Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

this is the main message area for anything solar :)
solarnoob
Ohhhhhh My!
Ohhhhhh My!
Posts: 86
Joined: Mon May 18, 2020 2:35 pm
Location: Washington DC
Has thanked: 56 times
Been thanked: 58 times

Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by solarnoob »

I just noticed a new product on the Lunt website:

Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

https://luntsolarsystems.com/shop/solar ... telescope/

Price starting at $299.5 with a BF500 blocking filter.

Frank


User avatar
ffellah
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 11171
Joined: Mon Oct 27, 2014 6:46 pm
Location: Westport, CT USA
Has thanked: 9144 times
Been thanked: 6025 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by ffellah »

Interesting, Frank, thank you. Is this going to be the new PST competitor ?

Franco


User avatar
DeepSolar64
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 18823
Joined: Thu Sep 05, 2019 12:19 am
Location: Lowndesville S.C.
Has thanked: 17572 times
Been thanked: 16694 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by DeepSolar64 »

WoW! I wish that would have been out when I was looking at the PST back in 2013. At this price I would have bought it and begun Ha solar years earlier. I wonder how Meade Coronado is gonna handle this? It's less expensive than the PST and will make a great cost-effective Ha introductory telescope. The only thing I see that might be an advantage for the PST is that it has a double-stacking option. Still, Hats off to Lunt Solar Systems on this!!

Ha may finally become affordable to those on a strict budget.


Lunt 8x32 SUNoculars
Orion 70mm Solar Telescope
Celestron AstroMaster Alt/Az Mount
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 60 DS
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 90 DS
Meade Coronado AZS Alt/Az Mount
Astro-Tech AT72EDII with Altair solar wedge
Celestron NexStar 102GT with Altair solar wedge
Losmandy AZ8 Alt/Az Mount
Sky-Watcher AZGTI Alt-Az GoTo mount
Cameras: ZWO ASI178MM, PGR Grasshopper, PGR Flea
Lunt, Coronado, TeleVue, Orion and Meade eyepieces

Image Visual Observer
" Way more fun to see it! "
User avatar
JochenM
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 2839
Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:26 pm
Location: Belgium
Has thanked: 1200 times
Been thanked: 1619 times
Contact:

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by JochenM »

Interesting indeed. Should make for a nice entry level setup.

At that price, if they're being offered here in Europe as well; I might get one myself.


Jochen Maes
Belgium
https://www.jochenmaes.com
User avatar
Carbon60
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 14209
Joined: Wed Mar 07, 2012 12:33 pm
Location: Lancashire, UK
Has thanked: 8418 times
Been thanked: 8162 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by Carbon60 »

Ripe for solar modding.......

A big thumbs-up to Lunt if this is a 'quality offering' at a budget price.

Stu.


H-alpha, WL and Ca II K imaging kit for various image scales.
Fluxgate Magnetometers (1s and 150s Cadence).
Radio meteor detector.
More images at http://www.flickr.com/photos/solarcarbon60/
User avatar
GreatAttractor
Almost There...
Almost There...
Posts: 964
Joined: Sat Jun 01, 2013 1:04 pm
Location: Switzerland
Has thanked: 747 times
Been thanked: 753 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by GreatAttractor »

Amazing. I absolutely loved my Lunt 35 — and 6 years ago it was ~$700!


My software:
Stackistry — an open-source cross-platform image stacker
ImPPG — stack post-processing and animation alignment
My images

SW Mak-Cass 127, ATM Hα scopes (90 mm, 200 mm), Lunt LS50THa, ATM SSM, ATM Newt 300/1500 mm, PGR Chameleon 3 mono (ICX445)
User avatar
marktownley
Librarian
Librarian
Posts: 42272
Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2011 5:27 pm
Location: Brierley Hills, UK
Has thanked: 20435 times
Been thanked: 10245 times
Contact:

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by marktownley »

Interesting! External etalon is a plus, the shocking helical as on the Lunt 50 is on it which lets it down, but a quality upgrade should be easy from third parties. Wonder if the etalon uses a central spacer?


Image
http://brierleyhillsolar.blogspot.co.uk/
Solar images, a collection of all the most up to date live solar data on the web, imaging & processing tutorials - please take a look!
User avatar
Montana
Librarian
Librarian
Posts: 34560
Joined: Mon Oct 17, 2011 5:25 pm
Location: Cheshire, UK
Has thanked: 17667 times
Been thanked: 8789 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by Montana »

Wow! that is cheap!!

Alexandra


User avatar
MalVeauX
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 1858
Joined: Tue May 09, 2017 7:58 pm
Location: Florida
Has thanked: 1171 times
Been thanked: 1360 times

New Lunt 40mm F10 Solar Scope ($599)

Post by MalVeauX »

Hey all,

Anyone looking at this new Lunt 40mm F10 Solar Scope? It's $599 new.

