6 Best Solar Filters for Telescopes (November 2026)
The best solar filters for telescopes include the Thousand Oaks Optical 6"x6" Solar Filter Sheet for a custom 6 in filter, the Celestron EclipSmart 8" Solar Safe Eclipse Telescope for Celestron 8 in SCTs, and the Thousand Oaks Optical 8"x8" Solar Filter Sheet for a larger custom filter.
On this page (7 sections)
- How we chose solar filters for telescopes
- Solar filter reviews
- What should you measure before buying a telescope solar filter?
- Are sheet and ready-made solar filters different?
- How do you use a front-aperture solar filter safely?
- More guides on this topic
- Which solar filter for a telescope should you choose?
The best solar filters for telescopes either fit securely over your scope's front aperture or use solar filter material in a secure custom holder. Our top picks include a 6 x 6 in sheet for custom builds and a fitted Celestron filter for compatible 8-inch scopes.
Measure the telescope's outside tube diameter before choosing a ready-made filter. Aperture size and tube diameter are different measurements, and a filter that doesn't stay in place isn't suitable for solar viewing.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a custom 6 in filterThousand Oaks Optical 6"x6" Solar Filter Sheet
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for Celestron 8 in SCTsCelestron EclipSmart 8" Solar Safe Eclipse Telescope
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a larger custom filterThousand Oaks Optical 8"x8" Solar Filter Sheet
9.2/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itThousand Oaks Optical 4"x4" Solar Filter Sheet
Best for a compact custom filter - 5
Check itThousand Oaks Optical BP-12 12 inchx12 inch Solar
Best for a large custom filter - 6
Check itCelestron EclipSmart Universal Solar Filter for Telescopes
Best for 75–100 mm objectives
How we chose solar filters for telescopes
We compared the stated material, sheet dimensions, fit range, attachment method, and intended devices for each pick. Our score weighs specs, features, and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
For direct viewing, fit and secure attachment matter first. Sheet material can suit a custom project, but it needs a holder that covers the front opening and cannot slip off.
An imaging UV/IR cut filter also cannot replace a solar filter.
For more on filter materials and other types, read our telescope filters guide. If you're deciding between polymer and glass, see our guide to glass vs film solar filters.
| Product | Best for | Material | Sheet size | Use | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thousand Oaks Optical 6"x6" Solar Filter Sheet | a custom 6 in filter | Black polymer | 6 x 6 in | Make a filter for a telescope, binoculars, or camera | 9.6 |
| Celestron EclipSmart 8" Solar Safe Eclipse Telescope | Celestron 8 in SCTs | 9.5 | |||
| Thousand Oaks Optical 8"x8" Solar Filter Sheet | a larger custom filter | Black polymer | 8 x 8 in | Make a filter for a telescope, binoculars, or camera | 9.2 |
| Thousand Oaks Optical 4"x4" Solar Filter Sheet | a compact custom filter | Black polymer | 4 x 4 in | Make a filter for a telescope, binoculars, or camera | 8.9 |
| Thousand Oaks Optical BP-12 12 inchx12 inch Solar | a large custom filter | Black polymer | 12 x 12 in | Make a filter for a telescope, finder, binoculars, or camera | 8.7 |
| Celestron EclipSmart Universal Solar Filter for Telescopes | 75–100 mm objectives | 8.5 |
Solar filter reviews
The right choice depends on whether you want to make a holder, match a specific telescope, or cover a larger objective. These six options vary by sheet size and fit.
Thousand Oaks Optical 6"x6" Solar Filter Sheet: Best for a custom 6 in filter
- 6 x 6 in polymer sheet
- For telescopes, binoculars, and cameras
- Orange solar view
A square sheet gives you material to make a front-aperture filter sized for your optical device. The maker says the Sun appears orange through it.
Pros
- Can be shaped for different devices
- Intended for telescopes, binoculars, and cameras
- Orange solar image
Cons
- Requires a custom filter holder
- Must be secured so it cannot fall off
The 6 x 6 in Thousand Oaks Optical sheet is the most adaptable starting point here if you plan to make your own front-aperture filter. Its black polymer material is intended for viewing sunspots and granulation through telescopes and binoculars, and the maker says the Sun appears orange through it.
A square sheet lets you plan the holder around your telescope's measured tube diameter. Leave enough material for a secure edge and a holder that cannot come loose when the scope moves.
This sheet can also be used to make filters for binoculars and cameras. Keep the scope's finder covered or remove it unless it has its own suitable solar filter.
Thousand Oaks warns that the filter must be attached well so it cannot fall during observation. Choose this sheet if you are prepared to build and check a secure holder.
