Advice on Barlows

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cloud_cover
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Advice on Barlows

Post by cloud_cover »

I have a 2.5x Televue Barlow coming in, I'm also in line for a reasonably priced Celestron Ultima 2x, both 1.25"
Do I need both or will the TV 2.5x be sufficient? I've been told that 2.5x is too much and a 2x will be better.
Advice? :)
Scope is a Celestron Onyx, 80mm f6.3
Current EPs are a 9mm Nagler, 17mm Antares Plossl and (highly probably) Tungkian's Hyperion 21mm.
Thanks!
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weixing
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Post by weixing »

Hi,
Your Celestron Onyx's focal length is 500mm:
1) Hyperion 21mm = 24x (2.8 degree)
2) Antares 17mm Plossl = 29x (1.7 degree)
3) 9mm Nagler = 56x (1.4 degree)

IMHO, you don't need the Antares 17mm plossl and you don't need the 2x barlow. Just use the 2.5x barlow for the 9mm Nagler since you already brought it.

Have a nice day.
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orly_andico
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Post by orly_andico »

Yup! 500mm FL / (9mm / 2.5) = 139X.

That's the highest power you can get, and is very close to the "50X per inch" that was talked about some days ago (50X / inch = 2x / mm = 160X).

Which should be very decent for Jupiter now that its just past opposition... Now where's that EQ mount when you need it...
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Post by stargazer »

On this topic on barlows, is it preferable to get a 2x instead of 3x? Seems that the price on 3x is cheaper than 2x even though the 3x supposes to magnify more?
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Post by cloud_cover »

Dunno, but speaking of Barlows, theres 2 Celestron Ultimas for sale on the CN forums; they're not a bad discount :) I think there's still a 2.5x Televue for $75USD.
For small items, shipping will be less than $15USD via Priority mail small box flat rate :)
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orly_andico
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Post by orly_andico »

I thik the >2x barlows aren't so good hence they are cheap. That is, excepting the Klee and TV powermate... hence I would stick with a 2x unless it were one of the above..
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Post by stargazer »

@cloud cover: sorry...what is the CN forum?

@orly andico: think you are right. perhaps with 3x the image won't be as sharp...think the 2x is the norm...don't notice guys here talking abt 3x..

thanks..
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Post by cloud_cover »

CN = cloudynights. But be aware there's shipping costs from the US so you need to evaluate if its worth it buying from overseas or getting locally, or even buying new. Case in point: Antares Plossl: $40 locally. Selling maybe 20-ish on US market. Plus shipping, more than cost of new item!
Anyway, this ad might interest you
http://www.cloudynights.com/classifieds ... st7&page=3
Its a celestron Ultima 2x Barlow, I'm under the impression its a good piece. Asking USD 50 inc US shipping (est $5), you can ask to top up $5-$10 for Int'l shipping (First class mail at 1lb is about 10-ish). Top end, assuming no bargaining is USD60, or SGD 80 or so.

3x barlows are very "powerful". If you think about the average scope, say an f/8 system, the widest EP you can usefully use will be 7x8=56mm ( as it will give an exit pupil of 7mm - you can use wider but it will produce a visually darker picture) A 3x barlow on that will be 18mm, which is a large jump. Intermediate range EPs such as a 17mm will now become a 5mm with 3x Barlow. It might be easier to plan your focal lengths with a 2x as the jumps are not that severe.
Having said that, if the magnification does not exceed your telescope's limits or seeing conditions, a good Barlow should just act as a magnifier: i.e. perform the same as an EP of similar focal length.
As usual not being very experienced with telescope optics yet I'm extrapolating from my knowledge of camera lenses, so if anything in here is wrong, please feel free to correct me :)
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Post by andeelym »

I got a celestron ultima 1.25" 2x barlow lying around and since i am upgrading to a 2" system, i have no use for it. U want?
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Post by stargazer »

@cloud cover: thanks for your advice

@andeelym: have PM you..
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