2x Barlow recommendation?

[Astrosurf]

I've decided that my 4x Imagemate just isn't producing the goods as people using two 2x Barlows have much better results. I only have the cheap one that came with my SW. Can you recommend a reasonable brand that's not too pricey?

Alexxx

[nightfisher]

how about either the Baader turret x2.25, or the revelation x2

[Astrosurf]

Thanks Jules. Do you have a link to a reputable outlet?

[earth titan]

I just bought a nice TAL x 2. Very nice, but as rare as hens death.

Typed by me on my fone, using fumms... Excuse eny speling errurs.

[nightfisher]

First light optics list both, they are very reputable

[russ.will]

How much is not too pricey?

Russell

[Astrosurf]

Thanks guys. I could save up to £45! I suppose if I used my cheap 2x Barlow with the good one I'd still get rubbish quality??

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

I doubt a cheap 2x barlow stacked with a good one would produce a better result than a dedicated 4x. Also note that for a true barlow (not a telecentric lens like the PowerMates) adding extension tubes between lens and camera increases magnification linearly. It is the trick that is used in this beast:

http://www.teleskop-...e-Bauweise.html

but it applies to all true barlows.

And then there is always the 4x PowerMate, but that is even more expensive than the Carl Zeiss Barlow marketed by Baader (and it is 2").

[Astrosurf]

So how about a good Barlow and extention tube (my rubbish Barlow with lens removed)? How much mag would that give me? Sorry if these are obvious but I'm not good with that stuff!

[mikehab]

Just wondering .... of all the 2x barlows recommended so far (Baader turret x2.25, Revelation x2,TAL x2) - how do they compare against the standard Celestron 2x Barlow? Are they roughly in the same or completely different league? I have the Celestron and I have to say I'm not hugely impressed with it - so I'm wondering whether I would see a major improvement with a Baader/Revelation/TAL instead?

Thanks,

Mike

[Astrosurf]

What are Celestron 2x Ultima Barlows like? There's one going for £50 on Astro Buy and Sell. They've been discontinued.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

I have heard good things about the Ultima Barlows.

The exact magnification you get with a 2x barlow and an extension tube depends very much on the design of the barlow and the length of the tube. Some experimentation is needed.

[Astrosurf]

Thanks Michael

[Astrosurf]

How would any of these compare with the Ultima? http://www.scopesnskies.com/cat/barlow-lenses/antares-barlow-lenses-and-focal-reducer-lenses.html

[Pig]

I have the Celestron Ex-Cel LX 2xBarlow and it is really good I have used several others and they do not compare. I haven't done any AP though.

[Astrosurf]

Thanks Shaun. I'll check that out.