Lunt scope woes

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

Wise words , Ken .
Brian.

Originally Posted by Merlin66

You've heard most of the discussions/ comments so far - but the bottom line is that if it doesn't perform (which hasn't really be raised...) and your unhappy with it - return it to the supplier. If your unhappy now, you'll never be happy with it in the future.....

[deadsimple (Ash)]

Originally Posted by Poita

If you purchased it from Sirius Optics up there, take it straight back. They have always been excellent for Lunt gear.

I planned to order from them, but the quoted 3-month wait would have cut it too close to the Annular eclipse in May. So, the remaining retailer (who had it in stock) it was ...

Originally Posted by Poita

Having said that though, I would take it back and get a better one, it sounds like the etalon may be decontacted.

I fully concede that my poor first light was probably due to user error while trying to get a glimpse just before sunset through too much cloud/tree matter in the way and/or poor diagonal tube position.

The view I had during my brief squint this morning was much more pleasant. But it was only brief - I don't plan to use the scope further if it's going back. Can't wait to get into solar viewing once this is sorted, the prominences I saw this morning were breathtaking.

Originally Posted by Merlin66

You've heard most of the discussions/ comments so far - but the bottom line is that if it doesn't perform (which hasn't really be raised...)

In relation to whether I am happy with the view through the eyepiece - unfortunately I have nothing to compare the optics with to determine if the scope "performs" as well as it should. i.e. given I have no prior experience with this class of telescope, any view of the sun would set a baseline for future expectations.

I will assume for now that the view is good now and that focuser/dust problems are non-issues, but there's a chance of problems developing from the fingerprint/residue/whatever that's inside a part of the tube that's not meant to be accessed outside of the factory. Hence the conclusion is to follow this up with the seller regarding that last point. I appreciate all the input

[Peter Ward]

Originally Posted by brian nordstrom

You dont have this sort of quality problem with a $495 PST or $550 35mm lunt now do you ? ( differant focusing system I know , but come on Peter would you be happy ? )
Perspective ? ...........
Brian .

Que??

I have seen PST's that have been absolute rubbish..didn't even come close on on-band, coatings going milky after just a few months, etc. Yet some, have been remarkable. Such is the nature of mass production it seems.

Would I be happy with a $2500 solar scope? Maybe..

Then again. Probably not... I had to spend about 4x that.... just for the filters....before I got a system that met the specifications, rather than price, I was looking for. Horses for courses I guess

[frolinmod]

I have Feather Touch focusers on all my scopes except the EdgeHD. I highly recommend them.

I returned a brand new LS100THa to Lunt last fall. Total turnaround time (including overnight shipping each way) until the problem was corrected and I had the scope back in my hands was one week. Try that with Meade.

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

You are kinda missing the point here Peter , we are not!, all millioneers , and our hard earned dollars , when saved up over months to recieve a sub standard scope , well mate as I said I would not be happy .
For most a $495 PST would be all they could afford , and be happy with it .
Scope snobbery I think ? .
Brian.

Originally Posted by Peter Ward

Que??

I have seen PST's that have been absolute rubbish..didn't even come close on on-band, coatings going milky after just a few months, etc. Yet some, have been remarkable. Such is the nature of mass production it seems.

Would I be happy with a $2500 solar scope? Maybe..

Then again. Probably not... I had to spend about 4x that.... just for the filters....before I got a system that met the specifications, rather than price, I was looking for. Horses for courses I guess

[Peter Ward]

Originally Posted by brian nordstrom

You are kinda missing the point here Peter , we are not!, all millioneers , and our hard earned dollars , when saved up over months to recieve a sub standard scope , well mate as I said I would not be happy .
For most a $495 PST would be all they could afford , and be happy with it .
Scope snobbery I think ? .
Brian.

I'l disregard the implication I'm worth millions or my dollars are less-hardly earnt than anyone else

The point I'm trying to (unseccessfully, it seems) make is: many products are built to a price, rather than a specification.

A standard Lunt focuser will mar on first use but it's still perfectly functional, and you saved about $600 on the feathertouch.

Shock horror, but you paid $2500 !? Fact of the matter is you didn't pay $3100 for the one that doesn't behave thus.

The price of the product is irrelevant if it is not fit for purpose, i.e. if my PST, Lunt 60, or SM90 does not meet promised performance then, from Oz suppliers at least, I have a right to a remedy.

Like the old Johhny Walker ad: Do you want to take home a Scotch you'd rather drink, or the one you'd rather pay for?

[Steffen]

Originally Posted by Peter Ward

Like the old Johhny Walker ad: Do you want to take home a Scotch you'd rather drink, or the one you'd rather pay for?

The one I'd rather drink of course, but I fail to see how this could be an ad for Johnny Walker…

Cheers
Steffen.

[Peter Ward]

Originally Posted by Steffen

The one I'd rather drink of course, but I fail to see how this could be an ad for Johnny Walker…

Cheers
Steffen.

agreed!

[mithrandir (Andrew)]

Getting seriously off topic:

Originally Posted by Peter Ward

agreed!

There are JWs suitable for drowning in mixers, and a couple that are drinkable. That's not to say I'd drink them in preference to various single malts.