54 replies to this topic

[therealdmt]

Victor, of course get whatever telescope you want, and best of luck and success with your solar, terrestrial and widefield nighttime viewing pursuits.

 

I have no idea if the SW 72ED would work with a Daystar Quark Chromosphere as i have (regrettably) never even seen one in person let alone used one on my 72ED (those Daystar Quarks look like they’d be really cool though). I also don’t know how much that whole Quark rig weighs (I’ve certainly never tried anything heavier than 34 ounces [aka 2.1 lbs., or 955g] plus the 2" diagonal once briefly in my 72ED’s focuser; and like i said that was only briefly, pointed up at Orion. A 1.5 pound eyepiece, an ES 68° 34mm [see below] was fine when i messed around with that, pointing it all around the sky including pretty close to straight up). 
 

As you say, an ST80 would be fine for solar. If that’s what you want, go for it — could be a fun project too, what with the focuser upgrade and aperture mask, etc.

 

Just for reference regarding the SW 72ED, i got some respite from the almost unremittingly cloudy weather we’ve been having this winter and used the opportunity to test out my 2" gear with my 72ED as follows.
 

SkyWatcher 2" 99% reflectivity dielectric mirror diagonal

 

18mm ES 82 Degree Series
28mm LET Kellner (a poor eyepiece, but i broke it out for this test)
30mm GSO SuperView Erfle
30mm APM UFF
34mm ES 68 Degree Series

All come to focus without issue, tra la. That’s it. It all works. Nothing else to say except that my dovetail bar is longer than the tiny stock one.

[vrodriguez2324]

Hi again Victor,

One of your main requirements was Joy. While thats always an intimate determination for each of us i think you'll notice aberrations very quickly with a often used GnG so you should get the best you can.

The better the view is simply impossible to describe but I'll try anyways....i have a near equivalent to your 60mm F/7 achro in my Bausch & Lomb 60mm spotter and comparing to Evolux is almost no contest. I NEVER believed that a superhigh quality tiny 62mm would do in my assumptions and honestly every expectation was shattered and no where close to the very excellent spotter.

The bigger it is the less it'll get used and the poorer the image ditto.

With this scope Solar work birding hiking is easy and now a 10.1X power and 6 3/4° & a 6.1mm exit pupil swings a mean bat for such a small aperture.

This things a mean streak hitter on a consecitive hitting run. I invested money expressly getting 40XW because this little things such a beast.

Solar work is especially seductive.
I'm not trying to sway you as SW 72 is a very fine performer but this Evolux flatfoeld astrograph is a real sleeper.

Good Hunting !

Its not an easy decision.


CSS
Lance

Lance,

 

I appreciate the extra information, background, and context in which you use the Evolux. The way you are describe the 62mm Flatfield Astrograph I know you have it batting cleanup and it consistently hits dingers! I was being swayed even before you shared these extra details.  Or not swayed per se, but just keeping an open mind and not limiting myself to 70mm +

 

In fact I reached out yesterday to a seller that had an Astrotech AT65EDQ. In some ways it has similar specs to the your Evolux. It had 5 views when I contacted the seller. I asked a question instead of saying "I'll take it". My hesitation cost me. 5 minutes later it had a red sold sign on it. Maybe I lucked out since afterwards I did some digging and found out that while it is an astrograph and can be used visually, it has compatibility issues with 2 inch eyepieces.

 

Just thinking about adding a nice little scope brings me some joy.

 

-Victor

[PKDfan]

Lance,

I appreciate the extra information, background, and context in which you use the Evolux. The way you are describe the 62mm Flatfield Astrograph I know you have it batting cleanup and it consistently hits dingers! I was being swayed even before you shared these extra details. Or not swayed per se, but just keeping an open mind and not limiting myself to 70mm +

In fact I reached out yesterday to a seller that had an Astrotech AT65EDQ. In some ways it has similar specs to the your Evolux. It had 5 views when I contacted the seller. I asked a question instead of saying "I'll take it". My hesitation cost me. 5 minutes later it had a red sold sign on it. Maybe I lucked out since afterwards I did some digging and found out that while it is an astrograph and can be used visually, it has compatibility issues with 2 inch eyepieces.

