Sky-Watcher SolarQuest 80/400 telescope + HelioFind mount

Pointing a telescope at the Sun can be challenging, and trying to find the Sun in the sky using a small, dimmed view is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Simplify the process and let the SolarQuest do it for you!

HelioFind is a user-friendly and safe solution for solar observation. The HelioFind mount can easily be operated by any family member. Simply press a button, and the mount will begin rotating clockwise, searching for the Sun. If the tripod is accidentally moved, users can easily restart the process, and the mount will quickly find the Sun again, thanks to the built-in camera and GPS sensors.

This tool is perfect for beginners observing sunspots, solar eclipses, and planetary transits.

Additionally, the mount can be used with other solar telescopes, such as Lunt, to observe the Sun in the H-alpha wavelength.

Optical Tube

The SolarQuest 80/400 features an 80 mm aperture and a 400 mm focal length. These specifications provide bright and detailed images of the Sun, enabling the observation of phenomena occurring on the surface of our star.

A 90-degree mirror diagonal, compatible with 1.25" standard eyepieces, allows for comfortable viewing, reducing the need to bend awkwardly over the telescope. Additionally, the telescope is equipped with a zoom eyepiece with a focal length range of 5-16 mm, allowing smooth magnification adjustments based on current observing conditions and user preferences.

The 2" Crayford-style focuser is another advantage of this telescope. It offers precise focusing adjustment, minimizing play and vibrations, which is crucial for observing fine details on the Sun’s surface. The focuser’s solid construction ensures long-term, reliable performance.

A unique feature of the SolarQuest 80/400 is the manual filter wheel integrated into the diagonal. The set of included filters – red, yellow, blue, green, orange, and neutral – allows experimenting with different wavelengths of light, helping to adjust the color for specific details, such as green being particularly helpful for observing granulation, which becomes more visible.

Lastly, the solar finder makes it easier to precisely locate the Sun.

Mount Power Supply: 8 AA batteries.

Equipment:

• Manual filter wheel
• Mirror diagonal (1.25" 90°)
• Green, red, orange, blue, yellow, neutral filters

Specifications:

• Catalog Number: SW-3502
• Optical System: Refractor
• Mount Type: Alt-azimuth
• Aperture: 80 mm
• Focal Length: 400 mm
• Focal Ratio: f/5.0
• Tube Weight: 1.5 kg
• Mount Weight: 4.0 kg
• Total Weight: 5.5 kg
• Tube Length: 378 mm
• Tripod Type: Aluminum
• Tripod Height: 1316 mm
• Focuser Type: Crayford
• Focuser Diameter: 2"
• Mounting Rail: Vixen
• Warranty: 60 months