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Model: coro_pst_0.5Part Number: 0.5PST
The world's most popular telescope for observing the Sun. This 40mm diameter highly portable dedicated solar telescope features a superior 0.5 Angstrom bandpass for increased surface detail.
Using the P.S.T., you can view the dynamic, ever-changing prominences at the edge of the Sun as well as filaments and other surface details, all in the brilliant and distinctive red colour of hydrogen-alpha (Ha) light.
Features an easy-to-use built-in solar viewfinder, a 40mm diameter dedicated Ha optical system with 40mm external tunable etalon, 30mm internal Etalon primary blocking filter and incorporated focuser and bandpass fine adjustment controls, 400mm focal length, f/10 focal ratio, with 18mm plössl eyepiece. Mounting options include use on a regular photo tripod (scope is threaded for a standard camera 1/4-20 mounting bolt). An optional Vixen-style dovetail is available separately to make it simpler to fit into a standard Astronomy mount saddle.
Please note the Coronado PST is designed primarily for visual use. The focus position is approx 5-10mm above the eyepiece holder. Some CMOS cameras with minimal back-focus will work, and some, like the ZWO ASI120 Mini, fit nicely in the eyepiece holder.
Mounting a DSLR camera is more of a challenge because the sensor is set deep inside the camera body. Still, it is possible using a Baader Hyperion series eyepiece with an adapter.
The following manuals and downloads are available for this product:
Manual
Coronado PST Manual
I've always been interested in solar imaging, I use my Seestar S50 for full disk white light and my Celestron 8" EdgeHD for closeups, both with Baader filters. I bought the double stacked PST in FLO's summer sale, and I think I managed to get the very last one as it's marked as unavailable now. I'm using the ZWO ASI120MM Mini camera which slots right into the eyepiece receptacle, it doesn't quite capture the full disk cutting off a small bit at the top or bottom so you need to take at least two captures and stitch them after.The two etalons allow you to get amazing surface detail and prominences. Adjusting is easy with the camera display, I adjust the built-in filter first then the double-stack then back to the built-in for the sweet spot. With the ASI120 you don't need much tilt - if at all - as the sun takes up most of the frame. You can move the sweet spot around with the built-in etalon but it can be quite difficult to position it centrally (a camera with a wider FoV such as the ASI174MM Mini will have the sweet spot over the whole surface). The downside of the ASI120MM is Newton's Rings, and as it fits into the eyepiece it's not easy to tilt the sensor, however, if you turn the camera around in they eyepiece holder you can find a position that minimises or removes the rings. I've had varying degrees of success removing them with a FFT filter, but best to try and minimise them at capture.In the couple of weeks I've had the scope I've produced some stunning images, far better than I was expecting. I have it mounted on a Sky-Watcher EQM-35 Pro which tracks the sun perfectly, important while trying to capture the sun between passing clouds. I use Firecapture on a MacBook Pro to capture SER video (16bit), and have been stitching with ASIVideoStack for simplicity, although I am trying out Autostakkert. For post processing I'm using the amazing ImPPG application which allows you to get both surface detail and prominences without using two images, then finishing off in Photoshop converting the image to quadtone with yellow, orange, red and black set to individual curves.They say it's not designed for imaging, however it's possible to produce very high quality captures with the right settings. Overall I would recommend this scope for viewing and imaging, if you already have a PST then get the separate double-stack etalon, it makes a huge difference to the surface detail.
I received my Coronado PST Double Stack today (25 June 2024), from FLO, and despite clouds moving in managed 'first light' with it. After reading the instructions and following advice in there, I found focus and tweaked the view with the fine tuning and tilt rings. Using the supplied Coronado Cemax 18mm lens, I was absolutely amazed at the view the scope gave - what will some of my other lenses show me? Prominences were clearly visible, as were sunspots, filaments and other details. I genuinely stood at the scope, eye glued to the lens with my mouth open in amazement at what I could see. With more practise, what more will I be able to see? I well remember, many years ago now, my first views of Jupiter and Saturn, and how spectacular they were, and how planetary and lunar viewing became, and still is my main astronomy interest. I can now add solar observing to that now, thanks to this amazing piece of kit.Final note, a thank you to all FLO for the usual efficient service. Ordered over the weekend, while FLO was closed, but dispatched on Monday, arriving today, Tuesday.Additional comments added:The day after the Coronado Double Stack PST arrived, it was (unusually) bright and clear, with no clouds around. Starting visually, initially using the supplied Cemax 18mm lens, the scope didn't disappoint. Seeing and atmospherics were very good, enabling the scope to really show clear detail on the Suns surface. Filaments, plages, sunspots and prominences were on display, and with very minor tweaks to the Etalon tuning rings, different objects could be made more prominent. As my eye became more accustomed to the Ha view, more detail could be discerned - in fact I really hadn't anticipated the clarity and amount of detail that the scope gives. After quite some time soaking up the view in the Cemax 18mm lens, I swopped out for one of my other lenses, a 12.5mm. There was no reduction in the level of clarity or in the definition of the different areas on show, the Coronado performing flawlessly.I then decided to try imaging through the scope. It is stated that the Coronado PST and the Double Stack PST are not really designed for imaging, and that getting some cameras, especially DSLRs to focus is very tricky, if not impossible without extension rings/tubes or using a barlow lens. Well, yes, it is tricky, but with a bit of experimentation I found that I could get focus with my Altair GPCAM3 178c camera without resorting to barlows or extension tubes. To do this, I could only insert the lens nosepiece about 5mm into the eyepiece holder, but the retaining screw was just able to lock and secure the camera at that. Focusing was easy at that point. The images produced through the Coronado were excellent, with really good, clear detail captured.It is very rare that I write reviews of products, yet after some 30 years of visual astronomy using several different telescopes, lenses etc, and latterly also imaging the Moon and the planets, I can honestly say that this solar scope has totally delighted me with its performance, and has far exceeded my expectations, so much so that I have written this review. Can I recommend the Coronado Double Stack PST? Oh yes, most definitely!!
Although i didn't get my DS PST from First Light Optics, i can confirm this scope is excellent ( as my image that can be seen above shows). It shows a wealth of detail with stunning high contrast for imaging and visual use. The difference between the single stack PST and DS PST is simply outstanding and the single stack PST is a cracker of a scope as well. I have used first light optics for a lot of my astro gear and have had excellent service and products from them, this DS PST will be among those products