Budget Solar Imaging Setup

[Les]

Unlike night time deep sky work in which a moderate to large reflector is required solar imaging is much less demanding require nothing more than a small refractor. In fact large telescopes are not only not needed they gather so much light its a disadvantage. It used to be that up to about 30 years ago the amateur projected the Suns image from a small refractor onto a white card and photographed any features directly. These days modern refractors are largely constructed from ABS plastic making projection impossible without destroying the telescope!

Nowadays full objective Baader filter film is used which cuts out over 99% of light. Although expensive this film gives a nice natural Solar image.

Not only is a fairly cheap small telescope adequate for Solar imaging a driven mount is not really vital (but it makes life easier). 

Using a compact camera on a digiscope bracket is the easiest route to solar imaging and no other adaptors are required. Once fitted to the bracket lining up the the camera lens to a low power eyepiece is best done in daylight (or brightly lit room) away from the scope. Great care must be taken that the moving camera lens doesn't collide with the eyepiece after making the fine adjustments. The lowest powered eyepiece possible should be used preferably 25mm fl or higher. The image to start with will be heavily vignetted so the camera digital zoom has to be used until any peripheral shading is eliminated. Focusing of the telescope is vital so focus (with the filter removed) at some distant terrestrial object at least a mile away  before attempting a Solar shot(remembering to replace the filter of course).You may have to bracket the focusing both ways using a half dozen of shots or so.

Astro photography is a very safe pass time usually but great caution is require when mixing lenses with the Sun ,a moments carelessness can cause damage to equipment  and personal injury. Best not do this stuff if kids or grown idiots are around! 

It is safe if you show common sense and keep your wits about you however.