Quark Solar & TAK FSQ

[Liquid360]

I'm very impressed by what's being done with these solar eyepieces. In my searches I've found some who've said that you shouldn't use them with FSQ's while others say otherwise. I've yet to receive a response on the matter from Quark or Tak. Does anyone have any info?

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[steppenwolf]

My understanding is that the Quark is not suitable for quad optics like the FSQs because of heat buildup.

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[Liquid360]

That's what I've heard. Thank you!

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[Joves]

You'll need a front mounted ERF for a qud design or any oil-spaced triplet designs.

Safer to use the quark in a simpler doublet designed scope.

[NickK]

Yup - same as wedges, not suitable if you have a rear lens cell (like my perzval flattener).

[Peter Drew]

A suitable achromat would be cheaper than a front mounted ERF. 

[Liquid360]

Well I'm glad I asked. So, filter on the front with Quark eyepiece is okay.

Anyone ever look through such a solar scope? Is it worth the trouble and expense? Obviously this is an opinion, but I'd like to know yours.

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[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Well I'm glad I asked. So, filter on the front with Quark eyepiece is okay.

Anyone ever look through such a solar scope? Is it worth the trouble and expense? Obviously this is an opinion, but I'd like to know yours.

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Whether it is worth it is entirely personal. I started out with a cheap second-hand LS35THa. That got me hooked, first just observing, then imaging. I later got a 60mm SolarMax (second-hand) and sold the LS35THa without loss (great advantage of buying second-hand). The SolarMax is close to a Lunt LS60 in performance, and I found it very nice for both imaging and visual work. I know at least one member who has ditched an LS60 in favour of a Quark in an 80mm scope. I recently added a Solar Spectrum filter (again second-hand) which together with a telecentric is more like a Quark.  The views are excellent, and I can use it in my APM triplet (with ERF!). The Quark is the cheapest way to get your hands on an 80mm H-alpha solar scope. Combined with an ST80, it can show full disks at great resolution. No need for ED glass and triplets (like my APM) because you are working in an extremely narrow band (line, really). The FSQ-106 has a focal length of 530mm, which will not show a full disk with a Quark.