Just thinking about adding a nice little scope brings me some joy.

-Victor

I highly believe that you'll find the right perfect scope for you Victor.

I heavy handed the Evolux simply because it went so far past my hopes.


All the Best !!


Lance
CSS

[revans]

I tried for most of a year to find a scope that would give whole disk solar views with the Quark Chromosphere filter but did not succeed.  I personally think that for full disk solar, you should consider getting one of the small Lunt scopes.... the 40mm or the 50mm.

 

I have both a Quark Chromosphere that I use mostly on my Esprit 80, and I also have a Lunt100MT DS.  The Quark is fine for prominence closeups but the Lunt (used with an Apertura 0.5x focal reducer) gives great uniform whole disk images that allow you to capture all solar features at once and cone down on any particular feature of interest in post-processing.

 

Rick

[therealdmt]

 

…the SW72ED... The Dual Speed focuser looks similar to what comes on Skywatcher Dobs. If it is similar it probably comes with set screws and no brass split ring . I like the Skywatcher focuser (I think it is the same as what is on my XX14G) but I like my 102ED focuser better.

Regarding the focuser, pretty much everyone says that they like the AT ED refractors’ focusers better. I’m happy with the focusers on my SkyWatcher refractors, but 1) my perspective is coming from back in the day when focusers were much more modest, and 2) I’m not hanging a heavy binoviewing rig or astrophotography rig off it. Maybe the Daystar Quark rig would be an issue, I don’t know.

 

But about the focuser coming with set screws and no brass split ring like the SkyWatcher Dobs, an important distinction is that in a refractor, most people don’t put their eyepiece in the focuser, but rather in a diagonal. As the SW 72ED doesn’t come with a diagonal, the attachment on the eyepiece side is literally whatever you choose.

 

The stock visual back on the 72ED’s focuser is two set screws (at about 1 o’clock and 5 o’clock there in the pic below. The knob/screw at 6 o’clock is a locking screw on the focuser itself):

 

And here is SkyWatcher’s 2"dielectric mirror diagonal (a diagonal I have from another telescope; again, the 72ED doesn’t have its own diagonal):

[kwyjibo]

 

 

In fact I reached out yesterday to a seller that had an Astrotech AT65EDQ. In some ways it has similar specs to the your Evolux. It had 5 views when I contacted the seller. I asked a question instead of saying "I'll take it". My hesitation cost me. 5 minutes later it had a red sold sign on it. Maybe I lucked out since afterwards I did some digging and found out that while it is an astrograph and can be used visually, it has compatibility issues with 2 inch eyepieces.

 

 

With the right diagonal it works with 2" eyepieces. Mine wouldn't reach focus with my Astro Tech diagonal but works fine with my Explore Scientific diagonal. https://www.explores....com/products/a

[kwyjibo]

The AT70 focuser has no problem with a 2"diagonal, focal extender, quark and a binoviewer.

 

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[therealdmt]

The AT70 focuser has no problem with a 2"diagonal, focal extender, quark and a binoviewer.

Woohoo! An actual demo of success enters the thread. Nice   The AT70ED + Explore Scientific diagonal looks like a great match.

 

How is that bino-view of the H-alpha Sun? Must be pretty cool (hot)

Edited by therealdmt, 17 March 2025 - 08:33 PM.

[vrodriguez2324]

I tried for most of a year to find a scope that would give whole disk solar views with the Quark Chromosphere filter but did not succeed.  I personally think that for full disk solar, you should consider getting one of the small Lunt scopes.... the 40mm or the 50mm.

 

I have both a Quark Chromosphere that I use mostly on my Esprit 80, and I also have a Lunt100MT DS.  The Quark is fine for prominence closeups but the Lunt (used with an Apertura 0.5x focal reducer) gives great uniform whole disk images that allow you to capture all solar features at once and cone down on any particular feature of interest in post-processing.

 

Rick

I'm 99.99% visual with an occasional picture at the eyepiece with my phone. It is easy to get the whole disk in the field of view in the 60mm F/7 achromat (415mm focal length). Here I tried to emulate FOV I see at the eyepiece with a 32mm Celestron Omni Plossl. 

