Worth binoviewing in visual H-alpha?

[tico]

Hello, On this occasion I would like to ask you if you have used a binoviewer with an H-alpha, Lunt or Coronado solar telescope. Is there much difference between the images with and without binoviewer? Is it worth the outlay? I just saw on Lunt's website that there is a binoviewer that works well with all of their telescopes, without adding extra magnification. I have seen it similar in Auriga, Omegon, APM... I suppose they are the same, they are called linear binoviewers. Thank you Paul

[Stu]

Hi Paul,

I’ve not used the Linear binoviewers, but do only ever use binoviewers when viewing in Ha. To me it adds substantially to the experience; more relaxed and much more engaging. It does require a Barlow with standard binoviewers for the views are at higher powers, but that gives excellent detail in the prominences.

I do the same for white light too 👍

[Peter Drew]

I also exclusively use binoviewers for Ha observing, however for small entry level Ha telescopes with double stacking, the light loss through a binoviewer might render the image rather dull unless a full head cover is used to keep stray light away from the eyepieces.    🙂

[MalcolmM]

I've used the Stella Lyra linear Binoviewers with a Lunt 50. They are the only Binoviewers I can achieve focus with on the Lunt. I like using them as I find binoviewing much more relaxing than mono. However, I find the linear Binoviewers much inferior to the Williams Optics ones and the Baader Maxbrights. The view is just not as sharp. I have done these comparisons in conventional scopes on the moon, planets and solar white light.

I do not know whether this is to be expected due to their design, or if I have a poor example, or they just don't suit me!

I had the option to return them, but kept them as it's the only way I could figure to binoview with the Lunt and whereas the view is not as sharp as with mono, they are much more relaxing to use for a long session.

I put a review of them on SGL somewhere. I'll try and link to it if I can find it!

Malcolm 

https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/397847-first-impressions-stella-lyra-linear-binoviewer/#comment-4271231

Edited February 8, 2023 by MalcolmM
Adding link

[Paz]

I use binoviewers with a Quark to observe in Ha, its a much better viewing experience with binoviewers but slightly more hassle to use the binoviewers, so if time is short I'll go cyclops.