Solar telescope newbe

[FrankPorter]

In the next week I will be purchasing a solar telescope. My budget is $3000 plus or minus a little. I have decided on a Lunt LS 60 DS or a Lunt LS 80 SS. I want a 1200 BF and a feather Touch focuser. Will one be better than the other? I plan to do visual first then perhaps get into imaging later. I will most likely buy a Celestron AVX mount to hold it.
What is your take on a Lunt zoom EP or a Baader zoom that is $140 more?

[Carbon60]

Welcome to the forum, Frank. I have a Lunt60 DS PT and love it. A nice easy grab and go and the DS module on the front really brings up the contrast. Great for imaging too.

Sorry, I can't help you with your question about the EP.


Stu.

[Montana]

If you are more inclined to visual then I definitely would go for the DS, it is like night and day. I have a Pentax zoom and that is fantastic for solar work
Alexandra

[Derek Klepp]

Frank go the 80mm as for the eyepieces I have both and honestly for the Sun the Lunt is perfect.You can always stack the 80mm later on but the bigger aperture does make a difference.I have noticed this as my eyesight has deteriorated over the last 5 years.Good luck
Derek

[pedro]

I also have both eyepieces and I prefer the Lunt (cheaper and better). As far as the LUNT scope you will be satisfied with either the 60 or the 80. Prices are very different though. The feathertouch focuser in a must IMHO

[Bruce Girrell]

Can someone fill me on on the advantages of the FT focuser? When I contacted Lunt and asked about it, the only advantage they gave me was that it is capable of working with heavier camera gear. The Crayford is designed to be backlash free and as far as I can tell, it is. I don't seem to have any issues going back and forth through best focus. So what advantages does the FT bring?

Bruce G