14 replies to this topic

[raadoo]

I'd like to convert my rarely used FRA400 (72mm f/5.6) into a solar Ha scope, using my IMX432.

I have a 2x and a 5x Barlows to help me get to full size disc coverage as well as close to critical sampling.

 

Despite a few years of DSO and planetary work, I'm well aware that solar is a different beast and definitely out of my comfort zone.

So I'm appealing to you fine folks   and your many years of solar experience to help me find the missing pieces of the equation.

 

I guess the question here is: what other components would you choose to get an FRA400+IMX432+Barlow image train ready for solar imaging?

 

Double stacking is a consideration, for down the road.

[Tapio]

I don't know how well the Lunt equipment is now available.
But you need this (with suitable adapter):
https://agenaastro.c...er-ls60fha.html
And a blocking filter based on focal length.

The other option is to buy Daystar Quark.
The Lunt is better option but I've fun with Quark.

Oh yes, the third option is to get dedicated solar telescope, again Lunt is preferred.

[raadoo]

I don't know how well the Lunt equipment is now available.
But you need this (with suitable adapter):
https://agenaastro.c...er-ls60fha.html
And a blocking filter based on focal length.

The other option is to buy Daystar Quark.
The Lunt is better option but I've fun with Quark.

Oh yes, the third option is to get dedicated solar telescope, again Lunt is preferred.

Thanks @Tapio!

 

Shopping list starting to take shape:

1. A front mounted etalon - Would a 50mm be well paired with the native 72mm aperture of the FRA400?
2. Blocking filter - Lunt recommends the B600 for scopes up to 400mm FL; but do I need to take any barlowing into account?

I assume the need of some form of mechanical device that helps attach the front etalon to the FRA400, but I have no idea how they work / what's worth looking at / safety concerns.

 

What else would I need to achieve safe and good quality solar imaging?

 

I have no interest in Daystar.

Dedicated solar scope is always the better option, but my goal here is to put an otherwise unused telescope back to work.
 

[Tapio]

Yes, 50mm will work and is cheaper.

About blocking filter - I think it means native fl but I'm not sure. The B1200 would be safer bet (but costs more...).

 

There are adapters to put these etalons in refractors but now I couldn't find one.

SolarChar forum is a good place to ask these kind of questions.

Here's one that I found:

https://solarchatfor...pic.php?t=35969

 

Ah, found from Bresser site:
https://www.bresser....80mm-oe-0557410

 

Your Ha solar imaging setup is complete with these (including the adapter).

Just add eyepiece or camera.

[raadoo]

Yes, 50mm will work and is cheaper.

About blocking filter - I think it means native fl but I'm not sure. The B1200 would be safer bet (but costs more...).

 

There are adapters to put these etalons in refractors but now I couldn't find one.

SolarChar forum is a good place to ask these kind of questions.

Here's one that I found:

https://solarchatfor...pic.php?t=35969

 

Ah, found from Bresser site:
https://www.bresser....80mm-oe-0557410

 

Your Ha solar imaging setup is complete with these (including the adapter).

Just add eyepiece or camera.

Pricing seems quite odd:

• 50 mm Ha Etalon Filter System with B600 blocking filter for 2" focuser for €2500 (Link to TS) but the
• Lunt 50 mm H-alpha Telescope with Blocking Filter B600 and Pressure Tuner is €1800 (Link to TS)

What am I missing here?

[PETER DREW]

You are "missing" the size of the etalon, these are very expensive!.  The 50mm Lunt solar telescope will have a small internal etalon which is much cheaper than a full size external etalon. 

[Tapio]

Yeah I know and have wondered the same thing.
I have that 50mm Lunt scope (got second hand for reasonable price).
And now Lunt have these MT scopes which can be used as nighttime scopes too.

[Sebastian_Sajaroff]

I have a Daystar Quark Prominence on my 70 mm ED F/6 refractor and gives me amazing views (no photo here, I’m 100% visual)

[raadoo]

You are "missing" the size of the etalon, these are very expensive!.  The 50mm Lunt solar telescope will have a small internal etalon which is much cheaper than a full size external etalon. 

Thank you! That makes total sense.

 

Having read some of the things off the Lunt blog, I assume the external etalon (being external vs internal and bigger as well) would lead to more detail. Then again, the Lunt scopes are purpose-built and tested for the specific purpose of Ha imaging.

 

A very tough call, especially for someone with as little experience in this field as I have.

 

[doole]

The Quark option is attractive because it's so simple, <cross your fingers> but there is apparently a wide variation in production quality. Mine is ok. According to hearsay, others haven't been. I might screw an IR/UV to the front of it.

 

~chris

[Sebastian_Sajaroff]

Yes, I use an UV/IR filter at the front of my diagonal

[TareqPhoto]

Following...

[BYoesle]

You've not mentioned a budget. Serious H alpha solar is not inexpensive.

 

I personally would advise getting the larger LS60 etalon and the B1200 blocking filter. This will give you more aperture for image brightness and slightly better resolution, an a bit shorter exposure for lucky imaging purposes and/or using a greater EFL, and the larger BF might also hopefully allow you to binoview, which is the ultimate visual experience.

 

There's also the Solar Scope 70 mm front etalon and blocking filters for really $erious $$$$$$$.

 

Then save up to get another front etalon for double stacking, or consider double stacking with a Solar Spectrum Suna filter used with the Baader TZ-3S or TZ-4S.

[raadoo]

You've not mentioned a budget. Serious H alpha solar is not inexpensive.

 

I personally would advise getting the larger LS60 etalon and the B1200 blocking filter. This will give you more aperture for image brightness and slightly better resolution, an a bit shorter exposure for lucky imaging purposes and/or using a greater EFL, and the larger BF might also hopefully allow you to binoview, which is the ultimate visual experience.

 

There's also the Solar Scope 70 mm front etalon and blocking filters for really $erious $$$$$$$.

 

Then save up to get another front etalon for double stacking, or consider double stacking with a Solar Spectrum Suna filter used with the Baader TZ-3S or TZ-4S.‹

As if the LS50 package wasn't expensive enough, the LS60 etalon & B1200 blocking filter is about €4300. I dare not look up other options as I know the prices can easily reach 5 figures.

By now, it's a well known fact that Ha solar photography is one of the most expensive kind of astrophotography (for very good reason), but newcomers such as myself will probably always be there to ask the question if one can do it for less. I suppose that's why there's a market for PST's and LS40's.
 

[TareqPhoto]

And i was lucky to buy the Quark very very slightly cheaper than other stores around, it is more flexible for me, and with a larger scope aperture it will show its quality or details, so it is like xyz in 1, i was worried at first, but then i didn't hesitate when i found an offer price and i am happy to do it, i have to get something anyway so the Quark Chromosphere Combo was my choice at the end.