ASTERON
sage
Reged: 11/24/07
Posts: 491
Loc: ISRAEL
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Now that I have a long wait for my preordered Lunt 60 Ha DS (BP1200) I started thinking about what eyepieces to use with it. 
Since I am a complete newbee to visual solar observing I need all the help and advice i can get from forum members for making the following decisions:
1) Zoom or fixed focus eyepieces ?
2) If zoom - what is the recomended zoom for best price/performance ratio?
3) If fixed focal length - do you have any recommendations?
Thanks a lot for helping and sharing your experience
P.S. - I have read the zoom comparizon review on CN carefully but I would still like to have first hand experience from other observers.
PS.S. - I currently have the following eyepieces:
Pentax XW 20mm
Nagler 13 mm type 6
Nagler 3-6mm Zoom
1.25" Meade 26 mm Super plossel
1.25" 6mm, 9mm and 12mm orthoscopics (probably chinese made)
X2 and X4 2" powermates.
Meade "el Cheapo" 1.25" 2X barlow
Lihu
--------------------
************************************************
Meade 12" LX200R (GE mounted)
Takahashi FSQ 106 ED
WO 90mm Megrez "Fluorite" Doublet
WO 66mm (Petzval)
ETX125PE
Garret Optical 25X100 Binoculars
Lunt LS60T50HaDS BP1200/FT
Lunt LS60CaK BP1200/FT
Orion Atlas EQG Mount
Edited by ASTERON (08/18/08 05:37 AM)
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Ben Ritchie
Lost in Space
Reged: 01/31/05
Posts: 4378
Loc: Bosham, UK
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A lot of people like zooms for solar work. Personally I don't, and have a set of TeleVue Plossls from 11-20mm (11, 15, 17, 20 - hope to get a 13mm too when I find one). For higher powers I find that the eye relief gets too short, so I have a 2x Cemax barlow for 10, 8.5, 7.5 effective focal lengths. Works very well for me.
--------------------
Observatory - Astro-Physics 130EDT StarFire, Borg 60ED f/3.8 Astrograph, 1000D, EQ6/pro
Outside - SkyWatcher 305mm f/5 Dob with Moonlight focuser, TeleVue 76/Vixen GP-E
Eyepieces - Pentax 5XW, TeleVue 8, 13 Ethos, 31T5 Nagler, MPCC, Catseye collimation tools
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pennyandchris
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/30/07
Posts: 678
Loc: Horsham, England
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I have had an Ha PST (and now have a CaK PST). The oft repeated mantra is that 'simpler is better' for solar viewing, but modern eyepiece coatings can challenge that 'rule'.
I found my TV 8-24 zoom very useful for 'quick looks', with pretty good image quality. The supplied 20mm Kellner was surprisingly good too.
In fixed f.ls I have had good results from my 7 and 11 T6 Naglers (13mm never seemed quite as good), and 7,9,12 and 18mm UO orthos. I also bought a pair of 12 and 18mm Cemaxes which stayed with my PST most of the time, so that I wouldn't have to raid the nighttime eyepiece case so often.
In your position, I'd try your existing eyepieces first. Those you've got probably cover the useful magnification range in your new 'scopes.
If you hanker after a zoom, the Meade / Vixen / TV and clones are all good. The Hyperion 8-24 is supposedly a bit better, but at the expense of greater size and weight - it does have a useful screw thread under the eyecyup for attaching directly to a camera though. Any of these zooms could also be useful in your Megrez and ETX.
--------------------
Orion UK OMC140 Mak Cass
TeleVue Ranger
Coronado Ha and CaK PSTs
Meade LXD75 mount
Ambermile alt-az mount on wooden surveyors tripod
Manfrotto 074 photo tripod with 501 head
+ various binocs
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Ralph Marantino
Postmaster
Reged: 05/01/05
Posts: 6350
Loc: Old Bridge, New Jersey
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I use a Televue 8x24mm zoom but since YOU have a Televue 13mm Nagler type 6 just use that you cannot go wrong and the Sun is so bright you do not lose anything with the extra glass I have an Ethos 13mm waiting for my 200mm Lunt to come to use it in.