The etalon is front mounted in a t-max tuner. I'm not sure if it's clear aperture or not. I'm very curious if it will be gaining a double stack module that is also clear aperture or not. Very interesting seeing Lunt taking back the PST basically that they originally made in the first place. Finally replacing the old Lunt 35 from back in the day too.

But of course, this new tiny scope brings upon us affordable etalons potentially that may be useful for mods if it's clear aperture. Especially as a double stack system to another etalon that can tune. I imagine this can sit in a collimated F10 beam and be happy?

Very best,


User avatar
MalVeauX
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 1858
Joined: Tue May 09, 2017 7:58 pm
Location: Florida
Has thanked: 1171 times
Been thanked: 1360 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by MalVeauX »

Hey all,

It's $599 new. That $299 price is the 50% deposit for pre-order and the other 50% is due before delivery.

Still, this is exciting, good to see something replace the old Lunt 35 and SM40 and take a stab at the PST that Lunt originally came up with anyways. $599 is still a good price for a 40mm solar scope that is a complete package and lacks all the issues of the PST and goes back to the Lunt 35 platform.

If this has no central spacer and if a double stack module is made with no central spacer, it's going to be an affordable etalon for mods.

Very best,


EGRAY_OBSERVATORY
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 6871
Joined: Mon May 18, 2020 4:45 pm
Location: Essex, S.E.England
Been thanked: 4900 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by EGRAY_OBSERVATORY »

Well certainly is going to be an Entry-Level scope for the beginners and at those prices should be easier to afford than the bigger-brothers.

Well done Lunt.

Terry


User avatar
marktownley
Librarian
Librarian
Posts: 42272
Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2011 5:27 pm
Location: Brierley Hills, UK
Has thanked: 20435 times
Been thanked: 10245 times
Contact:

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by marktownley »

MalVeauX wrote: Sat Jun 27, 2020 11:28 am lacks all the issues of the PST.
As long as there aren't focuser issues with lack of travel etc for imaging...


Image
http://brierleyhillsolar.blogspot.co.uk/
Solar images, a collection of all the most up to date live solar data on the web, imaging & processing tutorials - please take a look!
EGRAY_OBSERVATORY
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 6871
Joined: Mon May 18, 2020 4:45 pm
Location: Essex, S.E.England
Been thanked: 4900 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by EGRAY_OBSERVATORY »

Indeed Mark that could be a problem with focusing for image'rs albeit I get the impression that this scope is primarily for Mk.1 eyeballs rather than imaging...

Terry


User avatar
marktownley
Librarian
Librarian
Posts: 42272
Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2011 5:27 pm
Location: Brierley Hills, UK
Has thanked: 20435 times
Been thanked: 10245 times
Contact:

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by marktownley »

EGRAY-OBSERVATORY wrote: Sat Jun 27, 2020 11:53 am I get the impression that this scope is primarily for Mk.1 eyeballs rather than imaging...
I agree.


Image
http://brierleyhillsolar.blogspot.co.uk/
Solar images, a collection of all the most up to date live solar data on the web, imaging & processing tutorials - please take a look!
solarnoob
Ohhhhhh My!
Ohhhhhh My!
Posts: 86
Joined: Mon May 18, 2020 2:35 pm
Location: Washington DC
Has thanked: 56 times
Been thanked: 58 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by solarnoob »

:oops: Sorry, the price was too good to be true!

Frank


User avatar
MalVeauX
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 1858
Joined: Tue May 09, 2017 7:58 pm
Location: Florida
Has thanked: 1171 times
Been thanked: 1360 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by MalVeauX »

marktownley wrote: Sat Jun 27, 2020 11:39 am
MalVeauX wrote: Sat Jun 27, 2020 11:28 am lacks all the issues of the PST.
As long as there aren't focuser issues with lack of travel etc for imaging...
That's true, but something tells me it'll work out. A PST cannot be altered at all for imaging without major reconstruction, the internal big prism is ridiculous and the focus system is really bad in there. On this system, it's an OTA that can be shortened (heck this can be made friendly to binovieweres or cameras no problem), and there's nothing mechanical to stop you from doing whatever you want with it. In the context of an entry device, this is very mod-friendly looking.

Very best,


Highbury Mark
Im an EXPERT!
Im an EXPERT!
Posts: 279
Joined: Tue Apr 28, 2020 4:53 pm
Has thanked: 103 times
Been thanked: 207 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by Highbury Mark »

$599 in the States mean it will be at the very least £850 in UK and equivalent in Europe. Probably more, as that’s what the PST costs, and every other Lunt product is positioned above Coronado in the marketplace. Still, if and when there’s a double stack, they’ll have to bring it in under the LS50DS which is normally around £2.2k. A lot will ride on that helical focuser - see they are advising imagers to go for the Feathertouch option. Yes - it’s great to have new entry level products, but cheap it won’t be - at least on this side of the pond.


