AP 130 vs. maxScope for solar viewing

Hi all

I seek the optimum Coronado system for detailed solar viewing. I have a MaxScope 40, double loaded, which I like very much. The second etalon makes it possible to get a very narrow bandwidth. But I can't get it to magnify the sun the way a small refractor will, for example, magnify the moon. This leaves me in the lurch for detailed viewing of the surface of the sun.

When I take off the extra etalon, the bandwidth increases and the image gets much less compelling. So I am worried that a MaxScope 60 or 70 or even 90, single loaded, might not give me better views. Any ideas? Should I try one of these other animals, or put an etalon and Blocking filter on my AP130?

Robert Howe
Wilbraham MA

IMHO...Limited experience....

I think double stacking 40s is probably better than a single 60, but the 90 rules.

The 90s I've looked through can just resolve so much more than the 40s and even my 60.

Robert -

I think you would be very happy with the SM90 BF30 combo on your AP130. I would recommend spending some time using a SM90 with binoviewers before going to the expense of stacked filters. I find that using two eyes improves greatly the low contrast chromosphere features.

good luck,
Alan Friedman