Buying guide
Solar Observing Kit
Updated How we research
Watch the Sun safely, from sunspots to prominences. The page is split into five sections (Observe with a solar scope; Filter safely; Add a versatile spotter; Mount it steady; Read the sky at dusk), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 20 picks. Our scores range from 3.6 to 8.7 out of 10.
- Best overall:Celestron 93588 Astro Night Vision Flashlight, Variable Red Illumination, Preserves Night Vision. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.7/10.
- Also great value:Carson RedSight Red LED Flashlight Two Brightness Settings Glow-in-the-Dark Grip Stargazing (SL-33). Value score of 9/10, overall 8.7/10.
- Solid build:Lunt Solar Systems LS130MT Day and Night Modular Professional Telescope - 130mm Aperture Refractor Astronomy Kit. Build and materials score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:Celestron Night Vision Headlamp, Multiple Light Modes, SOS Setting, Astronomy Camping, 100 Hours. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Observe with a solar scope
- Lunt Solar Systems LS130MT Day and Night Modular Professional Telescope - 130mm Aperture Refractor Astronomy KitOur score8.6/10
- Celestron Travel Scope 80 Portable Refractor Telescope, 80mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Optics, Smartphone AdapterOur score4.6/10
- Celestron Travel Scope 70DX Portable Refractor Telescope, 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Optics, Phone AdapterOur score4.6/10
- Celestron Explorascope 80mm Reflector Telescope, Newtonian Reflector for Beginners with Adjustable TripodOur score3.6/10
Filter safely
- Thousand Oaks Optical 6"x6" Solar Filter Sheet for Telescopes, Binoculars and Cameras White Light Sun ViewingOur score8.6/10
- Explore Scientific Sun Catcher Sun Filter for Refractors and 8 inch SC Telescopes Viewing the Sun in White LightOur score8.4/10
- Thousand Oaks Optical SolarLite Solar Filter Film (ND 5) 3" (76mm) Square Piece for Telescope Sun ObservationOur score8.3/10
- Thousand Oaks 4"x4" Solar Filter Sheet for Telescopes, Binoculars and Cameras Safe White Light Sun FilmOur score8.3/10
Add a versatile spotter
- Gosky Flagship DiamondEdge 20-60x80 Spotting Scope with Tripod, Bag & Phone Holder, BAK4 Waterproof, GreenOur score7.8/10
- 20-60x85 Spotting Scope with Full Size Tripod for Birding & Wildlife Falcon | With Phone Adapter and Cleaning Kit, 101-48 ft/1,000 yd FOV, BAK4, FMC, Waterproof & Fogproof, Fine Focus Control for HuntingOur score7.8/10
- Athlon Optics 20-60x80 Dual Focus Forerunner Spotting Scope - ED Focal Lens with TripodOur score7.8/10
- SVBONY SV28 New Version Spotting Scope, 20-60x80mm for Target Shooting, HD | FMC Coating, Long Range Spotter Scope, Shooting Range, with Phone Adapter & Tripod, for Bird Watching, Wildlife ViewingOur score7.2/10
Mount it steady
- Celestron Tripod for Tabletop Dobsonians Solid Sturdy Adjustable StarSense Explorer Accessory TrayOur score8.1/10
- Celestron 93493 Heavy Duty CPC 1100 Tripod Black/Silver for Computerized TelescopesOur score7.8/10
- Celestron 93610 AstroMaster AZ Tripod Adjustable Aluminum Field Tripod for Small TelescopesOur score6.8/10
- Celestron Tripod/Wedge for NexStar 4GT/5i Computerized Telescope AccessoryOur score6.6/10
Read the sky at dusk
- Celestron 93588 Astro Night Vision Flashlight, Variable Red Illumination, Preserves Night VisionOur score8.7/10
- Carson RedSight Red LED Flashlight Two Brightness Settings Glow-in-the-Dark Grip Stargazing (SL-33)Our score8.7/10
- Celestron Night Vision Headlamp, Multiple Light Modes, SOS Setting, Astronomy Camping, 100 HoursOur score8.6/10
- Low-Lumen Mini Red LED Flashlight, 625nm Wavelength Zoomable Soft Red Light Single Mode Torch, Night Vision Friendly for Stargazing Close-Range Reading & Star Chart Viewing (Battery Not Included)Our score7.9/10
All 20 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1Celestron 93588 Astro Night Vision flashlight with variable red illumination that preserves night vision.
Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Variable red illumination lets you dim light to protect dark adaptation
- + Red light is ideal for reading star charts and adjusting gear
- + Compact flashlight fits in a pocket or eyepiece case
- - Single-purpose red light is less useful for general camp tasks
- - Check the battery type and expected runtime before buying
#2Carson RedSight SL-33 red LED flashlight with two brightness settings and glow-in-the-dark grip for stargazing.
Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Two brightness settings let you choose light level for conditions
- + Glow-in-the-dark grip makes it easy to find at night
- + Red LED protects dark adaptation while reading charts
- - Plastic build is less durable than metal flashlights
- - Brightness settings may still be too bright for some observers
#3Lunt LS130MT Day and Night modular telescope, a 130mm refractor kit built for dedicated solar and night observing.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10
- + Modular design converts between solar viewing and night-time astronomy
- + 130mm aperture shows fine solar detail when used with Lunt's solar modules
- + Lunt Solar Systems specialize in dedicated solar instruments
- - Professional-level kit at a price far beyond casual solar viewing needs
- - Solar use relies on the correct Lunt filter modules being installed every time
#4Thousand Oaks Optical 6 x 6 inch solar filter sheet for making safe white light filters for telescopes, binoculars and cameras.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Sheet lets you build a custom full-aperture filter sized to your instrument
- + White light filter shows sunspots and eclipse phases safely when properly fitted
- + Works for telescopes, binoculars and cameras with one purchase
- - Must be mounted securely over the full front aperture, never used loosely or behind an eyepiece
- - DIY cell building takes care, and any pinhole or tear means the film must be replaced
#5Celestron Night Vision headlamp with multiple light modes, SOS setting and 100 hours runtime for astronomy and camping.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Headlamp keeps both hands free for handling eyepieces and charts
- + 100 hours runtime covers many observing nights
- + Multiple modes and SOS setting add camping and safety value
- - Low peak brightness makes it a poor substitute for a general purpose camping headlamp
- - Headlamp strap may feel tight over hats in cold weather
#6Explore Scientific Sun Catcher filter for refractors and 8 inch SC telescopes to view the Sun in white light.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Ready-made front filter avoids DIY film mounting mistakes
- + Designed to fit refractors and 8 inch SC telescopes securely
- + White light views show sunspots and solar eclipses safely
- - Fit depends on tube diameter, so measure your telescope before buying
- - Check the filter for damage before each use and never use a torn or scratched one
#7Thousand Oaks Optical SolarLite ND 5 solar filter film, a 3 inch (76mm) square piece for telescope Sun observation.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + ND 5 density is the standard safe level for direct white light solar viewing
- + 3 inch square piece suits small telescopes, finders and binocular objectives
- + SolarLite film gives a natural looking Sun image
- - Small piece only covers small apertures, so larger scopes need bigger sheets
- - Needs a secure homemade cell over the front of the scope before any Sun viewing
#8Thousand Oaks 4 x 4 inch solar filter sheet for building safe white light Sun filters for small telescopes, binoculars and cameras.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 4 x 4 inch sheet is a handy size for binocular objectives, finders and small refractors
- + Safe white light film shows sunspots and eclipse phases once mounted in a proper cell
- + Lets you make a filter that exactly matches an odd-sized front aperture
- - Too small for most mid-size telescopes, which need a larger sheet or ready-made filter
- - Film must be taped into a secure full-aperture cell, since a loose sheet can blow off in wind
#9Celestron tripod for tabletop Dobsonians, a solid, sturdy, adjustable stand with StarSense Explorer accessory tray.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Raises tabletop Dobsonians to comfortable standing height
- + Accessory tray keeps eyepieces and a phone within reach
- + Designed to work with StarSense Explorer tabletop models
- - Only useful for tabletop Dobsonian-style telescopes
- - Adds another item to carry and set up outdoors
#10A single-mode 625nm red LED flashlight with a zoomable head and low output, made for reading star charts and maps at close range without wrecking dark adaptation.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + 625nm dim red light with a listed 15 inch effective range suits charts and eyepiece notes at the telescope
- + Single click on and off with a zoomable focus, so there are no extra modes to cycle through in the dark
- + Runs on one AA battery and is pocket sized, with a 12-month warranty listed by the seller
- - The battery is not included, so you need to supply an AA cell before the first session
- - Low output is deliberate and limits it to close-range work, not walking a dark field path
#11Gosky Flagship DiamondEdge 20-60x80 spotting scope in green with tripod, bag and phone holder, BAK4 and waterproof.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Tripod, bag and phone holder give a complete kit for birding and daytime Moon views
- + 80mm objective and BAK4 prism keep images bright at mid zoom levels
- + Waterproof body suits wet field days and dewy night sessions
- - Zoom eyepiece gets dim and soft near 60x, especially after sunset
- - Bundled tripod is light, so wind shake shows at higher zoom
#12Gosky 20-60x85 spotting scope with a full-size tripod, BAK4 prism and FMC coating, a larger 85mm objective for birding and wildlife viewing.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Same brand as the Gosky Porro scope it replaces, with a larger 85mm objective lens for brighter views at dawn and dusk.