Solarscope SF70DS + TV85
TSA-120, Baader wedge
User avatar
marktownley
Librarian
Librarian
Posts: 42272
Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2011 5:27 pm
Location: Brierley Hills, UK
Has thanked: 20435 times
Been thanked: 10245 times
Contact:

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by marktownley »

Highbury Mark wrote: Sat Jun 27, 2020 4:14 pm see they are advising imagers to go for the Feathertouch option.
Didn't spot that. It's the same as the one on the 50 then but only has 15mm of travel, personally I preferred the Moonlite. Like Marty says being an OTA it can be shortened for thing like binoviewers etc.


Image
http://brierleyhillsolar.blogspot.co.uk/
Solar images, a collection of all the most up to date live solar data on the web, imaging & processing tutorials - please take a look!
Highbury Mark
Im an EXPERT!
Im an EXPERT!
Posts: 279
Joined: Tue Apr 28, 2020 4:53 pm
Has thanked: 103 times
Been thanked: 207 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by Highbury Mark »

marktownley wrote: Sat Jun 27, 2020 4:19 pm
Highbury Mark wrote: Sat Jun 27, 2020 4:14 pm see they are advising imagers to go for the Feathertouch option.
Didn't spot that. It's the same as the one on the 50 then but only has 15mm of travel, personally I preferred the Moonlite. Like Marty says being an OTA it can be shortened for thing like binoviewers etc.
I went for the Moonlite too Mark - after the helical seized up on my LS50 - but couldn’t physically wrench the darned thing off the scope - had to send it back to Germany for surgery. Was such a sweet scope though with the new focuser. Hope the helical for the new 40 is an improvement
Attachments
66AFE780-91D8-4F5B-A0DF-C19BAF41D4D4.jpeg
66AFE780-91D8-4F5B-A0DF-C19BAF41D4D4.jpeg (4.92 MiB) Viewed 3131 times


Solarscope SF70DS + TV85
TSA-120, Baader wedge
User avatar
marktownley
Librarian
Librarian
Posts: 42272
Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2011 5:27 pm
Location: Brierley Hills, UK
Has thanked: 20435 times
Been thanked: 10245 times
Contact:

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by marktownley »

I think the helical for the 40 will be exactly the same as that on the 50, they certainly look the same. Agricultural is the term best to describe it. I get it though, they're working to a price point.


Image
http://brierleyhillsolar.blogspot.co.uk/
Solar images, a collection of all the most up to date live solar data on the web, imaging & processing tutorials - please take a look!
Highbury Mark
Im an EXPERT!
Im an EXPERT!
Posts: 279
Joined: Tue Apr 28, 2020 4:53 pm
Has thanked: 103 times
Been thanked: 207 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by Highbury Mark »

marktownley wrote: Sat Jun 27, 2020 5:12 pm I think the helical for the 40 will be exactly the same as that on the 50, they certainly look the same. Agricultural is the term best to describe it. I get it though, they're working to a price point.
Fair point. As long as it’s functional and reliable.
If it’s exactly the same helical then presumably the same Moonlite will fit the scope as a slightly cheaper alternative to the Feathertouch?


Solarscope SF70DS + TV85
TSA-120, Baader wedge
User avatar
marktownley
Librarian
Librarian
Posts: 42272
Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2011 5:27 pm
Location: Brierley Hills, UK
Has thanked: 20435 times
Been thanked: 10245 times
Contact:

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by marktownley »

Highbury Mark wrote: Sat Jun 27, 2020 6:37 pm If it’s exactly the same helical then presumably the same Moonlite will fit the scope as a slightly cheaper alternative to the Feathertouch?
Yes. I just wish the tube assembly was shorter and then a focuser with a longer travel and would do both visual and imaging then. I'm sure the scope will sell like hot cakes though as is.


Image
http://brierleyhillsolar.blogspot.co.uk/
Solar images, a collection of all the most up to date live solar data on the web, imaging & processing tutorials - please take a look!
User avatar
DeepSolar64
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 18823
Joined: Thu Sep 05, 2019 12:19 am
Location: Lowndesville S.C.
Has thanked: 17572 times
Been thanked: 16694 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by DeepSolar64 »

Ahh, $599 puts it competitive with the PST. Maybe eventually $300 will be possible. Competition is a good thing though.


Lunt 8x32 SUNoculars
Orion 70mm Solar Telescope
Celestron AstroMaster Alt/Az Mount
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 60 DS
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 90 DS
Meade Coronado AZS Alt/Az Mount
Astro-Tech AT72EDII with Altair solar wedge
Celestron NexStar 102GT with Altair solar wedge
Losmandy AZ8 Alt/Az Mount
Sky-Watcher AZGTI Alt-Az GoTo mount
Cameras: ZWO ASI178MM, PGR Grasshopper, PGR Flea
Lunt, Coronado, TeleVue, Orion and Meade eyepieces

Image Visual Observer
" Way more fun to see it! "
nebulabru
Oh, I get it now!
Oh, I get it now!
Posts: 47
Joined: Thu Jan 02, 2020 7:45 pm
Has thanked: 23 times
Been thanked: 25 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by nebulabru »

How much is the PST in the USA ?
Cheers.


