Great question. I honestly can only speculate the answer is no. It’s design permits only a fraction of our Suns light. I will pin this question in hopes someone can answer you definitely.
@@GarnettLeary NO!!! It is a SOLAR telescope. The SolarMax 60, 70 & 90mm all have removable Etalon filters and the diagonal requires swapping with a standard diagonal (don't forget to change back) leaving you with a 400mm standard telescope. The Coronado diagonal has UV/IR blocking filters built in and must be used for solar viewing.
I live in SLC area and use my PST every chance I get. I use the Coronado AZS tripod/mount which is lightning fast to plop down, point and view. The worm head movements are silky smooth after lubrication and initial adjustment. Tripod is very stable, light and fast to set up. PST is Happy!
Dude, who wouldn't be pleased with a PST, no matter where you look the PST seems to be the scope to go if you want to see our Sun. Thanks for the video.
They have since made several variations. There’s the Solarmax also. My preference leans toward a Daystar Quark. It is amazing don’t get me wrong but there are better technologies available. I think this one is the most affordable and it definitely is the pioneer.
Great job with this video presentation. I never knew about the built in solar finder. Never read this in any description. I really like the manner in which you presented this video. Very creative as well as informative and a nice presentation! Thank you for sharing this video!!!
@@GarnettLeary I went with the 80mm DayStar solar scout. I love it! I think just getting the daystar quark is the best option. Then you can use it on any refractor as opposed to having a dedicated H-alpha scope. My only complaint with the solar scout is the bullet finder isn't really accurate. I have more luck lining up the shadow of the tube on the ground lol! I haven't tried to adjust the finder, so maybe there's a solution for me. Clear skies and happy viewing!
I’m thinking about getting this scope is it possible one day I go out to use it and it’s broken but I don’t know that look through the scope and my eye burns off
If the front lens element is not compromised you will be fine. It’s very well made. I’m not encouraging trying but a momentary glance into one that’s broken would be extremely painful and disorientating but doubtfully would result in your eye being burned out.
Great review and enjoyable video! There are 2 versions of this right 0.5 vs 1A.. do you know if it makes too much of a difference? Also, any other gear to consider that is in a similar or lesser price range? Sorry, too many questions :D
The difference is huge unfortunately. There’s a lot of products that take you up in price. Unfortunately this is the best bottom option. Alternatively there are special filters like a Baader Calcium K-Line which are slightly cheaper. A pst is perfectly capable of getting the job done even scientifically but there are better scopes that resolve greater detail. If I had it to purchase again I’d go with the midrange Daystar 60. My main interest is in Sunspots by which simple mylar is enough. Check out Chucks Astrophotography and look at the videos of prominence he produced. Amazing. Don’t forget Novembers Mercury transit. I look forward to your next video and don’t hesitate to correspond. It’s nice meeting folks in this hobby and study. Clear skies.
@@GarnettLeary Oh yeah.. just the other day I think I spotted them in Instagram (I am not active on it) they were stunning need to check his channel for the solar videos. Thanks a lot for all your inputs :-) I guess I will miss the mercury transit (won't be visible here) but there is an annular eclipse in December that I could probably catch in person... Thanks again - I find all your videos very informative and enjoyable.. do continue to post! Clear skies :-)
I'm interested in Solar viewing and thinking of getting the PST. I have an old but good Majestic geared head tripod., but you lost me when you started imaging. I didn't think you could image with this unit.
@@GarnettLeary Thank you for the reply. I have just received Philip Pugh book, Observing the Sun with Coronado Telescopes. He shows imaging with the MaxScope 90, but that’s way pass my budget and skill level. How do you do it with the PST. I looked on Coronado/Meade website and couldn’t any camera adapters to fit on the PST. Hope to hear from you, Tim
Great question. You can actively see sunspots or tune it to see the prominence. Imagine if you will the static on a tv not tuned to a channel. It’s faint and no real significant detail with your eyes only. Don’t expect what you see in this video as the webcam I used greatly magnifies the details. I would venture to say this telescope is more of a scientific instrument rather than a visual one. If your aim is to collect data from our Sun it’s a worthy investment. If you are only into visual use it may quickly lose its value. Beautiful images can be made with it but for that there are larger, more powerful, solar scopes available. If you’re interested in some amazing work check out Chucks Astronomy. Clear skies.
