skyward_eyes
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/12/06
Posts: 2102
Loc: Arizona
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I was just on Lunt's website and prices were raised on almost all their products.
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Orion4211
sage
Reged: 09/13/05
Posts: 312
Loc: North New Jersey
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Yeah I saw that too. I wonder why they did that?...
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"The heavens are telling the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands." Psalm 19:1
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Scopes: Meade AR5, Celestron 8" SCT, Astro Tech 80/560 ED doublet, PST
Mounts: LXD-75 GOTO, Orion EQ-1,
EP: TV Plossl 32mm and 15mm; Meade 5k 18mm UWA; ; Burgess 9mm SWA; TMB planetary 4mm, 6mm, 9mm; Astro Tech Titan 26mm, 38mm, UO abbe ortho 12.5mm
TV 2x Barlow
Burgess Binoview w/ 2 binolite 20mm
Meade LPI
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Ralph Marantino
Postmaster
Reged: 05/01/05
Posts: 6330
Loc: Old Bridge, New Jersey
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Gee maybe they want to make some money.   
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Lunt H-alpha LS100THa/B3400
Rockland Astronomy Club
Member BAA Solar Section
Central Appalachian Astronomy Club
Astronomical League
DSPST,PST & 70mm Coronado Cal K telescope.2.2A
Zeiss 2 inch prism diagonal&Zeiss Zoom EP
2inch APM Herschel Wedge in a 94mm F7 Brandon
14.5 inch f4.2 Starmaster Dob(Zambuto mirror)
TeleView Genisis SDF with 1000 Oaks Glass filter
Zeiss 63mm f13.5 refractor 1000 Oaks Glass filter
Itty Bitty Solar Radio Telescope.
LHRIES Lite Solar Spectrometer
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skyward_eyes
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/12/06
Posts: 2102
Loc: Arizona
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They have a years wait for a LS60T double stack, theres all their money!
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colinsk
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/17/08
Posts: 2150
Loc: CA
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See, you don't need to invest in the stock market to make money you can invest in telescopes. 
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Mahalo,
Colin Kaminski
Coulter 10.1" Dobsonian
TV-76/Baader Film White Light
LS60T/DS50/FT/BF1200
LDX-75
AT Voyager
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Solar B
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 02/28/07
Posts: 912
Loc: By Edinburgh , Scotland
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whats been the average % increase may i ask.
Brian
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" Gentlemen only ever use Refractors "
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Skywatchr
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/03/06
Posts: 2153
Loc: North-Central Pa.
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Have at it. Since my bad experience with Lunt, I'll never buy another anyways..
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18" F/5 Home-Built Dob. with Mike Dudley Mirror
6" F/15 Brass w/ D&G Lens on DS-16 Mount
DS-10 10" F/4.5 Newtonian
LXD650, LX200 Classic
DayStar 0.45 T-Scanner with multiple ERFs
10" LX200 GPS SMT
11x80 Meade, 20x80 Celestron binocs (Vintage Japan Made).
A few Naglers and 8mm and 13mm Ethos.
Gadgets and parts everywhere.
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colinsk
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/17/08
Posts: 2150
Loc: CA
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Quote:
whats been the average % increase may i ask.
Brian
I would bet it beat the DOW...
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Mahalo,
Colin Kaminski
Coulter 10.1" Dobsonian
TV-76/Baader Film White Light
LS60T/DS50/FT/BF1200
LDX-75
AT Voyager
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DavidM
sage
Reged: 03/25/06
Posts: 217
Loc: Sohar, Oman
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I believe Lunt said from the start that their prices were likely to change once they moved past the product development stage. Presumably the first pricing incorporated some sort of discount due to the fact that the first orders were effectively investments in the new company.
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David
16" Meade Lightbridge
70 mm Coronado Helios 1 H-a scope
8" Celestron 8iSE
80 mm Orion EON
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colinsk
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/17/08
Posts: 2150
Loc: CA
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Also, the prices were made before there were even blueprints. Now they have some experience in manufacturing the exact designs I am sure they have a closer idea as to the cost of production.
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Mahalo,
Colin Kaminski
Coulter 10.1" Dobsonian
TV-76/Baader Film White Light
LS60T/DS50/FT/BF1200
LDX-75
AT Voyager
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skyward_eyes
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/12/06
Posts: 2102
Loc: Arizona
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My Lunt LS60THa is on the way, glad I ordered before they prices went up.
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Keith Howlett
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/06/07
Posts: 977
Loc: Northumberland, UK
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Quote:
I believe Lunt said from the start that their prices were likely to change once they moved past the product development stage. Presumably the first pricing incorporated some sort of discount due to the fact that the first orders were effectively investments in the new company.
That's my recollection too. IIRC the 'pre-production' prices were due to finish at the end of 2008 so they have actually been going on a bit longer than expected.
Cheers,
Keith
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Solar B
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 02/28/07
Posts: 912
Loc: By Edinburgh , Scotland
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Hi Keith
The Pre-order,production prices actually finished
over here at the end of July with most scopes/filters going up by 15-25%....there has been a further rise of about 20% but that is mainly due to the weak £1.
EG Lunt 60 BF1200 was £800 it will now cost about >£1350
Brian
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" Gentlemen only ever use Refractors "
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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OWCH - £800 to £1350
1845 euros for the cak FT version...
dang...
Edited by NickH (03/18/09 06:59 AM)
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Keith Howlett
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/06/07
Posts: 977
Loc: Northumberland, UK
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Hi Brian,
My mistake, doh! Did the CaK diagonals go up much?
Thanks,
Keith
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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Diagonals are now at 1105 euros for the 1200mm one (which would be the only one I personally would consider (or above) 600's just too short for my gear)...had I not already made one that is :-)
Edited by NickH (03/18/09 08:22 AM)
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stephenramsden
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1324
Loc: Atlanta, GA--USA
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just recieved my sraight through B1200 yesterday for Halpha. glad I ordered it before the new price. also glad I did not cancel the 200mm yet.
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Stephen W. Ramsden
Atlanta, GA--USA
NASA SOLAR SYSTEM AMBASSADOR
www.solarastrophotography.com
www.SolarScopeReviews.com
www.stephenramsden.com
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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Good one Stephen
And you have the 200mm at the pre-release price?
Cool...
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stephenramsden
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1324
Loc: Atlanta, GA--USA
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yes. 4895 US
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Stephen W. Ramsden
Atlanta, GA--USA
NASA SOLAR SYSTEM AMBASSADOR
www.solarastrophotography.com
www.SolarScopeReviews.com
www.stephenramsden.com
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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WOW...stunning deal
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Keith Howlett
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/06/07
Posts: 977
Loc: Northumberland, UK
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Quote:
Diagonals are now at 1105 euros for the 1200mm...
Luckily that is still on the US website for $849.
Thanks,
Keith
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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Get your order in now Keith...
and I mean NOW
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Keith Howlett
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/06/07
Posts: 977
Loc: Northumberland, UK
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No, they'll still be in bed. 
Cheers,
Keith
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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lol...email :-)
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Solar B
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 02/28/07
Posts: 912
Loc: By Edinburgh , Scotland
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Quote:
Hi Brian,
My mistake, doh! Did the CaK diagonals go up much?
