{"product_id":"lunt-ls80mt-h-alpha-solar-telescope-enhanced-kit","title":"Lunt LS80MT H-Alpha Solar Telescope - Enhanced Kit","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAperture: 80mm ED Doublet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFocal Length: 560mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFocal Ratio: f\/7\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBandpass: \u0026lt;0.45 Å (Single-Stack)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlocking Filter: B1800 in 2\" Diagonal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFocuser: Dual-Speed Rack \u0026amp; Pinion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDownloads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Versatile 80mm Solar Telescope for High-Resolution Detail\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Lunt LS80MT H-Alpha Solar Telescope - Enhanced Kit is a multi-purpose instrument designed for the serious solar observer who demands both high-resolution views and the flexibility for imaging. Its 80mm aperture and internal pressure-tuned etalon deliver exceptionally detailed, high-contrast images of the Sun's chromosphere, resolving fine filaments, plage, and the intricate structure of solar prominences. This Enhanced Kit is built around the larger B1800 blocking filter, providing a fully illuminated field for larger camera sensors and wider-field eyepieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e80mm ED Doublet Objective Lens\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of the LS80MT is a precision 80mm F\/7 ED doublet objective. The FPL51 glass element significantly reduces chromatic aberration, ensuring that light is focused to a sharp, high-contrast point. This optical purity is critical in a solar telescope, as it provides a clean, artifact-free image to the etalon, resulting in a darker background sky and more vibrant surface detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the observer, this means the ability to push magnification on days of good seeing to resolve the fine, thread-like structure within sunspot umbras and the delicate, feathery texture of hedgerow prominences. The 560mm focal length provides a versatile image scale, suitable for full-disc views with longer focal length eyepieces and detailed close-ups with shorter ones, without requiring a Barlow lens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInternal Pressure-Tuned Etalon for Peak Contrast\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLunt's signature pressure-tuning system provides superior control over the etalon's bandpass. Unlike mechanical tilt-tuning which can introduce uneven illumination, pressure tuning adjusts the refractive index of the air between the etalon plates. This maintains a perfectly even, on-band image from edge to edge, which is crucial for uniform brightness in both visual observation and imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis system allows you to precisely shift the filter's bandpass to track features moving at high velocity, such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections. By slightly increasing or decreasing the pressure, you can \"Doppler shift\" the view to highlight material moving towards or away from you, revealing dynamic details that would otherwise be invisible. The factory-verified bandpass of \u0026lt;0.45Å provides an ideal balance between surface detail and prominence brightness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eB1800 Blocking Filter for Imaging and Wide Fields\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Enhanced Kit includes the B1800 blocking filter, featuring a large 18mm aperture. This is a significant upgrade from the standard B1200, as it provides a much larger fully-illuminated field of view. For imagers using cameras with APS-C or larger sensors, this eliminates vignetting, ensuring the entire frame is evenly lit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisually, the larger aperture of the B1800 allows the use of wide-field, low-power 2-inch eyepieces without the field stop being cut off. This lets you frame the entire solar disc with a generous black-sky border, creating a more immersive, \"spacewalk\" viewing experience. It transforms the telescope into a capable instrument for full-disc solar mosaics and general wide-field observation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRobust Dual-Speed Rack \u0026amp; Pinion Focuser\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo handle the demands of modern imaging equipment, the LS80MT is equipped with a heavy-duty dual-speed rack and pinion focuser. This design offers a significant advantage over Crayford-style focusers by providing zero slippage, even when supporting a heavy camera, filter wheel, and Barlow lens. The coarse focus knob gets you into the general vicinity quickly, while the 10:1 fine-focus knob allows for the critical, minute adjustments needed to snap solar granulation or spicules into sharp relief.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eModular Design for Day and Night Observation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \"MT\" in LS80MT stands for Modular Telescope. The hydrogen-alpha module, containing the etalon, can be easily removed. With the addition of optional accessories like a dovetail and focuser, the 80mm ED objective can be converted into a high-performance nighttime telescope for observing the moon, planets, and deep-sky objects. This versatility makes the LS80MT a complete observing system, saving you the expense and storage space of a separate nighttime refractor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSafe and Easy Solar Alignment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe included red dot Sol-Searcher is a safe and intuitive way to align the telescope with the Sun. It uses a small pinhole to project an image of the solar disk onto a translucent screen. To aim the telescope, you simply move the tube until the projected dot is centered on the screen, eliminating any guesswork and ensuring you never have to look directly at the sun to find it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExperiencing the Chromosphere\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the LS80MT and a medium-power eyepiece, the solar limb is no longer a simple, sharp edge. It resolves into a field of countless fiery spicules, tiny jets of plasma that give the chromosphere a \"furry\" appearance. Following a dark filament as it rotates to the edge of the disk, you can watch it transform into a magnificent prominence, a curtain of glowing hydrogen gas suspended in the blackness of space. The pressure tuner allows you to subtly adjust the view, making the prominence glow with maximum contrast against the background, revealing knots and streamers within its structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe primary trade-off for this versatility and aperture is portability. While manageable for one person, the LS80MT is a more substantial instrument than a 50mm or 60mm scope and requires a stable mount like an EQ5 or HEQ5-class equatorial mount for optimal performance, especially for imaging. It is the right choice for the observer who has a dedicated space or is willing to transport a larger setup for a significant increase in resolution and flexibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the advantage of the B1800 blocking filter in the Enhanced Kit?