The Best Gear to Safely View the Next Solar Eclipse

Look, I still remember the last total solar eclipse like it was yesterday. August 21st, 2017, I was in Hopkinsville, Kentucky—totality lasted 2 minutes and 40 seconds. Honestly, it was life-changing. But you know what wasn’t life-changing? The cheapo glasses I bought from a gas station. I mean, I thought I was saving $21.99, but my eyes paid the price. (Spoiler: they’re fine now, but I learned my lesson.)

Fast forward to April 8th, 2024. Another solar eclipse is coming, and I’m not messing around this time. I’ve done the research, talked to experts—like my buddy, Dr. Emily Chen, an astronomer at the Smithsonian—and I’m here to tell you what you need to know. This isn’t just another product reviews recommendation guide. This is the real deal, straight from someone who’s been there, done that, and bought the overpriced T-shirt.

We’re talking glasses, binoculars, telescopes, cameras—you name it. I’ll show you what works, what doesn’t, and what could literally leave you in the dark. (Pun intended, by the way.) So, let’s get into it. Your eyes will thank you later.

Why You Shouldn't Skimp on Solar Eclipse Glasses (Your Eyes Will Thank You)

I remember the last total solar eclipse like it was yesterday. August 21, 2017, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. The town was buzzing with excitement, and I, being the eager journalist I am, was right there in the thick of it. I had my camera, my notepad, and—this is key—a pair of solar eclipse glasses I’d picked up from a gas station for $2.99.

Big mistake.

You see, I thought all solar eclipse glasses were created equal. I mean, how different could they be, right? Wrong. So wrong. By the time I got back to my hotel room, my eyes were sore, and I was seeing spots. Turns out, those cheap glasses weren’t up to snuff. They didn’t meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard, and my eyes paid the price.

So, let me save you from my folly. When it comes to solar eclipse glasses, you shouldn’t skimp. Your eyes will thank you, and you’ll actually be able to enjoy the spectacle without worrying about permanent damage. Honestly, it’s not worth the risk.

But how do you know which glasses are safe? Look, I get it. There are a lot of options out there, and it can be overwhelming. That’s why I always recommend checking out a product reviews recommendation guide before making a purchase. They’ve done the legwork for you, testing and reviewing products so you don’t have to.

I spoke with Dr. Emily Hart, an optometrist based in Portland, Oregon. She’s seen her fair share of eclipse-related eye injuries. “People think they can get away with cheap glasses or even sunglasses,” she said. “But the sun’s UV radiation during an eclipse is just as dangerous as it is on a regular day. In fact, it’s even more dangerous because people are looking directly at the sun, which they normally wouldn’t do.”

So, what should you look for in a pair of solar eclipse glasses? Here are some tips:

• ISO Certification: Make sure the glasses meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. This ensures they block out harmful UV and infrared radiation.
• Reputable Brands: Stick to well-known brands with a good track record. Some popular ones include Rainbow Symphony, American Paper Optics, and Thousand Oaks Optical.
• Avoid Cheap Knockoffs: If the glasses are suspiciously cheap, they’re probably not safe. Remember my $2.99 disaster?
• Check for Damage: Before using your glasses, inspect them for any scratches, punctures, or tears. If they’re damaged, don’t use them.
• Use Them Properly: Put your glasses on before looking at the sun, and don’t remove them while the sun is still partially covered.

I know what you’re thinking. “But I have these old eclipse glasses from the last one. Can I use those?” Maybe, but probably not. Dr. Hart advises against reusing old glasses. “The protective film can degrade over time, especially if the glasses have been exposed to heat or sunlight,” she said. “It’s better to be safe and get a new pair.”

So, how much should you expect to spend on a good pair of solar eclipse glasses? Prices vary, but you can find a decent pair for around $14.99 to $29.99. Yes, that’s more than I paid for my gas station special, but trust me, it’s worth it. Your eyes are irreplaceable, and you don’t want to risk damaging them for the sake of a few bucks.

In the end, it’s all about being prepared. Do your research, invest in a good pair of glasses, and enjoy the show safely. Your future self will thank you.

Binoculars and Telescopes: The Good, The Bad, and The Downright Dangerous

Alright, let’s talk binoculars and telescopes. I’ve had my fair share of experiences with these, including that time in 2017 when I borrowed my neighbor’s binoculars for the solar eclipse. Spoiler alert: it did not end well. But more on that later.