Thanks,
Not sure about how much the Caks have gone up by Keith ref "price rise/Euro" but heres another...50mm,12bf filter was £700 now 1349 Euros
http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/index.php?manufacturers_id=57
Brian
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" Gentlemen only ever use Refractors "
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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1349 euros - around 1250UKP ish
849USD is around 675UKP ish
no brainer really...
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Solar Ken
sage
Reged: 02/07/06
Posts: 292
Loc: Oregon
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Lunt LS60THa prices are up $49.00 from what they were. A very modest increase.
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Daytime:
Coronado PST Ha
Lunt LS60THa/B600C
Nighttime:
Meade LX90 SCT 8"
Orion XX12 Intelliscope Dob 12"
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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That's great news stateside
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APM M.Ludes
Vendor (APM Telescopes)
Reged: 05/01/03
Posts: 392
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Just come across this thread while I have a nice glas of south african red whine :-), so let me jump in with a copy which went out to the delaers today in Europee.
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The year 2008 went over and we did a recalculation of our production cost.
During this recalculation we noticed mistakes in the productprices with Starlight Feather Touch Focusers, that we sold to you and customers this focuser way below what we self have to pay , so prices for FT versions went up quite a bit.
We self getting only a small discount on that Feather Touch focusers , so we cannot share this margin. You are of course free to buy such focusers from Starlight directly
We did the price increases mainly because we increased the Etalon reflectivity , resulting in a big contrast improvement , shooting us now up to a stunning performance.
The increase of the reflectivity makes the etalon assembling way more difficult and increase the rejection , therefore it increases our cost.
This dramaticle contrast enhancement is so big, that you can now more then only compare our aperture against the best same aperture of the competition. At the Florida Winterstarparty customers have been able to see our LS 60 Telescope outperforming visible a more then twice as expensive Solartelescopes.
We compared our retail prices and we are still very happy that you, our dealers and our customers getting a much improved Filter or Felescope still for much less money then any other is asking.
Our new LS 35 is a big acception , with all the details we entered into this product we are not able to match the price of the the low pricest product of a competition , but again everybody at the Winterstarparty who has been able to see our LS 35 against the others has been more happy with the LS 35
The new fantastic working air pressure system in the LS 100 Telescope helped also to warrantee a more narrow bandwith , now < 0.75 A
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so for the price increase your get a lot more in trade.
The price increases are smaller in USA then in Europe, because here we finaly have to taken care on the very strong US $. Also our dealers must alive and need a kind of margin and Lunt Europe who takes direct care on all customers and dealers in europe cannot work for free, we must try to get a margin covering at least our operating cost , which was not the case last half year.
Like with many other products European customers pay more but getting in trade highest warrantees per Goverment laws and do not forget the right of return withhin 2 weeks without questions correspondance to european laws at dealers expenses.
We ask as much as we need to give you a perfect service, if US $ gets weak again, we will lower the prices again. The exchange ratio is a bad influence in the european prices. , as well as high shipping cost, customs dutie and big VAT.
Its an old discussion and all dealers must live with that every single day. You, the customer is free to buy whereever you want, no regulations for you. Buy at the source you feel most comfortable
thanks for your understanding
Markus
Edited by APM M.Ludes (03/18/09 07:17 PM)
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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Great wine...South African
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Trever
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/18/03
Posts: 2978
Loc: North Alabama
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I preordered my LS60THa60DS50 last week so just made it under the wire. I sure hope it is not a year until I get it.
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Trever
Explore Scientific 152mm F/6.5 Achromat
Celestron CGEM 11 XLT SCT
Lunt LS60THaDS50 B1200 w/pressure tuner
Nikon 8x42 Trailblazer Binos
Stellarvue M1 mount
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Solar B
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 02/28/07
Posts: 912
Loc: By Edinburgh , Scotland
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Hi Markus
This improved contrast you refer to sounds Great for new customers....but it is Very Bad news for All your existing ones....who i guess had hoped that the scopes would already out-preform most of the oppositions....the contrast issue must obviously have been a big one or Lunt would not have looked into further modifications....for me good Contrast and lower Bandwidths are a priority...as i enjoy surface detail the most....Having supported Lunt last year in buying HA scopes and filters i would be interested to hear "your" response....given that bandwidth/contrast has been an ongoing concern that i have had with your products but have been unable to truly evaluate until conditions allow.
Naturally you could argue that this is just progress and too bad if you supported Lunt last year.
Thanks......Brian
South African Wines are not bad but you can,t beat the Old World 
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" Gentlemen only ever use Refractors "
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Keith Howlett
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/06/07
Posts: 977
Loc: Northumberland, UK
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Quote:
You, the customer is free to buy whereever you want, no regulations for you. Buy at the source you feel most comfortable
Much appreciated. Not living in either the USA or Germany it's nice to have the choice 
Thanks,
Keith
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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Quote:
Hi Markus
This improved contrast you refer to sounds Great for new customers....but it is Very Bad news for All your existing ones....who i guess had hoped that the scopes would already out-preform most of the oppositions....the contrast issue must obviously have been a big one or Lunt would not have looked into further modifications....for me good Contrast and lower Bandwidths are a priority...as i enjoy surface detail the most....Having supported Lunt last year in buying HA scopes and filters i would be interested to hear "your" response....given that bandwidth/contrast has been an ongoing concern that i have had with your products but have been unable to truly evaluate until conditions allow.
Naturally you could argue that this is just progress and too bad if you supported Lunt last year.
Thanks......Brian
South African Wines are not bad but you can,t beat the Old World
This should be interesting...
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Ralph Marantino
Postmaster
Reged: 05/01/05
Posts: 6330
Loc: Old Bridge, New Jersey
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This reminds me of when I returned my Daystar ATM to Dell Woods to have the blockers replaced,I paid up front 800 dollars and waited 10 months to get it back with many transAmerica phone calls in between NJ to Ca anything to do with narrow bandpass filters has ALLWAYS been a hassel.
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Lunt H-alpha LS100THa/B3400
Rockland Astronomy Club
Member BAA Solar Section
Central Appalachian Astronomy Club
Astronomical League
DSPST,PST & 70mm Coronado Cal K telescope.2.2A
Zeiss 2 inch prism diagonal&Zeiss Zoom EP
2inch APM Herschel Wedge in a 94mm F7 Brandon
14.5 inch f4.2 Starmaster Dob(Zambuto mirror)
TeleView Genisis SDF with 1000 Oaks Glass filter
Zeiss 63mm f13.5 refractor 1000 Oaks Glass filter
Itty Bitty Solar Radio Telescope.
LHRIES Lite Solar Spectrometer
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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The only hassle I have ever had is with Coronado products, SM40/PST etc
But yes I agree Ralph
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1045
Loc: Utah
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I ordered my LS60THa60DS50 last July 3rd and I'm still waiting, just glad I have a PST DS and a 60mm Solarmax filter to use while waiting.
Bill
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Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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Andy T
sage
Reged: 02/28/07
Posts: 359
Loc: Edinburgh, Scotland
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Quote:
We did the price increases mainly because we increased the Etalon reflectivity , resulting in a big contrast improvement , shooting us now up to a stunning performance.
The increase of the reflectivity makes the etalon assembling way more difficult and increase the rejection , therefore it increases our cost.
This dramaticle contrast enhancement is so big, that you can now more then only compare our aperture against the best same aperture of the competition. At the Florida Winterstarparty customers have been able to see our LS 60 Telescope outperforming visible a more then twice as expensive Solartelescopes.
so for the price increase your get a lot more in trade.