 

I think the Quark does a great job on the surface too. I am looking at the GONG images on my phone and comparing to what I see at the eyepiece when I'm observing. To my eye, they are very similar. Maybe even better at the eyepiece, but that is a subjective conclusion. 

 

I may have a chance to do a Lunt60 vs Quark Chromosphere + 60mm f/7 shoot out in the next week or so. I'll report back. 

 

-Victor

Attached Thumbnails

• 

Edited by vrodriguez2324, 17 March 2025 - 10:42 PM.

[Wolfwatcher]

Lance,

 

I appreciate the extra information, background, and context in which you use the Evolux. The way you are describe the 62mm Flatfield Astrograph I know you have it batting cleanup and it consistently hits dingers! I was being swayed even before you shared these extra details.  Or not swayed per se, but just keeping an open mind and not limiting myself to 70mm +

 

In fact I reached out yesterday to a seller that had an Astrotech AT65EDQ. In some ways it has similar specs to the your Evolux. It had 5 views when I contacted the seller. I asked a question instead of saying "I'll take it". My hesitation cost me. 5 minutes later it had a red sold sign on it. Maybe I lucked out since afterwards I did some digging and found out that while it is an astrograph and can be used visually, it has compatibility issues with 2 inch eyepieces.

 

Just thinking about adding a nice little scope brings me some joy.

 

-Victor

I have owned both the 62 and 82 EvoLux models. I can say that the 62 is a better bet. Its tube is oversized for that small lens, but the scope performs beautifully. The 82 has a problem with the focuser. Point it to Zenith and depending on how heavy a load is on the focuser (2" diagonal and eyepiece, or even worse a camera), the focuser simply cannot support the load without tightening two focusing tube screws. The focuser will simply slide down, risking dropping its load.

 

The 62 is better at this, but in both scopes, I had to really tweak the tiny grub screws to make the focuser work smoothly. And in the case of the 82, I had to take it apart to do adjustments, not only to make it smoother, but to eliminate some wobble in the draw tube by inserting a small plastic plate to make it more snug.

 

l really liked the optics on both. Better IMO than the EvoStar doublets. But, the SW 72ed was never a problem and I found it to be a better all around scope than either EvoLux model I owned. I simply chose a different route eventually for my travel purposes.

 

Jett

 

P.S. Irony of ironies. Tonight I tried out a new Celestron 102 StarSense OTA (bought from EBAY, sans tripod or StarSense). I was surprised to discover the tried and true Celestron star prism diagonal will not allow the scope to come to focus. Not enough back focus. A Celestron dielectric twist lock works, but not the routine prism. This after describing above the focuser travel issue with the SW72ed. 

 

One thing I must say in support of TeleVue is the adaptability of its accessories to different models. I've owned the TV 60 (still do), the 76 and an older 102. I could easily use the 1.25 Everbrite dielectric on each. Well, it also works on the Celestron 102, so that's what it will get when used.  Otherwise, nice inexpensive 102, the StarSense.

 

Jett

Edited by Wolfwatcher, 17 March 2025 - 11:16 PM.

[vrodriguez2324]

Regarding the focuser, pretty much everyone says that they like the AT ED refractors’ focusers better. I’m happy with the focusers on my SkyWatcher refractors, but 1) my perspective is coming from back in the day when focusers were much more modest, and 2) I’m not hanging a heavy binoviewing rig or astrophotography rig off it. Maybe the Daystar Quark rig would be an issue, I don’t know.

 

But about the focuser coming with set screws and no brass split ring like the SkyWatcher Dobs, an important distinction is that in a refractor, most people don’t put their eyepiece in the focuser, but rather in a diagonal. As the SW 72ED doesn’t come with a diagonal, the attachment on the eyepiece side is literally whatever you choose.

 

The stock visual back on the 72ED’s focuser is two set screws (at about 1 o’clock and 5 o’clock there in the pic below. The knob/screw at 6 o’clock is a locking screw on the focuser itself):

IMG_2182.jpeg

 

And here is SkyWatcher’s 2"dielectric mirror diagonal (a diagonal I have from another telescope; again, the 72ED doesn’t have its own diagonal):

IMG_2183.jpeg

I started with plastic focusers. A Celestron Powerseeker 70EQ. The Skywatcher dual speed Crayford focusers are plenty good! I like them and don't feel the need to upgrade them on my 8 inch or 14 inch reflectors. 