--------------------
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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ASTERON
sage
Reged: 11/24/07
Posts: 491
Loc: ISRAEL
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Quote:
A lot of people like zooms for solar work. Personally I don't, and have a set of TeleVue Plossls from 11-20mm (11, 15, 17, 20 - hope to get a 13mm too when I find one). For higher powers I find that the eye relief gets too short, so I have a 2x Cemax barlow for 10, 8.5, 7.5 effective focal lengths. Works very well for me.
Ben, thanks for the comments. 
Did you find that the Cemax barlow was in any way superior to just a regular 2X barlow ? (if you do- is it worth the price difference ?)
Lihu
--------------------
************************************************
Meade 12" LX200R (GE mounted)
Takahashi FSQ 106 ED
WO 90mm Megrez "Fluorite" Doublet
WO 66mm (Petzval)
ETX125PE
Garret Optical 25X100 Binoculars
Lunt LS60T50HaDS BP1200/FT
Lunt LS60CaK BP1200/FT
Orion Atlas EQG Mount
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ASTERON
sage
Reged: 11/24/07
Posts: 491
Loc: ISRAEL
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|
Quote:
I have had an Ha PST (and now have a CaK PST). The oft repeated mantra is that 'simpler is better' for solar viewing, but modern eyepiece coatings can challenge that 'rule'.
I found my TV 8-24 zoom very useful for 'quick looks', with pretty good image quality. The supplied 20mm Kellner was surprisingly good too.
In fixed f.ls I have had good results from my 7 and 11 T6 Naglers (13mm never seemed quite as good), and 7,9,12 and 18mm UO orthos. I also bought a pair of 12 and 18mm Cemaxes which stayed with my PST most of the time, so that I wouldn't have to raid the nighttime eyepiece case so often.
In your position, I'd try your existing eyepieces first. Those you've got probably cover the useful magnification range in your new 'scopes.
If you hanker after a zoom, the Meade / Vixen / TV and clones are all good. The Hyperion 8-24 is supposedly a bit better, but at the expense of greater size and weight - it does have a useful screw thread under the eyecyup for attaching directly to a camera though. Any of these zooms could also be useful in your Megrez and ETX.
Hi (I dont know your name  ),
Thanks for responding.
regarding the Hyperion thread - did you or anyone you know do Solar photography using a Hyperion and attached camera ?
If you would have to choose a Zoom for visual use only what would be your personal choice ? (Best price /performance)
Thx,
Lihu
--------------------
************************************************
Meade 12" LX200R (GE mounted)
Takahashi FSQ 106 ED
WO 90mm Megrez "Fluorite" Doublet
WO 66mm (Petzval)
ETX125PE
Garret Optical 25X100 Binoculars
Lunt LS60T50HaDS BP1200/FT
Lunt LS60CaK BP1200/FT
Orion Atlas EQG Mount
|
Ben Ritchie
Lost in Space
Reged: 01/31/05
Posts: 4378
Loc: Bosham, UK
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Quote:
Did you find that the Cemax barlow was in any way superior to just a regular 2X barlow ? (if you do- is it worth the price difference ?)
No - I can't tell the difference. It seems to be a regular 'medium quality' barlow to me, I couldn't tell the difference between it and something like the Orion 2x 'shorty'. I only use it because I have it, it came with the SM60.
Likewise with the CeMax eyepieces, they're fine but I can't see any difference between them and any other Plossl. They're the same price here as the TeleVue plossls, so I got the TeleVue ones...
--------------------
Observatory - Astro-Physics 130EDT StarFire, Borg 60ED f/3.8 Astrograph, 1000D, EQ6/pro
Outside - SkyWatcher 305mm f/5 Dob with Moonlight focuser, TeleVue 76/Vixen GP-E
Eyepieces - Pentax 5XW, TeleVue 8, 13 Ethos, 31T5 Nagler, MPCC, Catseye collimation tools
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ASTERON
sage
Reged: 11/24/07
Posts: 491
Loc: ISRAEL
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Quote:
I use a Televue 8x24mm zoom but since YOU have a Televue 13mm Nagler type 6 just use that you cannot go wrong and the Sun is so bright you do not lose anything with the extra glass I have an Ethos 13mm waiting for my 200mm Lunt to come to use it in.
Thanks Ralph,
I may have to hold my horses and try all my other eypieces before buying anything else.
