Barlow lens for planetary imaging

[trek1701]

I’m considering purchasing a barlow lens for planetary imaging through a schmidt-cassegrain.
I notice they start from $40 for a Bintel one, up to over $300 for a Powermate or Astrophysics one.
What’s considered the best value for money?
Any opinions greatly welcome.

Thanks Mark

[Poita]

I would also appreciate some advice on this for use in a C8, LX200 10" ACF and an ED80, I don't want to buy one then end up upgrading in a few months.

[midnight]

Personally, I skipped the budget ones and went straight for a 2 x Powermate and it is superb. Get the T ring adapter for it as well and you've got a solid means to connect a DSLR to it as well.

I paid AU$270 delivered a few months ago for a 2" 2 x Powermate.

Just my 2cents worth.

Darrin...

[Poita]

All my gear is 1.25", can you hook the 2" Barlow to that via an adapter?

[asimov]

Personally, I'd bypass the budget ones as well like Darrin did. I use an old Meade 2X APO that you can't buy anymore that IMO is better than a Televue for imaging purposes but a Televue should serve you nicely.

[graham.hobart]

Darrin old buddy! where did you get your Televue + adaptor from?
Graham

[midnight]

Graham, try Oceanside in the US. Subject to exchange rates, you can time it to take advantage of the rates.

http://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=105-114-119-1727

and if you need the T adapter, try

https://www.optcorp.com/product.aspx?pid=1811&kw=TE-PTR-2200&st=3

This combo worked a treat with my 40D and I recently just used the Powermate with my DBK for a moon mosaic. I am very pleased with this device. It is also modular so you unscrew the 2" adapter at the top of the Powermate and screw in the T adapter for a precise fitting for DSLR imaging.

I checked their price, and it's gone up slightly. I paid AU$270 which included shipping. This was only 3 months ago.

Try out Bintel too. They are $309 at the moment there but it's local and naturally backed by Aus warranty etc. They also have the T adapter too under the "imaging and accessories" section on page 8.

Good luck Graham!

Darrin...