Barlows

[Morio Kitsune]

Hi there,

I have several x2 and x3 barlows that have come with various scopes that I have got through out the years, but I am thinking of getting a decent one, my main scope has a x3 built into it and its sort of alright and I have been advised to forget about it, if I get one which should I get and why current budget is around 200 bar.

thanks

[Cpaulo]

I use the Celestron Luminos 2.5x Barlow in conjunction with my SW 80ED and I'm quite happy with it, only half of your budget, worth a look perhaps.

[John]

Both the scopes listed in your signature are fast refractors I think ?. They are designed for low / medium power viewing. I don't hink it's worth spending money on high power options for them to be honest.

If you are referring to another scope or are intending to get one then things could be different.

[bingevader]

Barlow's what? Sorry, couldn't resist it, the dreaded apostrophe!

What is wrong with the Barlows that you have at the moment that makes you feel they need replacing?

I still have my Meade offering that came with the ETX90 and feel that suits my needs.

Great with a travel 'scope, as you get to take fewer EPs.

[Morio Kitsune]

I am looking at a serious up grade since i have now put my ppi check into the bank so probably getting a nice set up when the check clears

[brantuk]

"I am looking at a serious up grade since i have now put my ppi check into the bank so probably getting a nice set up when the check clears"

If you're getting a decent scope/mount combo then a Televue 2x Powermate would be worth considering. The 1.25" is just under £200 and the 2" a spot over - but check out Astro Buy/Sell or SGL Classifieds - you might get a bargain used.

[Peter Drew]

I would decide on the future telescope first and then get an appropriate Barlow. 

[Appleblossom]

I have a Celestron Travelscope D70 & have been advised to get a Barlow 2x lens but have come across a 2x & 3x lens. At the moment I have 10 & 20mm lenses... I am new at this and am having some difficulty getting to grasps with what these lenses will do. Do I purchase both? What will they do to my existing lenses, i.e, what mm will they become? God, I sound so thick. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated... Thank you, in advance...

[kurtz9]

A 2x barlow would make your 20mm into a 10mm, and the 10mm into a 5.

A 3x would make the 20mm into a 6.67 and the 10 into a 3.33 (probably not super useful)

One thing to note-  a standard "cheap" barlow will also change other things like eye relief.

A telecentric unit like the Televue Powermate (or, for less money but roughly equal quality, the Explore Scientific Focus extender) will NOT change eye relief, it'll just bump the magnification.

The ES units are on sale right now too (in the US anyway)