7 Best Solar Telescope in 2021 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
Lunt LS50
- Pressure- Tuning Adjustments
- Supportive Hardware
- Clear View of the sun
Meade EclipseView 60
- Removable White Light Solar Filter
- 60mm Refracting Telescope
- Comes with 2 eyepieces
Meade EclipseView 114
- Significantly large aperture
- Removable White Light Solar Filter
- Parabolic Newtonian Reflector
If you are an astronomy enthusiast, you know the struggle of finding an excellent telescope for you to study the sun in a detailed way as you study the stars. However, finding one is not a very easy job.
You have to consider multiple factors while buying the perfect solar telescope that is ideal for your study.
Therefore, we have prepared a list of the best solar telescopes available in the market for you. Moreover, we have also mentioned a few Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and a Comparison Table for you to compare among all the mentioned products. Most importantly, we have also included a buyer’s guide to help you consider the important factors.
Lunt LS50
Even though all the products mentioned in this article are unique and of the best quality, we have made your selection process easier by recommending you the best one. We highly recommend the ultimate Solar Telescope from the list. According to our in-depth research and knowledge about solar telescopes, we have concluded that Lunt LS50 is the best solar telescope.
The Lunt LS50 has an aperture of 50 mm, which is more than enough to have a crisp view of the sun and the faintest of activities happening on it. Moreover, it features a BS400 Solar Blocking Filter that allows you to browse the contents of the sun without putting any kind of negative effect on your eyes. Not just that, this super convenient solar telescope also includes a Helical Focuser, with a 12mm Lunt Solar Eyepiece. It even consists of tuning adjustments and allows a maximum of 0.75 Angstrom bandpass.
Quick Summary of Best Solar Telescopes
| Product Image | Product Name | |
|---|---|---|
|
Clearest Image
Lunt LS50
The 50mm aperture provides a crisp and clear image of the sun with ease and comfort. |
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|
Best for Beginners and Mid-level Observers
Lunt LS60
The LS60 has well-protected filters and is very easy to operate. Hence, it is best for beginners. |
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|
Most Portable Solar
Meade Coronado 0.5 PST Personal Solar Telescope
This solar telescope is super lightweight and small in size. Therefore, it is easy to take wherever you want. |
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|
Highest Aperture
Meade EclipseView 114
This solar telescope has the highest aperture that allows you to study even the faintest detail about the sun easily. |
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|
Most Affordable White- Light Filter Telescope
Meade EclipseView 60
This white- light solar telescope is inexpensive and can be easily found in the market. |
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|
Safest Personal Solar Telescope
Meade Coronado Personal Solar Telescope
This PST allows you to operate in a safe way with its built-in solar filter, avoiding the risk of harmful rays escaping into your eyes. |
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|
Easy Tracking System
Sky-Watcher Virtuoso
This PST features a simple point-and-lock system that allows you to track the movements of the sun conveniently. |
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Best Solar Telescope of 2021 - Reviewed
Lunt LS50
Features Highlights
- Pressure- Tuning Adjustments
- Supportive Hardware
- Clear View of the sun
- Reliable
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
23 x 15.8 x 9.2 inches
-
Weight:
13.75 pounds
-
Aperture:
50 mm
Pressure- Tuning Adjustments
The LS50 allows you to comfortably view the sun and its storms, flares, and eruptions with its pressure- turning technology. You can tune your telescope into viewing a bandpass of upto 0.75 Angstrom.
Impressive Build
This telescope comes with a handful of supportive and beneficial hardware. It includes a B400 blocking filter, a 12 mm eyepiece, and a case that has foam- protection. Its build also includes features that are top-notch and provide you with the best results.
Clear View of the Sun
The LS50 has an aperture as high as 50 mm because of which it can provide you a crisp and detailed view of the sun. This allows you to study all the storms, flares, and the tiniest activities happening in the sun.
Reliable
This telescope is distributed by one of the most trusted brands for telescopes, Lunt. Moreover, all the equipment used to build it is of the best quality. They will allow you to study the sun with ease and help you focus on the specific details. Not just that, the telescope comes with a 5- Year warranty so you do not have to worry about investing in the wrong product.
Pros
- 50 mm aperture
- B400 Blocking filter
- <0.75 Angstrom bandpass
Cons
- Doesn’t include a finder
Our Verdict
Overall, the Lunt LS50 is a reliable and a good choice for a beginner astronaut or someone who is studying the sun specifically.