I own a pst and I also have a double stack. This means adding a second etalon filter which gives more detail. The pst on its own is a great starter scope for h-alpha solar observing. All h-alpha scopes are expensive, that’s just how it is. Do lots and lots of research before buying anything. One last thing. As mentioned in the video, having a tracking mount of some kind is highly desirable. Otherwise you will be constantly trying to adjust the mount, adjust the focus and adjust the etalon for details. This kinda takes the fun out of it. Enjoy.
That depends on what part of the Sun you are interested in seeing or imaging. A typical white light filter will resolve the photosphere. You’ll see sunspots and it’s the most inexpensive approach. A dedicated solar scope will see the chromosphere. You’ll get surface details and prominences. There’s also things like the Daystar Quark on the market. Additionally there’s Calcium k-line filters. If you’re happy with just sunspots try a white light filter. If you want more intensive details you’ll need the others. I hope this helped clarify. Clear skies.
@@GarnettLeary hi Garnett, We have a 85% solar eclipse tomorrow where I live. Do you have any suggestions or skills i should know? Thank you. Really like your videos. Have learnt a lot from you
Thank you and yes. I’m jealous of your location. In regards to the eclipse you’re much better off with a white light filter. If you’re planning a time lapse keep in mind the exposure will change greatly over the course of it. There’s a lot of methods and tricks depending on your equipment. What will you be using?
Nice video. I was looking for some tutorial and after long wait I got your video online. I just have a query of mine - I have the standard eye piece that comes with it and struggle a lot. Should I use a zoom eye piece (8-40mm) or 5mm etc to get first light? Unfortunately, I do not have eq mount so using my DSLR low budget aluminium tripod that is not good.
A 6mm provides a tight view. I was favoring a 9mm. I would stick with a prime over a zoom. You don’t need a tracking mount to film the Sun. The field of view is wide enough that you can get video clips as it passes through. Of course tracking would be easier and would be necessary for the upper end stuff but you can make perfectly good images untracked. As for visual a good ortho would likely dominate.
I have used it on a Manfrotto ALT-AZ tripod as well as a Skywatcher Solarquest goto mount. Just simply use a suitable mounting plate using either one or both of the pre-drilled holes.
Hi, i have the PST and is a decent scope for visual. If i want to upgrade just to see better surface detail. Is a double stack SM 40 a good choice and product? Or do you recommand me to save more for the SM 60 2 ? Thanks!!
I haven’t used either so I can’t make a recommendation sorry. I’m personally most impressed with the Daystar Quark. It’s the one Chuck uses in his solar capture on chucksastronomy. That filter is awesome. I have seen many double stacks that look amazing tho. Check out Chucks images. It’s another good option for you. Clear skies.
Do you have to use a camera with this? Can you not just sit outside and look through it? It seems like no one does that anymore. I am a newbie, so I don't understand when no one looks through a telescope anymore. Thanks.
The reason we don’t “look” is because our eyes aren’t as sensitive as a camera sensor. Trust me when I say I have spent endless hours looking. The thing is that astrophotography picks up where the limits of our eyes leave off. I totally love your question and totally understand it. It’s the question you ask just before you enter into astrophotography. Human eyes are limited. Look upon a target you like wether it be a variable star, a planet, or a nebula then let a long exposure from a camera sensor reveal more to you. It’s an amazing transformation. I am not mocking you nor trying to jump your comment. Try it. Clear skies and thank you for inspiring me.
@@GarnettLeary -- hey, no offense taken here! I appreciate what you said and understand the concept now. I wish my eyes were good enough, it would be cheaper and less Hassel setting up! Thanks again, cheers!
Webcam, standard 1.25” webcam adapter nosepiece, and a x2 threaded on the end. It’s a perfect match. The barlow is sitting directly on the bottom. I was using a Meade shorty x2 lens element but have zero doubt any other brand removable would work. Furthermore I would venture to say a sawed off standard T-ring adapter nose piece on a DSLR would work as long as you dropped a barlow element in the PST. It wasn’t off much. Maybe less than 1/2” from focusing. I considered cutting the PST tube down. That’s a dangerous move tho. Not good for resale lol.
