[csb (Craig)]

Hi

I have had a telescope for 2 years now and have decided that solar viewing would be more to my liking. My lifestyle and work would be more suitable for a daytime hobby.

I have researched and researched on the web only and have decided on 3 options.

1)SolarMax 40 filter - attached to my Celestron C6 SCT.
It seems that with the SCT I will need an adapter plate and also the focal length (1500mm) seems to mean there will be an extra cost for a suitable BF.

So maybe it will be better to get a 500-800mm x 60-80mm refractor and sell the SCT.

I got the SCT because it is a small scope and very portable. Actually it replaced a 6" newt which was too cumbersome - my house is situated on the side of a gully and the land is stepped over 5 levels.

2) Coronado PST double stacked - $2200 from Bintel.

But this doesn't have the freedom of a scope with a SolarMax40 filter attached - more eyepiece options - binoviewer, more imaging options, scope can still be used at night (night doesn't hold as much fascination as the sun for me though).

3) Coronado PST - but I think/know that I will want more/bigger/better.

I am fairly decided on getting the SM filter and so here I need some advice on the scope. Is the Celestron C6 SCT suitable? Would be better to get a refractor?

I have read that some refractors are not suitable due to the coatings on the lens(es) interferring with the Ha filter's performance ability - there is loss to image quality. This sounded very plausible.

Thanks Craig