Frequently Asked Questions about Thousand Oaks Solar Filters
- What Size Do I Order?
See instructions on the Full Aperture SolarLite Polymer Filter page. - What is the difference between Silver-Black Polymer film and SolarLite film?
Silver-Black is good for up to 100x magnification, SolarLite up to and over 100x. - Are the filters completely safe?
SolarLite and Silver-Black Polymer Films are completely safe for unlimited visual and photographic (16 f/stop reduction) use when used as instructed. Our filters also protect the camera sensor. Safe to view through the viewfinder with SLR’s that focus through the lens. Solar filter MUST be first in line from sun and in front of any telescope or camera lens or mirror. Filter should NEVER be used behind any lens, eyepiece or finder. This includes camera drop in holders behind lens.
- Do the aluminum cells come with thumb screws?
Thumb screws may seem like a good idea, however, our extensive testing found that in most cases, it’s actually less secure than a felt lining which covers a lot more surface area for a secure, friction fit. If the tolerance is within a few thousandths of an inch, such as with eyepiece holders, it would be fine, but this is rarely the case. Thumb screws can also dent and scratch the tube and put strain on the filter. Thumb screws are simply a “one size fits many” manufacturing shortcut and provide a false security. - Can the telescope optics get hot or damaged?
No, all the heat and intense light is blocked before it can enter the telescope. Your telescope may get warm from sunlight shining on it, not from the small amount of visible light transmitted through the filter. - What detail is visible?
Sunspots and surface granulation are the two main features. Solar image with SolarLite and Silver-Black Polymer film is yellow-orange. The only detail that cannot be seen with a standard filter (commonly called white light filter) are prominence and flares which require a highly-specialized H-alpha Filter System(we no-longer offer our H-alpha system). - Can I resell your products on platforms like eBay and Amazon?
A re-seller authorization letter is required in order to become a authorized to reseller our products on various selling outlets, including eBay, Amazon, and other similar platforms. For more details, please refer to our Re-Seller Policy.