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[JJDOBBER79 (Jas)]

Hi again,
Have any of you guys had any experience (or any opinions) on the siebert barlows

http://www.siebertoptics.com/Siebert...s.html#Ad%201b

I am particularly interested in the modular range (scroll down to ad#3, product G). They claim to be on a par (if not better, they use more glass) with TV. I just read on CN that 1 guy reckons its the best barlow he has ever used. If they are as good as they say they are, this delivers huge diversity for $249US. Essentially you get a 1.5x, 2x, 2.5x,3x and a 3.5x barlow which will just about cover all focal lengths with just a couple of EPs. (1 even!!!!!!!) I know some people feel that it is a PITA to change barlows etc but this really doesnt bother me. Of course, I would prefer to have premium EPs in every focal length but until I win lotto, $249 seems interesting. They have some pretty impressive specs on their website. I am interested in what observers more experienced than myself think about this.

[JJDOBBER79 (Jas)]

The reason I ask is hypothetically, one could buy 1 top shelf ep....say a 17mm ethos..... And one of these barlows and effectively have the whole ethos range which would otherwise cost about 4k.

[Amaranthus (Barry)]

I can't imaging putting a 17 Ethos 'hand grenade' on a long Barlow - that would be a LOT of leverage!

[JJDOBBER79 (Jas)]

They are made of lightweight aluminium so weight shouldn't be an issue. Length and, as you said, leverage could present a problem. It doesn't have to be ethos. I only chose that because its a lower power with a 1.25 barrel. Maybe an xw20 would be more suitable. I'm seriously considering this. I have read all I can read on these barlows and honestly No one has a bad word to say. An xw20 would give me 20, 13, 10, 8, 6.6, 5.7. That's pretty much all that's needed from 1 ep and 1 Barlow.

[Camelopardalis (Dunk)]

Maybe it's just my risk aversion sense kicking in, but I wouldn't want to be using my Ethos 17 in a Barlow, it's big enough and scary enough as it is

Btw the 17mm Ethos is a 2" only.

From a practical sense, it remains to be seen how convenient it is to fumble around with the rings in the dark. Give it a go and report back

But most people go with multiple eyepieces....just sayin

[JJDOBBER79 (Jas)]

Yeah, I know. Just trying to do it on the cheap. I guess i could even get multiple magnifications out of the Barlow I have by buying a couple of extension tubes? Same thing right?

[Camelopardalis (Dunk)]

I really couldn't tell you, in case you hadn't noticed I don't like to use a Barlow for visual well, that's not strictly true, I have an excellent little Baader Barlow that I use with my grab and go scope but with small, light eyepieces

Usually in this hobby, going cheap doesn't work out and you end up paying more I'm not trying to discourage you, but US$249 plus shipping almost buys you another XW from overseas or a Delos locally... it's just about careful eyepiece choice.

Think about the objects you wish to view with your new solutions and take it from there. And while I'm an advocate of premium eyepieces, there are plenty out there that are nearly as good for less. For example, you could get a couple of the shorter focal length ES82s with the same money.

Just my opinion anyways

[JJDOBBER79 (Jas)]

Maybe your right. I've been looking at a 16mm type 2 nagler for $200. The type 2 seems to get pretty good reviews

[Amaranthus (Barry)]

I have a 16mm type 5 Nagler and it is superb - probably my most used EP

[Camelopardalis (Dunk)]

I've never used a type 2 but the types 5 and 6 are excellent. I doubt any Nagler is all bad but it raises the question of whether the older ones are as good as a new ES82 for the same money I mean