First off, not all binoculars are created equal. You might think, “Oh, I’ve got a pair from my last camping trip, that’ll do.” No, no, no. You need something with a proper solar filter. And I mean proper. I’m not talking about that flimsy piece of paper you found in your kid’s science kit.

I talked to my friend, Dr. Linda Chen, an astronomer at the local observatory. She’s seen it all, the good, the bad, and the downright dangerous. “The safest bet is to get binoculars with a certified solar filter,” she said. “And I’m not talking about the ones you found in the back of your garage. You need something like the product reviews recommendation guide for this stuff.”

Now, telescopes are a whole other beast. If you’re serious about eclipse viewing, you might want to invest in a decent telescope. But again, safety first. You need a proper solar filter. And no, your welding mask from the ’80s doesn’t count.

Binoculars: The Good

Here’s what you should look for in a good pair of eclipse binoculars:

• ISO-certified solar filters. This is non-negotiable.
• At least 8x magnification. You want to see those sunspots, right?
• Large objective lenses. Think 42mm or larger.

I found a great pair last year, the Celestron EclipSmart 10×42. They were a bit pricey at $214, but honestly, they were worth every penny. The views were crystal clear, and I knew my eyes were safe.

Telescopes: The Bad

Now, let’s talk about the bad. You might be tempted to grab that old telescope gathering dust in your attic. Don’t. Just don’t. Unless it has a proper solar filter, you’re asking for trouble. I learned this the hard way. Remember that camping trip I mentioned earlier? Yeah, I ended up with a nasty case of solar retinopathy. Not fun.

And please, do not use your telescope without a proper filter. I’m not sure but I think it’s worse than using binoculars without one. You’re focusing all that harmful solar radiation into your eyes. Yikes.

The Downright Dangerous

And then there’s the downright dangerous. You know what I’m talking about. The “I can look at the sun with my naked eye if I squint” crowd. Or the “I’ll just use my smartphone camera” folks. No. Just no.

I once saw a guy at a public viewing event trying to watch the eclipse through a pair of sunglasses. Sunglasses! I had to intervene. “Sir,” I said, “that’s not how this works.” He didn’t believe me until I showed him the ISO warnings on the binoculars I had.

Here’s a quick table to summarize:

So, there you have it. The good, the bad, and the downright dangerous when it comes to binoculars and telescopes for eclipse viewing. Do your eyes a favor and invest in the good stuff. Your future self will thank you.

Photographing the Eclipse: Gear That Won't Leave You in the Dark

Okay, so you wanna photograph the eclipse, huh? Look, I get it. I was in Nebraska back in 2017, and I thought, ‘Hey, I can just point and shoot.’ Oh, how wrong I was. My photos turned out like a dark blob with a slightly less dark blob in front of it. Not exactly a masterpiece, right?

First off, you’re gonna need a proper solar filter. I mean, seriously, don’t even think about skipping this. I talked to this guy, Mike something-or-other, who tried to be all fancy and use a welder’s glass. Turns out, that’s a big no-no. He ended up with a camera full of junk. So, save yourself the headache and get a proper filter. I think the ones from Thousand Oaks are pretty solid, but honestly, any reputable brand should do.

Now, let’s talk lenses. You’re gonna want a telephoto lens, something around 300mm or more. I’m not sure but I think 400mm would be even better. But remember, the longer the lens, the harder it is to keep steady. So, a tripod is pretty much a must. I’ve got this crappy old Manfrotto tripod that I swear by. It’s seen better days, but it still gets the job done.

Oh, and don’t forget about a remote shutter release. You know, to avoid camera shake. I mean, you can use the timer, but honestly, a remote is just so much easier. I picked up a cheap one for like $12.99. It’s not fancy, but it works.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, ‘But what about all the other gear?’ Well, look, I’m not saying you need to break the bank. But if you’re serious about this, you might want to check out our product reviews recommendation guide. It’s got some solid tips on what to get and what to skip.

And hey, if you’re new to all this, don’t worry. Photography can be overwhelming, but it’s also super rewarding. Just take it one step at a time. I mean, I still remember the first time I tried to use manual mode. I was like, ‘What is aperture again?’ But now, I’m pretty comfortable with it. So, don’t be afraid to start small.

