How to Photograph the Sun with a Solar Filter

Mike Pach of 3 Peaks Photography shows the process of photographing the sun with NiSi's solar filter as well as recommendations for what gear to use. NiSi filters are available through Mike at adventurecamphoto.com. If you're interested in the Benro geared head, you may use the discount code "3 Peaks Discount" to save 5% on your order at moveshootmove.com. Please note that Mike recommends using a remote for this and many other types of photography, but one was not used in this video.
These are the instructions from NiSi:
1. Check the solar filter for damage before each use by holding it up to a bright light (not the sun). Secure filter properly by screwing it fully onto the lens
2. The NiSi Solar Filter is not suitable eye protection for extended view of sun or solar eclipses. Do not look directly or indirectly into the sun without appropriate eye protection.
3 The Solar Filter should be installed in front of the camera lens or telescope before trying to align it with the sun. Point the camera away from the sun when attaching amd removing Solar Filter.
4. Do not use an optical viewfinder when aligning your camera telescope with the sun. It is recommended to use the live view feature of the camera for aligning it with the sun and for viewing.
5. Do not leave a camera unattended where a child or inexperienced adult could point it at the sun without the filter properly attached.
6. Filter may absorb solar energy and get hot during use. Use extra care when removing.

[@JackFleet-tj4yd]

With these settings 1/400, f8 iso 200 I am still clipping and the image is white. I have tried adjust the iso to 320 and 400 still clipping. Any suggestions? btw, I like your approach very comfortable and easy to follow.

[@craiglowery4427]

Thanks Mike

[@russellvk]

Thank you. This is so helpful. I'm going to be shooting the eclipse here in Texas on the 8th. I can't wait.

[@myketripp3838]

I'm using a 600mm with a NIiSi solar filter. Very informative! Thank you.

[@normameyers4904]

Can you look at the sun through the viewfinder if lens has a solar filter on it?

[@Legacy20999]

Ive been planning to record the April 8 eclipse for a while now but it looks like it is going to be cloudy where I live. So I'm not sure what I can do. I can't just drive to a different spot because I'm 14. I have the things I need for my camera but its not gonna fix cloudy. I don't know what it is going to look like if it's cloudy or how to film it if it is cloudy.

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

💥Great info, Mike. Thanks.

[@Admes359]

Question: I have the solar filter for the max zoom on my lens is 140 mm. The shutter spoed was at 2 sec is that normal? How do I get a faster shutter speed? My Iso was 100 and F3.5. Advice please

[@CharleselExplorador]

Thank you for the video. I am going to photograph the eclipse with a Kase Wolverine ND100000 Magnetic Filter without IR or UV protection. Do you have any scientific report saying that a filter that does not limit IR or UV will degrade the camera and lens? Kase markets this filter as capable of eclipse photography, and I asked the expert at BH, and they said they have shot eclipses with 16 plus stops nd filters only and did not cause damage to the equipment.

[@MrTeslaX]

Can you share what that tripod is. I have sigma 150-600 with Sony A7III and my tripod is really shaky!

[@flappah]

I'm starting on planning for the 2026 Spain Solar Eclipse and bringing along two camera's. One 70-210mm Tamron on a cropped sensor Nikon D7000 with a 77mm lens thread and a 150-600mm Sigma and 2x extender on a Nikon D780. The Sigma has a 105mm lens thread. I'm planning on setting the D7000 on a MSM Nomad with intervalometer and having that on taking continuous photos. I'll use the D780 for taking closeups. Now I've bought Ice ND100000 Solar Filters for both lenses but having seen this video I am in doubt if these are the correct filters since they don't says they possess IR/UV protection. On the other hand they are listed as "Solar filters". What are your thoughts on these filters? Do I need to go out and buy a Nisi UV/IR Cut ND100000 77mm and a Thousand Oaks Solarlite Polymer (for the 105mm) or are the Ice's sufficient?