Coronado SolarMax III 90mm f/8.8 H-alpha Solar Telescope (15mm Blocking, OTA Only)

Designed with a single external 90mm solar etalon filter, the Coronado SolarMax III 90mm f/8.8 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 etalon 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.

Specifically calibrated to isolate the hydrogen-alpha wavelength with a less than 0.7Å bandpass for observing prominences in high contrast against the black backdrop of space, the primary etalon comes equipped with Coronado's patented RichView tuning system to improve contrast and enhance views when atmospheric interference or Doppler-shift require you to bring the etalon back on band. Directly adjusting the etalon enables it to be tuned up or down from the 6562.8Å H-alpha wavelength to reveal prominence details and compensate for various factors that can pull the prominences and other features off band and affect 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° 15mm blocking filter to provide a wide field of view and allows for full-disk viewing even with higher magnification eyepieces. 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.