Best Solar Glasses

Women watching the eclipse
(Image credit: Unsplash / Adam Smith)

Even though solar eclipses don't happen often, there are plenty of other reasons you might want to look at the star that powers our world. These solar glasses will protect your eyes from serious damage anytime you want to study the giant ball of fire in the sky.

For one

Plastic durable shades

(Image credit: Amazon)

Plastic Eclipse Glasses

These will last multiple eclipses

For those of you who do more than throw on a pair of disposable lenses every solar eclipse, these glasses are built to last. 

Not only are they durable and long-lasting, but they also come with a microfiber pouch to keep them safe until you need them and two paper glasses so your friends can share the excitement.

For the family

Lunt 5-pack solar glasses

(Image credit: Amazon)

Lunt Solar Systems Solar Eclipse Glasses

These won't last long

If you are hoping to catch a cool solar event and want your whole family to enjoy these five-pack paper glasses are perfect. They can be kept in a draw until you need them and you will know there is enough for everyone. There is even a 10-pack available if your family is larger.

A closer look

Celestron EclipSmart

(Image credit: Amazon)

Celestron - EclipSmart 10x25 Solar Binocular

These are much safer than just filters

When looking at solar events like Venus transits, you may want something a little more powerful than the standard glasses.

These binoculars offer 10 times magnification so you can see the solar surface in more detail, as well as any transits that occlude it. They are also compact and very easy to carry with you when the need arises.

For the classroom

Multi pack solar glasses

(Image credit: Amazon)

Solar Eclipse Glasses (Pack of 50)

These are great for a solar party

If you are a teacher or planning a big solar party, this 50-pack of solar glasses are affordable and simple to keep ready.

These are not robust glasses but for a one-time event, such as an eclipse, they are perfect for an entire classroom to observe it safely.

For photographers

50mm Camera filter

(Image credit: Amazon)

Solar Filter - Unversal Lens Filter 50mm

Easy to fit a 50 mm lens

Taking photos of solar events is always a worry. Most DSLR cameras cost a lot of money and destroying one by accident will make you very sad, very quickly. This 50mm lens cover offers the perfect amount of protection to let you get an amazing photo simply by slipping the hood over the lens.

It also offers excellent blackout protection so that no stray light can get into the lens and damage the sensor.

It will make you blind

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Solar events are often very special. They don't occur all the time and as such should be viewed by as many people as they can when they do. You all need to be safe though, or you risk becoming permanently blind. All the solar glasses in this list are certified to be safe to wear during a solar event so you can rest assured knowing that these are a good buy.

I like the Plastic Eclipse Glasses by Rainbow Symphony as they can be used more than once and stored away for the next major event. As a photographer, I like the DayStars Filter Universal Lens Filter for my 50mm lens. It allows me to quickly slip a safety cover over my camera to get a shot of solar activity without risking my sensor by not putting on the right ND filter level.

Solar eclipses and Venus transits are some of the coolest events in the heavens that we can see with the naked eye. We just need to make sure the eye isn't so naked it gets burned.

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Staff Writer