{"product_id":"lunt-ls80mt-h-alpha-solar-telescope-premium-plus-kit","title":"Lunt LS80MT H-Alpha Solar Telescope - Premium PLUS 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\u003eSystem Bandpass: \u0026lt;0.28Å (Double-Stacked)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuning: Pressure-Tuned Doppler True Tuning\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\u003cli\u003eUse: Day (H-Alpha Solar) \u0026amp; Night (Astronomical)\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\u003eManuals \u0026amp; Software\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 Chromosphere in Unrivaled Contrast: The Lunt LS80MT H-Alpha Solar Telescope\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Lunt LS80MT H-Alpha Solar Telescope - Premium PLUS Kit is a complete system designed for the uncompromising solar observer who demands the highest possible contrast for viewing and imaging the Sun's chromosphere. By combining an 80mm ED doublet refractor with two pressure-tuned etalons, this package delivers a sub-0.28Å bandpass, transforming the solar disk from a bright, active surface into a richly detailed, three-dimensional plasma environment. This is not just a solar telescope; its modular design allows for quick conversion to a high-performance nighttime refractor, providing true day-and-night utility.\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: The Foundation for High-Resolution Views\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of the LS80MT is a precision 80mm f\/7 ED doublet objective lens. The use of FPL-51 extra-low dispersion glass significantly reduces chromatic aberration, or false color. This ensures that light is focused to a single, sharp point, a critical requirement for resolving fine details in solar prominences and the intricate texture of the nighttime lunar terminator alike.\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\u003ePrimary Internal Pressure-Tuned Etalon: Precise Doppler Tuning\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core of the solar engine is Lunt's internal, air-spaced etalon, which isolates the hydrogen-alpha wavelength of 656.28nm. Lunt’s innovative pressure-tuning system adjusts the air pressure between the etalon plates, changing the refractive index to shift the filter's bandpass precisely. This \"Doppler True Tuning\" allows you to follow features moving toward or away from you on the solar disk, like eruption outflows, without introducing mechanical stress or tilt to the optical train, maintaining the highest image quality across the entire field.\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 Double-Stack Module for Maximum Surface Contrast\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Premium PLUS kit includes the internal SFPT double-stacking module, which narrows the final system bandpass to an exceptional \u0026lt;0.28Å. This secondary etalon dramatically increases contrast on the solar disk by suppressing the \"glow\" from the photosphere. The effect is transformative: faint filaments snap into sharp relief, active regions reveal their complex magnetic structure, and surface granulation becomes readily apparent, creating a view that feels almost three-dimensional.\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: A Wide, Unvignetted Field for Imaging\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe included B1800 blocking filter, housed in a 2-inch star diagonal, provides the final, critical stage of energy rejection and defines the usable field of view. The generous 18mm aperture of this filter is specifically chosen for the LS80MT to provide a full, unvignetted solar disk for both visual observers and imagers using cameras with larger sensors. This ensures your images have even illumination from edge to edge without performance compromise.\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\u003eDual-Speed Rack \u0026amp; Pinion Focuser: Precision without Flexure\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAchieving perfect focus at high magnification on a shimmering solar limb requires a robust and precise focuser. The LS80MT employs a heavy-duty dual-speed rack and pinion focuser that eliminates the image shift and flexure common with lesser designs. The 10:1 fine-focus knob allows for the minute adjustments needed to snap an image into perfect sharpness, holding it securely for long imaging runs.\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: From Solar Powerhouse to Nighttime Explorer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \"MT\" in LS80MT stands for Modular Telescope. The entire hydrogen-alpha engine, including the etalon and blocking filter diagonal, can be removed in minutes. With the addition of a standard focuser (sold separately), the 80mm ED optical tube becomes a capable nighttime instrument, perfect for detailed views of planets, the Moon, and bright deep-sky objects, offering excellent value and versatility.\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\u003eAn Observer's Experience: Tracing a Filament Channel\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the double-stack engaged and a zoom eyepiece dialed in, the view is electric. A dark filament, which in a wider-bandpass scope appears as a simple dark line, resolves into a braided, multi-stranded river of cool plasma suspended above the surface. Fine-tuning the pressure dial seems to lift the filament off the disk, highlighting its structure against the textured chromosphere below. This is where the sub-0.28Å bandpass proves its worth, delivering a level of detail that single-stack systems cannot approach.\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\u003eLimitations and System Context\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the double-stacked \u0026lt;0.28Å bandpass is unmatched for surface detail, it does result in a slightly dimmer image compared to a single-stack \u0026lt;0.45Å configuration. For this reason, single-stacking is often preferred for viewing very faint prominences against the blackness of space. The true strength of this Premium PLUS kit is its ability to reveal the highest possible contrast on the dynamic solar disk itself, making it the right choice for observers who prioritize surface phenomena over limb detail.