Sky-Watcher 2x Achromat T2 1.25″ Barlow Lens
The Sky-Watcher 2x Achromatic Barlow lens is a versatile optical accessory that serves dual purposes: doubling your eyepiece magnifications for visual observation and converting into a prime focus camera adapter for astrophotography. This multifunctional design makes it an essential tool for both planetary observers seeking higher magnifications and astrophotographers capturing lunar and planetary images.
Visual Observation Power
As a traditional Barlow lens, this unit doubles the magnification of any eyepiece inserted into it. Insert a 10mm eyepiece into the Barlow, and you effectively have a 5mm eyepiece - doubling your telescope's power without purchasing additional eyepieces. This magnification boost proves particularly valuable for planetary observation, lunar crater studies, and splitting close double stars where higher powers reveal finer details.
The achromatic optical design uses two lens elements with different glass types to minimize chromatic aberration - the color fringing that can plague simple lens systems. Multi-coated (MC) optical surfaces reduce internal reflections and maximize light transmission, ensuring sharp, high-contrast images that preserve your telescope's optical quality.
Astrophotography Capability
The innovative feature of this Barlow is the T2 threading (M42×0.75) on the eyepiece end. This allows direct camera attachment using a T-ring specific to your camera brand, enabling prime focus astrophotography at twice your telescope's native focal length. The increased focal length provides larger image scale - essential for capturing detailed lunar and planetary images.
For even greater versatility, the optical cell unscrews from the M28.5×0.6 filter thread, converting the Barlow into a 35mm long T2 camera adapter (1.25″/T2) without magnification. This configuration provides shorter back focus for cameras that need to reach focus in telescopes with limited focuser travel.
Technical Specifications
Magnification Factor: 2×
Barrel Diameter: 1.25″ (31.75mm)
Optical Design: Achromatic doublet
Coatings: MC (Multi-Coated)
Camera Thread: T2 (M42×0.75mm)
Filter Thread: M28.5×0.6mm
Length: 74mm
Weight: 75g
This compact, lightweight Barlow lens fits any telescope with a 1.25″ focuser and works with both refractors and reflectors. Its dual-purpose design eliminates the need for separate visual Barlow and camera adapter purchases, making it an economical choice for astronomers pursuing both visual observation and astrophotography.
