The Lunt 80mm Universal Telescope isn’t just a solar telescope—it’s a flexible, multi-purpose optical instrument designed for astronomers who want to explore the sky both day and night. Whether you're viewing prominences dancing off the edge of the Sun or scanning the deep sky after sunset, this telescope is engineered to handle both with ease.
Optical Excellence
At the heart of the LS80MT is an 80mm aperture, 560mm focal length FPL-53 ED doublet lens. This premium extra-low dispersion glass provides excellent contrast and minimizes chromatic aberration, making it well-suited for both solar imaging and visual astronomy. The f/7 focal ratio offers a versatile balance between magnification and field of view.
Solar Observing with Precision
Lunt’s internal pressure tuning system sets the LS80MT apart from tilt-tuned designs. Pressure tuning adjusts the internal etalon’s environment to bring different solar layers into view—giving you Doppler True control over the image. With a <0.65 Ångstrom bandpass in single-stack configuration, prominences, filaments, and active regions come to life in sharp detail.
Important Safety Warning:
Never look at the Sun through this telescope—or any telescope—without the hydrogen-alpha etalon and blocking filter properly installed. Permanent eye damage or blindness will result. The telescope must be used exactly as designed for safe solar observing.
Dual-Use Design
When the Sun goes down, remove the internal etalon and install the included nighttime focuser assembly. You’re left with a fast, high-quality ED refractor ideal for lunar, planetary, and deep-sky observing. The LS80MT truly earns its “universal” name.
Mechanical Features
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FPL-53 80mm ED doublet (f/7, 560mm focal length)
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Internal pressure-tuned etalon
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Modular rear cell with quick-switch hardware
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Choose 2" Crayford or upgrade to Feather Touch focuser
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Ring set with dovetail and solar finder handle
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B1200 blocking filter in diagonal
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Foam-lined hard carry case included
Night & Day Performance
From observing erupting solar prominences to resolving lunar craters and globular clusters, the LS80MT offers premium flexibility in a single scope. Optional double-stack modules and CaK filters can expand your solar toolkit, while the FPL-53 glass ensures color-pure nighttime performance.
Observing Tip:
Let your scope thermally stabilize before serious solar viewing, and try a green or solar-optimized eyepiece to increase contrast on surface detail. For nighttime use, the modular design gives you the freedom to use a star diagonal and wide range of eyepieces just like a traditional refractor.
What’s Included:
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80mm FPL-53 ED doublet OTA
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Internal pressure-tuned etalon system
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Choice of B1200 in 2" digaonal or straight through
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Crayford or Feather Touch focuser assembly
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Mounting rings with Vixen dovetail and solar finder handle
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Foam-lined hard carry case
