Home Forums Gear Photography Looking to 2017 Solar Eclipse: suggestions?

Looks like we'll be blessed with a total solar eclipse August 21, 2017 a little after 10AM here in Oregon if we run a few miles north. The path stretches from Oregon over and down through South Carolina. In preparation, does anyone have some hints on capture techniques that won't break the bank?

I suspect a serious filter will be needed. Likely we'll use a Canon 100-400 and a 500 mm lens. A little surfing suggests one can purchase materials and fabricate a filter seating over ones lens hood. Don't really want to break the bank for something that's used once every 15 or 20 years (maybe not at all if it's cloudy)?

Any suggestions from those with experience? Solar film, black polymer, glass, mylar?

Lots of time to prep and practice, but I'd like to be well ahead of the curve.

You could try glass for a welding helmet.