Barlow lens

[Spreadie]

So, I was browsing second hand stores for a cheap tripod for my bridge camera and happened across a cheap and cheerful Jessops TP323 bundled with a 60x350mm spotter scope.

I had a quick play with it in the back yard this evening and saw some reasonable detail on the lunar surface, even though the scope only has a single 4mm eye piece - I'll probably get a couple more at some point.

What I'm wondering.. will a 5x barlow lens work ok with a short eye piece? Nothing extravagant - I just want to have a bit of a play around without this turning into another expensive hobby - which is why I didn't buy the 8" reflector they had in there too. Close call though.

Anyone here have any experience/knowledge I can tap?

[timread]

I have a Meade ETX70AT scope. I purchased a 3x Barlow lens as a way of getting higher magnification without spending more money on higher strength eyepieces.

The Barlow lens works well. In my opinion it might add some fringing/vignetting which you wouldn't get with a more expensive dedicated eyepiece, but as a first step in viewing at higher magnifications I think it's worthwhile.

[Spreadie]

Thanks for the reply - I've ordered a 3x Barlow and another eyepiece.

I'm not expecting anything astonishing - it is only a spotter scope after all - but it is easy to use and, if the kids show an interest, I might consider something a bit more capable that won't break the bank.

[g8ina]

Personally I wouldnt ever go above a 2x Barlow, law of diminishing returns.

http://ukastroimaging.co.uk/forums is a GREAT place for beginners in astronomy, no such thing as a daft question, very friendly.

[Spreadie]

I was looking at a 5x but reading around seemed to suggest it might be asking a bit too much, so I naively though 3x would be a good compromise - It was only around £8 so it's not the end of the world if it turns out to be rubbish.

Thank you for the link, too!

[Bagnaj97]

The Tal barlow lenses are highly regarded for their price, but it seems they may have been discontinued or are at least no longer imported. The Baader Classic seems to be a favoured replacement at the moment - http://www.firstlightoptics.com/baad...5x-barlow.html

For a cheaper option there are several barlows available on astroboot - http://www.astroboot.co.uk/AstroBoot

[Spreadie]

Thank you, but given the initial outlay, I'm not keen to spend three times as much on a Barlow lens.

I am aware that great glass doesn't come cheap and I'm not averse to spending a little to improve the experience provided by the modest equipment that I have, and I'm also aware that gradual, incremental, improvements will likely cost more in the long run, but I'm willing to accept that for now. I think it could be far too easy to let this get out of hand when it is nothing more than a casual interest at this stage.