Lunt LS60
Features Highlights
- Narrow band hydrogen-alpha dedicated system
- Handy refractor-based system with a 60 mm front objective
- Includes the clamshell with threaded holes for mounting
- Comes with a focal length of 500 mm
- Portable design
- Digital camera compatible
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
23 x 16 x 9 inches
-
Weight:
5 pounds
-
Aperture:
60 mm
Complete System
This solar telescope is a refractor-based system that starts with a precision aligned singlet chromatic lens with a 60mm aperture and focal length of 500mm. Inside this refractor, there is an internal etalon with tune adjustment that allows for a maximum of <0.75 Angstrom bandpass.
Excellent Performance
Meanwhile, with this telescope, you get a sharp and crisp 4.5mm image over a larger area, thanks to its 12mm blocking filter. The filter reveals excellent details on both the solar surface, limb edge, flares, and prominences. Likewise, the front singlet lens reduces half of the stray light of an achromat. It also fully eliminates the possibility of an on-axis coma, astigmatism, and de-centering aberrations. In the end, you get a professional level quality telescope at an affordable price.
Easy to Install and Excellent Warranty
This solar telescope from Lunt Solar Systems includes the clamshell with threaded holes for easy mounting. Besides, the product is delivered in an Aluminum reinforced case. For your added convenience, the manufacturers offer an excellent 5-year warranty in this solar unit.
Pros
- Offers the perfect blend of edge and surface detail
- Durable and sturdy design
- Easy to install
- Excellent warranty
Cons
- Package doesn't include Lunt's zoom eyepiece
Our Verdict
Overall, this solar telescope has got all the features to impress you, given that you are a bit new to observe. With a sturdy design and easy-to-use features, the whole unit is backed by a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Meade Coronado 0.5PST Personal Solar Telescope
Features Highlights
- Includes an 18 mm Plossl Eyepiece
- Built-in Solar Viewfinder
- H-Alpha Dedicated System
- 30 mm Etalon Primary Blocking Filter
- Bandpass Adjustment Controls
- 400 mm focal length
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
20 x 8 x 11 inches
-
Weight:
6 pounds
-
Aperture:
40mm
18 mm Plossl Eyepiece
This high- functioning solar telescope comes with a Plossl Eyepiece of 18 mm that allows you to view even the faintest features of the sun comfortably. It doesn't matter whether you wear eyeglasses or not.
Built-in Solar Viewfinder
The telescope features a built-in solar viewfinder that seamlessly lines the sun up in your telescope. To do so, it barely takes a few seconds. The viewfinder also gets attached to the mounting ring easily. However, since it is a designated solar viewfinder, it will not work for night time astronomy.
H-Alpha Dedicated System
The system is dedicated to only a narrow H-Alpha light from the sun. Thus, with the help of this telescope, you can study the slight changes that occur in the sun, and also view the faintest details. You can study solar eruptions, flares, and explosions as well. Thus, this telescope is a very handy and useful one for people who love exploring the sun.
Internal Filtering Optics
The telescope features an internal filter that cannot be removed or detached. This way, there is no chance for the filter to fall off and allow the passage of harmful rays from the sun. Hence, the telescope is also student-friendly and the safest way to view the sun.
0.5 Angstrom Bandpass
This Personal Solar Telescope (PST) also has an aperture of 40mm, giving out a clear and crisp view of the sun. Not just that, it also allows a bandpass of upto 0.5 Angstrom, which further enhances the surface details.
Pros
- 40 mm aperture
- 400 mm focal length
- 30 mm Internal locking Filter
Cons
- The focuser may not live up to your expectations
Our Verdict
While the telescope is overall great and even better than others with its lightweight build, its focuser may have limited travel and may not reach your desired focus.
Meade EclipseView 114
Features Highlights
- Significantly large aperture
- Removable White Light Solar Filter
- Parabolic Newtonian Reflector
- Comes with two eyepieces
- Easy to use
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
12.2 x 12.2 x 24 inches
-
Weight:
10.8 pounds
-
Aperture:
114 mm
Significantly large aperture
The best part about this solar telescope is that it comes with a whopping 114 mm aperture that allows you to have the best possible view of the sun. Its image is so crisp and clear that it will enable you to easily point out even the tiniest of activities in the sun and study it carefully.
Removable White Light Solar Filter
The EclipseView 114 also features a detachable white light filter. Therefore, you can use this telescope for both day and night time observation. Moreover, this filter blocks Ultraviolet (UV) Rays and Infrared (IR) Rays coming from the sun. Therefore, you will be able to view and study sunspots easily, as well
Parabolic Newtonian Reflector
The telescope also features a Parabolic Newtonian Reflector that does not suffer from chromatic changes since all the wavelengths reflect from the mirror in similar ways. Moreover, the objective mirror is supported by the backside because of which they can be made very big. Thus, you can zoom in to the sun's surface for a detailed study.