User avatar
DeepSolar64
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 18823
Joined: Thu Sep 05, 2019 12:19 am
Location: Lowndesville S.C.
Has thanked: 17572 times
Been thanked: 16694 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by DeepSolar64 »

Typically just under 600 dollars for the single stacked version.

https://optcorp.com/products/coronado-p ... -telescope


Lunt 8x32 SUNoculars
Orion 70mm Solar Telescope
Celestron AstroMaster Alt/Az Mount
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 60 DS
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 90 DS
Meade Coronado AZS Alt/Az Mount
Astro-Tech AT72EDII with Altair solar wedge
Celestron NexStar 102GT with Altair solar wedge
Losmandy AZ8 Alt/Az Mount
Sky-Watcher AZGTI Alt-Az GoTo mount
Cameras: ZWO ASI178MM, PGR Grasshopper, PGR Flea
Lunt, Coronado, TeleVue, Orion and Meade eyepieces

Image Visual Observer
" Way more fun to see it! "
User avatar
JochenM
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 2839
Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2019 2:26 pm
Location: Belgium
Has thanked: 1200 times
Been thanked: 1619 times
Contact:

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by JochenM »

Some more details from Lunt:

Etalon Size: External 40mm clear aperture (no obstruction)
DS (Doublestack) available by pre-order soon (Optional accessory) (not included)(Price TBD (~US$499)


Jochen Maes
Belgium
https://www.jochenmaes.com
User avatar
DeepSolar64
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 18823
Joined: Thu Sep 05, 2019 12:19 am
Location: Lowndesville S.C.
Has thanked: 17572 times
Been thanked: 16694 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by DeepSolar64 »

499! thumbs up!!


Lunt 8x32 SUNoculars
Orion 70mm Solar Telescope
Celestron AstroMaster Alt/Az Mount
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 60 DS
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 90 DS
Meade Coronado AZS Alt/Az Mount
Astro-Tech AT72EDII with Altair solar wedge
Celestron NexStar 102GT with Altair solar wedge
Losmandy AZ8 Alt/Az Mount
Sky-Watcher AZGTI Alt-Az GoTo mount
Cameras: ZWO ASI178MM, PGR Grasshopper, PGR Flea
Lunt, Coronado, TeleVue, Orion and Meade eyepieces

Image Visual Observer
" Way more fun to see it! "
Andre444
Oh, I get it now!
Oh, I get it now!
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue Apr 18, 2017 12:28 pm
Been thanked: 3 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by Andre444 »

Hi, I hope that mr s ransden will do a new Comparison test with the PST! The new scope looks nicer then the prevIous Lunt 35 and the newer pst from Meade. That makes it tempting to buy it, smart move from Lunt! Thanks.
Last edited by Andre444 on Sun Aug 23, 2020 11:33 am, edited 1 time in total.


User avatar
rsfoto
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 6160
Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:30 pm
Location: San Luis Potosi, México
Has thanked: 9411 times
Been thanked: 5570 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by rsfoto »

Hi,

I am not in the market for buying one but if I spend US $ 500.00 for 40 mm I would add US 200.00 on it and get a Lunt 50 mm which has 56% more aperture then 40 mm ;)

BTW the Lunt 40 mm looks less complicated then the Meade PST ... e.g. the Lunt seems to have a better focusing system then the Meade PST ...

IMHO


regards Rainer

Observatorio Real de 14
San Luis Potosi Mexico

North 22° West 101°
User avatar
DeepSolar64
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 18823
Joined: Thu Sep 05, 2019 12:19 am
Location: Lowndesville S.C.
Has thanked: 17572 times
Been thanked: 16694 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by DeepSolar64 »

rsfoto wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 4:30 pm Hi,

I am not in the market for buying one but if I spend US $ 500.00 for 40 mm I would add US 200.00 on it and get a Lunt 50 mm which has 56% more aperture then 40 mm ;)

BTW the Lunt 40 mm looks less complicated then the Meade PST ... e.g. the Lunt seems to have a better focusing system then the Meade PST ...

IMHO
Generally I agree with Rainer but for example the Coronado PST with a focal length of F10 does better than my SMII60 does at higher magnifications. One fellow here runs his on average well above what I do on my SMII60. My 60 is an f6.6 if I remember right. One would think a higher magnification would be easier on the larger scope but the PST defies this, at least with mine. Not sure why.

So in this way I might have been better off getting the PST vs the SMII60??

