I bought this barlow on sale from Orion with free shipping for $59.45. This is a very good barlow and is small, light and convenient to use, but I think the GSO 2" barlow for about the same price (or maybe a bit more with shipping) is a better deal. Check out my review of the GSO 2".

Overall Rating: 8
Optics:9 Value:8
Weight: 5
Date: 01/31/2005 01:09:21 am PST

Replies: 0

I agree with the two previous reviews. This 2" barlow may be all you really need. I compared this GSO barlow to another barlow I own - an 1.25" Orion Shorty Plus apochromatic. The GSO is brighter, marginally sharper and to me is built better. It has a nice 1.25" compression ring adapter. The lens cell is removable (unlike the Orion Shorty Plus) so the lens may be easily cleaned and/or attached to your 2" eyepieces. It is better suited than the Orion to use ahead of the diagonal in my refractor - so that it also works as a 3X barlow as well. All of my cheap eyepieces work better with this barlow and makes me wonder why you really need a barlow to be multi-element or "apochromatic" in design. The optics in this one is exceptional. Also, buy it from Owl for the best deal.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:10
Weight: 5
Date: 01/31/2005 01:00:42 am PST

Replies: 0