Recommendations for Barlow Lenses: 1.25 inches and 2 inches, with magnification ranges from 2x to 5x
Finding the Best 2.5x Barlow Lens for Your Telescope
For those looking to enhance their telescope's magnification capabilities, a good choice might be a 2.5x Barlow lens. Here's a guide to help you find the perfect one.
A well-regarded kit for a f/5 travel telescope could include a 32mm Plossl for wide field and low power, an 8-24mm Zoom eyepiece for mid powers, and a 3x Barlow to turn the 8-24 into a 2.7-8mm. However, for a more compact and cost-effective solution, consider a Focal Extender instead.
Focal extenders, such as the GSO 2" 2X ED for under $100 or the Tele-Vue Barlow for just above $100, can be a real bargain. Explore Scientific also offers its own brand of Focal Extenders, which are comparable to TeleVue's Powermates. For those seeking T-threads, GSO offers a version of the Barlow with this feature for a slightly higher price.
When it comes to 2.5x Barlow lenses for a 1.25" eyepiece, key criteria include full multi-coating (FMC) on all air-to-glass surfaces to maximize light transmission and reduce reflections, high-quality optical glass with good correction for chromatic and spherical aberrations, compatibility without vignetting or image clipping, and a proven brand reputation and user reviews.
Though direct product recommendations for 2.5x Barlow lenses with full multi-coating were not found, reputable brands like Tele Vue, Celestron, and Baader Planetarium are known for producing high-quality optical accessories. Baader’s Barlow lenses are well regarded for their flat field, fully multi-coated optics, and durable mechanical construction.
Other high-quality 2.5x Barlow options include the Tele Vue 2.5x Powermate, Celestron Ultima 2x or 3x Barlow (some models have 2.5x variants), and Baader Planetarium 2.5x Barlow.
When shopping for a 2.5x Barlow lens, check for explicit specifications of full multi-coating or super multi-coating, not just single or partial coatings. Also, confirm the mechanical fit for 1.25" eyepieces and prioritize optical glass quality, looking for ED (extra-low dispersion) or similarly high-grade glass to reduce chromatic aberration.
For a more affordable option, the GSO 2.5X Barlow is available for just over $50. The Celestron Luminos 2.5x, priced at around $150, offers remarkably sharp images.
In summary, the Baader Planetarium 2.5x Barlow lens is an excellent option, known for its full multi-coating and premium optics. Tele Vue Powermates also offer comparable or better quality if budget allows. Always check recent user reviews and product details to confirm the coating and optical specs before purchase. Keep in mind that the exception may be those people who have very long focal length scopes.
- For beginner astronomers using a f/5 travel telescope, a kit containing a 32mm Plossl eyepiece for wide field and low power, an 8-24mm Zoom eyepiece for mid powers, and a 3x Barlow for increased magnification might be suitable.
- Focal extenders, such as the GSO 2" 2X ED and Tele-Vue Barlow, can provide a budget-friendly and compact solution for those seeking to enhance their telescope's field of view.
- When searching for a 2.5x Barlow lens, key considerations should include full multi-coating on all air-to-glass surfaces, high-quality optical glass for chromatic and spherical aberration correction, compatibility with eyepieces without vignetting or image clipping, and a reputable brand with positive user reviews.
- Reputable brands like Tele Vue, Celestron, and Baader Planetarium produce high-quality optical accessories, with Baader’s Barlow lenses being particularly well-regarded for their flat field, fully multi-coated optics, and durable mechanical construction.
- For budget-conscious buyers, the GSO 2.5X Barlow offers an affordable solution, while the Celestron Luminos 2.5x, priced at around $150, provides remarkably sharp images. When shopping, remember to verify the specifications for full multi-coating and optical glass quality, particularly looking for ED (extra-low dispersion) or similar high-grade glass to minimize chromatic aberration.