James


Lunt 8x32 SUNoculars
Orion 70mm Solar Telescope
Celestron AstroMaster Alt/Az Mount
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 60 DS
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 90 DS
Meade Coronado AZS Alt/Az Mount
Astro-Tech AT72EDII with Altair solar wedge
Celestron NexStar 102GT with Altair solar wedge
Losmandy AZ8 Alt/Az Mount
Sky-Watcher AZGTI Alt-Az GoTo mount
Cameras: ZWO ASI178MM, PGR Grasshopper, PGR Flea
Lunt, Coronado, TeleVue, Orion and Meade eyepieces

Image Visual Observer
" Way more fun to see it! "
User avatar
Valery
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 4059
Joined: Sun Nov 18, 2012 3:13 pm
Has thanked: 156 times
Been thanked: 893 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by Valery »

rsfoto wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 4:30 pm I am not in the market for buying one but if I spend US $ 500.00 for 40 mm I would add US 200.00 on it and get a Lunt 50 mm which has 56% more aperture then 40 mm ;)

I will take a 40mm telescope with a front mounted full aperture H-a etalon any day vs 50mm telescope with tiny 20mm internal PT etalon.


Valery


"Solar H alpha activity is the most dynamic and compelling thing you can see in a telescope, so spend accordingly." (c) Bob Yoesle.

Largest full size 185 - 356mm Dielectric Energy Rejection Filters (D-ERF) by ARIES Instruments.
User avatar
rsfoto
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 6160
Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:30 pm
Location: San Luis Potosi, México
Has thanked: 9411 times
Been thanked: 5570 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by rsfoto »

Valery wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 6:47 pm
rsfoto wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 4:30 pm I am not in the market for buying one but if I spend US $ 500.00 for 40 mm I would add US 200.00 on it and get a Lunt 50 mm which has 56% more aperture then 40 mm ;)

I will take a 40mm telescope with a front mounted full aperture H-a etalon any day vs 50mm telescope with tiny 20mm internal PT etalon.


Valery
Hi Valery,

Thank you for that. I did not realize that the Lunt 50 mm has an internal etalon.

Shame on me and I should have taken a better look on the images on the Lunt website. Thanks for drawing my attention to that and right, beeing so the business I also prefer a 40 mm etalon then a inner 20 mm etalon.

This happpens when I do not yet had my morning coffee :lol: :lol: :lol:

Again thanks.


regards Rainer

Observatorio Real de 14
San Luis Potosi Mexico

North 22° West 101°
Andre444
Oh, I get it now!
Oh, I get it now!
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue Apr 18, 2017 12:28 pm
Been thanked: 3 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by Andre444 »

:? Hi, I think small scopes Have also their own charm. Both looks and views.whatever the thing or direction you will go is- if I believe the Previous reviews The Lunt 35 could handle nice magnification and had brighter views than ( some) PST's. If you want / love that then Maybe this one with its improve focuser and 40 mm apeture wold be even better. :?: If lunt do not mess with the optics And doing good quality control, this can be a verry good intro scope.
Last edited by Andre444 on Sun Aug 23, 2020 11:51 am, edited 5 times in total.


Andre444
Oh, I get it now!
Oh, I get it now!
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue Apr 18, 2017 12:28 pm
Been thanked: 3 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by Andre444 »

Hi James. I think Not all pst's ( and other scopes) can use the same magnification too. ( maybe you could try to put another Better quality ITF in your scope if you love higher mag, instead of looking for another " verry good " model) whatever the thing is, I hope that Lunt know this and made all their new scopes equally good.
Last edited by Andre444 on Sun Aug 23, 2020 11:52 am, edited 6 times in total.


User avatar
DeepSolar64
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 18823
Joined: Thu Sep 05, 2019 12:19 am
Location: Lowndesville S.C.
Has thanked: 17572 times
Been thanked: 16694 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by DeepSolar64 »

Many here suggest that Lunt is more consistent in quality than Meade Coronado with better customer service.


Lunt 8x32 SUNoculars
Orion 70mm Solar Telescope
Celestron AstroMaster Alt/Az Mount
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 60 DS
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 90 DS
Meade Coronado AZS Alt/Az Mount
Astro-Tech AT72EDII with Altair solar wedge
Celestron NexStar 102GT with Altair solar wedge
Losmandy AZ8 Alt/Az Mount
Sky-Watcher AZGTI Alt-Az GoTo mount
Cameras: ZWO ASI178MM, PGR Grasshopper, PGR Flea
Lunt, Coronado, TeleVue, Orion and Meade eyepieces

Image Visual Observer
" Way more fun to see it! "
User avatar
Radon86
Almost There...
Almost There...
Posts: 779
Joined: Sat Mar 23, 2019 10:05 pm
Has thanked: 745 times
Been thanked: 660 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by Radon86 »

Valery wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 6:47 pm
rsfoto wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 4:30 pm I am not in the market for buying one but if I spend US $ 500.00 for 40 mm I would add US 200.00 on it and get a Lunt 50 mm which has 56% more aperture then 40 mm ;)

I will take a 40mm telescope with a front mounted full aperture H-a etalon any day vs 50mm telescope with tiny 20mm internal PT etalon.


