What solar filter for a pair of binoculars?

[Zavatar]

I'm thinking about buying a solar filter for my binoculars, but I'm not sure about what filter to buy. I thought about buying a sheet of Baader filter, cutting it in a round shape, with plenty of filter to spare, and using some elastic bands to keep it in place around the objectives of my binoculars. Do you think this is safe? It's my main idea now because the Baader filter is pretty cheap, 20 euros for an A4 sized sheet, but I'm more than willing to pay more to keep from going blind :p

[Casus_belli]

Doesnt sound very safe to me. Remember it only takes one glance at the sun through binoculars and thats your sight gone for ever. Spend a few more pounds/dollars/euros to make sure.

Im actually using a marine sextant for sun gazing. Good during eclipses or transits but not great otherwise. I want to do some proper sun gazing but I will wait until I can get a decent and safe solar filter for my scope

[Zavatar]

Can you recommend a filter?

[aurora]

Baader material has always gotten good reviews.

I don't know of any pre made filters that are specifically for binoculars, but you could search some of the online astro vendors and see what you could find.

[reckless]

Hi Zavatar

I have used Baader foil for some years now and find it tough, reliable, and effective. I made some cardboard frame holders for the foil discs which are a tight fit on the binocular objectives thereby maintaining safety. I have done the same for my 114mm reflector and 2000mm SCT.

I always check them before fitting them to the binos by holding them up to the light and looking for any pinpricks - I haven't found any in the last 3 years and I can still see quite well!

Cheers from Bonnie Scotland (if a bit flood-ridden here in Dingwall at the moment)

Eric

http://members.aol.com/astrophotos/equipment.html#binos