Cameras for the Lunt LS60

[Altocumulus]

With a view to Christmas

Is the ZWO 183 MM a better fit for the Lunt 60, than either the 120 or 174.....

[Lowjiber]

That's a difficult question in some respects... What does a "best fit" really mean? I'll ramble a bit here just to give my experience to what may become a kludge of opinions.

I've not used a 183 simply because the 174 works so well with the LS60 (yes, I have one) and the Quark with a wide range of telescopes (f/5.9, f/7.5 & f/9).

I used the 120 MM while I was learning, but there are several problems with that small of a sensor... The primary one is that Newtonian Rings (NR) are a major issue because it is so difficult to get the sensor orthogonal to the light path coming thru the scope. Most, including me, used a tilter to solve the problem. There are other issues with the 120, but NRs are the major stumbling block for this conversation.

I know a lot of solar imagers, both here on TSS and on SGL in Europe. I can say without a doubt that when one looks at those who are successful, the vast majority use the 174MM. (I have two of 'em.)

There may be a time in the future when the 183 has become the standard. But I will stick with what works well for the time being.

Clear Skies

[Altocumulus]

Thanks John.

[bladekeeper]

If it was me (and also lending much credence to John's advice), I'd go here: https://astronomy.tools/calculators/field_of_view/

And plug my scope parameters in and select various cameras and see how the solar disk fits in the frame.

That said, I used that website for my own lunar imaging efforts to help with a camera choice. For my SV102T and its 714mm focal length, the ASI174MC was the perfect choice (I wanted color for lunar, I'd go with mono for solar).

[Altocumulus]

Thanks Bryan - and yes, always mono.....

[Tillibobs]

Hi Geoff. When my IC cameras wouldn't play ball with USB3 on my replacement laptop I asked Nick at Altair Astro what he recommended for the Lunt 60 and I bought their 178M3 which does the job, You are welcome to try my IC cams ( 2 ) if you are still on USB2 . PM me if you want to try them.
I'll be out until late afternoon as it's my Brother's funeral.
Keith.

[Altocumulus]

Thanks Keith.

Condolences.