Solar Filter Safety & Proper Use

Safe front-mounted solar viewing for telescopes, cameras, and binoculars

Filter Safety

Seymour Solar, LLC designs and manufactures ND5 white-light solar filters for front-mounted observation and imaging of the Sun using telescopes, binoculars, and camera lenses. Proper installation and inspection are essential for safe use.

Front-Mounted Use Only

Mount the filter on the sun-facing (front) end of your telescope, binoculars, or camera lens.
Never place any solar filter behind an eyepiece or anywhere inside the optical path.
Binoculars: filters must be installed on both barrels before aiming at the Sun.

ISO Context

Our products are not eclipse glasses and are not solar viewers intended for direct, unaided eye viewing. The ISO 12312-2 standard applies only to handheld and wearable solar viewers (eyewear-style products). Seymour Solar filters are designed for front-mounted use on optical instruments when used as directed.

Critical Safety Guidelines

Confirm the filter is secure and cannot be dislodged by wind or touch before pointing at the Sun.
Inspect before every use. Do not use if scratched, punctured, cracked, creased, delaminated, or otherwise damaged.
Cover or remove the finder scope unless it has its own proper solar filter.
Never leave an instrument aimed at or near the Sun unattended.
Children should be supervised at all times during solar viewing.

Not sure which size you need? Use our Sizing & Fit Guide.

Using Helios Filters

The steps below apply to Helios Solar Glass® and Helios solar film filters mounted in a finished filter cell.

Before You Begin

Verify the filter size is correct for your instrument (see our Sizing & Fit Guide).
Allow your instrument and filter to equalize to outdoor temperature for 10–15 minutes.
Inspect the filter for any visible defects before each use.

Mounting

Install the filter on the front (sun-facing) end of the instrument.
Slide the filter gently into place until seated.
Tighten thumb screws evenly until secure (do not overtighten).
Verify the fit: the filter must not wobble, fall, or be blown off by wind.

During Use

Only observe once the filter is installed and verified secure.
Never look through the instrument if the filter is not properly installed.
After observing, point the instrument safely away from the Sun before removing the filter.

What You’ll See

Sunspots (umbra/penumbra) and surface detail
Partial/annular eclipse silhouettes (when occurring)
Planetary transits (when occurring)

Using Hyperion ND5 White Light Solar Film Sheets (DIY)

Hyperion Solar Film is designed for safe white-light solar observation when mounted securely on the front of your device. Only one intact layer is required.

DIY Basics

Cut to size with scissors or a sharp blade; build a front-mounted cell or viewer that fully covers the aperture.
Use a rigid frame so the film cannot be dislodged by wind or handling.
Before every use, hold the film to a bright light and inspect for pinholes, tears, or creases. Replace if damaged.

Mounting & Use

Install on the sun-facing end before pointing the instrument toward the Sun.
Never place film at the eyepiece or anywhere inside the optical path.
Never leave an instrument aimed at or near the Sun unattended.

What You’ll See

Sunspots, eclipse silhouettes, and disk motion

Cleaning & Care

Glass filters: Clean gently with a soft lens cloth and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol if needed. Avoid abrasive materials and heavy pressure.
Film filters/sheets: Do not rub the film surface. Handle by the edges and store so the film cannot be creased, punctured, or contaminated.
Store all filters in a cool, dry place in their protective packaging.
Discontinue use immediately if any damage is discovered.

Downloads

Need Help?

Technical Support: +1 (435) 503-9270
Email: info@seymoursolar.com

Not sure about sizing? See our Sizing & Fit Guide. For coverage after purchase, view our Warranty & Returns.