Markus
That's all well and good but as Brian said where does this leave those of us who bought last year? Am I correct in assuming that my LST 60 and LSF 50 are sub-standard? If so can I expect Lunt to offer me a like for like exchange?
Andy
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100 ED Pro, Intes MK66, Lunt LST60, DMK, and a big wish list.
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Danno2006
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/25/06
Posts: 663
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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Quote:
I ordered my LS60THa60DS50 last July 3rd and I'm still waiting, just glad I have a PST DS and a 60mm Solarmax filter to use while waiting.
Bill
I ordered January 2008 - still waiting.
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Danno2006
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/25/06
Posts: 663
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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Quote:
Quote:
We did the price increases mainly because we increased the Etalon reflectivity , resulting in a big contrast improvement , shooting us now up to a stunning performance.
The increase of the reflectivity makes the etalon assembling way more difficult and increase the rejection , therefore it increases our cost.
This dramaticle contrast enhancement is so big, that you can now more then only compare our aperture against the best same aperture of the competition. At the Florida Winterstarparty customers have been able to see our LS 60 Telescope outperforming visible a more then twice as expensive Solartelescopes.
so for the price increase your get a lot more in trade.
Markus
That's all well and good but as Brian said where does this leave those of us who bought last year? Am I correct in assuming that my LST 60 and LSF 50 are sub-standard? If so can I expect Lunt to offer me a like for like exchange?
Andy
I bought a van and a year later the standard engine was made bigger - I wonder if GM will swap that engine out for free....????
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Solar B
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 02/28/07
Posts: 912
Loc: By Edinburgh , Scotland
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Since i posted this link yesterday the prices have soared by around 15-20%
LS50 BF1200 was 1350 Euros
LS60 BF1200 was 1450 Euros
And the good old FT focuser was only 250 Euros 
Well i never
Brian
http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/index.php?manufacturers_id=57
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" Gentlemen only ever use Refractors "
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Keith Howlett
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/06/07
Posts: 977
Loc: Northumberland, UK
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Hi Brian,
I don't doubt Markus when he says he needs to charge that much to cover his costs in Germany.
I do appreciate that Markus has promised to keep the much cheaper USA option open to us. Not all companies would be good enough to give that commitment.
(I'm hoping to be able to run to a CaK diagonal later in the summer myself!)
Cheers,
Keith
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skyward_eyes
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/12/06
Posts: 2102
Loc: Arizona
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Well honestly I am not really happy to hear about these new scope after just getting my LS60THa but I guess its like anything else. You buy it and the next day theres something new. I think I will be content with my LS60, theres always going to be bigger and better so no need to fuss about it.
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Rick
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/12/05
Posts: 3046
Loc: Tokyo, Japan
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I think Marcus just opened a big can of worms. If the production specs have been altered that result in noticeable improvement in brighteness and details revealed, these new scopes deserve another designation so that the market will know what is what.
Rick
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www.japanastro.com
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skyward_eyes
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/12/06
Posts: 2102
Loc: Arizona
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Yea, they arent the same scope now the are more like a...
LS60THa Mark II and LS100THa Mark II
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skyward_eyes
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/12/06
Posts: 2102
Loc: Arizona
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I honestly hate to say it but Lunt is all over the place right now, its a bit frustrating. Its hard to know when to buy, I almost bought an LS35 and now I hear they are being pulled back, again!
Now after JUST getting an LS60THa they pull out a brand new updated model. gah!
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colinsk
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/17/08
Posts: 2150
Loc: CA
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I have had my LS-60 next to both the PST and a DayStar T-scanner. I have found the contrast to be better. If Andy can make it even better more power to him. Increasing the reflectivity of the mirrors will lower the bandpass. Lower bandpass is good.
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Mahalo,
Colin Kaminski
Coulter 10.1" Dobsonian
TV-76/Baader Film White Light
LS60T/DS50/FT/BF1200
LDX-75
AT Voyager
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skyward_eyes
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/12/06
Posts: 2102
Loc: Arizona
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You know, after some thought, I am pretty greatful to even be able to own a solar scope at my age as well as this day and age.
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snowdragonusa
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/04/07
Posts: 1128
Loc: Denver, CO
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I wonder if they are switching over to the new components right away or are they finishing out current orders with 'old' stock.
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Adam
12" LX200R, AT80LE
Lunt 60mm Ha & CaK solar scopes
DMK41.AS, DSI Pro, DSI-C, LPI
Denver Astronomical Society
Brighton Astronomical Group
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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As I said, this will be interesting
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stephenramsden
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1324
Loc: Atlanta, GA--USA
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Well there's always Daystar...
I am sure I can get you half price on a Solaredi 60 right now..
--------------------
Stephen W. Ramsden
Atlanta, GA--USA
NASA SOLAR SYSTEM AMBASSADOR
www.solarastrophotography.com
www.SolarScopeReviews.com
www.stephenramsden.com
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skyward_eyes
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/12/06
Posts: 2102
Loc: Arizona
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Haha, after reading your review of that scope Stephen I dont think I will touch one.
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Danno2006
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/25/06
Posts: 663
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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Quote:
I wonder if they are switching over to the new components right away or are they finishing out current orders with 'old' stock.
It would be nice to get a SN when the upgrades hit production - probably wishful thinking.
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Jim Rosenstock
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/14/05
Posts: 3716
Loc: MD, south of the DC Nebula
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Quote:
Quote:
That's all well and good but as Brian said where does this leave those of us who bought last year? Am I correct in assuming that my LST 60 and LSF 50 are sub-standard? If so can I expect Lunt to offer me a like for like exchange?
Andy
I bought a van and a year later the standard engine was made bigger - I wonder if GM will swap that engine out for free....????
LOL....
I'm an early Lunt buyer and I have absolutely NO problem with their continuing to improve their products. I don't feel "cheated" at all....except on cloudy days!!!
Cheers,
Jim
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snowdragonusa
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/04/07
Posts: 1128
Loc: Denver, CO
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I am with you there Jim.
I bought my Lunt last June and am still waiting on delivery. Will I get the old or the new? I don't know, but I fully except to get the old. That is what I paid for. I think it is great that Lunt is continuing to explore new technologies and improve up on their great products. I currently have a CaK scope that I really enjoy using. I can't wait for the Ha.
I don't think the old scopes are substandard at all, this is just an upgrade to a newer/different type of coating.
--------------------
Adam
12" LX200R, AT80LE
Lunt 60mm Ha & CaK solar scopes
DMK41.AS, DSI Pro, DSI-C, LPI
Denver Astronomical Society
Brighton Astronomical Group
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1045
Loc: Utah
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Trying to make me feel good? I have a friend who ordered one in Jan. 08, and received it last Sept., must be who you bought it from that also determines the time. After reading some of the updates, maybe the wait will be worth it.
Bill
--------------------
Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1045
Loc: Utah
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Thank you, same for my Nikon D70, they refused to replace it with a D90.
Bill
--------------------
Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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Jim Rosenstock
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/14/05
Posts: 3716
Loc: MD, south of the DC Nebula
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Quote:
Trying to make me feel good? I have a friend who ordered one in Jan. 08, and received it last Sept., must be who you bought it from that also determines the time. After reading some of the updates, maybe the wait will be worth it.
