Barlow lens sizes

[Twokids]

Hi all,
I am thinking about buying a barlow lens soon and just wanted to ask some questions first.
Question 1. If I am wanting to use both 1.25 and 2 inch EP's with it, do I need to buy 2 barlow lenses or will a 2 inch barlow lens take 1.25 EP's as well? (I only have 1.25inch EP's at the moment but I want to be able to upgrade in the future).
Question 2. How much should I look at spending to get a decent barlow that I won't need to upgrade in the near future?
Question 3. Any suggestions for which barlow I should be looking at?

Thanks for you help,
Jodie

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

A1: 2" barlow will take both types, you just need an adapter (which will probably come with the Barlow or you can use the one that you normally use in your 2" focuser)
A2&3: I think University Optics 2" Barlow was around $150. There is a review by Dave (47Tuc) on the site. But if you want to go nuts you can get a 2" Powermate for $450.

[norm]

There is also the Orion Shorty Plus.

Mind you I don't have a scope atm, but if I did go the 10inch dob, that could be worth considering.

BTW: I was in the same dilemma with the barlow sizes. Strange though, the 2.5 T/V powermate is less expensive than the 2 x TV powermate, maybe cause its only 1.25 inch only.

$450 - ouch - but it could cover all your bases and you wouldn't be in the pridicament down the track, I should have bought.....

norm

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

Originally Posted by norm

There is also the Orion Shorty Plus.

Shorty Plus is 1.25" only; there is no 2" version.

Originally Posted by norm

$450 - ouch - but it could cover all your bases and you wouldn't be in the pridicament down the track, I should have bought.....

I don't think so.

[rmcpb (Rob)]

Something to consider is whether you really need a 2" barlow or would you be better off just getting a good 1.25" one instead and leaving the 2" lenses for wide angle low power work.

Cheers

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

I use my 2" EP's in my 2" barlow quite a lot! Nice open views with lots of eye relief plus mag!

Mine also eliminates the 'seagull' problem with my GS 2" 30mm Superview.

[Starkler (Geoff)]

Jodie what eyepieces do you currently have or plan on buying ?

[Twokids]

At the moment I have a 40mm, 25mm, 15mm and 9mm. I would like a higher magnification eyepiece for nights with good seeing and thought it would make good sense to get a barlow that I could use as I get better quality EP's. I don't know which ones I'm looking at getting next, I'm doing things one step at a time, but thought a good barlow I could use whatever I get.

Thanks for all your help,
Jodie