Valery
Thanks Valery,
I was thinking about buying the Lunt 40 mm which is quite new and advertised at 599 USDollars. Has anyone got any sample images to see the quality of this telescope.
I agree Valery that a front mounted etalon is better, but does not one also have to consider costs.
Although I could afford a much more expensive scope, I am not sure if it is worth it if I only get 1 or 2 days of good imaging a year ! For example it has been cloudy and damp for months in London. I could consider spending 80000 pounds on high end mounts and Etalon filters from Solarscopes in Isle of Man, but may find it gathering dust and may be malfunctioning in the home during at least 90% of days in the year.

I would like to see sample images to see how this compares with a 60000 dollar setup.

Many thanks

Magnus.
London


Solar: H-alpha": Quark Chromosphere filter; Baader white light filters
Scopes: Altair Astro Travel ED70mm (F 420mm, D=70mm);; Skywatcher 90mm (F 910mm D=90mm); GSO focuser;;Altair Astro 60mm guidescope (D=60mm,F=225mm)
Cameras: ASI120mm-S,ASI174mm
Mount: SW HEQ5 Pro, SW EQ3 Pro Synscan (SW = Skywatcher),Vixen Polarie tracker (portable setup)
Accessory: SW Auto-focuser
User avatar
DeepSolar64
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 18823
Joined: Thu Sep 05, 2019 12:19 am
Location: Lowndesville S.C.
Has thanked: 17572 times
Been thanked: 16694 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by DeepSolar64 »

Magnus,
It does make good sense buying a smaller and less expensive scope versus a larger more featured bigger one if you are not going to use it often or weather/climate won't allow you to do so. A scope that sits most of the time is of little use. It's sort of like buying a big dobsonian if you live in the middle of the city. You might travel occasionally to a dark sky site to gain the full advantage of it but otherwise it just sits. The observer would be served far better with a smaller grab and go scope for his/her urban environment. It would be used far more often.

James


Lunt 8x32 SUNoculars
Orion 70mm Solar Telescope
Celestron AstroMaster Alt/Az Mount
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 60 DS
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 90 DS
Meade Coronado AZS Alt/Az Mount
Astro-Tech AT72EDII with Altair solar wedge
Celestron NexStar 102GT with Altair solar wedge
Losmandy AZ8 Alt/Az Mount
Sky-Watcher AZGTI Alt-Az GoTo mount
Cameras: ZWO ASI178MM, PGR Grasshopper, PGR Flea
Lunt, Coronado, TeleVue, Orion and Meade eyepieces

Image Visual Observer
" Way more fun to see it! "
EGRAY_OBSERVATORY
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 6871
Joined: Mon May 18, 2020 4:45 pm
Location: Essex, S.E.England
Been thanked: 4900 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by EGRAY_OBSERVATORY »

Magnus, James has perfectly explained the reasoning for only buying a smaller/lesser-priced solar-scope, so I can't see to advise you of a better answer.

Terry


User avatar
marktownley
Librarian
Librarian
Posts: 42272
Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2011 5:27 pm
Location: Brierley Hills, UK
Has thanked: 20435 times
Been thanked: 10245 times
Contact:

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by marktownley »

Boso36 wrote: Wed Sep 09, 2020 1:52 pm
Valery wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 6:47 pm
rsfoto wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 4:30 pm I am not in the market for buying one but if I spend US $ 500.00 for 40 mm I would add US 200.00 on it and get a Lunt 50 mm which has 56% more aperture then 40 mm ;)

I will take a 40mm telescope with a front mounted full aperture H-a etalon any day vs 50mm telescope with tiny 20mm internal PT etalon.


Valery
Thanks Valery,
I was thinking about buying the Lunt 40 mm which is quite new and advertised at 599 USDollars. Has anyone got any sample images to see the quality of this telescope.
I agree Valery that a front mounted etalon is better, but does not one also have to consider costs.
Although I could afford a much more expensive scope, I am not sure if it is worth it if I only get 1 or 2 days of good imaging a year ! For example it has been cloudy and damp for months in London. I could consider spending 80000 pounds on high end mounts and Etalon filters from Solarscopes in Isle of Man, but may find it gathering dust and may be malfunctioning in the home during at least 90% of days in the year.

I would like to see sample images to see how this compares with a 60000 dollar setup.

Many thanks

Magnus.
London
Hi Magnus,

My thoughts here. All Ha scopes are different and perform differently even if from the same line up (eg the 40mm you are talking about). A picture someone takes with a scope in no way representative of what you might get in your particular sample.

Variance in Ha scopes across all manufacturers seems to be large. Comparing even from the same line up is comparing apples to oranges. Ha scope buying to me is a lottery, that is my 15 years experience of it.

