Designed with dual external 90mm solar etalon filters, the Coronado SolarMax III 90mm f/8.8 Double-Stacked H-alpha Solar Telescope
builds on the success of their earlier solar scope models to provide
users with a powerful optic for solar and nighttime viewing. With the
primary etalons positioned externally, users can simply and easily
remove the front solar and rear blocking filters to convert the SolarMax
III into a competent nighttime viewing telescope—greatly increasing the
scope's versatility.
Its solar filter is specifically
calibrated to isolate the hydrogen-alpha wavelength with a less than
0.5Å bandpass. The SM3's two etalons reduce the bandpass to refine the
observation experience to see prominences in high contrast against the
black backdrop of space, while revealing surface granulation and texture
that broader bandpasses are unable to resolve. Each etalon has an
independent tuning system that gives users the ability to precisely and
easily bring them on band to improve contrast and enhance views when
atmospheric interference or Doppler-shift cause the optical system to
come off band. The primary etalon comes equipped with Coronado's
rotating RichView tuning system, while the T-max tilt-tuner is employed
on the secondary etalon. These two tuning methods ensure that
interference between the two light paths is minimized, to further
improve views.
The SolarMax III benefits from a precision 2" 7:1
dual-speed rack-and-pinion system. When used as a conventional scope,
larger 2" conventional eyepieces and accessories can be used, though the
more common 1.25" size is compatible when using the included 1.25"
reducer adapter. The more precise focuser is complemented by a rear 90°
30mm blocking filter to provide a wide field of view and allows for
full-disk viewing even with higher magnification eyepieces, or when
photographing the sun, to fully cover larger imaging sensors. This
secondary blocking filter is used to further isolate the H-alpha
wavelength for improved contrast on surface granulation, and prominence
detail. This larger blocking filter also enables the use of eyepieces
with greater field-stop diameters to be used without vignetting
occurring, as might occur with smaller-aperture blocking filters.
To
get users started, Coronado includes a 2-to-1.25" reducer adapter and
three CEMAX eyepieces that produce low, medium, and high powers, plus a
2x Barlow lens that doubles the magnification of each eyepiece. The
eyepiece holder and blocking filter will accept any 2" solar eyepiece or
accessory, and with the reducer adapter any 1.25" eyepiece can also be
used. The optical tube assembly is offered here without a mount or
tripod, but comes with a Vixen-style dovetail plate for users who
already have a reliable and stable mount and support system. To protect
the OTA and accessories during transport and storage, Coronado includes a
hard carrying case with a custom-cut foam lining. The case is
color-matched to the OTA in their elegant black and gold color scheme.
With
the Coronado SolarMax III telescope you can enjoy stunning views of our
closest star, and by simply removing the exterior solar filters you can
view the moon, planets, and deep-sky objects at night.
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