Celestron EclipSmart 8" Solar Safe Eclipse Telescope: Best for Celestron 8 in SCTs
- For Celestron 8 in Schmidt-Cassegrain and EdgeHD telescopes
- Two hook-and-loop straps
- Conforms to ISO 12312-2:2015(E)
- Orange tint
A scope-specific filter for compatible Celestron 8-inch tubes, held in place by two straps. Celestron says it conforms to ISO 12312-2:2015(E).
Pros
- Designed for compatible Celestron 8 in scopes
- Two straps help hold it in place
- Orange tint for viewing and imaging
Cons
- Fit is limited to specified 8 in Celestron scopes
- Not a universal filter
This Celestron EclipSmart model is the direct fit choice for compatible Celestron 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain and EdgeHD telescopes. Two hook-and-loop straps hold the filter at the telescope's objective, avoiding a custom sheet holder.
Celestron says the filter conforms to ISO 12312-2:2015(E), the international standard it identifies for filters used to view the Sun directly. Its orange tint is intended for visual observing and imaging.
Check your exact telescope model before choosing it. Celestron names the C8 Telescope Tube, 8-inch EdgeHD tube, NexStar 8SE, and other compatible 8-inch models.
If you have a different 8-inch telescope, compare the scope-specific fit guidance in our article on a solar filter for an 8 inch telescope. This filter is strongest when your telescope is on Celestron's compatibility list.
Thousand Oaks Optical 8"x8" Solar Filter Sheet: Best for a larger custom filter
- 8 x 8 in polymer sheet
- For telescopes, binoculars, and cameras
- Orange solar view
The larger sheet provides more material for a custom filter than the 6 x 6 in option. Measure the holder you plan to make before choosing.
Pros
- Larger sheet for a custom build
- Can be used with several types of optics
- Orange solar image
Cons
- Requires a custom filter holder
- Must be secured so it cannot fall off
The 8 x 8 in Thousand Oaks sheet gives a custom build more material than the 6 x 6 in option. It is intended for telescopes, binoculars, and cameras, and the maker says the Sun appears orange through the filter.
Measure the holder opening and the extra border needed to keep the sheet in place. A larger sheet doesn't automatically fit a telescope; the holder still needs to match the tube and secure the material.
Thousand Oaks describes the polymer as a common material for observing sunspots and granulation. Choose this size when your planned holder needs more material, and use the smaller sheet when it provides enough for a secure build.
Thousand Oaks Optical 4"x4" Solar Filter Sheet: Best for a compact custom filter
- 4 x 4 in polymer sheet
- For telescopes, binoculars, and cameras
- Orange solar view
A 4 x 4 in sheet can suit a smaller holder, if it provides enough material for your telescope's measured front opening and attachment.
Pros
- Small sheet size for compact builds
- Can be used with several types of optics
- Orange solar image
Cons
- Less material for larger holders
- Requires a custom filter holder
The 4 x 4 in sheet is the smallest custom-build option in this roundup. Its compact size can work for a small telescope, camera, or binocular setup when the measured opening and holder leave enough room to secure the filter.
The sheet is made from black polymer, and Thousand Oaks says the solar image appears orange. As with any sheet filter, the material alone doesn't create a safe telescope fit; the finished holder needs to stay attached over the front aperture.
Check the holder's full outside dimensions before cutting. If your project needs a larger border or opening, move up to the 6 x 6 in sheet.
Thousand Oaks Optical BP-12 12 inchx12 inch Solar: Best for a large custom filter
- 12 x 12 in polymer sheet
- For telescopes, finders, binoculars, and cameras
- Orange solar image
The 12 x 12 in sheet gives you the most material in this roundup for a large custom holder or multiple smaller projects. It arrives without a storage case.
Pros
- Largest sheet size here
- Can be cut for several kinds of optics
- Orange solar image
Cons
- Requires a custom filter holder
- No storage case included
The BP-12 is the largest sheet here at 12 x 12 in, useful when a project needs a broad piece of filter material. It is intended for telescopes, finders, binoculars, and cameras.
Its size may leave room for more than one custom project, but plan each holder before cutting. The sheet arrives without a storage case, so decide how you'll store the unused material without bending or damaging it.
Thousand Oaks describes the solar image as orange. This is a material-only route, so choose it when you can make and secure a suitable front-aperture holder.
Celestron EclipSmart Universal Solar Filter for Telescopes: Best for 75–100 mm objectives
- For objective barrel outside diameters of 75–100 mm
- Adjustable side panels and elastic band
- Conforms to ISO 12312-2:2015(E), per Celestron
- Folds flat for storage
The adjustable design suits compatible objective barrels from 75 to 100 mm outside diameter. Measure the tube itself before choosing it.
