Merits of a 2" Barlow

[mbo]

I'm a newb. Just wondering if a 2" barlow is worthwhile vs a 1.25" considering that most lower mag EP's seem to be 1.25?
Can you put 1.25" EP's on a 2" barlow?
would you buy a 1.25" teleview ($130) instead of a Bintel Barlow 2x ED (2") ($90.00)?
Any other recommendations?
This is for (possibly) an 8" GSO dob.

[mswhin63]

I like 2" for versatility, I use webcam for some types of imaging which can work with a 2" barlow and a 1.25" adaptor. I also image with DSLR which can only be used with a 2" barlow without the adaptor. So if you want something that can work with both then 2" is the way to go.

[mch62]

I like using 2" barlows to allow the use of my lower power 2" eyepieces. You can use 11/4" eyepieces in them and most come with an adapter for this.
You just need to be aware that a 2" Barlow plus a large 2" eyepiece starts to get a little heavy on focuser and scope balance.
Mark:hi:

[bobson]

GSO 8" Dob comes with 2" focuser and 1.25" adopter. So you can buy 2" Barlow and use for both 1.25" and 2" eye pieces.

I dont have 2" Bintel (GSO) Barlow so I can't say how good is it. I have 2" Japanese made one and its really good.

I also have TeleVue 1.25" 3x Barlow and its excellent quality but I would advise buying 2x instead because 3x is a bit too much magnification and can be used only when conditions are perfect.

bob

[Shiraz]

ditto all of the above. I have a GSO 2" ED Barlow and routinely use it with my GSO EPs to substantially improve their aberration performance. Also use it for imaging. Very good value and very good optically.

[mbo]

Thanks everyone, It sounds like everyone is pleased they bought the 2".

[Andy Walters]

Just be aware, GSO 2" barlow wont fit in Sky-watcher focuser proerly, nor a refractor diagonal.
Andy.

[Shiraz]

Mine works fine in my 8 inch GSO Newtonian, but Andy is right - one of these wont fit every possible telescope configuration.

[morls]

Could I just confirm a GSO 2" won't fit the crayford-style focuser in my 8" skywatcher collapsible? I'm thinking I like the sound of these barlows....
Thanks
Stephen

[Nico13]

I'd also like to thank you guys for the comments on this subject as I
have just purchased the Bintel 2" barlow and focuser for my 8" Meade SCT.
Can't wait to try them out but with the weather down here in Vic at the moment :( it doesn't matter that I'm working afternoon shift.

Nico.

[Suzy]

I have a Saxon 10" dob & my 2" barlow doesn't fit all the way into the focuser. Here is a thread I started just recently.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=63540

[morls]

Thanks Suzy, that's a great thread.....