Bill
Yeah, I'm sure that's it....there's not a single "master" waiting list; each dealer has their own, and Lunt's been trying to keep a trickle of back-ordered products coming to each dealer. (And, since some of the bigger dealers have longer lists, some folks who ordered from smaller shops or directly from Lunt did a little better, time-wise. I ordered my doublestack 60/50 directly from Lunt and told Rikki don't rush, just send me a good one. They sure did!  )
I promise you, it will be worth the wait.
Jim
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Rinaldo
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 06/28/04
Posts: 1106
Loc: Lawng-eye-lind - New York, USA
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Quote:
We did the price increases mainly because we increased the Etalon reflectivity , resulting in a big contrast improvement , shooting us now up to a stunning performance.
The increase of the reflectivity makes the etalon assembling way more difficult and increase the rejection , therefore it increases our cost.
This dramaticle contrast enhancement is so big, that you can...
Is this improved reflectivity being applied to the LS100Ha front etalons? I placed an order on one directly from Lunt back in May 08. It has not shipped yet. Can I expect this technology to be applied to my unit?
--------------------
Yea Haa?
Two eyeballs
AP 5.1" f/6 on a GM-8 -- The Instrument
10" f/4.8 Newt on a Dob -- Marcia!! Marcia! Marcia!!!
12.5" f/4.5 Portaball -- The Cojone
10x70 FMT-SX
7x50 FMTR-SX
A few Nags & Rads
Hauppauge, NY - 
RMSP, NY - 
Montauk, NY - 
CSSP, PA - 
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Danno2006
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/25/06
Posts: 663
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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Bill - Misery loves company?
The glimmer of hope is that I might get a new spec 60mm DP.
That would make my day.
Danny
Edited by Danno2006 (03/20/09 09:53 PM)
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APM M.Ludes
Vendor (APM Telescopes)
Reged: 05/01/03
Posts: 392
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Every product shipped out now have the new coating, starting from LS 35 up to the LS 100 telescopes and filter. We do not have old stock, the coating on the etalon is always the last step we waiting for before we start assembling, sun testing, packing , shipping.
As a vendor I cannot post something against TOS , otherwise I could say a lot about a yesterday side by side test of a Euro 7,000 product against a Euro 15,000 product
Rioght now we have 600 coated etalon plates for 60 and 50 on the shelf , new coated , the assembling is starting the next days , this means 300 50 filter and 60 scopes and double stacked are getting assembled and tested and shipped soon.
I believe we will get many more replys from fresh owners .
Markus
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Jim Rosenstock
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/14/05
Posts: 3716
Loc: MD, south of the DC Nebula
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Quote:
Rioght now we have 600 coated etalon plates for 60 and 50 on the shelf , new coated , the assembling is starting the next days , this means 300 50 filter and 60 scopes and double stacked are getting assembled and tested and shipped soon.
I believe we will get many more replys from fresh owners .
Markus
Markus,
I'm not buying anything new until you promise to stop improving your product. I want to have the best. Nobody else should be allowed to own better.
So please tell me when Lunt is finished with all "improvements". Only then I will make my order....and immediately start complaining about the long wait!
.
.
.
.
(Of course, I'm truly happy with my "last year's model".... )
Exciting times....
Sunny skies,
Jim
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snowdragonusa
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/04/07
Posts: 1128
Loc: Denver, CO
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Quote:
As a vendor I cannot post something against TOS , otherwise I could say a lot about a yesterday side by side test of a Euro 7,000 product against a Euro 15,000 product
Perhaps you could comment in the vendor's forum. 
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Adam
12" LX200R, AT80LE
Lunt 60mm Ha & CaK solar scopes
DMK41.AS, DSI Pro, DSI-C, LPI
Denver Astronomical Society
Brighton Astronomical Group
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Don W
Postmaster
Reged: 05/19/03
Posts: 14621
Loc: Wisconsin, USA
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He cannot discuss other Vendor's products either here or in the Vendor's area. He's following the rules.
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Don Wyman
Obsession 18" f/4.5 #1166
W/Argo Navis DSC and Torus Primary
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snowdragonusa
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/04/07
Posts: 1128
Loc: Denver, CO
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Oops, my bad. I thought he was talking about two of Lunt's products, not another vendor's product. Sorry about that. 
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Adam
12" LX200R, AT80LE
Lunt 60mm Ha & CaK solar scopes
DMK41.AS, DSI Pro, DSI-C, LPI
Denver Astronomical Society
Brighton Astronomical Group
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dscarpa
sage
Reged: 03/15/08
Posts: 257
Loc: San Diego Ca.
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I bought a LS 60 from you a couple of months ago and while it's very good on proms surface contrast is not very good. I was planning to send my scope back to you to be double stacked. If I do so will I be getting one of the improved internal etalons for my scope so that it can be matched to the new type external 50s? David
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dscarpa
sage
Reged: 03/15/08
Posts: 257
Loc: San Diego Ca.
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I bought a LS 60 a couple of months ago and have been able to use it quite a bit. It's very good on proms but surface contrast is rather poor. I would hope Lunt would come up with a way for those of us who bought the old scopes to get them upgraded with the new etalons. The LS 35s were re-called because of brightness issues. David
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dscarpa
sage
Reged: 03/15/08
Posts: 257
Loc: San Diego Ca.
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Post deleted by Don W
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Jim Rosenstock
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/14/05
Posts: 3716
Loc: MD, south of the DC Nebula
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Quote:
I bought a LS 60 from you a couple of months ago and while it's very good on proms surface contrast is not very good. I was planning to send my scope back to you to be double stacked. If I do so will I be getting one of the improved internal etalons for my scope so that it can be matched to the new type external 50s? David
I expect you'll get what you pay for.
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dscarpa
sage
Reged: 03/15/08
Posts: 257
Loc: San Diego Ca.
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Sorry about all the repeats on my post. My computer is acting up. David
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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As there is only 1 15,000 Euro solar product in production, I wonder what he could mean :-)
Seeing as how he owns several of them as well...hmmm
This should be interesting...
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dscarpa
sage
Reged: 03/15/08
Posts: 257
Loc: San Diego Ca.
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I suspect that this will leave those of us who bought before the change with what will come to be regarded as the defective scopes. Given that the Lunt products have only recently been coming in a change at this point would indicate that there was a problem Lunt felt they needed to correct. If you were to be buying one of these used what's the first question you'd ask? I was just told by Rikki that if I was to send my scope back to be double stacked the internal etalon would stay the same. I have a feeling that the better surface contrast I'm after by double stacking whould be provided by the single etalon scopes with the new coatings. Anyone trying to sell a first run Lunt product would probably be lucky to get half what they payed for it. David
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Solar Ken
sage
Reged: 02/07/06
Posts: 292
Loc: Oregon
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to: dscarpa
If you feel that way, quick, sell it now before the word gets out.
--------------------
Daytime:
Coronado PST Ha
Lunt LS60THa/B600C
Nighttime:
Meade LX90 SCT 8"
Orion XX12 Intelliscope Dob 12"
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Jim Rosenstock
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/14/05
Posts: 3716
Loc: MD, south of the DC Nebula
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Quote:
I suspect that this will leave those of us who bought before the change with what will come to be regarded as the defective scopes. Given that the Lunt products have only recently been coming in a change at this point would indicate that there was a problem Lunt felt they needed to correct. If you were to be buying one of these used what's the first question you'd ask? I was just told by Rikki that if I was to send my scope back to be double stacked the internal etalon would stay the same. I have a feeling that the better surface contrast I'm after by double stacking whould be provided by the single etalon scopes with the new coatings. Anyone trying to sell a first run Lunt product would probably be lucky to get half what they payed for it. David
Ya want some cheese with that whine, pal??