As I was considering buying a short Focal length Siebert for planetary observing with the Megrez do you think it will work well with the Lunt 60?
I cant wait to read your first light report on the 200mm Lunt 
I hope we will all be "chortling " with joy as we read it 
Lihu
--------------------
************************************************
Meade 12" LX200R (GE mounted)
Takahashi FSQ 106 ED
WO 90mm Megrez "Fluorite" Doublet
WO 66mm (Petzval)
ETX125PE
Garret Optical 25X100 Binoculars
Lunt LS60T50HaDS BP1200/FT
Lunt LS60CaK BP1200/FT
Orion Atlas EQG Mount
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darkstar528
Postmaster
Reged: 03/06/07
Posts: 7469
Loc: Hodgenville, Kentucky, USA
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I like the zoom as it allows me to view the entire disk and individual features with the turn of the knob...I also notice I can pull out minute details slowing turning the knob while focused on a feature...
--------------------
Blue skies,
Stephen "Darkstar" Ames
PST(#96038), VIXEN 8-24mm,CEMAX 2x Barlow, Thousand Oaks White Light Filter and a Meade Elec EP
CFI, CFII, MEI, working on EIEIO!
BAA Member
My solar site:
http://seemysunspot.com
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Jim Rosenstock
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/14/05
Posts: 4207
Loc: MD, south of the DC Nebula
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Quote:
Thanks Ralph,
I may have to hold my horses and try all my other eypieces before buying anything else.
I concur. A good eyepiece is a good eyepiece, and you already have several. What works in your Megrez will work in your Lunt. They are refractors with similar focal lengths.
Quote:
As I was considering buying a short Focal length Siebert for planetary observing with the Megrez do you think it will work well with the Lunt 60?
Yes....with the caveat that daytime seeing is often a limiting factor for higher magnifications.
I like the Seibert Star splitter planetary eyepieces a lot, btw...
Cheers,
Jim
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ASTERON
sage
Reged: 11/24/07
Posts: 491
Loc: ISRAEL
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Quote:
I like the zoom as it allows me to view the entire disk and individual features with the turn of the knob...I also notice I can pull out minute details slowing turning the knob while focused on a feature...
Stephen,
What Zoom do you use ?
--------------------
************************************************
Meade 12" LX200R (GE mounted)
Takahashi FSQ 106 ED
WO 90mm Megrez "Fluorite" Doublet
WO 66mm (Petzval)
ETX125PE
Garret Optical 25X100 Binoculars
Lunt LS60T50HaDS BP1200/FT
Lunt LS60CaK BP1200/FT
Orion Atlas EQG Mount
|
darkstar528
Postmaster
Reged: 03/06/07
Posts: 7469
Loc: Hodgenville, Kentucky, USA
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|
8-24mm Vixen on top of Barlow 2x...
--------------------
Blue skies,
Stephen "Darkstar" Ames
PST(#96038), VIXEN 8-24mm,CEMAX 2x Barlow, Thousand Oaks White Light Filter and a Meade Elec EP
CFI, CFII, MEI, working on EIEIO!
BAA Member
My solar site:
http://seemysunspot.com
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Ralph Marantino
Postmaster
Reged: 05/01/05
Posts: 6350
Loc: Old Bridge, New Jersey
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I would NOT go below 12mm for any h-alpha I used to use my type1 9mm Nagler great for Sunspots not so good washes out prominences a bit too much for my taste.
--------------------
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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frogbmth
sage
Reged: 08/09/08
Posts: 259
Loc: Dorset UK
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This is an interesting subject. I'm also wondering whether investment in a good zoom is a sound long term investment in this hobby. Having nowhere to store numerous eyepieces when outside also seems to make a zoom a good proposition. For now I find I use my GSO 9mm more than any other.
Andy
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http://frogsolar.blogspot.com
Coronado Ha PST
Celestron C90 Mak
DMK21AU04.AS CCD
Philips SPC900NC webcam
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ASTERON
sage
Reged: 11/24/07
Posts: 491
Loc: ISRAEL
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Quote:
I would NOT go below 12mm for any h-alpha I used to use my type1 9mm Nagler great for Sunspots not so good washes out prominences a bit too much for my taste.