 

Yes, I put my eyepieces in the diagonal too. But for some reason I don't like my diagonal marred either. Skywatcher/Orion Skyquest Dob Focusers have set screws too. I replaced them with an adapter that had brass split ring and later with a Baader twist lock. 

 

-Victor

[vrodriguez2324]

With the right diagonal it works with 2" eyepieces. Mine wouldn't reach focus with my Astro Tech diagonal but works fine with my Explore Scientific diagonal. https://www.explores....com/products/a

Drats...I guess I did miss out =(

[vrodriguez2324]

Woohoo! An actual demo of success enters the thread. Nice   The AT70ED + Explore Scientific diagonal looks like a great match.

 

How is that bino-view of the H-alpha Sun? Must be pretty cool (hot)

Here is the Quark + 40mm Plossl. I paid $60 for the scope. I have 20x that amount hanging off the visual back. I'm not worried, the little made in Japan scope with its all metal rack and pinion focuser handles it no problem!

 

When it's on the 102ED, its only 3x what I paid for the Astro-Tech. 

 

This is where the value of the Quark truly shines! There may be relatively steep upfront cost. But you can use it on any telescope!

 

Soon it will be hanging off the back of an old Bresser 120mm f/8.3 telescope at infinity times the cost. Someone is gifting me the telescope. 

 

-Victor

Attached Thumbnails

• 

Edited by vrodriguez2324, 17 March 2025 - 11:46 PM.

[PKDfan]

I have owned both the 62 and 82 EvoLux models. I can say that the 62 is a better bet. It's tube is oversized for that small lens, but the scope performs beautifully. The 82 has a problem with the focuser. Point it to Zenith and depending on how heavy a load is on the focuser (2" diagonal and eyepiece, or even worse a camera), the focuser simply cannot support the load without tightening two focusing tube screws. The focuser will simply slide down, risking dropping its load.

The 62 is better at this, but in both scopes, I had to really tweak the tiny grub screws to make the focuser work smoothly. And in the case of the 82, I had to take it apart to do adjustments, not only to make it smoother, but to eliminate some wobble in the draw tube by inserting a small plastic plate to make it more snug.

l really liked the optics on both. Better IMO than the EvoStar doublets. But, the SW 72ed was never a problem and I found it to be a better all around scope than either EvoLux model I owned. I simply chose a different route eventually for my travel purposes.

Jett

Hi Jett !

Thanks for adding your experience. I agree on many points, the 82mm is underwhelming and so many grub screws on the Evolux focuser. Yikes !
The upside is mine was SuperSmooth and adjusted so that it rattled the plastic cover when moving the coarse focuser. Almost like it was breathing lol.

And yup its heavy. Good for AP very robust but 3/4pound overweight for visual IMO. I've come to appreciate that robustness, it just inspires confidence. Believe me if it didn't perform so capably i'd be mute on it. The second one i checked out was not quite up to mine figurewise but still excellent and focuser was a tiny bit rough.

No doubt, I've been twice lucky with SW, bless them.



CSS
Lance

[vrodriguez2324]

The AT70 focuser has no problem with a 2"diagonal, focal extender, quark and a binoviewer.

kwyjibo:

 

That looks like a Quark Combo without the built in 4.3x Barlow. I can see that is why you are using a 3x focal extender to get to f/21, closer to the optimum f/30. What is the view like at f/21?

 

What's cool about the Quark Combo is that you can use it on longer focal length telescopes like SCT's, something that isn't possible with the original Quark.

 

I am also on the lookout for some nice binoviewers. I heard they take the Ha experience to the next level. 

[vrodriguez2324]

The small refractor is here. I ended up going with the ST80 (Thank you Tom!). Pictured here with his bigger brother the ST120. 

 

Purchased new by the original owner years ago it is an older model with the metal focuser and tube rings. It is in mint condition. Listed here on CN it just so happened the seller was also in San Diego. I couldn't pass it up. I've read many posts about the ubiquitous ST80, I wanted to try it myself. Does everyone own one during their evolution in the hobby?

