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Filters
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One of the most interesting views in the sky is the sun. When done with the proper filters, the sun is a safe object to view. There are many filters on the market and some can be quite expensive. You can make your own filters using some of the same materials for a fraction of the cost. Here is a set I made for my scope and finder. For my next project, I plan on making a pair for my binoculars. The material can be purchased at Astro-Physics. It is called baader material. It is 19"x40". The material comes with directions on how to make the filter. If you have someone to split the cost, it will be about $35 each for the 19"x40" piece and each of you can build several filters and have material leftover. If you purchase the small size it will cost you $35 for an 8.5"x11". As you can see, I made an off-axis style filter using a 10" round box from a craft store. Add a little foam on the inside and it fits the scope perfectly.
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I have a set of the Orion color filters I use on the planets. These filters help bring out the detail of the planets. This is a handy set to have and I have the basic starter kit. A good inexpensive set to begin your collection.
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The eyepiece on the right is a framing square ocular used for ccd imaging. It has several size squares etched on the glass so to match the ccd chip you are using. In this way you know if your object can be taken all on one frame. If not you will have to take a mosaic of the entire object to get a full picture.
The moon filter I have is a Meade variable filter. You can adjust the amount of light you want for getting the detail needed to observe. Some type of filter is needed for the moon to keep your eyes from getting tired when observing a long time. There is no danger in observing the moon without a filter.