This is my first H-alpha scope and I have to say it is a great scope. It has taken me a little while to get use to the H-alpha view compared to white light filters but this scope gives a great view. I also like this scope because it has plenty of expandability. The one thing I will say negative about it is you need a good camera stand for it or a dovetail to mount it on an astronomical stand. I am very pleased with the purchase.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:54 PM

I received my MaxScope 40/BF5 package (plus CEMAX 18mm eyepiece) early in April, and once I figured out how to quickly find the sun, I was absolutely awestruck by the beautiful views. I found a nice prominence, and the view became much nicer when I tuned the filter with the T-Max, showing me a HUGE filament that had not been visible before and showing the prominence with more brightness and detail. You can actually see changes occuring if you watch for just a few minutes.

A few tips, though:

1.) This scope could benefit from a nice solar finder, and Coronado says that I will be able to use the SolRanger, once they get the new clamshell mount for the MaxScope 40 out on the market. Until then, I adjust the telescope until the shadow of the filter disappears from the top of the T-Max unit.

2.) After reading the first review, I asked Coronado how far to bring the draw tube out so that I can bring my CEMAX eyepiece to focus, and they told me to pull it almost all the way out.

3.) The T-Max is there for a reason: use it!

4.) I think Im better off for choosing a larger eyepiece (the 18mm) over the higher-powered one, because its easier to move the sun into the field of view. Ill get the barlow when I want more detail.

I was tempted to knock 1/2 point off of my rating because of the lack of documentation and the lack of a solar finder, but these obstacles were easily overcome, and the views were just so spectacular!

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:43 PM

I received my Maxscope 40mm from Anacortes last week.  The carrying case an scope workmanship are impressive.  The instruction card included with the scope is brief.  Safety while viewing the sun is emphasized.

I had some difficulty initially finding the Sun.  A call to Coronado brought the suggestion to use a 20mm eyepiece rather than the 42mm I had started with.  That worked fine but I couldnt reach focus.  After an hour of trying different eyepieces I gave up.  Next day I reallized that the extension tube had 2 inches of travel and had not been pulled out completely.

First views of the Sun were fascinating.  I saw several solar prominences within a few minutes.  H-alpha revealed eddies and other detail around sunspots that are not visible with ordinary solar filters.

This is a great scope.  More detailed instructions with a section on troubleshooting along with a photo of extension tube fully out would be helpful.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:42 PM