nicoscy

A lovely Nagler 26mm T5, serviced by Tele Vue and now good as new. While I do not have any cans of baked beans at home (please my fellow astronomers, do not castigate me to the bottomless pits of hell for this transgression), in the spirit of having something to show image scale, here is the Nagler 26mm next to its bigger brother and some pickled cucumbers in vinegar !!!

Being an admin on CN, I can only offer my perspective here as a member of SGL. NV is part of the broad electronically assisted astronomy theme, but in a different sense. It is purely visual real time (not near real time) observing. The use of an additional piece of gear that enhances light is akin to adding a Hb filter to see more detail on say NGC 7000. NV and traditional EAA (the second using a camera to either allow one image to form over the course of a few seconds, or stack images for a period of time to observe it) are thus completely different. One is truly real time observing, the other involves a more complicated setup and is not real time observing (I do both "regular" observing with eyepieces as well as traditional EAA). SGL has 3 observers with NV gear at present. I do understand the admins wishing to create a separate section for EAA / EEVA, but NVers consider what they do as visual observing (which it is). So, they feel right at home discussing their observations in the observing subforums of SGL. Perhaps a separate NV observing subforum under the observing forum umbrella would be an adequate compromise to all? Admittedly, at CN we are still working on trying to find a proper balance that will keep most people happy....

No time to object anyway. Paul is recycling a book about recycling and this will create an infinite loop of recycling which will create a vortex, sucking in the entire universe and spitting out recycled material on the other side of the vortex...

I’d appreciate it as well if you share your observations with us. Both single and double stacked!

I just hate screw marks and the diagonal has a single screw But, being T2 on top, a short T2 to 1.25” adapter can be used, “sacrificing” 16mm

Nojus, you got the double stacked? A question: can the top of the diagonal be removed and a Clicklock installed like one can do with the Lunt Blocking filter diagonal?

Well, considering the price difference between the 60mm SolarMax II and the 70mm SolarMax III (which has a 60mm Front Etalon which can be removed to use as a 70mm doublet telescope at night) is quite high. I have read a couple of comments that the new Solarmax is sharper than the previous one, but old one was EUR 1,290 and new one is EUR 2,990. Both 60mm front etalon, both BF10 blocking filter, both around 0.7 Angstrom band width. It appears the regular focuser added Vs the old rotating helical focuser and the addition of a Vixen dovetail, plus some tweaks to the etalon are - ahem - worth EUR 1,700. Talk about marketing done in extremis. I note that the Lunt 60mm with a B1200 blocking filter (let's call it a BF12) and perfectly serviceable Crayford focuser is EUR 2,575 (TS description on this model re FTF is in error), sans eyepiece and dovetail, so almost at the same price as the Solarmax III if you include these bits. To bottomline it, Coronado has decided to price up to the levels of Lunt. Now, it remains to see if the quality justifies the price. I am probably going to grab me a solar scope late this year and I have just begun researching this. And despite my gripe about the price increase, if the performance is on par to the Lunt (I have tried a 50mm, loved it but want that little bit extra - 60mm. Was thinking of the 80mm but we are firmly out of the realm of grab and go then for quick views), I will probably go for the Coronado as I like its looks more, plus I can also have it in a case with my 2" Herschel wedge and swap diagonals and remove front etalon to view in white light...

Actually, it can fit if you are willing to split it to parts. ED80 dew shield is friction fit and can be easily removed. Focuser is held in place by three screws and can easily be removed. Just remember to take that small screwdriver with you before going on said travels! I guess, it depends on your "motivation" to do so. In 3 parts, it will definitely be airline transportable and there are plenty of both soft camera backpacks as well as hard cases which can be used. It's a great scope, tried and tested AND looks beautiful!

Possible combo: Wedge: https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p9409_TS-Optics-1-25--Solar-Prism-with-Polarizing-and-Narrowband-Filter.html EUR 139 Mount: https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p9334_TS-Optics-Tilting-Head-and-Altazimuth-Mount-for-photo-tripods.html EUR 135 Tripod: https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p10076_Skywatcher-Tripod-for-Star-Adventurer--AZ5--Pronto-and-AZ-GTI-mount.html EUR 69 Extension: https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p10005_Skywatcher-Tripod-Extension-Tube-for-AZ5-mount.html EUR 27 So far EUR 370 of max EUR 1,100 or GBP 1,000, with EUR 730 to go for scope The telescope I would recommend is based on a possibility that you may want to get into binoviewing and this one has a removable section to allow for native viewing: Telescope: https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p9249_TS-Optics-Photoline-72-mm-f-5-5-FPL53-Apo---2--R-P-Focuser.html EUR 599 Other accessories needed: Solar Finder: https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p10239_TS-Optics-safe-Solar-Finder-for-the-finder-shoe-of-your-telescope.html EUR 33 RDF: https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p303_Baader-SkySurfer-III---LED-Red-Dot-Finder-and-Solar-Finder.html EUR 39 Remaining funds: EUR 59 which will be applied against shipping cost. This keeps you in reasonable weight / size limit and within the budget. Also note that the scope I recommended can be split into 3 parts, focuser, OTA and extension tube. There you go, just under a thousand quid with money left for a few pints EDIT: Needs a dovetail as well: https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p237_TS-Optics-Dovetail-Mounting-Bar-Vixen-style---100-mm-slotted-hole-and-1-4--screw.html EUR 24.89 Remaining funds barely cover shipping and a pint or two, if you ask for the lot to be sent with standard DHL packet (cheap option) which runs at EUR 20 or so

A nice Zeiss Bino viewer unit, supercharged by Denis Levatić - comes with a complementary 30 day cloudy nights voucher directly applied by the seller...

Nice! Got the TS version myself. You will need some extensions to reach focus!

It is indeed, but cry once as they say Postman is delivering on Monday all necessary adapters for imaging

I’ll do first light tonight and start a thread. Speaking in terms of the product (not the quality of views) mostly impressed, but with a couple of things that I feel could be done differently. Above all, I am a visual observer, so my needs regarding some aspects are different to an imager’s needs. More in a separate thread. For the time being, wishes for a Merry Christmas to everybody and keep the posts coming - this is a very enjoyable thread!

Well, postman didn’t drop it off exactly - I picked it up from DHL offices

As is usually the case, he bought something related to the hobby

Congratulations on the ED120. I know who sold it to you and lemme tell you that this scope got minimal use, was always stored properly and you got the bargain of the century!

Billy, I didn't use my binoviewers much so I passed them on. I will possibly consider adding another set in the future, but I am more into Cyclops viewing. Horses for courses!

Yep, the above configuration maintains the light cone at its original configuration after exiting the OCA. Probably something like this. Hmmm, Stu, this discussion is very topical. I may get into the binoviewing game again with the AP92 and 24 Pans (or ES 24mm 68° AFOV) and a 1x OCA. The magnification would be 25,5x and the TFOV a magnificent 2.5°. Sigh, more expenditure...

Revising it to this:

Or something similar to change the focal point without altering the focal length. The above looks like a barlow thingie - my bad. Oh, heck, just ask the wizard (that would be Harry).

I would think it does something like the image I attach. Excuse the crude drawings - I suck at this!

Does actually. the 1x OCS extends the light path within the corrector, restoring it back to the same focal length on exiting the corrector. Please review this and scroll down to Ad #3. At least that's what I recall from past discussions a couple of years ago with Harry. Dropping him an email won't hurt!

You can always ask Harry Siebert if he has a 1 x OCA...

Well, you DO have the mounts for the 105mm, but then again, if you are looking for something lighter, the LZOS is not in the lightweight category for its aperture, despite the formidable pedigree!