Baader Solar Continuum Filter

I'm interested in some opinions and advice regarding this filter. I would be using it with a 102mm ED refractor and a Lunt Herschel Wedge. Does it provide a significant increase in contrast? Does it help with fine detail?

Thanks

Does one use it in addition to the wedge?

I know nothing about it.

Alex

Steve Stonehill said:

I'm interested in some opinions and advice regarding this filter. I would be using it with a 102mm ED refractor and a Lunt Herschel Wedge. Does it provide a significant increase in contrast? Does it help with fine detail?

Thanks

Steve,

Yes and yes. The Baader or a polarizing filter is recommended to increase contrast and detail (see the Company 7 and Baader web sites). I have tried both in the Baader wedge and the 1 1/4, APM wedge (which I believe is the same as the Lunt). I prefer the the Baader filter. To me it seems slightly sharper and there is no need to rotate the filter. The disadvantage of the Baader is having to explain to the uninitiated that unlike the moon, the sun is not made of green cheese.

FYI: One possible annoyance with the Lunt wedge is threads. The filter is placed between the wedge and eyepiece. You can unscrew the eyepiece holder from the wedge body, screw the ND3 (don't forget that this filter is necessary!) and the high contrast/polarizing filter into the bottom of the holder and reassemble. This works for the Baader wedge and a recent 2 inch Lunt wedge I tested. It does not work on my year+ old, 1 1/4 APM wedge, the apparent threads are either wrong or baffles instead of threads. Thus, the two filters must be screwed into the eyepiece, a pain if you change eyepieces often.

Enjoy the sun, it is fascinating. John

Thanks Guys. I ordered one and I'll see what it does. I use BVs so it will be more convenient than the circular polarizer.

Clear Skies,

Steve