Ralph,
Did you encounter a similar problem (with prom details) with orthoscopic eyepieces having FL below 12mm ??
As I have some cheapo ortho's at 6, 9 and 12 mm I will no doubt try them once I get my Lunt and report on this here.
Dont hold your breath though, Rikki said the earliest I can expect anything was February 2009 
Guess I'll just have to hang on  
Edited by ASTERON (08/18/08 01:53 PM)
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ASTERON
sage
Reged: 11/24/07
Posts: 491
Loc: ISRAEL
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|
Quote:
This is an interesting subject. I'm also wondering whether investment in a good zoom is a sound long term investment in this hobby. Having nowhere to store numerous eyepieces when outside also seems to make a zoom a good proposition. For now I find I use my GSO 9mm more than any other.
Andy
Andy,
this was exactly my feeling about this - it would be nice to have an entire focal length range available in such a compact package for grab and go use.
That of course depends on how big a compromise you have to do on image quality and contrast.
Another thing which I was worried about is reflection of sunlight inside the eyepiece.
the cheap zooms may actually suffer from this, but until I try it with my own eyes I guess I will not know. 
--------------------
************************************************
Meade 12" LX200R (GE mounted)
Takahashi FSQ 106 ED
WO 90mm Megrez "Fluorite" Doublet
WO 66mm (Petzval)
ETX125PE
Garret Optical 25X100 Binoculars
Lunt LS60T50HaDS BP1200/FT
Lunt LS60CaK BP1200/FT
Orion Atlas EQG Mount
|
ASTERON
sage
Reged: 11/24/07
Posts: 491
Loc: ISRAEL
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By the way, did anyone actually test the Baader Hyperion 8-24mm zoom on a solar Ha scope ?
It got some rave reviews in CN forums as great for starsplitting and general use so it may not be such a waste of money for non-critical grab'n go use on a Lunt
Plus(as Penny&chris said in this thread) its threaded under the eyecup to receive a camera lens which may be useful for day use or birding 
Whatdyathink ??
--------------------
************************************************
Meade 12" LX200R (GE mounted)
Takahashi FSQ 106 ED
WO 90mm Megrez "Fluorite" Doublet
WO 66mm (Petzval)
ETX125PE
Garret Optical 25X100 Binoculars
Lunt LS60T50HaDS BP1200/FT
Lunt LS60CaK BP1200/FT
Orion Atlas EQG Mount
Edited by ASTERON (08/18/08 02:47 PM)
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pennyandchris
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/30/07
Posts: 678
Loc: Horsham, England
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|
Quote:
Hi (I dont know your name ),
Thanks for responding.
regarding the Hyperion thread - did you or anyone you know do Solar photography using a Hyperion and attached camera ?
If you would have to choose a Zoom for visual use only what would be your personal choice ? (Best price /performance)
Thx,
Lihu
Lihu,
I don't personally know anyone who's used the Hyperion zoom for visual or photo solar use.
As for zooms, the only other one I've used was a Pentax 8-24 which was great quality, BUT way too big and heavy for my small 'scopes.
I'm thoroughly satisfied with the TV 8-24 for my Ranger and PSTs.
Hope this helps
Chris
--------------------
Orion UK OMC140 Mak Cass
TeleVue Ranger
Coronado Ha and CaK PSTs
Meade LXD75 mount
Ambermile alt-az mount on wooden surveyors tripod
Manfrotto 074 photo tripod with 501 head
+ various binocs
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ASTERON
sage
Reged: 11/24/07
Posts: 491
Loc: ISRAEL
|
|
Chris,
I have no doubt the TV is a great zoom and its also quite small which makes it handy.
eventually I will have to decide and just take the plunge.
Fortunately I have plenty of time to research and decide
Thank for your help.
Lihu
--------------------
************************************************
Meade 12" LX200R (GE mounted)
Takahashi FSQ 106 ED
WO 90mm Megrez "Fluorite" Doublet
WO 66mm (Petzval)
ETX125PE
Garret Optical 25X100 Binoculars
Lunt LS60T50HaDS BP1200/FT
Lunt LS60CaK BP1200/FT
Orion Atlas EQG Mount
|
Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1093
Loc: Utah
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My favorite lens is also the Vixen 8-24, really works nice in the 8-12 range.
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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