Anytime. Glad to be helpful. Anything like this turns into a video in hopes nobody else gets frustrated. Spend more time enjoying it than getting frustrated. That’s my thinking. Clear skies.
I also found this is the most best budget solution for solar imaging, I still do not know why there is no cheaper solar h-alpha filter only solution that can fit into an exisiting telescope given that this is doable with the white light solar filter, probably you can provide an explanation, thanks.
I’m guessing it has to do with the etalon. You have to have some way of adjusting the wave. That’s a great question. Daystars Quark is the next go to. I’m not even sure how that works. Haven’t researched it. Chuck uses it and is getting amazing results. There are what’s called K-Line solar filters but they are high. The more you look tho the more you come back to the PST as entry. I would prefer greater aperture but then again is it really necessary? Taking a stab further at it I’d say the very narrow H-a transmission of such a filter wouldn’t universally pair with different cameras etc. That’s my overall best guess.
Garnett Leary Thanks! Then i will uprade my pst with a SM 40. ( then will use pst for proms and the stack for S detail in lower powers.i think = iT should be cool)
I am a visual observer and have the double stack but find it darkens out the prominences whilst bringing out details on the chromosphere such as active areas and filaments. It really depends where your interest lies. I have been observing with my PST regularly since 2006 and the blocking filter has been replaced once.
I bought a used Coronado PST (Meade). It is a 40mm f/10 H-alpha telescope - 400mm focal length - 0.5 Angstrom. (external tunable etalon).. 2 questions.. 1) Looking down front of the tube and when I turn the rubber tuner, I can see a slight shift in a lens, moves up-down slightly depending which way I turn the focuser. 2) I noticed a slight faint dark area when looking in the eyepice as I tune the scope. It does not degrade the image or make any double images. 3) The screw under the rubber part will not tighten, seems stripped, wondering if any solution to this, I removed the side plate looking for rust or anything else and it is just pristine inside..lenses are crisp and no problems... So, basically, is the PST supposed to be this way, forgetting the screws but #'s 1 and 2.? To ship it back to USA from Canada.. well.. lots cash. Thanks in advance...
It seems tampered with. I have never serviced one but surely nothing should be stripped and had passed quality control. Allow me to redirect you to someone who may have an answer: ua-cam.com/video/llSJy99Om9E/v-deo.html
Been watching cloudy nights for months to see if I could get one of these soon as they popup they're sold. By the way for the last two weeks now I've been getting messages from people asking me if I was a actor turns out if you Google Matthew Knight I guess you will see why..
Eh I would but I'm trying to discipline myself from spending any money for 180 days, wanting to get back into astrophotography so trying to save up to buy a AVX mount. Hopefully I can save enough to buy a used one off cloudynights before 180 days. Hoping I can do it in 90 days.
Thanks, hopefully nothing comes up that delay's it but I did start a GoFundMe, which doesn't appear to be working out yet so, will have to go with the saving money method, Social Security will not allow me to work or I'd go back in get a job but if I get a job then I lose my health insurance, even then I'd be making like eh! like Minimum wage after all that it still would get me no where.... Get $750 a month in SSI rent is $300 and then I gotta pay for other bills $100 internet $30 phone. After all that I'm down to $270 a month.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Can I use this at night?
Great question. I honestly can only speculate the answer is no. It’s design permits only a fraction of our Suns light. I will pin this question in hopes someone can answer you definitely.
@@GarnettLeary NO!!! It is a SOLAR telescope. The SolarMax 60, 70 & 90mm all have removable Etalon filters and the diagonal requires swapping with a standard diagonal (don't forget to change back) leaving you with a 400mm standard telescope. The Coronado diagonal has UV/IR blocking filters built in and must be used for solar viewing.
Thank you for the information
I live in SLC area and use my PST every chance I get. I use the Coronado AZS tripod/mount which is lightning fast to plop down, point and view. The worm head movements are silky smooth after lubrication and initial adjustment. Tripod is very stable, light and fast to set up. PST is Happy!
Dude, who wouldn't be pleased with a PST, no matter where you look the PST seems to be the scope to go if you want to see our Sun.
Thanks for the video.
They have since made several variations. There’s the Solarmax also. My preference leans toward a Daystar Quark. It is amazing don’t get me wrong but there are better technologies available. I think this one is the most affordable and it definitely is the pioneer.
