# Australia solar eclipse 2028: glasses and filter buying checklist

Published by Muchita Shopping · Updated 2026-10-09 · Canonical: https://shopping.muchita.ai/guides/australia-eclipse-2028/

The total solar eclipse crosses Australia on 22 July 2028, including Sydney. Check the [Astronomical Society of Australia’s path information](https://eclipse.asa.astronomy.org.au/eclipse-australia-2028/) for your viewing location. Australia is not entirely inside the totality path. Before buying equipment, decide whether you will watch directly or through optics: those require different protection.

## In short

- For direct viewing of the bright Sun, use an undamaged purpose-made solar viewer meeting ISO 12312-2 from a verifiable supplier. Sunglasses do not substitute.
- Binoculars, telescopes and camera lenses require appropriate solar filtration at the front, securely fitted before pointing towards the Sun. Do not look through them with eclipse glasses.
- A filter marked “80” does not promise a fit to every 80 mm telescope. Measure the mounting diameter and match the exact visual filter and its manufacturer instructions.

> Muchita Shopping checked the linked sources on 9 October 2026. Product examples explain identity and compatibility; they are not independently tested recommendations or live offers. We receive no affiliate commission.

## Choose your viewing checklist

[Build my checklist](https://shopping.muchita.ai/guides/australia-eclipse-2028/#tool)

This is a buying pre-check, not a safe-use certification or live eclipse timing service. Read the actual equipment instructions and get help from an experienced solar observer for optics.

- **How will you watch?** Directly, without magnifying optics; Celestron EclipSmart 10x25 solar binoculars, 71237; My telescope / camera / ordinary binoculars; At a supervised astronomy event
- **Filter you are considering** Baader ClearWhite ASTF 80, visual OD 5.1, 2423010; Baader BDSF 80, photographic OD 3.8, 2459370; Another filter / not sure
- **Mounting being checked** ASTF 80 on outer tube; Inner tube / different product / not sure
- **Clamping bolt length** 10 mm; 20 mm; Not known
- **Measured outer tube diameter** Below 100 mm; 100 mm to under 110 mm; 110-130 mm; Over 130 mm to 140 mm; Over 140 mm; Not measured

- **Use a direct-viewing solar viewer** Choose a verifiable supplier, check the viewer and instructions before every use, and supervise children. Put it on before looking towards the bright Sun. Keep it away from binoculars, telescopes and camera viewfinders. [Read the source](https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety)
- **Check the actual 71237 binoculars** The manufacturer describes permanent objective solar filters. Inspect both for damage and follow its solar-only instructions. A similar-looking unfiltered 10x25 pair is a different product; do not attach extra optics. Permanent filters also prevent a view of the faint corona during totality; do not remove or modify them. [Read the source](https://www.celestron.com/products/eclipsmart-10x25mm-roof-solar-binoculars)
- **Arrange supervised viewing before buying a kit** Ask the astronomy organiser what properly filtered instruments will be available and whether you need your own direct-viewing viewer. This may avoid an unnecessary telescope purchase; the event still needs a location and weather plan. [Read the source](https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety)
- **Do not use the photographic BDSF for your eye** The manufacturer’s table identifies BDSF as OD 3.8 photographic material, distinct from the ASTF visual version. Do not treat a photograph filter, matching diameter or family name as evidence for visual use. [Read the source](https://www.baader-planetarium.com/en/downloads/dl/file/id/299/product/2986/baader_solar_filters_clamping_range.pdf)
- **Get a complete front-filter specification** Do not select by an ISO logo alone. ISO 12312-2 covers direct-viewing viewers, not these optical filters. Match the instrument, front mounting and intended visual or photographic use with its manufacturer. [Read the source](https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/for-manufacturers)
- **Use the correct mounting table** The outer-tube ranges below do not describe inner mounting. Read the exact current filter row and instructions; the manufacturer also warns against inner mounting on the inner tube of an SC telescope. [Read the source](https://www.baader-planetarium.com/en/downloads/dl/file/id/299/product/2986/baader_solar_filters_clamping_range.pdf)
- **Your dimension is within the stated outer clamping range** The current ASTF 80 table gives 110-140 mm with 10 mm bolts. This is a dimensional candidate only: verify visual product code 2423010, the aperture, unobstructed fit and secure attachment following its instructions. [Read the source](https://www.baader-planetarium.com/en/downloads/dl/file/id/299/product/2986/baader_solar_filters_clamping_range.pdf)
- **Your dimension is within the stated outer clamping range** The current ASTF 80 table gives 100-130 mm with 20 mm bolts. This is a dimensional candidate only: verify visual product code 2423010, the aperture, unobstructed fit and secure attachment following its instructions. [Read the source](https://www.baader-planetarium.com/en/downloads/dl/file/id/299/product/2986/baader_solar_filters_clamping_range.pdf)
- **Do not buy this configuration on a fit assumption** The stated 10 mm bolt outer range is 110-140 mm. Your choice is outside that range or unmeasured. Re-measure and ask the manufacturer about another configuration; do not improvise a loose mount. [Read the source](https://www.baader-planetarium.com/en/downloads/dl/file/id/299/product/2986/baader_solar_filters_clamping_range.pdf)
- **Do not buy this configuration on a fit assumption** The stated 20 mm bolt outer range is 100-130 mm. Your choice is outside that range or unmeasured. Re-measure and ask the manufacturer about another configuration; do not improvise a loose mount. [Read the source](https://www.baader-planetarium.com/en/downloads/dl/file/id/299/product/2986/baader_solar_filters_clamping_range.pdf)
- **Confirm the supplied bolt length first** The 10 mm and 20 mm bolt ranges differ. A tube measurement alone cannot establish the clamping range for the product supplied. [Read the source](https://www.baader-planetarium.com/en/downloads/dl/file/id/299/product/2986/baader_solar_filters_clamping_range.pdf)
- **Protect every optical path** Front-filter each binocular objective, deal with a finder scope according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and secure the filter before pointing at the Sun. Never use an eye-end solar filter or eclipse glasses behind unfiltered optics. [Read the source](https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/optics-filters)

