Solar filter holder for Sky-Watcher 150mm MAK
Observing the Sun is a fascinating experience, but it also requires the highest level of safety. Without a properly fitted filter placed in front of the telescope objective, there is an immediate and permanent risk of serious eye damage. This holder is a simple yet essential accessory that allows you to observe the solar disk safely and comfortably - including sunspots, faculae, and even prominences when used together with an H-alpha filter. It is designed specifically for Sky-Watcher 150mm MAK telescopes and provides a firm, stable mount for the filter material in front of the entry lens.
How it works
The holder is made as a precision ring with a pre-prepared opening. You simply insert your chosen filter film or other filter material into this opening - most commonly the well-proven Baader Astro Solar Film (ND 5.0 for visual observation, or ND 3.8 for astrophotography). The holder is supplied without a filter, so you can choose your preferred filter material and fit it yourself according to your needs.
Thanks to precise shaping, the holder fits tightly onto the tube of the Sky-Watcher 150mm Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope, so there is no risk of the filter accidentally falling off or shifting - even when moving the telescope while tracking an object.
Simple and safe to use
- Cut the Baader Astro Solar film (or other suitable material) to the correct diameter.
- Insert the film into the opening of the holder and secure it in place.
- Place the assembled holder onto the front of the telescope tube.
With this setup, all incoming light is fully filtered before it enters the telescope optics. This is the technically correct and safe approach - the filter must always be placed in front of the objective lens, never behind it.
Who is this holder for?
This holder is ideal for anyone who owns a Sky-Watcher 150mm MAK and wants to get started with solar astronomy without spending money on an expensive ready-made filter in a metal cell. Experienced observers will appreciate it as a practical and affordable DIY solar filter solution, while beginners will get a reliable base that just needs a sheet of film to be complete. It is suitable for both visual observation of the solar photosphere and for white-light solar astrophotography.
Filter film - what you need to know
The complete setup - holder with Baader Astro Solar film - is a well-tested solution widely used by the amateur astronomy community. Here are the key facts about Baader Astro Solar Film:
| Film type |
Optical density |
Transmission |
Recommended use |
| Baader Astro Solar Film |
ND 5.0 |
Approx. 1/100,000 of sunlight intensity |
Visual observation - safe for the eye |
| Baader Astro Solar Film |
ND 3.8 |
Higher transmission |
Solar photography - CCD/CMOS sensors |
Why choose this holder
- Designed specifically for Sky-Watcher 150mm MAK telescope tubes
- Secure and stable fit - no risk of accidental slipping during observation
- Compatible with Baader Astro Solar Film and other standard filter materials
- Supplied without film, so you choose the filter material that suits your needs
- Significantly lower cost compared to ready-made metal solar filters
- Observation results are comparable to factory-made solar filter cells
If you are looking for a safe solar filter solution for a 150mm MAK telescope, this holder gives you the perfect starting point. We recommend pairing it with Baader Astro Solar Film, which is also available in our store. The total cost is considerably lower than a ready-made metal filter, and the quality of observation is comparable.
