zoom eyepiece for h/a solar

[a10ken]

hi folks, could anyone please suggest a decent zoom for solar use on a lunt 60.

ta.

[johninderby]

The best zoom for HA is the Pentax XF zoom. One of the very best HA eyepieces period. Fpund it was just as good as a Baader ortho on HA. Rubbish on regular night time observing though.

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/pentax-xf-65-195mm-zoom-eyepiece-1529787/?mkwid=s9OF3Sj7c_dt&pcrid=310558796128&kword=&match=&plid=&product=1529787&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_IWfosjV5AIVFuDtCh1gfQHEEAQYASABEgJvX_D_BwE

A very good lower cost zoom for HA is the OVL Hyperfex. Same as the Lunt zoom.

https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/skywatcher-hyperflex-7e-7.2---21.5mm-zoom-eyepiece-1.25.html#SID=239

Edited September 16, 2019 by johninderby

[a10ken]

why is such a top end eyepiece poor for regular viewing (just curious).

[johninderby]

Just now, a10ken said:

why is such a top end eyepiece poor for regular viewing (just curious).

It’s really a daytime spotting scope zoom optimised for daytime use that just happens to have the perfect characteristics for HA. Very sharp and contrasty. Shows distorions when used for night time observing though.

[Rob Sellent]

 I use Baader's MK IV zoom in a Lunt 60 for ease of use. With my general seeing conditions I find it a lovely eyepiece for h-alpha. 

[nicoscy]

On 16/09/2019 at 17:39, johninderby said:

The best zoom for HA is the Pentax XF zoom. One of the very best HA eyepieces period. Fpund it was just as good as a Baader ortho on HA. Rubbish on regular night time observing though.

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/pentax-xf-65-195mm-zoom-eyepiece-1529787/?mkwid=s9OF3Sj7c_dt&pcrid=310558796128&kword=&match=&plid=&product=1529787&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_IWfosjV5AIVFuDtCh1gfQHEEAQYASABEgJvX_D_BwE

A very good lower cost zoom for HA is the OVL Hyperfex. Same as the Lunt zoom.

https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/skywatcher-hyperflex-7e-7.2---21.5mm-zoom-eyepiece-1.25.html#SID=239

John,

 

I have tried the Baader and Seben zooms, plus TV Delites and Tak LEs and the LEs won hands down.

I wouldn't mind at all adding the XF zoom if it's that good! Can I trouble you a bit to expand on scatter and red hue performance of this zoom?

[Solar B]

So many variables , I guess it’s ultimately 

personal choice ... (which scope , bf size)

My vote on a budget would be for the 

Hype Zoom but if you can stretch 

to the Pentax or even a Leica Zoom then 

great.

My personal fav at the mo is a 15mm Pan 

which I find astonishingly good but have 

no idea why ?

Actually Johns advice is sound , I’d opt

for the Pentax at that price 👍

Brian 

 

 

Edited November 20, 2019 by Solar B

[Highburymark]

At under £200 the XF zoom is a total steal. I paid £100 more than that five years ago and it remains my favourite solar eyepiece. Nicos - I’d like to try an LE after your comments. I really like Delites for solar so for the LEs to eclipse them is impressive. But if you’re looking for a solar zoom you won’t do better than an XF. Even measures up to the Leica asph zoom for solar ha - just a third of the price and half the weight. 

[johninderby]

Wex Photograhic normaly has the best price on the Pentax XF zoom.

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/pentax-xf-65-195mm-zoom-eyepiece-1529787/

[nicoscy]

Sigh, link has been bookmarked. Let's see how long I will resist the sirens' call...

[Highburymark]

On 23/11/2019 at 15:47, nicoscy said:

Sigh, link has been bookmarked. Let's see how long I will resist the sirens' call...

Excellent......

[johninderby]

As they say................

 

[nicoscy]

Thank you all for the gentle encouragement, however my kidneys are still resisting me so I'll stay put, try the full set of Abbe Orthos which are on the way and then consider the zoom...

[xtreemchaos]

don't know about a lunt but I use a baader mk 5 with a 50% reducer with my quark, it gives stunning views. charl.

[johninderby]

The Lunt zoom is available under other brand names such as TS and OVL for about £85.00.

Edited December 2, 2019 by johninderby