I got a great price on my "first run" (you would say "defective") Lunt 60/50 doublestack, and I'm sure I could easily recoup my purchase price. But I won't try. It's not for sale. I use it every Sunny day. It performs far better than my doublestacked SM40, which cost me $500 more USED than the Lunt cost new. Defective?? I don't think so....
So, Lunt has found a better coating company to do its etalons. Would you have them NOT use the better coatings on future products, just to "protect" your investment? That's not how progress is made...
I fully expect an innovative company like Lunt to continue making improvements, small and large, to their product line. This doesn't make their orginal products "defective", though. The only thing defective is your reasoning.
Enjoy what you have. It's just fine.
Jim
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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Jim, I think your post does address some great points, and I can see both sides of the debate. I seriously think this whole situation could be resolved, by a small name change in the product line.. like LS60 EC (enhanced coatings), maybe, just so that the second hand market knows where it stands.
Just my 2 cents...
Innovation and improvements are all good though, and it's exciting to hear that the new models will kick the **s of any other solar product on the market.
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colinsk
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/17/08
Posts: 2150
Loc: CA
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Nick, Just like you tried 4 PST etalons to get yours, I think looking through any solar scope is the only way to judge. My LS60 (in single stack mode) is so much better than my PST was that I only looked through the PST to compare. I have run them on the same mount at the same time and gone from EP to EP. So, my example of a LS60 was way better than my example of a PST. Once I add the double stack filter it is comprable to a .5A Daystar, side by side.
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Mahalo,
Colin Kaminski
Coulter 10.1" Dobsonian
TV-76/Baader Film White Light
LS60T/DS50/FT/BF1200
LDX-75
AT Voyager
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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wow...that is good then..
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Fish
sage
Reged: 10/13/07
Posts: 470
Loc: Norridgewock, ME
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Good evening,
I debated on whether to add my $0.02 to this and after some thought, believe I will. But first . . .
**DISCLAIMER** I own 2 Lunt units, 1 Ha, 1 CaK and 5 Coronado units, 3 Ha, 2 CaK
Innovation and improvement is part of the business world. here's what all of us have experienced at one time or another over the years:
--> A new product is announced with certain claims and expectations. Interested parties buy them.
--> These customers use the product and determine if it performs as it should and as expected.
--> If the product fails to fulfill its claims or does not satify the customer it may be returned or not used. In either case this potentially jeopardizes future sales for that manufacturer.
--> Meanwhile, changes and improvements are being designed and implemented, including those that may increase performance on future releases of the products. These improvements however, do not change the fact that the original product, now deemed somehow inferior, does perform as originally designed.
As a consumer, it would be wonderful if we could be assured that our newly acquired widget would always be the best possible. Unfortunately, the free market and the fickle buying public don't make that possible. If it did, Vicrolas would not have been replaced by CD players, we'd be watching black & white TV and imaging astronomical objects with Brownie cameras.
It's one thing to have a genuinely defective product or one that does not perform as advertised. It's quite another to say something is "defective" only because it has been superseded by improvemnts in design.
One final thought. It's the profits from earlier sales that pays for the research to improve the quality of products of later sales. Think of this every time you make a cellular phone call on a tiny, inexpensive phone instead of the $2,000 brick you used in 1984.
Regards, Marc
--------------------
Goseck Observatory
Kunming 152 f/5.9 & Baader Wedge
Orion ED80 & LS75FHa2/B1200
Meade 102ED & LS18CaKMDd2
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dscarpa
sage
Reged: 03/15/08
Posts: 257
Loc: San Diego Ca.
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I was trying to state the situation as I see it. If you disagree please do not do it in a insulting manner. I was temted to trade like for like but will not. My question is do the original Lunt products perform as to specifications. I was told by the guys at OPT that the first LS 60s they got hardly showed proms at all and they were warning me off them. When the one I got came in they told me it was the best Lunt 60 they'd seen so far and that if I wanted one this was the one to get. They also said the newer ones they were getting were much improved. I think this shows Lunt has had some quality issues. Just read some of the posts by some of the not so happy owners. I really would rather not be used for a companys a producting testing, this should be done before the scopes come to market. David
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stephenramsden
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1324
Loc: Atlanta, GA--USA
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HEY! I just called Adobe and complained that the version of photoshop CS3 I bought did not have the enhancements and speed of CS4 that they just released.
I asked for a replacement copy of CS4. I'm still waiting.
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Stephen W. Ramsden
Atlanta, GA--USA
NASA SOLAR SYSTEM AMBASSADOR
www.solarastrophotography.com
www.SolarScopeReviews.com
www.stephenramsden.com
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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To re-iterate the point.
I agree totally that innovation and improvement is a good thing, what I think most people who bought ahead are upset over, is that the claims made for their scopes were obviously a little OTT (as they are now even better than ever...but that's marketing...ask any washing up liquid company :-)), and now, it appears that the new versions will significantly improve on those versions. This is good, for anyone thinking about buying a new one, but a minefield for anyone looking on the S/H market unless a definitive cutoff serial number set for each product is published (the permutations here are quite large against old/new etc.. but thankfully the 100/75's are not as common as the 50/60 models) or the models are renamed/tweaked to demonstrate the new filters. This I think would avoid any problems with resale, and, given the exemplary level of support Lunt have offered customers, probably be in line with that as well.
If you compare this to the PST debacle with the rusty front ends, the new models are easily differentiated and the ones I have seen second hand, all tend to state new or old model (e.g. prone to rust or not). An internal etalon is not so easy...so even something as simple as a certificate in the new boxes (though this could be easily copied), or a marking on the OTA (LS60 EC..), would probably placate that issue.
Apart from that, I have absolutely no sympathy for anyone who is complaining about getting a "defective" scope, which is (according to Markus et al) not the case. They have a scope which performs as spec, deal with it. My ASUS 900 is not as good as the 904, it's not defective (they fixed a firmware issue with the battery), but I am more than happy with the 900 performance. My PST was a pile of ....., rusty, prism misaligned, and I was furious... that is the difference between early adopter and defective.
If ...however you think your scope does NOT perform as spec, i.e deliver 0.75A bandpass, clear crisp and sharp views of the surface and proms at a range of magnifications (Pete and I, along with others have demonstrated repeatedly that F40 crisp imaging is possible at 40mm aperture on the PST), then you should ask to have it looked at under your warranty. You should be able at 0.75A to see clear surface detail and proms with no issues at all, and they should be tack sharp.
I have to admit to being quite excited by the improvements, as this can only be good for the solar community, so more power to em..
Edited by NickH (03/25/09 10:51 AM)
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Jim Rosenstock
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/14/05
Posts: 3716
Loc: MD, south of the DC Nebula
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Quote:
My question is do the original Lunt products perform as to specifications.
No, you branded early model Lunts as "defective" because they had the nerve to find ways to improve later models.
