3x Barlow in 200p (2011 black diamond) for imaging w/ Canon 1100d

[coxy322]

Does anybody have any experience with using a 3x Barlow for imaging?

I have a 3x Tal but am unable to reach focus. I have the 2x stock which reaches focus but I want to get a new barlow that is a) higher quality and offers slightly higher mag for planetary and lunar imaging.

The barlow obviously needs to support a t-ring.

Any recommendations guys?

[JamesF]

Do you know which way you need to move the camera to achieve focus with the 3x barlow in place?

If you need to move it outwards then you could try removing the lens from your 2x barlow and use it as an extension. If you need to move it inwards then a low-profile focuser may be the only option, though I think *some* 200Ps can have a lower profile 2" to 1.25" adapter fitted?

James

[coxy322]

My scope has the low profile focuser. But the TAL 3x does not have a t-thread, so I have tried to swap the lense with the stock 2x barrel but focus is impossible. I am after any advice for a suitable Barlow that would offer better quality and more mag than stock 2x but that also works with DSLR.

Should I go for a 2 inch over a 1.25? Also, are the powermates worth checking out?

[Mr Moff]

Hi coxy, I've been looking into doing the same thing with the same equipment as you.

My first plan was to get a televue x5 powermate,but then I thought of just getting a Hyperion eyepiece but couldn't decide which to get between an 8mm and a 10mm.

Now I've decided to get the Hyperion zoom because I can hopefully zoom to the optimum amount for the conditions, although it will be about 2 weeks before I can order one but I'll start a thread once I get some pictures with it.

The adaptor ring to fit the T piece to a Hyperion eyepiece was I think £8 so I just need the zoom now and I'll see how it goes.

One thought I had with you're current equipment is that if you have the standard skywatcher Barlow that comes with the 200p, you could attach that to the T ring and then slide that into the Tal Barlow for x5? Might be worth trying.

[coxy322]

Hi Danny

To tell you the truth I would like to get far away from the stock barlow. Having purchased a few EPs of varying quality I understand you get what you pay for! Just had my 30th bd so could stretch to a Powermate but am just wary of focal plane issues having had trouble with the TAL 3x in mock up as above.

The Hyperion does seem attractive (and offers a decent one stop for Obs too).... But the Powermates are more specialised and remain somewhat closer to Prime focus imaging? The powermate also keeps the field flat?

Are you getting the entire package with the 2.25x Barlow?

Ash

[coxy322]

Does anybody have a powermate who can tell me a bit more about it?

[Mr Moff]

Hi Danny

To tell you the truth I would like to get far away from the stock barlow. Having purchased a few EPs of varying quality I understand you get what you pay for! Just had my 30th bd so could stretch to a Powermate but am just wary of focal plane issues having had trouble with the TAL 3x in mock up as above.

The Hyperion does seem attractive (and offers a decent one stop for Obs too).... But the Powermates are more specialised and remain somewhat closer to Prime focus imaging? The powermate also keeps the field flat?

Are you getting the entire package with the 2.25x Barlow?

I'm considering getting the Barlow package if it's in stock but if it isn't then I'll just pick up the zoom.

Ash

[Uhwaz]

I mite be wrong here as i am in AP not for that long ( a bit over year or so ) but from what i have seen

barlow + DSLR imiging is bad idea

2x barlow = 4 times longer exposure you need to get same amount of data

better to take subs without barlow and then crop the image ?

[squeaky]

Hi, as has been said - if you need to move a little further inwards to achieve focus when imaging you need to remove a length of "something" from the optical train.

Part of your camera adaptor (if you are using one) can go. See... http://www.squeaky.org.uk/d3100/

Use option 2 but still use a Barlow.

HTH