Mark


Image
http://brierleyhillsolar.blogspot.co.uk/
Solar images, a collection of all the most up to date live solar data on the web, imaging & processing tutorials - please take a look!
Andre444
Oh, I get it now!
Oh, I get it now!
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue Apr 18, 2017 12:28 pm
Been thanked: 3 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by Andre444 »

Hi,most Important is the quality of the etalon and the way they are put together.( also that red glow) Whether it is full aperture or pressure tune. It's still not clear which scope's has generally the best etalon and how they vary and why?-but assume that new Lunt 60 MT and Lunt 40 has genarally good ones(? At last they have the same "time line" with the production) I also believe a few years ago meade has Made a new series pst's with relative poor quality etalons. ( to save money, production problems?) and if they are both good ( you never know for sure!) , I would say go with the tilt tune for visual use and the pressure tuned model for imaging. But the differences are not big I think.
Last edited by Andre444 on Mon Jan 24, 2022 3:08 pm, edited 2 times in total.


Andre444
Oh, I get it now!
Oh, I get it now!
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue Apr 18, 2017 12:28 pm
Been thanked: 3 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by Andre444 »

I am not sure about this, but I think a bigger Aperture ( up to 80 mm) should not be a big problem for viewing in average and better conditions unless you have a solarscope with a less good quality etalon!? Maybe also with this the quality of the etalon matters? Or you can al
So say; even I have not "the best" I am still fine with It, but addiction calls...
Last edited by Andre444 on Mon Jan 24, 2022 6:28 pm, edited 3 times in total.


AndiesHandyHandies
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 1444
Joined: Fri Mar 30, 2018 6:46 am
Location: Derbyshire UK
Has thanked: 3292 times
Been thanked: 1887 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by AndiesHandyHandies »

Hi

Would be nice if they offer a DS add on as a separate product like on the larger scopes.

Cheers. Andrew.


Andre444
Oh, I get it now!
Oh, I get it now!
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue Apr 18, 2017 12:28 pm
Been thanked: 3 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by Andre444 »

Yes! It would be cool to see better surface contrast with 3D like views with your Lunt 40! Time Will tell...I hope this or next year.


User avatar
DeepSolar64
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 18823
Joined: Thu Sep 05, 2019 12:19 am
Location: Lowndesville S.C.
Has thanked: 17572 times
Been thanked: 16694 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by DeepSolar64 »

AndiesHandyHandies wrote: Mon Jan 24, 2022 6:13 pm Hi

Would be nice if they offer a DS add on as a separate product like on the larger scopes.

Cheers. Andrew.

I bet in time they will since the competing Coronado PST has a double stacking option.


Lunt 8x32 SUNoculars
Orion 70mm Solar Telescope
Celestron AstroMaster Alt/Az Mount
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 60 DS
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 90 DS
Meade Coronado AZS Alt/Az Mount
Astro-Tech AT72EDII with Altair solar wedge
Celestron NexStar 102GT with Altair solar wedge
Losmandy AZ8 Alt/Az Mount
Sky-Watcher AZGTI Alt-Az GoTo mount
Cameras: ZWO ASI178MM, PGR Grasshopper, PGR Flea
Lunt, Coronado, TeleVue, Orion and Meade eyepieces

Image Visual Observer
" Way more fun to see it! "
Andre444
Oh, I get it now!
Oh, I get it now!
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue Apr 18, 2017 12:28 pm
Been thanked: 3 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by Andre444 »

Hi, I asked Fay and at the time they don't have a time line established for the Lunt 40 double stack filter. Please check out their website for updates periodically.yes,the pst has a double stack option but also poor quality products. I think that even the double stack for the Lunt 40 would be better.nevertheless, I am curious how the competition will be and what the quality difference will contribute between them.


User avatar
DeepSolar64
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 18823
Joined: Thu Sep 05, 2019 12:19 am
Location: Lowndesville S.C.
Has thanked: 17572 times
Been thanked: 16694 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by DeepSolar64 »

While I would agree that the Lunt 40 scope is almost certainly better than the PST I would not go as far as calling it " poor quality ". That little scope over the years has probably gotten more people into Ha solar than any other single scope out there. It has probably out sold over the years by numbers alone any other Ha scope out there as well. Modders covet the etalons out of them too! They might not be the best out there quality wise and may not be made quite as good as they once were but I wouldn't myself be so dismissive of that capable little instrument. Amateur solar astronomy owes a lot to that little David Lunt invented scope.

I almost bought one back in 2013. I wish I would have...

