choosing a Barlow lens

[red dwalf]

i`m wanting to but a 2x Barlow of good quality but with a massive amount to choose from out there i`m getting bewildered as most companys say theirs are the best, can anyone recommend a good one for about £40 ish price tag, or a quality second hand one to look out for. i have heard that TAL are good for the money,

any advice please. (i have a Skywatcher 130p if that makes a differance)

[Doc]

Hi Rob.

I used to have a x3 TAL until I lost it.

Brilliant barlow for the price I think I paid £32.

[jgs001]

The Tal x2 is a very good barlow for the money. I've used it for lunar imaging and higher power views.

[Dave]

I saw recently that Pete Lawrence rates the Moonfish 3x Barlow quite well.

Here's the recent thread: http://stargazerslounge.com/showthread.php?t=74748&highlight=moonfish

Here's a link to their Web Site:

http://moonfishgroup.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=46&osCsid=c5d821d2d49d6452cb84b489e57938df

Cheers,

Dave

[red dwalf]

what does "ED" stand for on some barlows ?

[Whippy]

Have to agree with the TAL barlows as great vaule for money, I've got the x2 and x3 and they're great. For a bit more though the Celestron Ultima barlow is probably the best performer under £100.

Tony..

[John]

what does "ED" stand for on some barlows ?

ED refers to a type of glass that is used to make eyepieces and lenses. I think the achronym means Extra-low Dispersion. A lot of refractors use an ED glass element to improve colour correction as it bends (refracts) the different light colours more consistently.

To be honest I think many premium eyepieces (Tele Vue, Pentax etc) have been using ED glass for quite a while anyway.

With regard to barlow lenses, the Celestron Ultima / Orion Shorty Plus (they are the same thing) 2x barlows are excellent and can be picked up used for around £40 if you keep your eye out for one. Otherwise I agree that the TAL is the best budget barlow choice.

John

[philsail1]

I would give the "TAL" Barlows a try "Red Dwarf."

They are cheaper than the Celestron Ultima.

Tal 2x around the £30

Tal 3x around the £35

Celestron Ultima £80

I have a Celestron Ultima, and although it is a nice Barlow, I personallly found it not a lot better than the standard Barlows that come with the Skywatcher scopes. Perhaps it's the eyepieces I'm using it with?

Regards,

philsail1

[TheThing]

Another vote for the Tals here, too.

I have the x2 which is really very good.

I recently picked up a Meade 4000 series (I think!) x3 from the Sales section on this forum (very good price!). It got first light last night and it is really very good - as good as the Tal.