Comes with Two Eyepieces
This telescope comes with two eyepieces. One is 26mm that provides convenient, low magnification of the subject, which is the sun. On the other hand, its 9mm eyepiece allows high magnification.
Easy to Operate
The entire system is very easy to operate. Its mount can swivel a complete 360 degrees. Moreover, it has a simple point- and- look design that allows you to look through it seamlessly without having to think of angles. In addition, the telescope is also CE and ISO certified for safe viewing.
Pros
- Super portable
- Comes with two eyepieces
- Features Parabolic Newtonian Reflector
Cons
- The white light filter may stop the aperture by about an inch
- Detachable
Our Verdict
The telescope is great and has amazing features. However, we only recommend it to beginners and amateur observers since it does not have very high- end equipment.
Meade EclipseView 60
Features Highlights
- Removable White Light Solar Filter
- 60mm Refracting Telescope
- Comes with 2 eyepieces
- Features Alt-azimuth Mount
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
10.7 x 6.5 x 38 inches
-
Weight:
6 pounds
-
Aperture:
60 mm
Removable White Light Solar Filter
This super-affordable solar telescope features a detachable white light solar filter. While the filter stops the Ultraviolet and Infrared rays coming from the sun, it also allows you to remove the filter and use the telescope for studying celestial bodies during day and nighttime.
60mm Refracting Telescope
The aperture of this refracting telescope is a good 60mm that provides you with a crisp enough view of the sun. Thus, you can easily view the sun in its clearest forms, being able to study even the faintest of features. Moreover, the images delivered are very bright, as well.
Comes with 2 Eyepieces
One of the most important features of this telescope is that it comes with two eyepieces: one of 25 mm and the second of 9mm. Thus, through it you can view a wide range of objects. The telescope comes with an additional 2x Barlow, which enhances the viewing quality,
Features Alt-azimuth Mount
The telescope has an alt-azimuth mount that has aluminum legs. They are sturdy and fit the viewfinder perfectly. The viewfinder, on the other hand, is a red dot, which you can swap out for the pinhole solar finder included in it, specifically to locate the sun.
Pros
- ISO Certified Solar Filter
- Features white light filter
- 2x Barlow
Cons
- The filter stops the aperture to about 50 mm
Our Verdict
Although the filter that comes with this telescope stops the aperture a little, it is entirely acceptable. Therefore, we recommend this telescope.
Meade Coronado Personal Solar Telescope
Features Highlights
- 40mm H- Alpha Telescopes
- Internal Non-Removable Filter
- Includes 18mm Plossl Eyepiece
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
10 x 8 x 20 inches
-
Weight:
2 pounds
-
Aperture:
40mm
40mm H-Alpha Telescope
Like we mentioned, the telescope has an aperture of 40mm, which is ideal for viewing the sun. Moreover, it’s an H-Alpha telescope. This means, only a narrow H-Alpha light is seen through it. Thus, you can study flares, explosions, and eruptions happening in the sun in a crisp and distinct red color.
Internal Non-Removable Filter
This personal solar telescope also has a built-in non-removable filter. This filter allows only the H- Alpha rays from the sun to pass through the lens of your telescope. Many telescopes usually have detachable solar filters. That increases the risk of harmful rays slipping through the telescope. However, the non- detachable filters make the telescope entirely safe from such accidents.
Lightweight
The telescope weighs only 2 pounds. Thus, it is very light. Moreover, it is not very large as well. Hence, it is very portable and can be carried around very easily. Moreover, the telescope comes with a custom hard case.
Pros
- Built-in Sol Ranger
- 40 mm f/10 H- alpha Telescope
- 18mm Plossl eyepiece
Cons
- Non- detachable filter restricts you from studying the space during the nighttime
- Packet does not include the amount
Our Verdict
The packet may not include a mount, but most H-alpha scopes do not come with it. However, the distributor also sells a lot of inexpensive and lightweight mounts that are both alt-azimuth and equatorial based. Therefore, we suggest you buy one of those along with this personal solar telescope.