- + Full-size tripod adjusts from 13.3 in to 63 in and has a built-in bubble level for steady, level viewing.
- + Includes a phone adapter, carrying bag and cleaning kit, and the body is described as waterproof and dirt-resistant.
- - The 20-60x range is typical for the class, so the 60x end will show a dim image on poor nights.
- - A full-size tripod and bag add bulk, which makes this less of a pocketable choice than smaller scopes.
#13Athlon Optics Forerunner 20-60x80 spotting scope with ED glass, dual focus and a tripod, argon-purged for waterproof and fogproof use.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + ED glass and fully multi-coated lenses are listed for brightness and true color across the zoom range.
- + Dual focus knobs allow quick coarse focus and precise fine adjustment on distant targets.
- + Argon-purged, waterproof and fogproof body with rubber armor and a rotating ring and twist-up eyecup.
- - Sits at a clearly higher price tier than the SVBONY SV46 it replaces, so it is a step up in cost.
- - Listing is aimed at hunting, birdwatching and target spotting rather than astronomy, so sky use is secondary.
#14Celestron 93493 heavy duty CPC 1100 tripod in black and silver for large computerized telescopes.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10
- + Heavy duty design provides the stability required by large fork-mounted telescopes
- + Built specifically for the CPC 1100 for a secure fit
- + Solid legs reduce vibration during high-power views
- - Designed for one telescope model, so compatibility with others is limited
- - Heavy-duty tripod is hard to move, carry outside and store between sessions
#15SVBONY SV28 is a 20-60x80 spotting scope from the same brand, with an 80mm objective, FMC coating and a universal tripod interface.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Same brand as the SV13 it replaces, with a 20x to 60x zoom and 80mm objective lens for distant detail.
- + Fully multi-coated optics are stated to improve light transmission, and twist-up eyecups help with comfort during longer sessions.
- + Universal 1/4 inch tripod thread works with common tripods, and the listing mentions an anti-lost eyepiece cover.
- - Listing is written around target shooting, so astronomy use is a side benefit and the Moon will be the main sky target.
- - The shown features do not state a prism type or waterproof rating as clearly as some other scopes in this guide.
#16Celestron 93610 AstroMaster AZ tripod, an adjustable aluminum field tripod for small telescopes.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Adjustable aluminum legs keep the tripod light and portable
- + Good replacement or upgrade for small refractors and AstroMaster scopes
- + Budget-friendly option for casual observing
- - Light build is not stable enough for heavier telescopes
- - Compatibility with non-Celestron mounts needs checking
#17Celestron tripod and wedge accessory for NexStar 4GT/5i computerized telescopes.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 6/10
- + Wedge allows equatorial tracking with fork-mounted telescopes
- + Designed for NexStar 4GT and 5i for a proper fit
- + Useful for owners wanting basic long-exposure imaging
- - Limited to older NexStar models, so compatibility is narrow
- - Older accessory design may be hard to replace or service
#18Celestron Travel Scope 80 with smartphone adapter, a portable night-sky refractor that is not a dedicated solar telescope.
Fit for the job 2/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 6/10
- + 80mm fully-coated optics give bright views of the Moon and landscapes
- + Smartphone adapter makes quick lunar snapshots easy for beginners
- + Portable build is simple to carry for trips and events
- - Poor fit for solar viewing: never aim it at the Sun unless a certified solar filter covers the front
- - No solar filter in the kit, so a separate full-aperture certified filter is essential
#19Celestron Travel Scope 70DX with phone adapter, a small refractor for night and daytime views, not a solar scope.
Fit for the job 2/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 6/10
- + Phone adapter helps capture Moon photos and daytime nature shots
- + 70mm fully-coated optics are bright enough for casual lunar viewing
- + Compact travel kit keeps the telescope easy to transport
- - Not a solar telescope, so using it on the Sun without a certified front filter risks eye injury
- - Owners wanting sunspots must buy a proper full-aperture solar filter first
#20Celestron Explorascope 80mm Newtonian reflector with adjustable tripod, a beginner night scope listed off-topic for solar use.
Fit for the job 1/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 5/10 · Value 5/10
- + 80mm Newtonian mirror gives simple, bright lunar views for beginners
- + Adjustable tripod accommodates observers of different heights
- + Easy entry-level design for families starting with the night sky
- - Wrong tool for the Sun: it has no solar filter and must never point sunward without one fitted
- - Small reflector with basic optics, so even night views are limited
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Stargazer Nest curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.