Rear mounted Etalons

[light matter (Robert)]

I've been looking into some solar imaging, but using my current equipment, namely a Vixen VC200L scope with a rear mounted filter from Alpine Astronomical.

Does anyone have any experience of the filters from this company. Link here: http://www.alpineastro.com/Solar_Obs...tm#H-Alpha_acc

Thanks, Rob

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Rob,
I haven't used one, but they have a good reputation.
The real issue is the fiddle to keep the etalon tuned on band (stable temperature) and the fact that the "fastest" you'll get is around f30.
No full disk coverage on long focal length scopes.
The front aperture ERF - not sure it's a Baader D-ERF????
Certainly worth considering...
Which scope would you use it on??
EDIT: I see you mention the Vixen VC200 - what would be the maximum clear unobstructed aperture - 60mm or so?

[light matter (Robert)]

Wow quick reply, Ken! Thanks.

I only have two scopes the Vixen mentioned already and an Orion Eon 72mm, I'd be looking at trying it on both. I've updated my camera recently to the Nikon D800e.

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

IMHO for solar imaging (and planetary) something like the DMK series is a far better bet.
Better resolution and frame rate.
I have a couple of DSLR's and would never use them for solar imaging.

[Poita (Peter)]

You really want a mono camera as Ken says for solar.

The DMK series of IS cameras work well, Derek Klepp does great work with the mono GSTAR EX and Paul H is using one of the newer Pt Grey Grasshopper mono cameras to great effect.

[gbeal]

I've actually spoken with Bob about these systems. In my case two matters meant I didn't go any further with them. The first was plain frugality, the cheapest system was about or a touch over US$3000.
The second was my impatience, there is about a 12 month or more wait. No good to me.
They are very good by accounts though.
Gary

[light matter (Robert)]

Thanks for all your replies. I do want a mono camera for all the imaging... I keep getting persuaded and enticed by the sea of pixel resolution from my background in photography! I have to learn to separate out the astro - from the photography. Thanks very much for your advice.