How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

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How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by SimonWalsh »

Hi All,

This is my first post - I was referred over from CNs!

I have a simple question; I am experienced in AP but a relative novice to solar (I have a 60mm Lunt). I am contemplating an upgrade and was looking at the 80mm and the 100mm (and double stacking it). But I live in the UK and some have suggested that the 80mm may behaviour better under average conditions while others have suggested it is simply better to go with bigger aperture. In particular some have said the jump from 60 to 80mm would be fairly minor.

I would be keen on peoples advice.

Many thanks for reading.

Best,
Simon


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by marktownley »

Hi Simon,

Welcome to the forum! A DS 80 or 100 will be good upgrade from the 60. Not sure what your seeing conditions are like where you are, however if they are top notch all year round then go for the 100.

Mark


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by SimonWalsh »

Hi Mark,

Thanks for your response. This is the thing - I would say in the SE of the UK, they are reasonable but not top notch. That said, I don't want to limit myself in the event of occasional superb seeing. I am leaning toward the 100mm but obviously place huge value on the opinions of those more experienced in Solar.

What I failed to mention is that this will go in a permanent observatory set up with my night time kit on a 10 Micron 3000 so mount capabilities are not an issue.

Thanks again,
Simon


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by marktownley »

Are you going to keep the 60?


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by SimonWalsh »

I probably will keep it for now. I guess this makes the 100mm more logical.


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by Montana »

Welcome to the forum Simon :hamster:

I have a 100mm Solarscope and I must admit I can't remember any session with it where the seeing didn't support it. Yes, going to 2x Barlow or 3x is more difficult but I never have a problem doing a full disc. However I do only image or view in the morning, in the afternoons the seeing is abysmal so it depends what you are doing ;)

Alexandra


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by SimonWalsh »

Thanks Alexandra, this is reassuring. I am bracing my wallet...I think the 100mm is the choice!


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by marktownley »

You running any fracs already in the obs?


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by SimonWalsh »

My widefield is an FSQ106 and I have a 152mm LZOS. I also have a Planewave CDK 12.5.

What I really want is a larger dedicated Solar scope rather than buying add-ons for my LZOS. I’m also keen on still being able to image a full disc.


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by DeepSolar64 »

I have a 60mm Coronado and a 90mm Coronado. The 90 easily outperforms the 60, especially under good seeing conditions. I think the difference between the 60 and 80mm Lunt would be easily noticeable. The difference between a 60 and 100 should be striking in good seeing conditions.

James


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by Highbury Mark »

Hi Simon, I’m in London and I’d say the LS80 would perform better during afternoons, but mornings until noon I’d go for the 100 without doubt. Are you thinking of getting the external double stack filter, as you need to be aware that the internal DS can cause shadows which brighten the background. There are fixes but it’s worth being aware of before finally committing.


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by SimonWalsh »

Hi Mark,

Many thanks-

Arghh. I’m in analysis paralysis. By a stroke of good luck a beautiful 130mm TMB refractor has come up that I can buy for a really good price. I’m a refractor addict.

I’m tempted to purchase this and combine it with an ERF (Baader) and a H filter at the back. This way, if I wished, I could also use it at night (although that wouldn’t be my goal). I could also have flexibility with different filters.

What do people think of this about turn?

Thanks for reading.

Simon


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by Highbury Mark »

I sympathise - deciding on an HA solar set up is the most difficult thing. A really excellent Solar Spectrum/Daystar filter could be perfect with your refractors. But it’s a very different beast to a dedicated solar scope, which is ready for viewing/imaging immediately. I went through the same process earlier this year. Think you have to decide how much of a priority Sun-gazing is, and then spend accordingly. And most importantly, buy from a trusted retailer who will replace or refund if you are not happy.


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by SimonWalsh »

Mark,

I see you have a 100mm Tak. How do you find this scope for solar? I also looked at this.

Simon


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by marktownley »

SimonWalsh wrote: Tue Nov 24, 2020 9:04 pm 100mm Tak.
I have a 100mm Tal Simon. With a decent focuser and tube rings on it is an excellent solar scope.

Mark


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by marktownley »

SimonWalsh wrote: Tue Nov 24, 2020 6:43 pm By a stroke of good luck a beautiful 130mm TMB refractor has come up that I can buy for a really good price. I’m a refractor addict.

I’m tempted to purchase this and combine it with an ERF (Baader) and a H filter at the back. This way, if I wished, I could also use it at night (although that wouldn’t be my goal). I could also have flexibility with different filters.

What do people think of this about turn?
Is your daytime seeing going to regularly the increase in aperture to 130mm????


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by SimonWalsh »

marktownley wrote: Tue Nov 24, 2020 9:49 pm
SimonWalsh wrote: Tue Nov 24, 2020 6:43 pm By a stroke of good luck a beautiful 130mm TMB refractor has come up that I can buy for a really good price. I’m a refractor addict.

I’m tempted to purchase this and combine it with an ERF (Baader) and a H filter at the back. This way, if I wished, I could also use it at night (although that wouldn’t be my goal). I could also have flexibility with different filters.

What do people think of this about turn?
Is your daytime seeing going to regularly the increase in aperture to 130mm????
No but I could stop it down for solar and it has the flexibility for night imaging.


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by Highbury Mark »

The Tak is excellent - particularly for white light with the Baader wedge. I use it with a binoviewer, Zeiss microscope eyepieces, and barlow to go up to 150-200x in excellent seeing. I also use it with a Quark, which is great for proms but thus far not great for surface detail. One thing about the Tak is it’s incredibly light - 2.8kg. But need a more robust scope for my ha filters - hence the TeleVue 85


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by SimonWalsh »

Hi Mark,

I have just purchased a TSA 120mm which I will use for planetary and also solar. I got a great deal on it and as a refractor addict it has always been on my wish list. I may have to do something about the focuser but I will worry about that in due course. It may be that I stop it down to 100mm for solar (might have better contrast). I was very close to getting the FS100 but this came up this morning and I jumped.

Truly, astro is worse than crack cocaine. If you grew up dreaming about the stars, then when you have the means to tap into those dreams, its hard to stop :) or maybe :(

Simon


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by Highbury Mark »

Very nice! A great all round scope. I ended up getting a Feathertouch focuser for the FC - not a huge fan of Tak focusers.


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by SimonWalsh »

Agreed - more money. The FT is probably the next step :(


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Re: How would the Lunt 100mm (vs 80mm) perform in average UK conditions?

Post by MalVeauX »

Heya,

If your goal is full disc, then don't bother getting a daystar anything.

If your goal is moderate to high res details of specific features, if seeing even supports your image scale, then daystar options work. With your budget, look to a Quantum 0.7A PE or Solar Spectrum of similar bandwidth.

If your goal is full disc, then look to a Solarmax 90mm front mounted etalon. And a second one to go with it. You can get a machined adapter to mount these onto the front of your refractor(s) or choice, such as your 106mm, your new 120mm, or whatever you want. Then simply get the biggest blocking filter you can get such as a 15mm or 18mm or larger, and you will be able to do full disc imaging still with these.

Very best,


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