I want to photograph the transit of Venus and need some help

[peter eldergill]

Hey there

I have a Canon EOS DSLR camera and I want to photograph the transit.

I know I need a filter but what kind do I need?

I saw Brain Cox photograph the sun on one of his BBC shows (Wonders of the Solar System) and basically I want to do the same thing.

I think he had a filter that cut the brightness by a huge factor

Also, I don't really know how to use my camera very well. Does anyone have advice as to what settings to use?

Pete

[glappkaeft]

You need either a H-alpha solar filter, a Glass Solar Filter or Baader Solar film. I doubt that you'll be able to find any in time, around here they are all sold out.

There a no special settings that work, so much depends on the atmospheric conditions, camera, optics, filters, focal length, f-ratio, etc.

[RickJ]

#13 welding glass over the lens will work but likely distort the image somewhat as the glass isn't all that optical quality! But at this late date its about the only option unless you have a telescope store in town that sells Baader Solar film. Even so they likely are sold out by now. Might still have a PST in stock. Expensive solution but waiting this long that might be all that's available. #12 works for cameras but is too bright for visual. #14 is good visually but a bit dim for cameras. #13 works for both. Any welding shop would have it. Results in a green sun.

Rick

[peter eldergill]

Thanks for the responses. I did check out two shops here in Toronto and they had a couple of filters left but nothing that will fit a camera.

I am going to borrow something from school that is a Sun viewer. I guess I'll have to go by my memories (assuming its sunny!)

Cheers

Pete

[RickJ]

Still time to track down a piece of welding glass. Just securely tape it to the front of the lens. Cut with a basic glass cutter. Distortions are minor and you may get an extraordinarily good piece. Work well in front of binoculars as well but use #14 for that. Works find for looking with the naked eye as well. Venus is large enough you wills see it as a round dot.

If those filters were film type an larger than your camera just buy one, cut it out of the frame and tape it over your camera lens. If glass a glass cutter will cut it same as the welding glass then tape that over the camera. I've done all of this in the past.

Rick

[JustAFriend]

Got a pair of binoculars or a small scope?

Build/set up a sun projector LOOK HERE
Takes about 10 minutes to do and costs nothing (if you have a box laying around)

When my boy was little I helped him set up a projection screen inside a cardboard box with a spotting scope through a hole in one side.
Keep the lid off and just point your camera toward the typing paper screen.
ZERO chance of hurting your expensive camera this way, too!