Hi Woody... you're right on all fronts... ;-)...

I was just being cautious towards potential buyers, to check their systems... I've used the Baader wedge on my AP155... but also on shorter focal lengths of other brands, and then - as you said - you need to work your way around the back-focus problems... ;-)

Erik.

---

From: "'Woody Schlom' woody@... [ap-gto]" <ap-gto@...>
To: ap-gto@...
Sent: Wednesday, April 6, 2016 7:22:56 PM
Subject: RE: [ap-gto] solar filters

 

Erik,

 

I don't think back-focus distance will be a problem on a 160mm scope!  It's when you go with a short focal-length scope you run into back-focus problems.  And at least with the Baader, there's a "secret" way to gain around 3/4" in back-focus distance -- you replace the Baader 2" Click-Lock with Baader T2 threaded fittings.

 

Woody

 

-----Original Message-----
From: ap-gto@... [mailto:ap-gto@...]
Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2016 6:14 AM
To: ap-gto@...
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] solar filters

 

Hi,

I'd suggest as a (cheaper) still-quite-good alternative:

http://astrosolar.com/en/information/about-astrosolar-solar-film/astrosolar-technical-info/

Two versions: one for visual, one for photography...

The wedges are a bit better, but... be aware of the potential problem of backfocus with the wedges... check your system's focus distances before buying... ;-)

Don't go for glass filters...

Erik.

---

From: "Craig craig@... [ap-gto]" <ap-gto@...>
To: ap-gto@...
Sent: Wednesday, April 6, 2016 1:35:34 PM
Subject: Re: [ap-gto] solar filters

 

A Herschel Wedge! Baader or Lunt. I've used them on my AP scopes with great success.  The solar load on a quality refractor is no problem so long as the scope has front lens elements only.  You'll get unbelievable views with your 160 and a wedge. Make sure to get a 2" model and to use additional ND filters for visual. The Baader comes as a kit with everything you need. 

Of course you can only use a wedge with! a refractor!

-Craig

On Apr 5, 2016, at 11:41 PM, 'Mike Shade' mshade@... [ap-gto] <ap-gto@...> wrote:

 

Curious as to what solar filters folks have found to be good...I was thinking of a Thousand Oaks glass filter for the 160 EDF...anyone have one for use with this scope...what size fits properly...?

 

Mike J. Shade: mshade@...

Mike J. Shade Photography:

mshadephotography.com

 

In War: Resolution

In Defeat: Defiance

In Victory: Magnanimity

In Peace: Goodwill

Sir Winston Churchill

Already, in the gathering dusk, a few of the stars are turning on their lights.

Vega, the brightest one, is now dropping towards the west.  Can it be half

a year since I watched her April rising in the east?  Low in the southwest

Antares blinks a sad farwell to fall...

Leslie Peltier, Starlight Nights

 

International Dark Sky Association: www.darksky.org