 

Later this week I will be swapping in the GSO focuser. I also found templates to 3D print aperture masks, the files include 80, 70, 60, and 50mm masks. 

https://www.thingive...m/thing:6300106

 

I appreciated all the comments and feedback. I'm still on the lookout for an AT70ED

Attached Thumbnails

• 
• 

Edited by vrodriguez2324, 18 March 2025 - 01:02 PM.

[kwyjibo]

kwyjibo:

 

That looks like a Quark Combo without the built in 4.3x Barlow. I can see that is why you are using a 3x focal extender to get to f/21, closer to the optimum f/30. What is the view like at f/21?

 

What's cool about the Quark Combo is that you can use it on longer focal length telescopes like SCT's, something that isn't possible with the original Quark.

 

I am also on the lookout for some nice binoviewers. I heard they take the Ha experience to the next level. 

I use the 3x focal extender when I want to look at the full disc and then I have a 5x powermate that I use the rest of the time. The added flexibility is why I went with the combo Quark over the one with the built-in focal extender. I can get the full disc in my 90mm telescope with the 3x focal extender. The Quark works best at f/30 or above but seems fine doing full disc at f/21 or f/18 in my 90mm. Binoviewers are one of the best accessories you can get for solar.

[Don W]

I thought a 102 was a small refractor!

[Jon Isaacs]

Victor:

 

The scope comes with a 42mm aperture mask, just remove only the center cap,

 

Jon

[Wolfwatcher]

I decided I'd better walk my talk about my SW EvoStar 72ed recommendation. I simply cannot pass up this sale at almost $200 off the regular price, so I bought a new one. I think (for over a decade) this is the fourth I've owned. Keep coming back to it because it does a lot. Clean almost entirely free of false-color images, reasonable aperture for an airline GnG. Great rings that let me mount it on anything in it's proper orientation, a 2" focuser, etc. Super traveler. Oddly, recommending it here on this thread got me to thinking about the wonderful sale price for such a cool scope, so I'm all in (again).

 

Cheers! 

 

Jett

Edited by Wolfwatcher, 19 March 2025 - 10:23 PM.

[vrodriguez2324]

So another nice telescope that fit my criteria popped up in the CN classifieds and fortunately (or unfortunately) for me it was a local. I reached out to the seller to coordinate the pickup, and by the end of the day I was the new owner. Thank you James!

 

In the span of one week, what was supposed to be only one new to me telescope ended up being two new to me telescopes. Has this ever happened to you?

 

It came in a nice case and besides a couple small scratches on the tube it is in excellent condition. While I was leaning towards the AT70ED I think I am going to like this Skywatcher Evostar 72ED. The previous owner even surprised me by throwing in a few extras. A dew heater, longer dovetail, and focusing mask!

Attached Thumbnails

• 
• 

Edited by vrodriguez2324, 22 March 2025 - 05:59 PM.

[PKDfan]

It came in a nice case and besides a couple small scratches on the tube it is in excellent condition. While I was leaning towards the AT70ED I think I am going to like this Skywatcher Evostar 72ED. The previous owner even surprised me by throwing in a few extras. A dew heater, longer dovetail, and focusing mask!

I told you that you'd find the perfect right scope now didn't i Victor ?


Congrats !!


CSS
Lance

[vrodriguez2324]

I told you that you'd find the perfect right scope now didn't i Victor ?


Congrats !!


CSS
Lance

Lance, Indeed you did 

 

I decided I'd better walk my talk about my SW EvoStar 72ed recommendation. I simply cannot pass up this sale at almost $200 off the regular price, so I bought a new one. I think (for over a decade) this is the fourth I've owned. Keep coming back to it because it does a lot. Clean almost entirely free of false-color images, reasonable aperture for an airline GnG. Great rings that let me mount it on anything in it's proper orientation, a 2" focuser, etc. Super traveler. Oddly, recommending it here on this thread got me to thinking about the wonderful sale price for such a cool scope, so I'm all in (again).

 

Cheers! 

 

Jett

As of today (taking into consideration sale discounts) the difference in price between the AT70ED $329 and EvoStar 72ED $349 is fairly negligible. In all honesty if I was buying new I would have selected the AT70ED. I am familiar with the build, it has a retractable dew shield, a high quality rack and pinion 2 speed focuser, and a brass split ring visual back.