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe B1800 blocking filter has an 18mm aperture, which provides a larger fully illuminated field of view compared to the standard B1200 (12mm). This is essential for imaging with larger camera sensors to avoid vignetting (darkened corners) and allows for wider true fields of view with 2-inch eyepieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDo I need a better focuser for imaging with the LS80MT?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo, the included dual-speed rack and pinion focuser is designed for imaging. It is very robust and can handle the weight of most camera setups without slipping, and the 10:1 fine focus control is critical for achieving sharp solar images.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the LS80MT better for surface detail or prominences?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe single-stack \u0026lt;0.45Å bandpass provides an excellent balance for viewing both. It is narrow enough to show high-contrast surface detail like filaments and plage, while being wide enough to show bright prominences on the limb. For even higher surface contrast, it can be upgraded with a double-stack filter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat kind of mount do I need for the Lunt LS80MT?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDue to its weight and length, the LS80MT requires a stable mount. A mid-sized equatorial mount like a Sky-Watcher HEQ5 or Celestron AVX is recommended for visual use, while a larger class mount is suggested for serious imaging to ensure stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does pressure tuning compare to tilt tuning?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePressure tuning adjusts the air pressure around the internal etalon, changing its refractive index to shift the bandpass. This keeps the etalon perfectly parallel to the light path for a more uniform view across the entire field. Tilt tuning physically tilts the etalon, which can cause banding or uneven illumination, especially for imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I upgrade this telescope to a double-stack system later?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The LS80MT is fully compatible with Lunt's internal double-stack module (DSII-SFPT). Adding this module will narrow the bandpass to \u0026lt;0.3Å, which significantly increases the contrast and visibility of fine surface details on the sun's chromosphere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTelescope Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModular Solar Telescope\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAperture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e80mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eObjective\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eED Doublet, FPL51\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e560mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/7\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBandpass\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026lt;0.45 Angstrom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTuning\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInternal Pressure Tune (Doppler True Tuning)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlocking Filter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eB1800 with 2\" Diagonal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocuser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\" Dual Speed Rack \u0026amp; Pinion\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMounting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMounting Rings with 8\" Vixen-style Dovetail\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStorage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHard Case with Custom-cut Foam\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11.4 lbs (5.2 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eLS80MT 80mm Modular Telescope\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eB1800 Blocking Filter in 2\" Star Diagonal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDual-Speed Rack \u0026amp; Pinion Focuser\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eMounting Rings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1 Pair\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003e8\" Vixen-style Dovetail Bar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eRed Dot Sun Finder (Sol-Searcher)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eHard Carrying Case with Custom Foam\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003e8mm Eyepiece\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003e12mm Eyepiece\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003e16mm Eyepiece\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003e19mm Eyepiece\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Lunt-LS80MT-Solar-Telescope-Manual.pdf?v=1777432307\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/luntsolarsystems.com\/product-category\/telescopes\/warranty-information\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eLunt Solar Systems 5-Year Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Lunt Solar Systems","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51230514643229,"sku":"LSS-LS80MT-Enhanced","price":3595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/LuntLS80MTSolarTelescopeEnhancedKit.jpg?v=1777668029","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/products\/lunt-ls80mt-h-alpha-solar-telescope-enhanced-kit","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}