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Monday's eclipse rekindled my interest in solar. I have started contemplating/reading what kind of equipment would get me to the next level of solar details/resolution compared to the projection setup I use.
I almost settled on a Herschel wedge but then while researching different models saw a used Coronado pst for sale for a bit more then brand new Herschel wedge.
Hmm, started researching HA scopes and people recommend Lunt over Coronado. So, looked at Lunt models and realized that spending a bit more gets me 40mm Lunt over 40mm Coronado.
Started reading about 40mm Lunt and people say it has a few compromises compared to 50mm Lunt. OK, 50mm Lunt is just a bit more.
Looked for availability and there were none with 4mm filters in stock, but for just a bit more there were 3 at Agena with 6mm filters.
OK, 6mm it is!
Of cause if you start reading about 50mm Lunt then you see people saying bump it up to 60mm. BUT! That's not a little bit more. Going from 50mm to 60mm more than doubles the price. I think for visual 50mm do just fine.
Ordered yesterday afternoon and to my surprise bumped into UPS guy on the way out this morning. Just a quick look before going to work. It is a thing of beauty! Still need to figure out the mount, but can't wait to use this baby!
Gordon
Scopes: Explore Scientific ED80CF, Skywatcher 200 Quattro Imaging Newt, SeeStar S50 for EAA.
Mounts: Orion Atlas EQ-g mount & Skywatcher EQ5 Pro.
ZWO mini guider.
Image cameras: ZWO ASI1600 MM Cool, ZWO ASI533mc-Pro, ZWO ASI174mm-C (for use with my Quark chromosphere), ZWO ASI120MC
Filters: LRGB, Ha 7nm, O-III 7nm, S-II 7nm
Eyepieces: a few.
Primary software: Cartes du Ciel, N.I.N.A, StarTools V1.4.
Bigzmey wrote: ↑Thu Apr 11, 2024 12:01 am
Thanks everyone!
@Solsearcher
You have quite an array of HA scopes. Do you use them all for visual? Also, is double stack for visual worth the $$?
I have used them all for visual but mostly use them for imaging now . My 60mm as well as my 90mm are both double stacked and yes double stacking does make a big difference for the surface , it will bring out more surface detail and make the view more 3d like .
Solar scopes (Coronado Ha) 60mm double stack , 90mm double stack , 150mm single stack .
W/L scope Williams Optic Megrez 110mm / Lunt herschel wedge .
Night scope Celestron 9.25 XLT
Mounts HEQ6 , HEQ5 , Losmandy G8
Scopes: Explore Scientific ED102 APO, Sharpstar 61 EDPH II APO, Samyang 135 F2 (still on the Nikon).
Mount: Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro with Rowan Belt Mod
Stuff: ASI EAF Focus Motor (x2), ZWO OAG, ZWO 30 mm Guide Scope, ASI 220mm min, ASI 120mm mini, Stellarview 0.8 FR/FF, Sharpstar 0.8 FR/FF, Mele Overloock 3C.
Camera/Filters/Software: ASI 533 mc pro, ASI 120mm mini, ASI 220mm mini , IDAS LPS D-1, Optolong L-Enhance, ZWO UV/IR Cut, N.I.N.A., Green Swamp Server, PHD2, Adobe Photoshop CC, Pixinsight.
Dog and best bud: Jack
Sky: Bortle 6-7
My Astrobin: https://www.astrobin.com/users/Juno16/
Congratulations Andrey; you're going to love it! I am so happy with my HA scope, which, BTW, was built by Mike (@Solsearcher ). He is so knowledgeable about all things Solar. I supplied the ERF (a Baader 90mm) and he supplied the donor PST for the etalon and the XLT 102 doner scope to make it. He also did the machining for a cell for the ERF and put it all together. The total cost for me was under 1400CDN, half of which was the ERF!! Mike was kind enough to do the machining work for free. That's when you bring beer!
I will say too, Mike is so right about the double-stack. I've looked through his, and there is a more immersive and detailed view, not to mention the 3D effect. It's a Wow moment for sure! But hey, you gotta start somewhere. You can always upgrade your scope later
I'm really looking forward to your first light experience. Bet you can't wait for your first clear day, and don't forget to block the Sun from your eye and eyepiece
All the best,
Mark
"The Hankmeister" Celestron 8SE, orange tube Vixen made C80, CG4, AZ-EQ5 and SolarQuest mounts.
Too much Towa glass/mirrors.
Solar:
H/A - PST stage 2 mod with a Baader 90mm ERF on a Celestron XLT 102 (thanks Mike!)
Ca-K - W/O 61mm, Antares 1.6 barlow, Baader 3.8 OD and Ca-K filters with a ZWO ASI174mm.
W/L - C80-HD with Baader 5.0 & 3.8 Solar film, Solar Continuum 7.5nm and UV/IR filters with a Canon EOS 550D. Member of the RASC