MY Lunt certainly exceeded my expectations; and Andy Lunt has stated definitvely that the early Lunts met specifications. but that this won't stop them from continuing to improve their product:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/luntsolar/message/3140
So, if you want an "upgrade", by all means take a place in line, and be prepared to pay for it, like everybody else. If you truly think your current Lunt does not meet spec, take it up with them. But, please, stop whining.
Jim
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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Well said Jim.
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dscarpa
sage
Reged: 03/15/08
Posts: 257
Loc: San Diego Ca.
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I don't care about someone having a better product than mine just how the one I have performs. As I stated before proms are very good in my scope but surface detail is very faint and hard to see so I'd have to say it doesn't perform as you say it should. David
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Old Dinosaur
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/08/07
Posts: 1257
Loc: Out in the sagebrush
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I'd say if you think it's performing subpar you ought to discuss it with Lunt. And try and look through a few other samples for comparison.
I'm at the point right now of trying to decide just when I'll feel flush enough to order or get on a list for a LS60THa w/BF1200. When I do get one, I fully expect it will perform as it's supposed to.
I have a PST that is a very good performer and shows me fine surface detail plus excellent resolution of proms. If I ended up with a new 60mm that was much less than what the 40mm will do, then I would probably go to Lunt about what could be wrong.
--------------------
WRS Observatory
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dscarpa
sage
Reged: 03/15/08
Posts: 257
Loc: San Diego Ca.
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When looking at surface detail with my scope it's much sharper if I move the scope from side to side a little, this is not the case on proms. Is this this normal? For the record I do appreciate Lunt's bringing to market products priced so much lower than other companies and their approach to dealing with problems. David
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jacquesfrr
member
Reged: 03/02/04
Posts: 29
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David,
Have you tried to put a bino on your Lunt ? Like you I find it's rather difficult to see details on the surface, especially in the center, but with a bino I find the surface much more contrasty.
I wonder if everyone can see the same amount of details at the center as at the edge. Personally, with a 10mm Radian, I can see the granulation at the edge, but at the center it's very difficult : my eye needs to acustom and even accustomed I see less details in the center. Perhaps it's because of the luminosity of the LS60T !!!
Jacques
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Don W
Postmaster
Reged: 05/19/03
Posts: 14621
Loc: Wisconsin, USA
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Note to all. PLAY NICE!!
The moderator team.
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dscarpa
sage
Reged: 03/15/08
Posts: 257
Loc: San Diego Ca.
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I don't have a bino. What's odd about my scope is that when it's motionless surface detail is not only faint but quite blurry, it's barely visable. When I move it around a little bit keeping the sun within the FOV the detail while still faint becomes much sharper. It's easier to see at the edge. Turning the etalon adjustment wheel makes no difference with surface detail and very little on proms. Are other people's LS 60s this way? I do realize that solar equipment is very complicated and getting it spot on is very hard. I have no problem if a product I buy has some issues as long as they are addressed at some point. I never expected my LS 60 to equal the performance of Coronado or Daystar 60s as those scopes have 60mm front mounted etalons and are much more expensive. I couldn't be happier with how my scope does on proms but as to surface detail it's rather disapointing. David
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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Focus on my SV50 and modified PST are crisp across the entire FOV, just for your info. Surface detail visible across the entire FOV with the SV50 full disc, and at all magnifications tested. The Mod PST shows full disc detail with a 9mm EP but shows sweet spot differentials with above this. Full disc (as demonstrated in images) fine at F25 and above with CCD camera (Skynyx 2-0m)
If the brightness is too high, can you (just a question) use a variable polarising filter or ND filter to drop it? (not sure if this would work)
Edited by NickH (03/26/09 11:18 AM)
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davidpitre
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/10/05
Posts: 1824
Loc: Central Texas
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It appears to me that prices have been raised on the Lunt web site , but not at dealers. Am I missing something?
--------------------
David
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Trever
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/18/03
Posts: 2978
Loc: North Alabama
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I think the dealers just havent updated their websites yet. I talked with OPT and they are aware of the higher prices. I reserved mine a week before they raised them so I just made it under the wire.
--------------------
Trever
Explore Scientific 152mm F/6.5 Achromat
Celestron CGEM 11 XLT SCT
Lunt LS60THaDS50 B1200 w/pressure tuner
Nikon 8x42 Trailblazer Binos
Stellarvue M1 mount
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skyward_eyes
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/12/06
Posts: 2102
Loc: Arizona
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I get my LS60THa today!
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colinsk
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/17/08
Posts: 2150
Loc: CA
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Quote:
I don't have a bino. What's odd about my scope is that when it's motionless surface detail is not only faint but quite blurry, it's barely visable. When I move it around a little bit keeping the sun within the FOV the detail while still faint becomes much sharper. It's easier to see at the edge. Turning the etalon adjustment wheel makes no difference with surface detail and very little on proms. Are other people's LS 60s this way? I do realize that solar equipment is very complicated and getting it spot on is very hard. I have no problem if a product I buy has some issues as long as they are addressed at some point. I never expected my LS 60 to equal the performance of Coronado or Daystar 60s as those scopes have 60mm front mounted etalons and are much more expensive. I couldn't be happier with how my scope does on proms but as to surface detail it's rather disapointing. David
Make sure you are adjusting the wheel all the way. I have two "feels" in my wheel. It starts off turning very easily and I get to a point where it gets a little stiffer. If you stop where it gets a little stiffer then you may not be getting on band. It sounds like you are not quite on band in the middle of the FOV. When I have my etalon spot on and the sun is centered in the field the entire disk is on band but the center of the on band region is ever so slightly shifted to the right and up. If I let the sun drift to the edge of the BF1200 FOV then it starts to drop off band and I can't see as good of detail. With a BF600 I would never find this off band ring on the outside of the FOV.
--------------------
Mahalo,
Colin Kaminski
Coulter 10.1" Dobsonian
TV-76/Baader Film White Light
LS60T/DS50/FT/BF1200
LDX-75
AT Voyager
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Old Dinosaur
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 05/08/07
Posts: 1257
Loc: Out in the sagebrush
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So, you're saying the present BF600 could be better for visual?
Is going to a 1200 a matter of just getting the diagonal assembly, or is this another "tuned" setup?
I'm holding off my order again, too many confusing things going on.
--------------------
WRS Observatory
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dscarpa
sage
Reged: 03/15/08
Posts: 257
Loc: San Diego Ca.
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I'll give that a try this weekend weather permitting. Hope thats the problem, I do stop turning it when the wheel action gets stiffer. Thanks. I have the B 1200 filter and the sweet spot for proms is almost to the edge of the field of view even in Nagler 6s, so I don't think thats the problem. David
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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Interestingly the Lunt 100mm filter set with BF3400 for 2 inch is 8185 euros which, if is £7653 at the exchange rate today (that's presumably not inc shipping etc, and does not include the adapter to fit to your scope). As no UK dealer has posted a price, that is the only info I can go by, so if a UK dealer would like to update this, please do so? (if within the TOS, otherwise I guess on the vendor forum)
SF100 single stack (100mm clear etalon) at 0.7A with no obstruction/30mm 2 inch blocking ITF is £7750 inc delivery and VAT from two UK dealers.
Coronado SM90 (0.7A) central obstruction, shipped to the UK is £7084 from the USA (+shipping + tax). Again no UK prices listed to compare against.
Seems like the prices are all now in the same ballpark for similar aperture scopes.
Edited by NickH (03/26/09 01:30 PM)
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colinsk
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/17/08
Posts: 2150
Loc: CA
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Quote:
So, you're saying the present BF600 could be better for visual?
