Which 2x barlow ?

[Nick-In-Ireland]

I am having trouble choosing a decent 1.25" 2x barlow for a skywatcher 200p.

Is it beneficial to have a 3 element design or is a 2 element design good enough, what is the difference ?

Is the Skywatcher 2x Deluxe Achromatic 1.25" Barlow on flo for £30 any good? or is it worth considering a better barlow, i have up to £60 to spend on a decent barlow.

So far i am considering these 2 barlows:

http://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/antares-1-25-inch-2x-3-element-barlow_d5545.html

http://www.pulsar-optical.co.uk/prod/GSO/barlow/deluxe/2x%20-and-1.5x.html

Thanks,

Nick.

[John]

Optical quality is the key thing and more important than the 2 or 3 element issue, in my opinion.

Until recently, the best barlows I've used that cost less than £50 (new) were the Revelation 2.5x and the TAL 2x. The latter is hard to find but the former can be bought from First Light Optics for £37 and it does happen to have 3 elements:

http://www.firstligh...25x-barlow.html

I say "until recently" above because I've now had a chance to try Baader's new Classic Q-Turret 2.25x barlow (2 elements I think) and, though simple in design and finish, optically it's a cracking barlow. This one is £45 from the above source:

http://www.firstligh...25x-barlow.html

Neither of these are 2x barlows though. Of the two you list I'd go for the Antares one.

[Damo636]

Top end of your budget Nick but this is a very fine barlow....

http://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=65550

[Oily]

How about the GSO x2/x1.5 barlow ,two for the price of one

http://www.scopesnskies.com/prod/GSO/barlow/deluxe/2x%20-and-1.5x.html

[Lenny147]

Tal if you can find one