Solar (eclipse) Photography

Jamous · 1 Mar 2015 at 13:06

As the solar eclipse is coming on the 20th of March and as I live in Scotland where we will get a slightly higher percentage of eclipse I was thinking about trying to capture it.

I was maybe looking to go further North to view - either Ullapool or over to Skye or Lewis, but this may not happen, depending on work.

I have a Canon 700d and a Sigma 18-250 hsm macro lens. I know I'll need filters and a tripod but thats it.

Any advice from experienced solar photographers is welcomed

Jamous · 2 Mar 2015 at 18:25

I bow to you Sir NickK!

Many thnks for taking the time to share your advice and images - wow, just wow.

I'm going to digest what you've written and come back.

Jamous · 3 Mar 2015 at 20:14

Ok;

NickK - very impressive and again thanks for taking time to explain.

Your images are stunning, and while I'd love to emulate I don't have the money or skill to get there.
I'd like to use my current Sigma 18-250mm lens, but I'd be happy to buy a new lens if I can get other use from it, no telescope available to me either. So it's basically 700D + lens + filter(s), I don't expect stunning photography, but I'd like to capture the essence of it, a reasonably sharp series of images showing the moons journey in front of the sun.

With this in mind, can you or anyone advise on lens + filters, ND3.0 or 5.0? Filter or foil?

Camera settings - ISO/aperture/shutter/zoom etc.

Jamous · 13 Mar 2015 at 23:49

I've picked up some Baader Solar Film, so I'm going to have a play with making filters.

Which apertures should I be using? Is ISO 100 the best to use?

Jamous · 14 Mar 2015 at 17:15

Good work there.

Why did you decide on F8?

Jamous · 15 Mar 2015 at 00:18

Made my DIY filter tonight, will try to test drive before next week, I just hope the weather holds for the eclipse.

Jamous · 20 Mar 2015 at 15:06

Was out yesterday for a dummy run, image cropped only;

Jamous · 20 Mar 2015 at 15:52

Afer much deliberating and forecast twitching (I've never checked so many forecasts in my life!), I stayed close to home (East Lothian), I had planned a trip up north (higher % cover) but the forecast looked poor (as it did on TV), so I was local and we had a good view;

NickK - Thanks for the ideas and advice, I ended up buying some Baader film and making a diy filter, I'm happy with the results for a first attempt.
I'm no editor but I do have the RAW images so any editing advice is welcome.

Jamous · 21 Mar 2015 at 13:59

hooneeawr said:
My poor attempt at a series in cloudy Aberdeen:

I had the chance to come up that way on Friday, specifically Mintlaw, forecast looked ok, but just decided to stay near home.