40mm Coroanado filters.

Quick question.. Im debating a 60 with BF30, or a 40mm just to see what these are like. Ive used a few daystars, and am afraid to sink too much $$$$ into a coronado not having seen one before.
My question is.. Is there any way to set up straight through with the 40? I dont trust the 1.25 diagonal to hold my camera. No matter how strong anyone claims them to be.
Im only interested in full disk imaging, so think the 40 would be plenty, sure 60 would be better, and thats probably what Ill try unless theres a way with the 40mm Im unaware of.
Thanks,
Tony.

The BF30 and its straight-through design is really sweet!

Re the 40mm vs 60mm Solarmax filters, the 40 will give pleasing views but predictably dimmer and with somewhat less resolution than the 60mm. If you can afford the Solarmax60/T-max and BF30 I don't believe you'll be disappointed. It also allows the potential for more versatility down the road for binoviewing, photography/imaging, etc.

I've never heard a Coronado owner say he wished he had gone with a smaller etalon or blocking filter. Indeed they sometimes kick themselves for not having gotten a larger setup sooner (caveat: IF they can afford it). It's not like the "aperture fever" that propels some amateur astronomers to get larger scopes than they can comfortably enjoy. These H-a setups are all relatively small, light, and extremely portable, with the limitations of the "wow factor" being more easily determined by your budget than additional weight or size.

One final note: the delivery time of a SolarMax60 or BF30 may be faster than the smaller units... lots faster!

Cheers,

Paul

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