Is going to a 1200 a matter of just getting the diagonal assembly, or is this another "tuned" setup?
I'm holding off my order again, too many confusing things going on.
No, the BF600 would not show the edges of the etalon bandpass in my scope but having more room makes it easier to guide the scope by hand and gives lots of in focus room. The sun is only so big so you don't need the etalon to be on band wider than the sun. Think of the B1200 as a bigger window on the scene.
--------------------
Mahalo,
Colin Kaminski
Coulter 10.1" Dobsonian
TV-76/Baader Film White Light
LS60T/DS50/FT/BF1200
LDX-75
AT Voyager
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EddWen
sage
Reged: 04/26/08
Posts: 367
Loc: Here or There
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"Coronado SM90 (0.7A) central obstruction, shipped to the UK is £7084 from the USA (+shipping + tax)."
Ouch! The complete SolarMax 90/BF15 telescope with clamshell, SolFinder, Cemax eyepiece set with Barlow is US$5,995 here in the U.S.
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Edd Weninger
-----------------
**** Lightshield Observatory SoCal ****
Nexstar 11 GPS Questar 3.5
A-P 900 A-P Traveler
**** Blackdog Observatory Arizona ****
A-P 155EDF A-P 1200GTO Coronado SolarMax 90
Orion ED80 Baader Mk V bino-viewer
CGE STV Canon 18x50IS
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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Trying to match like for like with the BF30
But wow...that's a good price
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EddWen
sage
Reged: 04/26/08
Posts: 367
Loc: Here or There
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OK, with the BF30, the same package is US$6,995.
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Edd Weninger
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**** Lightshield Observatory SoCal ****
Nexstar 11 GPS Questar 3.5
A-P 900 A-P Traveler
**** Blackdog Observatory Arizona ****
A-P 155EDF A-P 1200GTO Coronado SolarMax 90
Orion ED80 Baader Mk V bino-viewer
CGE STV Canon 18x50IS
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Keith Howlett
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/06/07
Posts: 977
Loc: Northumberland, UK
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Quote:
Interestingly the Lunt 100mm filter set with BF3400 for 2 inch is 8185 euros which, if is £7653 at the exchange rate today (that's presumably not inc shipping etc, and does not include the adapter to fit to your scope). As no UK dealer has posted a price, that is the only info I can go by, so if a UK dealer would like to update this, please do so? (if within the TOS, otherwise I guess on the vendor forum)
SF100 single stack (100mm clear etalon) at 0.7A with no obstruction/30mm 2 inch blocking ITF is £7750 inc delivery and VAT from two UK dealers.
Coronado SM90 (0.7A) central obstruction, shipped to the UK is £7084 from the USA (+shipping + tax). Again no UK prices listed to compare against.
Seems like the prices are all now in the same ballpark for similar aperture scopes.
Hi Nick,
Yes well spotted. Of course it just means that it's all expensive in the UK, but if I was paid in dollars or euros and I was in the market the SF100 looks pretty reasonable at the moment. I have a SF100 on order, largely made possible by the recent GBP/euro exchange rate when I sold my SM90/BF30 to Germany.
Cheers,
Keith
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APM M.Ludes
Vendor (APM Telescopes)
Reged: 05/01/03
Posts: 392
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Hi Keith
the SM 90 Telescope 0.7A European Meade price with European guarantee is about Euro 13,000 or about 12,000 UK Pound, right now .
The LS100T /B3400 in USA cost US $ 5,398 + $ 200 shipping about = $ 5,600 = UK Pound 4,440 + 4.2% customs plus 15 % UK VAT = UK POund 5,320, thats what you have to compare if you calculating correct, right ? For a 0.7 A non obstructed fully halpha optimized air pressure tuned telescope with rings, focuser and case , 2000 pound less than next competion as filter system only , so where is your complain please ?
not a good deal ?
Markus
Edited by APM M.Ludes (03/26/09 07:24 PM)
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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Markus, the UK shipped price on your calculation from the USA for an SM90 is less than you state, what I was comparing was EURO price where possible (difficult to find for the SM90 BF30).
As the SM90 with BF30 is $6995, this is a lot less than £12000.. if you use your method..
If we do like for like in euros, pounds or USD, the prices do vary massively, you're right.. but if someone was to ship an SM90 from the USA, or get an LS100 from a UK dealer..well, it's now a much closer call..
LS100T from Europe is now only £200 difference from the SF100, and I am not sure what the shipping cost from Germany to UK is...
As no UK dealer has a price up, I can only compare in Euro, and I am sure your UK and EU dealers would not like it for you to be endorsing or condoning shipping LS100's from the USA?
Edited by NickH (03/26/09 07:47 PM)
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stephenramsden
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1324
Loc: Atlanta, GA--USA
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Hey Markus,
No complaints from me sir. Put me down for one doublestacked please!! I am serious!
--------------------
Stephen W. Ramsden
Atlanta, GA--USA
NASA SOLAR SYSTEM AMBASSADOR
www.solarastrophotography.com
www.SolarScopeReviews.com
www.stephenramsden.com
Edited by stephenramsden (03/26/09 09:58 PM)
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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DS LS100... I can't see any reason to complain at all Stephen...:-) look forward to seeing your results
Keith...yup....what's new? UK pricing has always been high and with the USD now at $1.40 ish (as opposed to $2.04 last year), and the Euro collapse as well...
ho hum
Edited by NickH (03/27/09 02:22 AM)
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Keith Howlett
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/06/07
Posts: 977
Loc: Northumberland, UK
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Quote:
Hi Keith
the SM 90 Telescope 0.7A European Meade price with European guarantee is about Euro 13,000 or about 12,000 UK Pound, right now .
The LS100T /B3400 in USA cost US $ 5,398 + $ 200 shipping about = $ 5,600 = UK Pound 4,440 + 4.2% customs plus 15 % UK VAT = UK POund 5,320, thats what you have to compare if you calculating correct, right ? For a 0.7 A non obstructed fully halpha optimized air pressure tuned telescope with rings, focuser and case , 2000 pound less than next competion as filter system only , so where is your complain please ?
not a good deal ?
Markus
Hi Markus,
I have no complaint and, as I posted last week I am grateful that Lunt gives UK customers the option to buy direct from the USA. I have a 3400 CaK module on order with Jennifer and Rikki and I am very much looking forward to using it this summer.
My reply to Nick's point relates to Solarscope and the GBP exchange rate, let me clarify. I was able to realize a much better GBP price for my SM90/BF30 by selling to europe than if I had sold in the UK, and this enabled me to more easily fund the SF100. That is priced in GBP.
I think Nick's point went further and suggested that the european advertised prices of the well known 90mm and 100mm products were converging.
His basic point seems to be correct. Obviously you cannot compare these products directly, they are very different and IIRC, unlike Lunt, Coronado/Meade do not give any option in europe to buy at US prices.
Hope that's clearer.
Cheers,
Keith
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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Numbers from websites...and the exchange rates from XE.com which are (okay) not your standard ones, but close enough...I do acknowledge there are some vaguaries in exhange rates (says the guy who shipped in two PST's from the USA for $499, which at the time was under £300UKP TO MY DOOR!)...lol (luckily I was able to resolve the painful issues with both of them as well)
It comes back to price and the UKP on an LS100 filter set with BF3400 is now very close to the UKP on the SF100 with a similar ITF.