## Date, location and totality

The [ASA eclipse page](https://eclipse.asa.astronomy.org.au/eclipse-australia-2028/) gives 22 July 2028 and path information. Check an exact observing site, not a city name alone. This guide does not supply verified local contact times or durations.

Direct viewing of any bright part of the solar disc needs proper protection. The naked-eye exception applies only during the brief fully total phase at a site inside the totality path, with the timing properly established. If you are unsure, keep the protection in place or use a supervised astronomy event. A calendar date is not a countdown to remove a filter.

## Three different purchases

Dedicated solar binoculars with permanent filters have a buying limitation: the filters cannot be removed for a view of the faint corona during full totality. They are for filtered viewing of the bright Sun. If observing the corona is your goal, plan a properly timed direct totality view or a supervised astronomy setup instead; do not alter the permanent filters.

| Viewing method | What to check before buying | What does not establish protection |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Direct-viewing solar glasses / handheld viewer | ISO 12312-2, verifiable maker/supplier, condition and instructions | Dark sunglasses; an unverifiable printed ISO claim |
| Dedicated solar binoculars: EclipSmart 10x25, 71237 | The exact solar product, intact permanent objective filters and manufacturer instructions | An ordinary 10x25 model, even from the same brand |
| Solar filter for an existing instrument | Visual/photographic purpose, filter material, actual tube fit, secure front attachment and other optical paths | A family name, an “80” size or telescope aperture alone |

## Worked example: an 80 mm label is not a fit

The current [Baader clamping table](https://www.baader-planetarium.com/en/downloads/dl/file/id/299/product/2986/baader_solar_filters_clamping_range.pdf) lists visual ClearWhite ASTF 80 as 2423010, OD 5.1, and photographic BDSF 80 as 2459370, OD 3.8. Both show an 80 mm clear aperture and an indicative instrument aperture range of 70-90 mm. Those are not the tube clamping diameters.

For outer mounting, ASTF 80’s stated range is 110-140 mm with 10 mm bolts, or 100-130 mm with 20 mm bolts. For example, a measured 105 mm outer tube is outside the 10 mm bolt range but inside the 20 mm bolt range. That still does not prove the supplied filter will seat securely or clear other fittings.

Check the exact revision in the seller’s listing against the current manufacturer documents. Older AstroSolar versions and codes may differ. Do not silently substitute an old code for the current visual product.

