Orion Glass full aperture filter displays the solar disk in it's natural white and does a good job...but I find it a bit "Soft" in the imaging.  Visually..it's performs well.  The glass has a tendency to lose it's coating in pits here and there.  I have dotted them with black felt tip marker as recommended.

The Full aperture Baader film filter also displays the solar disk in it's natural white and is a bit sharper both visually and in imaging.  I use Full aperture in both the C11 SCT and the C102mm Refractor.  At times, I use a yellow eyepiece filter to lend the disk the expected color the public expects...and it does impar a better contrast, bringing out Sunspot details a bit more.

I also use the Seymour Full aperture for the C102 very infrequently , but it is the softest of the three and it lends an unnatural orangy tint to the solar disk.

Full narrative here in a previous post....

Chicago Astronomer Solar Filters...


In order of preference:

Baader film
Glass Filter
Seymour film

Personally from experience, I don't consider glass an upgrade.