Sky-Watcher Virtuoso
Features Highlights
- 90mm Maksutov- Cassegrain
- Contains both solar filter and finder
- Has a bracket for DSLR, camcorder and cell phone
- Alt-Az Mount
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
14 x 14 x 19 inches
-
Weight:
17 pounds
-
Aperture:
90mm
90mm Maksutov- Cassegrain
The aperture of this telescope is 90 mm with a Maksutov- Cassegrain. Such telescopes use corrector lenses to get r
Comparison Table
| S.N. | Product Name | Weight (Pounds) | Dimensions (Inches) | Aperture (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lunt LS50 | 13.75 | 23 x 15.8 x 9.2 | 50 |
| 2 | Lunt LS60 | 5 | 23 x 16 x 9 | 60 |
| 3 | Meade Coronado 0.5 ST Personal Solar Telescope | 6 | 20 x 8 x 11 | 40 |
| 4 | Meade EclipseView 114 | 10.8 | 12.2 x 12.2 x 24 | 114 |
| 5 | Meade EclipseView 60 | 6 | 10.7 x 6.5 x 38 | 60 |
| 6 | Meade Coronado Personal Solar Telescope | 2 | 10 x 8 x 20 | 40 |
| 7 | Sky-Watcher Virtuoso | 17 | 14 x 14 x 19 | 90 |
Things to Consider Before Buying a Solar Telescope
As we mentioned, there are multiple factors you should consider when buying a solar telescope. From the aperture of the telescope to the eyecups, everything should be considered carefully. You should also consider the safety of your eyes, which is most important since the sun may pass harmful rays through the telescope and harm your eye.
In this section, we have summarized the things you should consider before buying a solar telescope.
Aperture
This is the most important thing you should consider before buying a solar telescope. An aperture is the diameter of the light-gathering lens or the mirror of the telescope. Expressed in millimeters, the aperture of a solar telescope determines the level of clarity in the sun’s image. The larger the aperture, the better you can study the faint details of the sun. We suggest you buy a telescope that features a minimum of 50 mm aperture.
Altitude Tension Knobs
A solar telescope is almost incomplete without a sturdy mount with smooth knobs. There are two types of telescope mounts. They are altitude-azimuth (alt-az) and equatorial.
An alt-az mount is a well- built mount that you can move up-down and left-right, much like a tripod. It usually has slow-motion controls that let you move the telescope in small amounts, steadily—an important aspect when viewing objects with high powers.
An equatorial mount is a form of an alt-az mount that has low-center-of-gravity. It glides softly with respect to both axes, which can be controlled by your fingertips. It restrains the Earth’s rotation. Hence, it is much easier to study a celestial object using this type of mount.
Adjustable Eyecup
Your solar telescope’s eyecup should also be adjustable. That is, it should allow you to see through the telescope by rotating or twisting its position conveniently. Since studying a sun can have you peeping through the telescope for hours, you should be able to do it with most comfort. An adjustable eyecup can help you prevent neck and shoulder pain while doing so.
Eye Safety
Undoubtedly, none of the aforementioned features will be beneficial if you are not provided with safety for your eyes. The sun has a blazing light and watching it directly can cause serious injuries. Hence, it is of utmost importance that you attach safety filters before peeping through your telescope. You must look for a sheet of a solar filter that is specially designed for solar telescopes.
Furthermore, you must attach the filter to your telescope firmly leaving no space for it to come off while you are viewing the sun. While some solar telescopes come with built-in filters, most don’t. Therefore, it is essential that you look for specific filters according to the level of your study.
Fogproof
If you live in a relatively gloomy and chilly region, you need to make sure that your solar telescope is fog proof as well. Fog can be a major factor that causes hindrances in your study of the sun. You may not be completely focused on your study while having to clean the fog on the solar telescope.
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the most dangerous side -effects of studying the sun is the effects of its brightness. Directly exposing your eyes to the sun for too long may cause damage, temporary and/ or permanent. So, if you are studying the sun, you need to filter out 99% of its light before getting exposed to it. Therefore, you should attach a detachable solar filter to your telescope beforehand. If you are an astronaut specializing in the Sun, then we suggest you buy a designated solar telescope for convenience.
A solar telescope is a telescope that has specific built-in solar filters which are of neutral density. These filters cut down the excessive amount of light entering your telescope that allows you to study the sun comfortably and carefully. Nonetheless, the filter does not lessen the quality of the light. All it does is prevent the harmful lights from entering your eyes.
There are different types of filters you can use depending on the aspect of the sun you are studying. For example, you should use the Hydrogen- Alpha filter to study details like solar flares.
A designated H-Alpha solar telescope features everything you’ll need to study the sun throughout the day. While you can add multiple filters like Calcium- K filters, white- light filters, etc., you can also remove them and view the sun in the regular way. Moreover, a solar telescope also allows you to tune pressure that shows an even illumination.
As said before, an H- Alpha filter is an optical filter that transmits a narrow bandwidth of the light passing from the sun. It only allows the passing of the Hydrogen- Alpha light from the sun that shows most of its activities. Thus, for a precise and detailed study of the closest star to us, an H-Alpha filter is recommended to attach to your telescope.
Conclusion
While solar telescopes come with default eye-protecting filters, you need to consider various factors depending on the level of your study. For the best level of convenience, however, we suggest you buy one with detachable filters. Other than that, we have given you plenty of information on how you can choose and buy a solar telescope, and make the best use of it. We hope it helps you buy the best telescope for yourself.