Pros
- Fit range covers many smaller objectives
- Folds flat and includes a reusable bag
- Can also fit compatible spotting scopes and DSLR cameras
Cons
- Outside diameter must fall within its stated range
- Not designed for larger telescope tubes
Celestron's universal EclipSmart filter is designed for objective barrels with an outside diameter of 75 to 100 mm. Adjustable side panels and an elastic band secure it around compatible telescopes, spotting scopes, or DSLR cameras.
Celestron says it conforms to ISO 12312-2:2015(E). The filter folds flat and comes with a reusable bag, which can make storage simpler than keeping a rigid holder assembled.
Measure around the front barrel, not the telescope's advertised aperture. This pick is a better match for a compatible smaller objective than for a large tube or an 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain.
What should you measure before buying a telescope solar filter?
Measure the outside diameter of the telescope tube at the front, then compare it with the filter's stated fit range. For a custom sheet, also measure the opening you want covered and the border your holder needs.
A telescope advertised as 80 mm may have a tube wider than 80 mm. If you're fitting a smaller refractor, use a model-specific guide such as which solar filter fits an 80 mm telescope or which filter fits a SVBONY 90 mm telescope.
For a Celestron 8-inch scope, confirm whether it is a compatible Schmidt-Cassegrain or EdgeHD model before choosing the EclipSmart 8-inch filter. The Celestron C8 solar filter guide covers that fit question.
Are sheet and ready-made solar filters different?
Yes. A sheet gives you filter material to build into a holder, while a ready-made filter is designed around a fit method or scope range.
Thousand Oaks sheets are intended for custom filters and need a secure holder. Celestron's universal filter uses adjustable panels and an elastic band for its stated diameter range; its 8-inch model uses two straps for compatible Celestron telescopes.
A glass option may suit a reader who prefers a rigid filter. Compare the tradeoffs in our guide to glass solar filters for telescopes.
How do you use a front-aperture solar filter safely?
Attach the filter over the telescope's front opening before pointing the scope at the Sun, then check that it cannot slip or fall. Cover or remove any finder that isn't protected by its own suitable solar filter.
Inspect the filter and holder before each session. Don't use a sheet or filter that is torn, punctured, loose, or otherwise damaged, and don't look through the telescope if the fit is uncertain.
More guides on this topic
- How to Choose a Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Filter for a Telescope
- Which Type of Solar Filter Should You Choose?
- How to Choose a Calcium K Solar Filter
- Best Solar Filter Film Sheets
- How to Choose Solar Filter Film for a Telescope
- Which Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Filter Works with Your Camera?
- How to Choose a Solar Filter for a Celestron NexStar 6SE
Which solar filter for a telescope should you choose?
Choose the 6 x 6 in Thousand Oaks sheet if you want to build a custom filter, or the Celestron EclipSmart 8-inch if you own a compatible Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain or EdgeHD. For a smaller objective, choose the universal Celestron only when the measured outside diameter falls within 75 to 100 mm.
Compare the best Baader solar telescope filter if you're considering another filter material or brand. For paired optics, see our guide to best solar filters for binoculars.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a custom 6 in filter
Thousand Oaks Optical 6"x6" Solar Filter Sheet
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for Celestron 8 in SCTs
Celestron EclipSmart 8" Solar Safe Eclipse Telescope
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a larger custom filter
Thousand Oaks Optical 8"x8" Solar Filter Sheet
9.2/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a solar filter for my telescope?
Choose a purpose-made filter that fits securely over the telescope's front aperture, or use solar filter material to build a holder that does. Measure the outside diameter of the tube and compare it with the filter's fit range or holder dimensions.
Cover or remove an unprotected finder before aiming at the Sun.
Can I use a solar filter sheet without making a holder?
No. A sheet needs a holder that covers the telescope's front aperture and stays securely attached.
Thousand Oaks warns that its sheet filter must be attached well so it cannot fall while observing.
Check the fit before every session, and don't look through the telescope if the filter is loose or damaged.
Does an 8-inch telescope need an 8-inch solar filter?
Not necessarily. The telescope's stated aperture and the outside diameter of its front tube are different measurements, so check the scope and filter fit details.
The Celestron EclipSmart 8-inch model is made for compatible Celestron 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain and EdgeHD telescopes.
For other models, measure before buying.
Can I use a telescope solar filter with a camera?
Some front-aperture filters are made for camera lenses as well as telescopes. The Thousand Oaks sheets can be used to make filters for cameras, while Celestron's universal model is designed for compatible DSLR lenses with an outside diameter in its stated range.
Confirm secure fit and follow the camera maker's instructions.
