Four dedicated solar telescopes You can buy

Observing the Sun safely and in detail requires more than just a solar filter. Dedicated H-alpha solar telescopes are specifically designed to view the Sun in hydrogen-alpha light — a narrow slice of the spectrum at 656.28 nm. This wavelength reveals incredible invisible solar features in white light, such as prominences, filaments, flares, and surface granulation. Unlike regular telescopes with solar filters, H-alpha telescopes use sophisticated etalons and blocking filters to reduce the Sun’s intense light while isolating the H-alpha line. This gives solar observers and astrophotographers a dynamic view of the ever-changing solar atmosphere.

In this article, we’ll explore four popular H-alpha solar telescopes available to amateur astrophotographers and astronomers today — each suited to a different level of experience and budget.

Lunt LS50THa

The Lunt LS50THa is a compact, entry-level H-alpha telescope ideal for beginners who want high-quality visual solar observations. It features a 50 mm aperture and 350 mm focal length, and includes Lunt’s Pressure Tuner system. This mechanical system uses air pressure to fine-tune the etalon for better contrast and detail.

The LS50THa comes with a B400 or B600 blocking filter, which is suitable for visual use. This model can be upgraded with a double-stack filter to reduce the bandpass to ~<0.5 Å for improved surface detail. Its small size and lightweight build make it portable and easy to mount.

Specifications:

• Aperture: 50 mm
• Focal Length: 350 mm
• Bandpass: <0.7 Å (single stack), <0.5 Å (double stack)
• Tuning: Pressure-Tuner
• Blocking Filter: B400/B600
• Focuser: Helical or Feather Touch

Coronado Personal Solar Telescope (PST)

The Coronado PST is perhaps the most popular and affordable H-alpha solar telescope ever made. Designed as an accessible option for newcomers, the PST has a 40 mm aperture and a 400 mm focal length, making it a true grab-and-go solar scope.

It includes an internal etalon with a bandpass of <1.0 Å, good enough to show prominences and surface granulation. It’s built-in solar finder makes it easy to align with the Sun, and it comes with a 1.25″ eyepiece holder for standard accessories. The PST’s affordability and simplicity make it a great starting point for safe solar viewing.

Specifications:

• Aperture: 40 mm
• Focal Length: 400 mm (f/10)
• Bandpass: <1.0 Å
• Tuning: Tilt tuned
• Blocking Filter: BF5
• Price: $899.99

DayStar Solar Scout SS60-DS

The Solar Scout SS60-DS by DayStar Instruments is a unique hybrid between a traditional telescope and a filter system. It uses a 60 mm achromatic refractor combined with an integrated DayStar Quark double-stack H-alpha filter. This combination offers the benefits of double-stacking (narrower bandpass and higher contrast) at a lower price point.

The scope includes a helical focuser, Vixen-style dovetail, and a built-in “Solar Bullet” finder for easy solar alignment. The internal electronics require a 5V power source (USB), and the telescope is well-suited for both visual use and solar imaging. It is one of the best values for double-stack performance.

Specifications:

• Aperture: 60 mm
• Focal Length: 930 mm (f/15.5 effective with Quark)
• Tuning: Electronic (Quark filter)
• Focuser: Front helical
• Power: 5V USB for Quark operation
• Price: $1,195

Lunt LS60MT

The Lunt LS60MT is a modular telescope that can be used not only for H-alpha solar viewing but also for nighttime astronomy and white-light solar observing (with optional accessories). In its H-alpha configuration, it uses a 60 mm front objective with internal etalon and Pressure-Tuner technology.

The B1200 blocking filter provides a wider clear aperture for both visual use and imaging, and the included Crayford focuser is suitable for DSLR and dedicated astro cameras. The LS60MT is ideal for users who want a versatile, high-performance instrument that grows with their interests.

Specifications:

• Aperture: 60 mm (70mm native)
• Focal Length: 420 mm
• Bandpass: <0.65 Å (single stack), : <0.45 Å (double stack)
• Tuning: Pressure-Tuner
• Blocking Filter: B1200
• Focuser: 2″ Crayford with 10:1 fine focus
• Modular Use: Day & night compatible

Each of these solar telescopes provides a safe and breathtaking way to observe the dynamic activity of the Sun. From affordable beginner options like the Coronado PST and Lunt LS50 to more sophisticated tools like the Lunt LS60, there’s a solar telescope for every level of expertise and ambition. Hydrogen-alpha viewing is unlike any other form of astronomy. It reveals a star that is alive — erupting, swirling, and boiling with energy. As Solar Cycle 25 reaches its peak, the solar surface will only become more exciting. Whether you’re drawn by science, art, or awe, these instruments can give you front-row access to the Sun like never before.

Clear skies!