Coronado on sale vs Lunt regular price

[theschack]

I've been looking at solar telescopes for a long time and sort of forgot about them until I received the recent email on Coronado sale of up to 20% off. Reading the forums, I am hooked again.

What are the feelings between the following:
Coronado 90 double stack 30mm blockiing filter $5400 after 20% off
Coronado 90 double stack 15mm blockiing filter $4800 after 15% off
Lunt 80 doublestack 18mm blocking filter(no feather touch focuser) $5100 regular price with pressure tuning

Coronado in stock and with Richey tuning. Lunt may be out of stock.

Is this system too big (not very portable) and would the 50/60mm scopes be nearly as good. I tend to buy higher end up front as I always seem to want more later and would rather not have to buy another later.

Don't currently image, but likely will after this purchase.

Probably need new mount as all I currently have is my old CGE celestron beast I am tired of carrying in and outside.

Thanks for any input

[Derek Klepp]

Personally I would get a Lunt 100 B1800 it has the wow factor.Lunt customer service is very good.Go to solarastronomy.org and check out Stephen Ramsdens reviews .If you image get the feather touch focuser.
Cheers Derek

[theschack]

Yes, I have read those reviews over and again and again. Your point is well taken. I can get a 100mm Lunt for 5000 US with 18mm filter for less than the coronado 90DS and it did as well or better in the review. This probably is the biggest bang for my buck as trying to stay between 5-6000 US. I can always add the second etalon later.

I like the Coronado with the 30mm blocking filter as my binoviewers are two inch

I keep getting bigger and now portability is getting worse. Please don't recommend the Lunt 152.

[04Stefan07]

I have only owned entry level models for both brands but if I had to choose Coronado or Lunt I would definitely go with Lunt.

The build quality seems to have the edge over Coronado and yes you do pay more but it is well worth it. Very happy with my recent purchase.

This may not be much help to you but thought I would contribute.

Wish we had your prices here in Australia!

[Allan]

Have you considered the Lunt 152?

[theschack]

Yes, and I believe my wife would request adequate requital.

[theschack]

Well, after almost placing an order for the Lunt 100mm, late last night I ordered the Coronado 60DS with 15mm blocking filter. My reasoning was to get something portable(I've gone too big in the past), see if I like solar viewing, take advantage of the Coronado sale and maybe in the future go big with a Lunt. Thanks for the input.