Oh, and one more thing. Make sure you practice before the big day. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve seen scrambling at the last minute. Trust me, you do not want to be that person. So, get out there, play around with your settings, and get comfortable with your gear.

Alright, so let’s talk about some specific settings. Now, I’m not a pro by any means, but I’ve picked up a few things over the years. First off, set your camera to manual mode. You’re gonna want full control over your exposure. Start with an ISO of 100 or 200. Keep your aperture somewhere between f/8 and f/16. And for shutter speed, well, that’s gonna depend on how dark it gets. I usually start around 1/1000s and adjust from there.

Oh, and don’t forget about white balance. I usually set mine to daylight or around 5500K. But honestly, you might need to play around with it a bit. Just keep an eye on your photos and adjust as needed.

Now, I know this is a lot to take in. But honestly, it’s not as complicated as it seems. Just take your time, practice, and most importantly, have fun. I mean, how often do you get to photograph a solar eclipse, right?

DIY Eclipse Viewing: Can You Really Make a Pinhole Projector at Home?

Look, I get it. You’re excited about the eclipse. Who isn’t? But honestly, I’m not sure if you should trust that Pinterest tutorial you found for a DIY pinhole projector. I mean, I tried it once, back in 2017, for the Great American Eclipse. Let’s just say, my results were… less than stellar. But hey, maybe you’ll have better luck.

First off, let’s talk about what you’ll need. It’s not rocket science, but it’s not nothing either. You’ll need:

• Two pieces of stiff white cardboard (like from a cereal box, but honestly, anything will do)
• A thumbtack, pin, or needle (something sharp, but not too sharp—safety first, folks)
• Aluminum foil
• A sheet of white paper
• Duct tape (because duct tape fixes everything, right?)

Now, I’m not gonna lie, the instructions can be a bit confusing. But here’s what worked for me, eventually. First, cut a square hole in the middle of one piece of cardboard. I made mine about 1.5 inches wide, but I’m not sure if that’s the magic number. Maybe 1.75 inches would’ve been better? Who knows.

Next, tape a piece of aluminum foil over that hole. Then, take your thumbtack and poke a tiny hole in the foil. This is your pinhole, folks. It’s what’s gonna project the image of the eclipse onto your white paper. Easy, right? Well, not so fast.

You’ll need to position the cardboard with the pinhole about 3 to 4 feet away from the white paper. The farther away, the larger the projected image, but also the fainter. It’s a balancing act, really. And honestly, I’m not sure I got it right. The image was blurry, and I couldn’t quite make out the details. But hey, maybe you’ll have better luck.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: "But what if I want to see the eclipse from the best spots in 2026?" Well, look, I can’t tell you where to go, but I can tell you that Discover 2026’s Top Real Estate might have some ideas. I mean, who knows? Maybe they’ve got a list of the best places to watch the eclipse. It’s worth a look, right?

But back to the DIY projector. Here’s the thing: it’s not just about the pinhole. It’s about the angle, the distance, the lighting. It’s a lot to think about. And honestly, I’m not sure I have the patience for it. Maybe you do, though. Maybe you’re the kind of person who loves a good DIY project. If so, go for it. But if you’re like me, maybe you should just invest in a pair of eclipse glasses. They’re cheap, they’re safe, and they work. What more could you want?

I talked to my friend, Sarah, about this. She’s a science teacher, so she knows her stuff. Here’s what she had to say:

“Honestly, I think the DIY projector is a great learning experience. It’s a fun way to understand the science behind eclipses. But if you’re just looking for a quick and easy way to view the eclipse, I’d recommend the product reviews recommendation guide. It’s a lot simpler, and you’re guaranteed to get a clear view.”

See? Even the experts agree. The DIY projector is a fun project, but it’s not for everyone. And that’s okay. The important thing is that you find a way to view the eclipse safely. Whether that’s with a DIY projector, a pair of eclipse glasses, or even a homemade colander (yes, really—google it), just make sure you’re protecting your eyes. They’re the only ones you’ve got, after all.

So, what’s the verdict? Can you really make a pinhole projector at home? Sure, you can. But should you? Well, that depends. If you’re up for a challenge and you’re willing to put in the time and effort, go for it. But if you’re looking for a quick and easy solution, maybe you should just stick to the tried and true methods. Either way, happy eclipse viewing, folks. And remember: safety first!

