Backscatter

Primary, Barska Escape, 10X50 (367' @ 1000yds) and a 40+ yr old Bushnell set, 7x35 (420' @ 1000yds).

1.) I have 2 Barlow’s. One came as part of an eyepiece set (Zhumell), and the other was an extra from a scope purchased at second hand shop (Celestron).

Celestron 2x Barlow, Ultima SV series. Model #93506-1 ¼

Zhumell 2x Achromatic Barlow.

Both of these should work fine (they do for me), with or without filters on the eyepieces, even when doubled up together (4x?).

These units are both about 3” (7.6 mm) in length. I am not sure if these are considered “shorty” Barlow’s. I believe Meade makes a 3x Barlow for use with the ETX 60/70/80 scopes.

2.) No, I don’t use a web cam and just recently purchased adaptors (basic and T-ring) to use my Eos Rebel (1000D) with the scope, but I don’t think you will have the same problem with an aftermarket Barlow.

The difference in the amount of refocusing (tube travel/turns of focusing knob) between the aftermarket units I have and the built-in flip is pretty dramatic, 1 or 2 turns with the aftermarket units, as opposed to what seemed like 10 to 15 turns with the flip Barlow.

This is a site that might be able to help; they have answered some questions for me, very polite.

http://www.astronomics.com/main/search.asp?catsearch_header=Astronomics&keyword=Barlows&x=13&y=5

I admit I am no expert on these matters, and didn’t have to do any research, as one them was part of a gift and the other was a surprise. The Celestron was in a bag down in the optical tube (along with another eyepiece and compass). I don’t think the clerk knew, he said it was spare thumbscrews for the tripod!

Hope this helps you out.

Thanks for nice the feedback Backscatter. You're very welcome here

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I appreciate that, and ...um........thanks for the....tip.

I have found SGL to be exceptionally friendly, informative and well operated.

I am member of the CN forum, but have had a lack of access since they did some work on the servers and needed a “fix" badly. No, I was not booted; it is some issue with software/connection?? and they are trying to figure it out.

In the meanwhile I have enjoyed the ambiance here so much; I decided to dive in, now I am “hooked" on SGL.

I will continue to visit at CN, but see this site as home for info, ideas and discussions.

One thing that will draw me back to CN (possible suggestion) is they have specific areas for brands/types of scopes, (like one I own). This helps reduce the searching for items relating to things relevant to my viewing needs.

Other than that item, I found little (if any) fault (other than I get logged out of SGL after about 5 minutes of inactivity, just me?, happened again) or possible suggestions for improvement. Good job to all.

Peace

Hello everyone. New to the hobby here and have my first scope coming in tomorrow. I ordered the Meade ETX 80AT-TC. It should be something good for me and my 9 year old son to grab and go with. It is an F/5 scope and comes with plossl 9.7mm and 26mm ep's which are close to what is recommended here. However, it mentions having a x2 barlow with those pieces. The scope has a built in barlow flip but wondering if it wouldbe worth buying a real barlow or if the one built in is just as good.

I also have an ETX 80 AT.

I suggest not using the built-in Barlow for several reasons.

1. It requires MAJOR refocusing between the two settings, so much so, once you choose a setting, you may well leave it there for awhile. Going between the 2 settings is a real drag and works the focusing knob & linkage/gear much more than is probably good for the scope in the long haul. You may have found this out already.

2. More importantly (and hopefully this has NOT occurred yet), the mechanism is prone to failure/breaking/jamming and the unit is prone to falling off the "arm" that it is retained on. I have heard enough "horror stories" and also a friend who had take his apart to re-attach it.

Mine did function (I used it very sparingly at first), but the unit was not that smooth to operate so I have not used it since. I also received a Barlow lense as part of an eyepiece set that came with the scope as a package deal. It is MUCH easier to use switch out Barlow and requires minimal refocusing, if at all, depending on the eyepiece in use. Sometimes I will just "lock" the eyepiece in without letting it go all the way down into the receiver (flush) for a brief view.

If you can get a Barlow, I would leave the built in flip Barlow alone and in the "off" position.

Other than that, I have had a great time with the ETX. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have.

Hope this helps.