Much like people are not supposed to look at eclipses with our naked eyes, camera lenses need the same level of protection whenever it’s directed for some kind of solar photography. And while there are numerous camera filters available in the market, do you know what exactly is the best lens filter for eclipse?
Solar filters are a type of camera filter specifically designed to allow you to view the sun by minimizing the intensity of the sun. Ideally, a quality solar filter should be able to decrease light passthrough by 16 to 24 stops in order to effectively protect the camera and its lens without affecting the image quality, such as difference in color and clarity.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Threaded Black Polymer Solar | This filter from THOUSAND OAKS CAPITAL is easily one of the best lens filters for eclipse, which can last up to 5 years. The Threaded Black Polymer Solar Filter is made of high-quality material, which can give you high-quality performance as well. The perfect accessory to shoot eclipses is within your hands. | ||
| SL58-T – Threaded (SolarLite Film) | Best known for its high-quality and durable build, the SL58-T – Threaded (SolarLite Film) is a highly versatile filter that can be used on both DSLR cameras and video cameras. | ||
| FORMATT HITech Limited Firecrest Neutral Density | The Formatt Hitech Limited Firecrest Neutral Density Filter comes in a surprisingly slim and compact design and is available in several variants of different stopping powers. | ||
| Gobe Ndx Variable Nd Lens Filter | The GOBE NDX Variable ND Lens Filter is a highly versatile solar filter that features several variants between ND2 and ND4000 that effectively reduce light from 1 to 8.66 f-stops. Ideal for both landscape and videography, the GOBE NDX Variable ND Lens Filter offers quality and versatility at a competitive price. | ||
| K&F Concept Fader Nd Filter | Considerably one of the best lens filter for eclipse, the K&F Concept Fader ND Filter is an amazing variable ND filter engineered and optimized to perform exceptionally better than other variable ND filters available in the market nowadays. | ||
| Solar Filter – Unversal Lens Filter 70mm – White Light for camera | Coming from one of the most known brands in the industry of solar photography equipment manufacturing, the Solar Filter – Unversal Lens Filter 70mm – White Light for camera is considerably one of the most reliable and arguably the best lens filter for eclipse. | ||
| Ice Slim Nd Filter Set | The ICE Slim ND Filter Set is another mid-value solar filter that provides quality and ensures the product’s versatility and durability. |
A Detailed Review on the Best Lens Filters For Eclipse
Threaded Black Polymer Solar Filter
This filter from THOUSAND OAKS CAPITAL is easily one of the best lens filters for eclipse, which can last up to 5 years. The Threaded Black Polymer Solar Filter is made of high-quality material, which can give you high-quality performance as well. The perfect accessory to shoot eclipses is within your hands.
Product Highlights
The Threaded Black Polymer Solar Filter is compatible with cameras with 52mm lenses. It is made up of black polymer which is the most well-known and most used material for watching sunspots in cameras and telescopes.
The Good
You can see the natural orange color of the sun through a telescope using this filter.
The Bad
The bad thing about this lens filter is that it comes only in 52mm variant which means only cameras with 52mm lenses will be a perfect fit with this item. Pricey compared to other camera filters.
PROs
- It is made of black polymer
- Good for 52mm lenses
- Simple design
CONs
- Is only compatible with cameras with 52mm lenses
- Pricey compared to other lens filters in the market
SL58-T – Threaded (SolarLite Film)
Best known for its high-quality and durable build, the SL58-T – Threaded (SolarLite Film) is a highly versatile filter that can be used on both DSLR cameras, video cameras, and binoculars.
Product Highlights
The SL58-T – Threaded (SolarLite Film) gives you the same photographic qualities of glass while having the great features of impregnated polymer. It is built tough so you don’t have to worry about accidentally breaking it.
The Good
This is definitely one of the best lens filter for eclipse since it is made by one of the trusted brands of NASA. It has universal camera threads so it should fit most camera lenses with the same diameter (58mm).
The Bad
One user noted that the autofocus of the camera doesn’t work while this filter is being used since it is too dark. A protective case would have been a nice addition so you can properly take care of your lens filter.
PROs
- Good fit for most lenses with same diameter
- Can be used for cameras and binoculars
- Trusted by experts
CONs
- Too dark for autofocus
- No protective case included
Formatt Hitech Limited Firecrest Neutral Density Filter
The Formatt Hitech Limited Firecrest Neutral Density Filter comes in a surprisingly slim and compact design and is available in several variants of different stopping powers.
Product Highlights
The Formatt Hitech Limited Firecrest Neutral Density Filter is known for its quality built and performance both produced using Firecrest technology. Featuring Schott Superwite glass that is considered the finest optic glass available, the Formatt Hitech Limited Firecrest Neutral Density produced fine neutral images perfect for long exposure photography.
The Good
Compatible with photo, video, broadcast, and cinema productions, the Formatt Hitech Firecrest Natural Density Filter features Firecrest technology that allows it to be neutral across all spectrum why effectively reducing light at the designated stop. Aside from that, the technology used in this filter makes it UV, visible, and infrared resistant while also being waterproof and scratchproof.
The Bad
While the Formatt Hitech Limited Firecrest Neutral Density Filter undoubtedly performs well, one of the most notable downfalls of this product is that it is much more expensive compared to other solar filters available in the market.
PROs
- Color neutral output
- Has several compatibility and application options
- Uses hydrophobic and scratch resistant materials
CONs
- Too costly
- Significant color cast in images
Gobe Ndx Variable Nd Lens Filter
The GOBE NDX Variable ND Lens Filter is a highly versatile solar filter that features several variants between ND2 and ND4000 that effectively reduce light from 1 to 8.66 f-stops. Ideal for both landscape and videography, the GOBE NDX Variable ND Lens Filter offers quality and versatility at a competitive price.