Great job with this video presentation. I never knew about the built in solar finder. Never read this in any description. I really like the manner in which you presented this video. Very creative as well as informative and a nice presentation! Thank you for sharing this video!!!
Thanks for watching. I’m glad it was helpful. Clear skies.
Other fine job man. Love to seeing your work
Go get it and try it
Awesome.. Sun Is Spectacular Under H - Alpha 👍
I will get a Daystar eventually. I absolutely love solar imaging.
@@GarnettLeary I went with the 80mm DayStar solar scout. I love it! I think just getting the daystar quark is the best option. Then you can use it on any refractor as opposed to having a dedicated H-alpha scope. My only complaint with the solar scout is the bullet finder isn't really accurate. I have more luck lining up the shadow of the tube on the ground lol! I haven't tried to adjust the finder, so maybe there's a solution for me. Clear skies and happy viewing!
nice and clear presentation, congrats
There's a more expensive (of course) solar tele that also can be used as a regular 70 refractor scope. To me this seems to be the ideal solution.
I’m thinking about getting this scope is it possible one day I go out to use it and it’s broken but I don’t know that look through the scope and my eye burns off
If the front lens element is not compromised you will be fine. It’s very well made. I’m not encouraging trying but a momentary glance into one that’s broken would be extremely painful and disorientating but doubtfully would result in your eye being burned out.
Daystar has a Solar Scout telescope (950mm range) for about $700- looks interesting!
Great review and enjoyable video! There are 2 versions of this right 0.5 vs 1A.. do you know if it makes too much of a difference? Also, any other gear to consider that is in a similar or lesser price range? Sorry, too many questions :D
The difference is huge unfortunately. There’s a lot of products that take you up in price. Unfortunately this is the best bottom option. Alternatively there are special filters like a Baader Calcium K-Line which are slightly cheaper. A pst is perfectly capable of getting the job done even scientifically but there are better scopes that resolve greater detail. If I had it to purchase again I’d go with the midrange Daystar 60. My main interest is in Sunspots by which simple mylar is enough. Check out Chucks Astrophotography and look at the videos of prominence he produced. Amazing. Don’t forget Novembers Mercury transit. I look forward to your next video and don’t hesitate to correspond. It’s nice meeting folks in this hobby and study. Clear skies.
@@GarnettLeary Oh yeah.. just the other day I think I spotted them in Instagram (I am not active on it) they were stunning need to check his channel for the solar videos. Thanks a lot for all your inputs :-) I guess I will miss the mercury transit (won't be visible here) but there is an annular eclipse in December that I could probably catch in person... Thanks again - I find all your videos very informative and enjoyable.. do continue to post! Clear skies :-)
I'm interested in Solar viewing and thinking of getting the PST. I have an old but good Majestic geared head tripod., but you lost me when you started imaging. I didn't think you could image with this unit.
Certainly can. There’s also an upgrade that allows for finer detail. You can collect data on a static tripod at this focal length.
@@GarnettLeary Thank you for the reply. I have just received Philip Pugh book, Observing the Sun with Coronado Telescopes. He shows imaging with the MaxScope 90, but that’s way pass my budget and skill level.
How do you do it with the PST. I looked on Coronado/Meade website and couldn’t any camera adapters to fit on the PST. Hope to hear from you, Tim
Can you observe the features of the sun visually in the telescope or do you have to image them to observe them ?
Great question. You can actively see sunspots or tune it to see the prominence. Imagine if you will the static on a tv not tuned to a channel. It’s faint and no real significant detail with your eyes only. Don’t expect what you see in this video as the webcam I used greatly magnifies the details. I would venture to say this telescope is more of a scientific instrument rather than a visual one. If your aim is to collect data from our Sun it’s a worthy investment. If you are only into visual use it may quickly lose its value. Beautiful images can be made with it but for that there are larger, more powerful, solar scopes available. If you’re interested in some amazing work check out Chucks Astronomy. Clear skies.
I own a pst and I also have a double stack. This means adding a second etalon filter which gives more detail. The pst on its own is a great starter scope for h-alpha solar observing. All h-alpha scopes are expensive, that’s just how it is. Do lots and lots of research before buying anything. One last thing. As mentioned in the video, having a tracking mount of some kind is highly desirable. Otherwise you will be constantly trying to adjust the mount, adjust the focus and adjust the etalon for details. This kinda takes the fun out of it. Enjoy.