James


Lunt 8x32 SUNoculars
Orion 70mm Solar Telescope
Celestron AstroMaster Alt/Az Mount
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 60 DS
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 90 DS
Meade Coronado AZS Alt/Az Mount
Astro-Tech AT72EDII with Altair solar wedge
Celestron NexStar 102GT with Altair solar wedge
Losmandy AZ8 Alt/Az Mount
Sky-Watcher AZGTI Alt-Az GoTo mount
Cameras: ZWO ASI178MM, PGR Grasshopper, PGR Flea
Lunt, Coronado, TeleVue, Orion and Meade eyepieces

Image Visual Observer
" Way more fun to see it! "
Andre444
Oh, I get it now!
Oh, I get it now!
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue Apr 18, 2017 12:28 pm
Been thanked: 3 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by Andre444 »

Yeah, the pst has maintained its characteristic charm, like the buit-in solarfinder. But are they still recommended for new buyers? Or does the pst have had their best time? Time will tell...personally I would say, if it is a very good pst- go with the pst but at this moment, go with "made in USA" product:the Lunt! ( I also wonder if the Meade 40 mm double stack filter was made in Mexico? Are there any differences with previous models?)


User avatar
DeepSolar64
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Way More Fun to Share It!!
Posts: 18823
Joined: Thu Sep 05, 2019 12:19 am
Location: Lowndesville S.C.
Has thanked: 17572 times
Been thanked: 16694 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by DeepSolar64 »

Andre,
I dunno. Most old timers in Ha say that Coronado isn't what they once were but I have two Coronados, a 60 and a 90 SMII. Both double stacked. I have had good service so far out of both of them and have learned a lot about the sun with them. I would love to look through a Lunt and hear they are on average better than Coronado. And I do like the fact that Lunt is a US product. I certainly agree with you there!

It's sort of a trade off. Lunt is better and Coronado cheaper. With me I saved a lot of money on Coronado Vs Lunt. My SMII60 only cost me 1750.00 for a double stacked system and my SMII90 cost me 3500.00 for a double stacked system. I couldn't even buy a single stacked Lunt 80MT for that price! Coronado has largely switched to the SMIII and I got the IIs on closeout. It was a no brainer for me. I simply could not afford the Lunt I was after, The Lunt 100. If it wasn't for the closeout price on those Coronados I probably would have went Lunt. Probably an LS50Tha on the smaller scope and an LS80MT SS on the larger one. I was in a way disappointed when Lunt dropped the LSTHA series dedicated scopes for the majority of their scope lineup for the MT Series. I simply did not need a multi-function scope in most situations since I have several nighttime scopes already and didn't like paying extra for a feature I would hardly use. Coronado worked for me and made bigger scopes possible but Lunt is certainly a good path to take. I still like the idea of purchasing an LS50Tha. Or a Lunt 40!

Good luck with getting a Lunt 40. Let us know how it does!

James


P.S. And the Lunt LS40Tha is inexpensive and US made and is a dedicated solar scope to boot!!


Lunt 8x32 SUNoculars
Orion 70mm Solar Telescope
Celestron AstroMaster Alt/Az Mount
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 60 DS
Meade Coronado SolarMax II 90 DS
Meade Coronado AZS Alt/Az Mount
Astro-Tech AT72EDII with Altair solar wedge
Celestron NexStar 102GT with Altair solar wedge
Losmandy AZ8 Alt/Az Mount
Sky-Watcher AZGTI Alt-Az GoTo mount
Cameras: ZWO ASI178MM, PGR Grasshopper, PGR Flea
Lunt, Coronado, TeleVue, Orion and Meade eyepieces

Image Visual Observer
" Way more fun to see it! "
Andre444
Oh, I get it now!
Oh, I get it now!
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue Apr 18, 2017 12:28 pm
Been thanked: 3 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by Andre444 »

I will let you know as soon I have it!


Andre444
Oh, I get it now!
Oh, I get it now!
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue Apr 18, 2017 12:28 pm
Been thanked: 3 times

Re: Lunt 40mm Dedicated Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope

Post by Andre444 »

Hi, I just bought a used Lunt 60 tilt for just 800 euro and 200 tax.Here are a few advantage and disadvantages compered to the PST: + the Lunt is easy to use and the BF1200 give you a comfortable look. + details are more easy to See and relex to look at. + fun Crawford focuser. -(sometimes)the image are a little monotonous. - less portable then the PST. I start with 20 mm plossl and 15 mm BST and they did very well in these average conditions in autumn and I like to use them more ofthen- good detail and comfortable. the normal max usefull magnification of 120x, I can forget it. I guess around 60x max in decent/ good seeings.( even 33.3 x is more then enough for me- so far...I will test higher ones in the spring and summer) There seems to be variations in brightness in the coatings, dependent when they are made...that's why some scopes can only use 40-50 percent from the normal maximum usefull magnification I think.( apparently for certain things such as better protections in the Filters) so, I am very very happy with this Lunt tilt,good optics and also curious about the 16 mm Brandon eyepiece-and I paid less then a new Lunt 40 for it!
Last edited by Andre444 on Sun Oct 30, 2022 3:27 pm, edited 16 times in total.


Post Reply