Comments on: Orion Shorty 2x Barlow Lens, 1.25″

By: Robert M. Oreilly

Robert M. Oreilly — Sun, 23 May 2010 13:01:31 +0000

Heck , I used the slow motion tracking knob on my telescope with this lens and tracked a jumbo jet I could barely make out with my eyes. I can`t wait to do it again. clearly saw the engines, wings and tail wings with the vapor trail spewing from behind. It truly does double the power of your lens. Sure I had some vibrational distortion when I tracked the jet but to be expected with that kind of magnification. Worth the money ? Duh.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Mr. E

Mr. E — Sun, 23 May 2010 10:04:34 +0000

Great lens for doubling the magnification of eyepieces. I was pleasantly pleased! Shipped fast, and in perfect condition, no problems.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: rockchick

rockchick — Sun, 23 May 2010 09:07:13 +0000

This lens is supposed to double the magnification of any given eyepiece it is used with. I suppose it does, but to me the difference wasn’t that obvious. Probably depends a lot on the aperture of your telescope (mine is 114 mm), since magnification can only do so much with limited light. However, the quality of the materials/lens itself seems adequate, and you can’t beat the Orion company’s customer service.
Rating: 3 / 5

By: Christina Lunden

Christina Lunden — Sun, 23 May 2010 08:40:51 +0000

This was needed for the Orion telescope we bought. It has made seeing the moon, Jupiter and Saturn much easier. It’s amazing to be able to see so far away!
Rating: 5 / 5

By: MW

MW — Sun, 23 May 2010 07:58:46 +0000

I have a Skyquest XT6 and I have been using it with a lower quality Meade 25 mm eyepiece, Meade 9 mm and a higher quality Orion Sirius Plossl 25 mm eyepiece. The Orion 25 mm was nice for viewing Saturn (with an edge view of the rings), but not quite enough magnification. The Meade 9mm was better magnification, but just too fuzzy. So, I was excited when the Orion Shorty Barlow arrived. And, I was not disappointed. I ended up with almost the same magnification as the Meade 9mm, but a lot clearer. I also have an Orion Expanse 9mm on order and I am very excited about trying it and then it with the shorty Barlow. With all that magnification, I’ll be right at the edge of practicality, but I’m curious to see what kind of details I can see.
Rating: 5 / 5