Hi, Which eyepieces you use most of the viewing time?
An 8 to 12mm plossl and/or a zoom eyepiece such as Celestron 8-24mm are my go to on this system.
Should i buy this telescope or just a solar filter?
That depends on what part of the Sun you are interested in seeing or imaging. A typical white light filter will resolve the photosphere. You’ll see sunspots and it’s the most inexpensive approach. A dedicated solar scope will see the chromosphere. You’ll get surface details and prominences. There’s also things like the Daystar Quark on the market. Additionally there’s Calcium k-line filters. If you’re happy with just sunspots try a white light filter. If you want more intensive details you’ll need the others. I hope this helped clarify. Clear skies.
@@GarnettLeary hi Garnett, We have a 85% solar eclipse tomorrow where I live. Do you have any suggestions or skills i should know?
Thank you. Really like your videos. Have learnt a lot from you
And i just brought the pst scope
Thank you and yes. I’m jealous of your location. In regards to the eclipse you’re much better off with a white light filter. If you’re planning a time lapse keep in mind the exposure will change greatly over the course of it. There’s a lot of methods and tricks depending on your equipment. What will you be using?
@@GarnettLeary
1.the PST scope
2.skywatcher az gti tracker
3.mirrorless camera
Is that enough?
Nice video. I was looking for some tutorial and after long wait I got your video online. I just have a query of mine - I have the standard eye piece that comes with it and struggle a lot. Should I use a zoom eye piece (8-40mm) or 5mm etc to get first light? Unfortunately, I do not have eq mount so using my DSLR low budget aluminium tripod that is not good.
A 6mm provides a tight view. I was favoring a 9mm. I would stick with a prime over a zoom. You don’t need a tracking mount to film the Sun. The field of view is wide enough that you can get video clips as it passes through. Of course tracking would be easier and would be necessary for the upper end stuff but you can make perfectly good images untracked. As for visual a good ortho would likely dominate.
Do you use a dovetail plate to mount it? What do you use to mount it?
It has a photo tripod 1/4-20 threaded hole. You can mount that directly to a small dovetail.
I have used it on a Manfrotto ALT-AZ tripod as well as a Skywatcher Solarquest goto mount. Just simply use a suitable mounting plate using either one or both of the pre-drilled holes.
Can you tell what is the name of the 2te. Song?
Sorry can’t remember. It was from Epidemic Sound is all I know. I canceled them a while back.
Hi, i have the PST and is a decent scope for visual. If i want to upgrade just to see better surface detail. Is a double stack SM 40 a good choice and product? Or do you recommand me to save more for the SM 60 2 ? Thanks!!
I haven’t used either so I can’t make a recommendation sorry. I’m personally most impressed with the Daystar Quark. It’s the one Chuck uses in his solar capture on chucksastronomy. That filter is awesome. I have seen many double stacks that look amazing tho. Check out Chucks images. It’s another good option for you. Clear skies.
Do you have to use a camera with this? Can you not just sit outside and look through it? It seems like no one does that anymore. I am a newbie, so I don't understand when no one looks through a telescope anymore. Thanks.
The reason we don’t “look” is because our eyes aren’t as sensitive as a camera sensor. Trust me when I say I have spent endless hours looking. The thing is that astrophotography picks up where the limits of our eyes leave off. I totally love your question and totally understand it. It’s the question you ask just before you enter into astrophotography. Human eyes are limited. Look upon a target you like wether it be a variable star, a planet, or a nebula then let a long exposure from a camera sensor reveal more to you. It’s an amazing transformation. I am not mocking you nor trying to jump your comment. Try it. Clear skies and thank you for inspiring me.
@@GarnettLeary -- hey, no offense taken here! I appreciate what you said and understand the concept now. I wish my eyes were good enough, it would be cheaper and less Hassel setting up! Thanks again, cheers!
Good idea using a Barlow. I will try the same with mine. Did you use a 2x Barlow with anything added besides the webcam?
