Photographing the sun with a smartphone is possible when using purpose-built solar filters. The right filter protects your camera sensor and eyes while letting you document partial phases, diamond rings, and solar eclipses with clarity. This guide highlights five reliable options that work with a range of phones and imaging setups, balancing safety, compatibility, and performance for everyday skywatchers and budding solar photographers.
The following table summarizes the chosen products, focusing on safety, compatibility, and core features to help you compare at a glance.
| Product | Brand | Key Use | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALILUSSO Solar Imaging Filter | ALILUSSO | Direct solar imaging with smartphone cameras | iPhone 16/15/14/13 Pro Max, Samsung, Moto, Google, TCL and more |
| Gravitis Solar Eclipse 2in1 Filter | Gravitis | Solar viewing and photography with protection | Universal smartphone compatibility |
| Celestron EclipSmart Safe Solar Filter | Celestron | IS0 12312-2 compliant solar viewing; telescope/camera | Works with telescope, spotting scope, or DSLR; adaptable to various lenses |
| Seymour Solar Hyperion Film | Seymour Solar | Sun and eclipse viewing with filter sheets | Attachable to telescope, binoculars, or camera lens |
| Akanabi 67mm CPL Filter | Akanabi | Polarizing filter for sun photography and landscapes | Phone and camera clip-on, 67mm |
ALILUSSO Solar Imaging Filter for Smartphones
The ALILUSSO Solar Imaging Filter is designed to fit smartphones across multiple brands, including iPhone, Samsung, Google, and more. It aims to safely capture solar events, ranging from partial phases to the corona during totality. The filter protects the camera lens from harmful rays, allowing photographers to focus on composition and timing. Users are advised to remove a protective case for best results and to lock focus and exposure by tapping the sun on the screen, then adjusting exposure settings accordingly.
Gravitis Solar Eclipse 2in1 Filter and Viewer
Gravitis offers a 2in1 solar imaging filter and viewer designed for universal smartphone compatibility. The package focuses on protecting your device while enabling safe solar photography, with portability and straightforward setup. The design emphasizes a user-friendly fit across a variety of devices, supporting photographers who want a simple, reliable way to observe solar phenomena through a phone camera.
Celestron EclipSmart Safe Solar Filter
The Celestron EclipSmart filter conforms to ISO 12312-2:2015(E) standards for direct solar viewing. It is designed to be used with telescopes, spotting scopes, or DSLR cameras, making it a versatile option for users who want to adapt their existing gear for solar events. The filter features adjustable side panels for a secure fit and folds flat for storage, with a reusable carrying bag.
K&F Concept 67mm Clip-on CPL Filter Kit
This clip-on CPL filter kit from K&F Concept includes a 67mm CPL filter with a phone clip, designed for a range of devices. The kit uses Japanese glass with 18-layer coating to reduce reflections and enhance color saturation and contrast. It is suitable for travel shots, landscapes, and outdoor photography, helping to minimize glare from reflective surfaces like water and glass while preserving natural color balance.
Boysinglens 52mm ND2-ND400 Filter Kit
The Boysinglens ND filter kit provides adjustable density from ND2 to ND400 for smartphone photography. While primarily used to control exposure in bright conditions, this kit can support long-exposure effects for creative shots. The filters are multi-coated and housed in an aluminum frame with rubber pads to protect the phone during use. Note that ND filters affect exposure and color, so testing is recommended to achieve desired results.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Safety and standards: Look for filters that clearly state compliance with solar viewing safety standards (such as ISO 12312-2) when used for direct sun viewing. This protects both your eyes and your phone’s sensor.
- Compatibility: Check the filter’s mounting method and the device compatibility. Universal designs or clip-on systems increase versatility, especially if you own multiple devices.
- Optical quality: High-quality optical glass, coatings to reduce reflections and glare, and durable frames help maintain image clarity and prolong the filter’s life in outdoor conditions.
- Ease of use: Filters should install quickly and securely, with straightforward steps for focusing and exposure adjustments. A clear usage guide helps achieve consistent results.
- Versatility: If you want more than solar imaging, consider filters that also serve as general landscape or macro aids (e.g., CPL and ND filters). However, avoid combining incompatible filters during direct solar viewing.
- Portability and storage: Lightweight kits with protective cases or bags are ideal for field photography and eclipse expeditions.
- Price and warranty: Balance cost against build quality and support. A solid warranty can cover accidental damage in outdoor environments.
When selecting a solar filter for phone photography, prioritize devices and filters that emphasize safety, fit, and simple operation. The listed options offer a spectrum of choices—from dedicated solar imaging films to multi-use polarizers and neutral density kits—so you can tailor your setup to your preferred shooting style and gear.