Saturday - Lovely Sunny Morning

[trazor]

Trazor,

Did you buy the 50mm extension ?

Not sure which extension you mean, my second etalon is the LS50FHA

[Pig]

That's the one I mean, would you recommend getting one for visual ?

How much was it if you don't mind me asking ?

[trazor]

That's the one I mean, would you recommend getting one for visual ?

How much was it if you don't mind me asking ?

It cost me £700.00 second hand, checked it out before I purchased.

I suppose viewing is always personal and subjective, but the viewing went to another level for me, and I am well pleased.

I could not comment for Solar photography though, maybe imagers could chip in with their thoughts.

[Pig]

What blocking filter do you have a B1200 ?

I am just trying to compare your set up with my set up as I trust your judgement

[trazor]

I have the 60 mm Lunt with a B600 filter, standard focuser, pressure tuner and the LS50FHA second etalon.

As I understand it, the B1200 is better for imaging, and thus has a better resale value, but I am never selling my setup..........

I am hoping the 90 mm Rotator will refine the view even further, but I have to wait for that to come.....

Yes the second etalon is expensive, and should be weighed up against what other equipment you could purchase for the same outlay.

But viewing the Sun for me is fascinating, and I am prepared to pay the price.

[Pig]

That's good news because we both have the B600.

I will keep my eyes peeled for a filter then as it sounds worthwhile, thank you

[DRT]

viewing the Sun for me is fascinating, and I am prepared to pay the price.

Whilst I have only had a few hours experiencing viewing the Sun through less than optimal equipment I have to agree with this. I look at many DSOs and wonder how much of what I am seeing is what is described by today's scientists. Much of it must be speculation, even if very well informed. But when I looked at the Sun today I realised that it is our only chance to see a star's activity in real time (yes, I know about the 8 minutes) and know exactly what is happening. I want to see prominences because I would be watching something that is happening now.

It's time to sell some surplus kit and buy a Lunt

[Pig]

Derek I see you too have found the slippery road to financial ruin

I will say having a dedicated solar scope provides the opportunity for day and / or night observing thus dramatically reducing periods of frustration caused by not being able to use your equipment. 

[DRT]

Derek I see you too have found the slippery road to financial ruin

I found that years ago, Shaun, and have the wine cellar, library and dark sky astronomy gear to prove it

My fear is that £700 on a basic Lunt will soon turn into £4k

This is why I don't want to get into AP

[Pig]

LoL I really can relate to it all   But hey you cant take it with you.