Barlow question

[cutepetgroomer]

Is it normal to have some degree of difficulty when learning how to use a Barlow lens? Mine came with a 3x and I attempted using it on Saturn tonight. I had it unfocused but in view with the Barlow and had trouble keeping it in view while focusing, this is my first planetary attempt with the Barlow as beige I had been practicing on the moon to get the idea of how it works in general.

[nightfisher]

The object in view, in this case Saturn will move through the field of view much faster with the barlow + eyepiece due to the much higher magnification, this will make focusing a harder task, plus you may well find using a barlow gives you to much magnification 

[cutepetgroomer]

That explains why it seems to go out of view as I was focusing, then I can't be too dissapointed then as I am learning still with a Barlow. I should proud I got Saturn into view at all with the Barlow I guess to begin with

[PeterCPC]

It can be quite surprising how quick objects (the earth) move in the sky.

Peter

[jambouk]

Yes, the Barlow will both make focusing trickier (lots more vibration as you adjust focus), and will men if you don't have a tracking mount, or your tracking is poor, the object will scoot off out of the FoV much quicker than without using the barlow.

Jd