Product Highlights
Considerably one of the top rated solar filters available in the market nowadays, the GOBE NDX Variable ND Lens Filter is built using Japanese optical class that features 8-layer nano-coating that allows this product to achieve neutral color balance, reduces lens flare, and removes ghosting. The GOBE NDX Variable ND Lens Filter also allows slower shutter speed, greater depth of field, and motion blur with clear and crisp results.
The Good
Aside from its performance, the GOBE NDX Variable ND Lens Filter is priced at a competitive price point compared to other brands. Furthermore, the GOBE company started an initiative where each sold product fund tree planting operations in communities greatly affected by deforestation such as Madagascar, Haiti, Nepal, and more.
The Bad
While the specs of the GOBE NDX Variable ND Lens Filter are rather spectacular, some reviews say otherwise. As per the filter’s performance, several reviews mentioned experiencing adverse image outputs such as intense vignetting and polarization. Aside from that, several reviews complain about receiving scratched up filters that render the product useless.
PROs
- Affordable price
- Produces neutral color balance, reduces lens flare, and removes ghosting
- Allow greater depth of field, slower shutter speed, and motion blur
CONs
- Apparent vignetting and polarization
- Scratched surface
K&F CONCEPT FADER ND FILTER
Considerably one of the best lens filter for eclipse, the K&F Concept Fader ND Filter is an amazing variable ND filter engineered and optimized to perform exceptionally better than other variable ND filters available in the market nowadays.
Product Highlights
The K&F Concept Fader ND Filter is made using Completed Professional Optical Glasses offer better light reduction capacity and color balance. Furthermore, this product features newly developed and engineered Nano coating layer technology that keeps the filter waterproof, scratchproof, and includes anti-reflective green coating to protect the filter from oil, fingerprint, and scratches.
The Good
Aside from the materials used on this filter, the K&F Concept Fader ND Filter also features an ultra-slim design that helps in preventing persistent vignette issues for wide-angle shots. Aside from that, this filter also includes heavy-duty aviation aluminum frames that ensure the product’s security and durability.
The Bad
Several reviews expressed their disappointment with the K&F Concept Fader ND Filter. Unlike what was advertised, the maximum ND setting for this filter was ND16 and not ND32. Furthermore, several users still noticed the persistent X-mark spots and vignette issues, particularly on dark settings.
PROs
- Produces clear and crisp images under favorable conditions
- Ideal for moderate or casual photographers only
- Reasonable price
CONs
- Noticeable dark spots and vignette in darker settings
- Maximum setting at ND16
- Difficult to attach and thread onto the lens
Solar Filter – Unversal Lens Filter 70mm – White Light for camera
Coming from one of the most known brands in the industry of solar photography equipment manufacturing, the Solar Filter – Unversal Lens Filter 70mm – White Light for camera is considerably one of the most reliable and arguably the best lens filter for eclipse.
Product Highlights
The Solar Filter – Unversal Lens Filter 70mm – White Light for camera can fit 70-80mm aperture camera lenses. It can fit up to 89mm lenses by bending the paper fins on the side.
The Good
This solar filter uses a white light filter so it gives your photo a yellowish tint. It uses a SolarLite Film, very great for viewing total solar eclipses.
The Bad
One of the problems with this filter is that the size runs a bit big. It doesn’t fit a 70mm lens snuggly as advertised. It can be fixed with some tapes. If you plan to use this for a long time, try looking for a more durable build. This one may be good for a few times.
PROs
- White light filter
- Can fit up to 89mm lenses
- SolarLite Film perfect for total solar eclipses
CONs
- Size runs bigger than advertised
- Not very durable
Ice Slim Nd Filter Set
The ICE Slim ND Filter Set is another mid-value solar filter that provides quality and ensures the product’s versatility and durability.
Product Highlights
Ideal for wide-angle shots, the ICE Slim ND Filter Set is built with a luxurious-looking matte black frame and high-quality glass material that effectively reduce light without notable color cast issues. For a rather cheap product, the Ice Slim ND Filter Set performs extremely well.
The Good
Considering its price, the ICE Slim ND Filter Set offers high-quality results. Several reviews noted having clear and detailed images without experiencing common filter issues such as vignettes and X-marks on their pictures.
The Bad
Several reviews also mentioned having difficulty handling the filter as the threads do not come on and off the camera easily. Aside from that, the Ice Slim ND Filter’s performance is rather inconsistent and depends primarily on the photographer’s adjustment.
PROs
- No visible color cast
- Reasonable price
- Provides quality results on the right settings
CONs
- Difficult to thread and mantle
- Inconsistent performance
- Showed vignette issues on some darker setting
Conclusion
The purpose of solar filters is to protect your camera and your eyes from the glare of the sun, while also allowing you to capture images of it without apparent distortion in color and clarity. Easy, right? However, with the growing popularity of solar and eclipse photography, there is an increase in the development and innovation surrounding camera lens and filters dedicated to it.
Whether you are just a beginner or a pro, it is important to do enough research to known which is the best and most suitable type of solar filter for your needs. As long as you’re interested in capturing that much-awaited eclipse, you have to make sure that you have the best lens filter for eclipse on hand and ready to go. Fortunately, our list of the 7 best lens filter for eclipse can help you find exactly what you are looking for. Here’s how to learn more about lens filters.