To photograph a solar eclipse with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, you need a long lens, a sturdy tripod, and a solar filter made for the job, used exactly as its maker instructs. This guide covers general technique only, and nothing here replaces the instructions from certified eclipse-safe equipment makers.
Safety Comes Before Photography
The sun can damage eyes and camera sensors when viewed or imaged without proper protection. Treat the filter as the most important piece of kit.
- Use only solar filters and viewers sold by certified eclipse-safe equipment makers, and follow their written instructions for fitting and use.
- Look for products that state compliance with the recognized eclipse viewing standard, and check them for scratches or holes before use.
- Never look at the sun through a viewfinder, a lens or binoculars unless the correct filter is fitted in front of the optics.
- Ordinary sunglasses and stacked dark filters are not substitutes for proper solar gear.
- Follow the makers’ guidance for the brief totality phase, if you are in the path of one.
Gear You Will Need
- A camera with manual exposure control.
- A telephoto lens. A focal length of 400mm or more gives a larger sun image, though shorter lenses still capture the event.
- A solid tripod, because wind and vibration are harder to control at long focal lengths.
- A solar filter sized for your lens front.
- A remote release or the two second timer to avoid shake.
- Spare batteries and memory cards.
Camera Settings as Baselines
Use manual mode and manual focus. Autofocus can hunt on a featureless disk, so focus on the sun’s edge or on a sunspot using live view magnification, with the filter fitted.
| Phase | Baseline idea |
|---|---|
| Partial phases (filter on) | ISO 100 to 200, f/8, shutter speed adjusted until the disk looks right |
| Test frames | Try several shutter speeds and check the histogram |
| Totality | Only when the makers’ guidance says the filter may be removed |
These are general baselines. Light changes quickly during an eclipse, so adjust and recheck.
Plan the Day
- Rehearse on a normal sunny day with your filter fitted, so every control is familiar.
- Scout your location for a clear horizon and a stable tripod position.
- Note the local timing from a trusted source and arrive early.
- Consider a wide shot of the people and landscape too, since the atmosphere is part of the story.
FAQ
Can I use a phone?
Yes, but the same filter rules apply. A filter made for the phone lens is needed, and a tripod mount helps.
Do I need a tracking mount?
No. A fixed tripod works for short exposures, though framing needs occasional adjustment as the sun moves.
The Short Version
Buy proper solar gear from certified makers and follow their instructions exactly. Rehearse your settings beforehand, use a tripod, and keep your attention on staying careful as much as on the picture.
