Urth 67mm Solar ND100000 (16.6 Stop) Filter Plus+

FAQs:

Is this filter safe for photographing the sun directly?

Yes, this filter is specifically designed for solar photography. It reduces light by 16.6 stops while also blocking UV and IR radiation, bringing brightness to a safe level for direct sun and eclipse shots. That said, you still need to follow safe viewing practices and avoid looking at the sun through an optical viewfinder. Using live view or an electronic viewfinder is the safer approach.

Will the frame cause vignetting on wide-angle lenses?

The frame is kept slim to minimise mechanical vignetting, even on wider lenses. In most setups, it sits low enough not to intrude into the frame. As always, performance can vary slightly depending on the lens design, but it’s well-suited to wide compositions where the sun is part of the scene.

Are the filters easy to keep clean in outdoor conditions?

Yes, the coatings help prevent water, fingerprints and spray from sticking to the glass. When you’re working near the coast or in changeable weather, it makes a noticeable difference as marks wipe away quickly. That means less time cleaning the front element and fewer interruptions when you’re trying to line up the sun or track an eclipse.

How do I set exposure with such a strong filter?

You’ll usually need to compose and focus before attaching the filter, as it’s too dark to see through once mounted. Start with a base exposure without the filter, then add around 16.6 stops to reach your working settings. From there, small adjustments help refine the highlights on the sun’s surface.