 

But I don't buy new often, and in my experience amateur astronomers keep their equipment in really good shape so buying used affords an incredible value! The 72ED was offered locally in San Diego. I reached out to the buyer and presented an offer that took into consideration the dollars saved in freight and the time saved in convenience. So for barely over $200 I now have a lightly used telescope, a dew heater strap (I was actually going to buy one to keep at bay the fogging up of eyepiece lenses), an additional longer dovetail (this will help with balancing when I drop in the King Kong of eyepieces), and a 3d printed Bahtinov mask in a matching green color (I am not an imager but it just looks nice slipped over the screw on lens cap when storing the scope). 

 

Jett, 

 

In my searches for reviews of the 72ED I found several of your posts in various threads. They were describing your experience with the scope (not sure if it was your first, second, or third  ) but all of them were positive. And It wasn't just you. Essentially all Evostar 72ED owners rated the scope with high marks. 

 

I think the one I got is a newer one because it has the 10mm shorter tube from lens to end (I confirmed by measuring it, 305mm vs 315mm) and a screw on objective cap.

 

I am going to try it out tonight to see if the EPs in my case can all reach focus. 

 

So now I have two small telescopes when I was just looking for one. Oh well. Double the flavor, double the fun. 

 

-Victor 

Attached Thumbnails

• 
• 

[eblanken]

Hi Victor & All,

 

I am posting my interest here on this thread. With my several Quarks (Na, Mg & H-Alpha), I have used the 80mm x 400mm, f/5 (aka ST-80). I have purchased the SW ED 72mm x 420mm, f/6, but have yet to try it with the Quarks !!! I hope to read about your experience since you have both now. I hope the 72mm gets me the full disk I seek and hopefully better figure on the ED glass as compared to the simple "faster" Achro. doublet ST-80. Two of my ST-80 units have upgraded focus, so the 2 inch is available to me. I have also used the ST-80 with white light filters as well.

 

One additional consideration is what eyepiece to use to get maximum True Field of View (TFoV) to maximize the black which "frames" the full disk of the sun. I've been using a 32mm Plossl or a 40mm Plossl, but was contemplating other, wider AFoV eyepieces.

 

Best,

 

Ed

Edited by eblanken, 22 March 2025 - 09:49 PM.

[ABQJeff]

Lance, Indeed you did 

 

As of today (taking into consideration sale discounts) the difference in price between the AT70ED $329 and EvoStar 72ED $349 is fairly negligible. In all honesty if I was buying new I would have selected the AT70ED. I am familiar with the build, it has a retractable dew shield, a high quality rack and pinion 2 speed focuser, and a brass split ring visual back.

 

But I don't buy new often, and in my experience amateur astronomers keep their equipment in really good shape so buying used affords an incredible value! The 72ED was offered locally in San Diego. I reached out to the buyer and presented an offer that took into consideration the dollars saved in freight and the time saved in convenience. So for barely over $200 I now have a lightly used telescope, a dew heater strap (I was actually going to buy one to keep at bay the fogging up of eyepiece lenses), an additional longer dovetail (this will help with balancing when I drop in the King Kong of eyepieces), and a 3d printed Bahtinov mask in a matching green color (I am not an imager but it just looks nice slipped over the screw on lens cap when storing the scope). 

 

Jett, 

 

In my searches for reviews of the 72ED I found several of your posts in various threads. They were describing your experience with the scope (not sure if it was your first, second, or third  ) but all of them were positive. And It wasn't just you. Essentially all Evostar 72ED owners rated the scope with high marks. 

 

I think the one I got is a newer one because it has the 10mm shorter tube from lens to end (I confirmed by measuring it, 305mm vs 315mm) and a screw on objective cap.

 

I am going to try it out tonight to see if the EPs in my case can all reach focus. 

 

So now I have two small telescopes when I was just looking for one. Oh well. Double the flavor, double the fun. 

 

-Victor 

Beautiful small scopes!  When it rains it pours apparently for you and small refractors.

 

Next solar H-a purchase for you: wide field (clear aperture over 25mm) binoviewers!

 

Sun looks amazing and the details really pop.