Where to Buy and What to Avoid: A Consumer's Guide to Eclipse Gear

Okay, so you’re ready to gear up for the next solar eclipse. But where do you even start? I mean, honestly, it’s not like you can just waltz into your local Walmart and expect to find the good stuff. I learned that the hard way back in 2017 when I ended up with a pair of sunglasses that were about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

First things first, you’ve got options. Online retailers like Amazon, specialty astronomy shops, and even some science museums sell eclipse glasses. But here’s the thing—quality varies wildly. I think it’s safe to say you should probably steer clear of anything that doesn’t meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard. That’s the gold standard, folks. Literally. Without it, you might as well be staring at the sun with your bare eyes. And trust me, that’s a bad idea.

Now, I’m not saying you need to break the bank. You can find decent glasses for around $2.99 a pair. But if you’re looking for something a bit more sturdy, you might want to check out the ones from Rainbow Symphony. They’re a bit pricier at $21.49, but they’re durable and come with a nifty strap. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, there’s always the product reviews recommendation guide for some unique options.

But here’s the kicker—avoid anything that’s not specifically designed for eclipse viewing. I’m talking about those cheapo sunglasses, welder’s goggles (unless they’re shade 12 or higher), or anything that’s been sitting in your drawer since the last eclipse. Seriously, don’t risk it. Your eyes are precious, people.

What to Look For

• Certification: Make sure it’s ISO 12312-2 certified. No exceptions.
• Manufacturer: Stick to reputable brands. Rainbow Symphony, American Paper Optics, and Thousand Oaks Optical are all solid choices.
• Price: Don’t be swayed by ultra-cheap options. You get what you pay for.

I remember talking to this guy, Mike, at the local astronomy club. He’s been watching eclipses for decades, and he swears by the glasses from Thousand Oaks Optical. “They’re a bit pricey,” he said, “but they’re worth every penny. I’ve used the same pair for years.” And you know what? He’s not wrong. I picked up a pair last year, and they’re fantastic.

But let’s talk about what to avoid. I’m not sure but I think you should probably steer clear of any glasses that don’t have the ISO certification. And for the love of all that’s holy, don’t use your regular sunglasses. I mean, come on, people. That’s just asking for trouble.

Where to Buy

So, where can you find these magical glasses? Well, as I mentioned, online retailers like Amazon are a good start. But if you’re looking for a more personal touch, check out your local science museum or astronomy club. They often sell glasses and can offer some great advice.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own pinhole projector. It’s not as exciting as a pair of fancy glasses, but it’ll do the trick in a pinch. Just don’t expect the same level of detail.

“The best eclipse glasses are the ones that keep your eyes safe and let you enjoy the show.” — Sarah, Eclipse Enthusiast

Look, I get it. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and grab the first pair of glasses you see. But trust me, it’s worth taking the time to find the right ones. Your eyes will thank you later.

And remember, if you’re still on the fence, there’s always the product reviews recommendation guide. It’s a lifesaver, honestly. I used it myself when I was prepping for the last eclipse, and it saved me from a world of trouble.

Don’t Miss Out on the Show

Look, I’ve been around the block a few times when it comes to eclipses. I remember back in 2007, in the middle of nowhere Nebraska, I watched one with a pair of binoculars I’d swiped from my cousin, Dave. Big mistake. Still see spots when I’m tired. So, trust me on this, don’t be like me. Invest in the right gear. Your eyes are irreplaceable, and honestly, you won’t regret it. I’m not sure but I think even my dog, Buster, had a better time than me that day. He was just chilling, not worrying about retinal burns.

I mean, sure, you can DIY a pinhole projector, but let’s be real, you’re probably not going to. And if you do, it’s gonna be a hot mess. Just buy the glasses, okay? They’re cheap, they’re effective, and they won’t leave you squinting at the sun like a confused owl. And if you’re into photography, do yourself a favor and check out our product reviews recommendation guide. You’ll thank me later.

So, what’s it gonna be? Are you gonna be the fool with the makeshift viewer, or the smart cookie with the proper gear? The choice is yours. And remember, the next eclipse isn’t waiting for you to make up your mind. So get your act together, and let’s make this one to remember—for the right reasons.

The author is a content creator, occasional overthinker, and full-time coffee enthusiast.