\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's the main benefit of the LS80MT double-stack system?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe double-stack module narrows the filter bandpass to below 0.28 Angstroms. This dramatically increases contrast on the sun's surface, making features like filaments, active regions, and plage much more detailed and visually distinct compared to a single-stack system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDo I need a special mount for the Lunt LS80MT?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe LS80MT optical tube weighs around 11 pounds. You will need a stable astronomical mount with a payload capacity of at least 20 pounds to ensure steady views, especially for imaging. A mount like a Celestron AVX or Sky-Watcher HEQ5 is a good starting point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs pressure tuning better than tilt tuning?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePressure tuning adjusts the etalon's bandpass without tilting it, which prevents the introduction of off-axis aberrations and ensures a more uniform view across the entire field. This generally provides a higher-fidelity image compared to mechanical tilt-tuning systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhy choose the B1800 blocking filter over the B1200?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe larger 18mm aperture of the B1800 blocking filter provides a wider, unvignetted field of view. This is highly recommended for imagers using cameras with APS-C or larger sensors to ensure the entire solar disk is evenly illuminated in your images.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow difficult is it to convert the LS80MT for nighttime use?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe conversion is straightforward. You simply unscrew the red H-alpha module from the main tube and replace the blocking filter diagonal with a standard star diagonal. You will need to purchase a separate focuser to attach to the rear of the main optical tube for nighttime observing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs this telescope safe for looking at the sun?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The Lunt LS80MT is a dedicated solar telescope with multiple, permanently installed filters. When used as instructed with all original parts, it is completely safe for direct solar observation.\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\u003eOptical Aperture\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, FPL-51\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\u003eEtalon\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInternal Pressure Tuned\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTuning\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDoppler True Tuning (Pressure)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSystem Bandpass\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026lt;0.45 Angstrom (Single-Stack), \u0026lt;0.28 Angstrom (Double-Stack)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlocking Filter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eB1800 in 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\u003eTube Rings with Vixen-style Dovetail\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStorage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAluminum Hard Case with Custom Foam\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11.2 lbs (5.1 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\u003cimg class=\"DAV-img-box\" alt=\"Lunt LS80MT Telescope\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/products\/lunt-ls80mt-h-alpha-solar-telescope-premium-plus-kit-1.jpg?v=1793506168\"\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\u003cimg class=\"DAV-img-box\" alt=\"Lunt Internal Double-Stack Module\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/products\/lunt-sfpt-internal-double-stack-etalon-for-ls80mt-1.jpg?v=1793506173\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eSFPT Internal Double-Stack Module\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\u003cimg class=\"DAV-img-box\" alt=\"Lunt B1800 Blocking Filter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/products\/lunt-b1800-blocking-filter-h-alpha-solar-telescope-1.jpg?v=1793506177\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eB1800 Blocking Filter in 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\u003cimg class=\"DAV-img-box\" alt=\"Lunt Mounting Rings and Dovetail\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/lunt-mounting-rings-dovetail.jpg?v=1793506180\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eMounting Rings \u0026amp; 8\" Dovetail\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\u003cimg class=\"DAV-img-box\" alt=\"Lunt Sol-Searcher Finder\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/lunt-sol-searcher.jpg?v=1793506183\"\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\u003cimg class=\"DAV-img-box\" alt=\"Lunt Zoom Eyepiece\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/lunt-zoom-eyepiece.jpg?v=1793506186\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eLunt Zoom 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\u003cimg class=\"DAV-img-box\" alt=\"Lunt Telescope Hard Case\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/lunt-hard-case-aluminum.jpg?v=1793506189\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eHard Carrying Case\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:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/lunt-solar-system-warranty\" 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":51230514741533,"sku":"LSS-LS80MT-Premium","price":6573.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/LuntLS80MTSolarTelescopePremiumKit.jpg?v=1777668052","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/products\/lunt-ls80mt-h-alpha-solar-telescope-premium-plus-kit","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}