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Please note: the SolarZoom binocular is fitted with permanent solar energy rejection filters and is not suitable for normal observations and can ONLY be used to observe the sun.

The stunning SolarZoom binocular is designed to appeal uniquely to the Solar observation enthusiast and has permanent white-light solar observation safety filters fitted in front of the 50mm objective lenses to allow direct viewing of white-light solar phenomena (sun spots, faculae etc). It is the perfect way to make safe observations of the sun just for fun or as a great way to quickly check conditions on the surface of the sun to see if it is worthwhile setting up your other solar observation equipment.

Unique and versatile zoom optics. This unique solar observing system has a variable optical system that allows the user to alter the magnification smoothly anywhere between 8x and 24x by just sliding a lever. At 24x the sun's disk appears to cover over 12 degrees of the sky and even very small sunspots and a hint of solar granulation can be seen when the binocular is stabilised on a tripod. But even at easily hand-holdable low powers (8 to 12x) sunspot groups and larger faculae complexes can be seen. Phenomena such as limb darkening, partial eclipses and planetary transits can all be observed in stunning detail even at the lowest power!

Safe solar filters. Multi-layered permanent metal coatings on the glass solar filters and full multicoating on all glass components ensures bright high contrast views of white-light solar phenomena. The 2mm think safe solar filters used on SolarZoom are made by a World-class British solar filter manufacturer. The glass filters, mounted in precision CNC manufactured aluminium cells, allow only a tiny fraction of the light from the sun through to the observer's eyes (in fact slightly less light than the full Moon!) and allow safe direct observation of all white-light solar phenomena.

The SolarZoom binocular has a tripod fitting bush and is supplied in a soft padded case.

Do remember that at the 15x to 24x magnification range the binoculars will be difficult to hold steadily and we would recommend the use of a support bracket and camera-tripod (both available separately).

So what's so great about the SolarZoom binocular?

This product quickly became one of my favourite toys! To be able to checkout the intimate details of the day to day life of the sun without setting up any gear, and being able to snatch a quick peek whenever there's a break in the clouds, is just great fun. If I see anything really interesting I pop them on a tripod and wind the magnification up to 24x - and the whole solar disk is now equivalent to a disk 144mm (just under 6") in diameter held at arms length and a wealth of detail can be seen. Sun spots, faculae around the limb and the limb darkening effect can all be see. Rather more surprising, the superbly detailed stereoscopic image even shows a hint of solar granulation (this is the Texas sized cellular structure of the active solar surface) and this can be difficult to see even in a telescope!

For sheer ease of use and, and as a result, fun factor - I give the SolarZoom 10/10. From the "heducational" point of view the SolarZoom is a clear winner too. It's great for group viewing on a tripod as the binocular design makes it so easy for a wide range of people to use - even spectacle wearers - and the views get the right kind of "wow" response even from young and old who have looked at the sun through a scope before. I have to admit to being a bit of a sun-gawper rather than a serious student of the subject - I'm happy just to be engaging in the truly awesome spectacle of the ever changing face of our nearest star. Oh, and if you really want the ultimate easy solar-viewing system simply pair up the SolarZoom with the equally stunning ScopeTeknix BinoFlex mirror binocular support, they work wonderfully together for the ultimate in comfortable seated or standing solar observation - see link lower left.

Please note: Solar observation is dangerous and if not carried out correctly can cause permanent eye injury. Never use a binocular or any other optical device that has not been fitted with the proper safety filters to make observation of the sun as permanent blindness may result. Please read the safety instructions and observing advice carefully before using the SolarZoom.