Webcam, standard 1.25” webcam adapter nosepiece, and a x2 threaded on the end. It’s a perfect match. The barlow is sitting directly on the bottom. I was using a Meade shorty x2 lens element but have zero doubt any other brand removable would work. Furthermore I would venture to say a sawed off standard T-ring adapter nose piece on a DSLR would work as long as you dropped a barlow element in the PST. It wasn’t off much. Maybe less than 1/2” from focusing. I considered cutting the PST tube down. That’s a dangerous move tho. Not good for resale lol.
Garnett Leary thanks for the detailed explanation - I will see what I can do!
Anytime. Glad to be helpful. Anything like this turns into a video in hopes nobody else gets frustrated. Spend more time enjoying it than getting frustrated. That’s my thinking. Clear skies.
I also found this is the most best budget solution for solar imaging, I still do not know why there is no cheaper solar h-alpha filter only solution that can fit into an exisiting telescope given that this is doable with the white light solar filter, probably you can provide an explanation, thanks.
I’m guessing it has to do with the etalon. You have to have some way of adjusting the wave. That’s a great question. Daystars Quark is the next go to. I’m not even sure how that works. Haven’t researched it. Chuck uses it and is getting amazing results. There are what’s called K-Line solar filters but they are high. The more you look tho the more you come back to the PST as entry. I would prefer greater aperture but then again is it really necessary? Taking a stab further at it I’d say the very narrow H-a transmission of such a filter wouldn’t universally pair with different cameras etc. That’s my overall best guess.
Hi, i have the pst single stack and do only visual . I want to upgrade to double stack filter. Is iT worth? Thanks for the tip!
I haven’t personally used it but friends have. The results were greatly improved. From what I’ve seen it’s a great upgrade.
Garnett Leary Thanks! Then i will uprade my pst with a SM 40. ( then will use pst for proms and the stack for S detail in lower powers.i think = iT should be cool)
It’s going to be awesome! Clear skies.
I am a visual observer and have the double stack but find it darkens out the prominences whilst bringing out details on the chromosphere such as active areas and filaments. It really depends where your interest lies. I have been observing with my PST regularly since 2006 and the blocking filter has been replaced once.
I have heard the same from many avid users. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I bought a used Coronado PST (Meade). It is a 40mm f/10 H-alpha telescope - 400mm focal length - 0.5 Angstrom. (external tunable etalon).. 2 questions..
1) Looking down front of the tube and when I turn the rubber
tuner, I can see a slight shift in a lens, moves up-down
slightly depending which way I turn the focuser.
2) I noticed a slight faint dark area when looking in the
eyepice as I tune the scope. It does not degrade the
image or make any double images.
3) The screw under the rubber part will not tighten,
seems stripped, wondering if any solution to this,
I removed the side plate looking for rust or anything else and it is just pristine inside..lenses are crisp and no problems...
So, basically, is the PST supposed to be this way, forgetting the screws but #'s 1 and 2.? To ship it back to USA from Canada.. well.. lots cash.
Thanks in advance...
It seems tampered with. I have never serviced one but surely nothing should be stripped and had passed quality control. Allow me to redirect you to someone who may have an answer:
ua-cam.com/video/llSJy99Om9E/v-deo.html
Been watching cloudy nights for months to see if I could get one of these soon as they popup they're sold. By the way for the last two weeks now I've been getting messages from people asking me if I was a actor turns out if you Google Matthew Knight I guess you will see why..
I’ll sell you mine
Eh I would but I'm trying to discipline myself from spending any money for 180 days, wanting to get back into astrophotography so trying to save up to buy a AVX mount. Hopefully I can save enough to buy a used one off cloudynights before 180 days. Hoping I can do it in 90 days.
Good luck to you.
Thanks, hopefully nothing comes up that delay's it but I did start a GoFundMe, which doesn't appear to be working out yet so, will have to go with the saving money method, Social Security will not allow me to work or I'd go back in get a job but if I get a job then I lose my health insurance, even then I'd be making like eh! like Minimum wage after all that it still would get me no where.... Get $750 a month in SSI rent is $300 and then I gotta pay for other bills $100 internet $30 phone. After all that I'm down to $270 a month.
hell 2 pieces of 95% reflective mylar gets about the same view!
Yeah. I wonder if mine is off band
Dafuq I see people DSLR it all the time.