## Four mistakes to avoid

- **Wearing eclipse glasses behind optics.** Unfiltered magnifying optics can concentrate sunlight onto the viewer. Fit proper front filtration instead and follow optical-filter guidance.
- **Buying a photographic filter for visual use.** The BDSF OD 3.8 listing is not the ASTF OD 5.1 visual listing. Match intended use and product code.
- **Filtering one binocular objective.** Both light paths need proper protection. Check every objective and any finder path before use.
- **Treating a supplier list as blanket approval.** Check the exact maker and product, condition, instructions and current supplier information. A marketplace seller name or logo does not prove authenticity.

## A shopping plan before eclipse week

- **Compare the exact product you chose** Use the mobile worksheet for offers you checked yourself. Install Muchita Shopping in Chrome on a computer to search for that exact item. [Open the comparison worksheet](https://shopping.muchita.ai/tools/price-comparison/#c=AUD|A,,1,pcs,|B,,1,pcs,)

1. **Choose a site and viewing method.** Use the ASA path information and decide between direct viewing, your own instrument or a supervised event. Do not buy a telescope just because the eclipse is total somewhere in Australia.
2. **Record the exact protection product.** For glasses, identify maker and a verifiable supplier. For optics, record visual/photographic purpose, product code, mounting measurements and the manufacturer’s fitting instructions.
3. **Check authenticity and condition.** Use the current AAS supplier information and manufacturer documents. Inspect the product when it arrives and before every use. Do not use damaged filters.
4. **Compare eligible offers.** Match exact product, pack count, revision, availability, tax and membership conditions. Compare verified item prices; show shipping separately. Muchita does not certify equipment safety.

## Where to start your supplier check

The [AAS supplier list](https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/viewers-filters) is a starting point for direct-viewing viewers and solar-filter suppliers. Read its scope and identify the actual manufacturer. This guide does not claim that a particular Australian retailer has stock or delivers to your address.

## Questions and answers

### When is Australia’s 2028 eclipse?

22 July 2028. Check the ASA path information for your exact location; not every Australian location sees totality.

### Are ordinary sunglasses enough?

No. Use appropriate direct-viewing solar protection; darker sunglasses are not a substitute.

### Can I wear eclipse glasses while looking through binoculars?

No. Use properly fitted front solar filtration for the binoculars. Do not place direct-viewing glasses behind unfiltered optics.

### Does ISO 12312-2 cover telescope filters?

No. The standard covers direct-viewing solar viewers. Optical filters need appropriate material, mounting and use instructions for that instrument.

### Is Baader BDSF 80 the visual ASTF 80?

No. The checked current table labels BDSF OD 3.8 as photographic, while ClearWhite ASTF is the OD 5.1 visual version.

### Can I use a filter just because my telescope is 80 mm?

No. Aperture and tube mounting diameter are different. Check the exact clamping range and secure attachment instructions.

### When can I remove eclipse glasses?

Only during properly established full totality at a site inside the path. This page supplies no verified contact-time countdown. If unsure, keep protection in place or use supervised viewing.

## Sources

- Astronomical Society of Australia: 2028 eclipse - https://eclipse.asa.astronomy.org.au/eclipse-australia-2028/ (Date and path; no unverified local contact times reproduced. Checked 2026-10-09.)
- AAS: eye safety - https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety (Direct viewing and totality guidance. Checked 2026-10-09.)
- AAS: optical solar filters - https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/optics-filters (Front filtration and magnifying-optics precautions. Checked 2026-10-09.)
- AAS: manufacturer information - https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/for-manufacturers (ISO 12312-2 scope distinction for direct viewers versus optical filters. Checked 2026-10-09.)
- AAS: suppliers - https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/viewers-filters (Supplier-check starting point; not Australian stock or delivery evidence. Checked 2026-10-09.)
- Celestron: EclipSmart 10x25, 71237 - https://www.celestron.com/products/eclipsmart-10x25mm-roof-solar-binoculars (Exact dedicated solar binocular identity and permanent filters; no offer price claimed. Checked 2026-10-09.)
- Baader: current clamping table - https://www.baader-planetarium.com/en/downloads/dl/file/id/299/product/2986/baader_solar_filters_clamping_range.pdf (PDF visually checked. Current ASTF 80 code 2423010 and outer tube ranges; photographic BDSF distinct. Checked 2026-10-09.)

Manufacturer tables can change with product revisions. Recheck the exact supplied product and current instructions. Muchita has not tested these products, certified safe use, or verified local eclipse contact times. No retailer stock or current item price is asserted.