As for giving the option to buy direct from the USA, this is indeed a spectacularly good point for Lunt, and one which is to be massively applauded, however, if I were a UK dealer, would I feel the same way?
Problem also with US shipping (especially with something as delicate as an etalon) is that if some muppet from FedEx/DHL/Parcelfarce etc decides to play fotoball with the packaging, then it has a long long way to go back..and at one's own cost..
Edited by NickH (03/27/09 06:24 AM)
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Keith Howlett
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/06/07
Posts: 977
Loc: Northumberland, UK
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Hi Nick,
No criticism of your numbers intended. As you say it was a ballpark comparison.
Cheers,
Keith
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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None taken at all Keith
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APM M.Ludes
Vendor (APM Telescopes)
Reged: 05/01/03
Posts: 392
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Nick
my 12000 pound is for the SM 90 Telescope , not for the filter :-)
shipping to UK is about 40 Euro only with insurance , not rally much
Markus
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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Markus
£12000 for the SM90 scope...wow
http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=2991&kw=SolarMax%2090%20-%2090mm&st=2
or even better
http://www.amazon.com/Coronado-SolarMax-Telescope-Angstrom-BF15/dp/B001VEXQKU/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1238170554&sr=8-23
Around £5000, which is £7000 less...flight to USA £299 return, cab add another £70 return... job done..
Import duty at UK customs...that's your lot
40 euro is a good deal for shipping to the UK though...
Edited by NickH (03/27/09 12:17 PM)
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APM M.Ludes
Vendor (APM Telescopes)
Reged: 05/01/03
Posts: 392
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Nick
fully right, scopes sells in USA for far lthen what a dealer in Europe pays. But Meade Europe swears me they do not get this heavy discounted US price either.
another sample : NIKON 20x 120 Bino cost in Euro 12000 Euro, in USA about 7000 $ only
Markus
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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Markus
I know, it's very difficult in Europe and even worse in the UK with pricing. It must be difficult for many people due to this.
But that's a long story..
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APM M.Ludes
Vendor (APM Telescopes)
Reged: 05/01/03
Posts: 392
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Nick
right now UK has the disadvantage of the exchange rate against Euro, but Euro customers a advantage to buy in UK right now cheaper then we can sell to them, so many germans going now shopping to UK:-(
My own SF 70 double Stack lost about 40% of its value thanks to the weak Pound.
But Crying does not help we all have to deal with this times .
What I like to express once more the new LS100 Telescope with its non obstructed system, air pressure tuning will withstand to any scope or filter in similar size no matter if the other cost same,more or less.
You have to look through to believe it.
We give now scopes into hands of good critical imagers who know how to get great images out of scopes
Next chance to see live is at 4.arpil by telescope-service show in germany, at 19/20 April at NEAF , you can go to widescreen center in UK, they got one....
If the $ loose again against Euro on value, our prices getting cheaper again, the UK products wil remain at the pound prices no matter what $ doing , right ? :-)
there is space enough for everybody , so nobody has to worry
greetings to my UK friends
Markus
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colinsk
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/17/08
Posts: 2150
Loc: CA
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I think this would be a good place to mention that I am more than willing to hand deliver a telescope to Europe for the cost of airfare (and a pint of beer)!
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Mahalo,
Colin Kaminski
Coulter 10.1" Dobsonian
TV-76/Baader Film White Light
LS60T/DS50/FT/BF1200
LDX-75
AT Voyager
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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Nicely said..
Yes, the UK has a disadvantage with the Euro/£/$
I look forward to the good images from these critical imagers..
and yes, space for all...
April 4th I am busy with a lunar project, and don't think I can make NEAF, but if Simon at Widescreen has an LS100 with the new coatings and tuning system I will try to see that
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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Quote:
I think this would be a good place to mention that I am more than willing to hand deliver a telescope to Europe for the cost of airfare (and a pint of beer)!
One day I may take you up on that offer :-)
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stephenramsden
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1324
Loc: Atlanta, GA--USA
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Wait, I'll do it for airfare minus 20 dollars...:)
--------------------
Stephen W. Ramsden
Atlanta, GA--USA
NASA SOLAR SYSTEM AMBASSADOR
www.solarastrophotography.com
www.SolarScopeReviews.com
www.stephenramsden.com
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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lol....this could turn in to quite a lucrative gig...
I book the flights, claim the airmiles, pay the airfare, meet you guys, and get scopes for £7000 less than UK RRP, which I then sell on for .....(just kidding)
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Jaxdialation
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/01/07
Posts: 2457
Loc: Northeast, FL
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Care to fill us in....or give a link?
Quote:
Have at it. Since my bad experience with Lunt, I'll never buy another anyways..
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John
Stuff: TSA102 & EM400, RCOS 10RCA, STL- 6303, AP 1200GTO, too much software to list
My Image Gallery
My Weather
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Jim Rosenstock
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/14/05
Posts: 3716
Loc: MD, south of the DC Nebula
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Quote:
lol....this could turn in to quite a lucrative gig...
I book the flights, claim the airmiles, pay the airfare, meet you guys, and get scopes for £7000 less than UK RRP, which I then sell on for .....(just kidding)
Well if it would divert you from doing vile unspeakable things to poor defenseless PSTs I'm all for it.
Jim
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NickH
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 3717
Loc: Wiltshire, UK (near StoneHenge...
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Wait till you see what my vilke PST did today :-)
79GB of data..... still processing it...
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dscarpa
sage
Reged: 03/15/08
Posts: 257
Loc: San Diego Ca.
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That did the trick, what a difference! Surface detail is now much darker and sharper. AR regions very detailed, even proms seem improved. Thanks! David
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colinsk
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/17/08
Posts: 2150
Loc: CA
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Quote:
That did the trick, what a difference! Surface detail is now much darker and sharper. AR regions very detailed, even proms seem improved. Thanks! David
That is great news!
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Mahalo,
Colin Kaminski
Coulter 10.1" Dobsonian
TV-76/Baader Film White Light
LS60T/DS50/FT/BF1200
LDX-75
AT Voyager
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Solar Ken
sage
Reged: 02/07/06
Posts: 292
Loc: Oregon
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Quote:
Quote:
That did the trick, what a difference! Surface detail is now much darker and sharper. AR regions very detailed, even proms seem improved. Thanks! David
That is great news!
What did I miss here? I couldn't find the reference in this thread. A way to improve my LS60THa ??
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Daytime:
Coronado PST Ha
Lunt LS60THa/B600C
Nighttime:
Meade LX90 SCT 8"
Orion XX12 Intelliscope Dob 12"
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Danno2006
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/25/06
Posts: 663
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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Solar Ken - This one.
Quote:
Make sure you are adjusting the wheel all the way. I have two "feels" in my wheel. It starts off turning very easily and I get to a point where it gets a little stiffer. If you stop where it gets a little stiffer then you may not be getting on band. It sounds like you are not quite on band in the middle of the FOV. When I have my etalon spot on and the sun is centered in the field the entire disk is on band but the center of the on band region is ever so slightly shifted to the right and up. If I let the sun drift to the edge of the BF1200 FOV then it starts to drop off band and I can't see as good of detail. With a BF600 I would never find this off band ring on the outside of the FOV.
Edited by Danno2006 (03/30/09 07:54 PM)
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