Vixen 2x T2 Barlow Lens 1.25″
The Vixen 2x T2 Barlow is a high-quality achromatic focal extender that doubles your telescope's effective focal length, providing twice the magnification with any eyepiece. Featuring premium multi-coated optics, robust all-metal construction, and a unique T2 thread for direct camera attachment, this Barlow serves dual purposes as both a visual observing accessory and an astrophotography tool.
Achromatic Optical Design
Unlike simple single-element Barlows, the Vixen 2x employs an achromatic doublet design that corrects for chromatic aberration - the color fringing that can degrade image quality in less sophisticated optical systems. This two-element design ensures that different wavelengths of light focus at the same point, maintaining sharp, color-accurate views across the field. The result is contrast-rich images with minimal optical artifacts, even when observing bright objects like the Moon and planets.
FMC Multi-Coatings for Maximum Performance
All optical surfaces feature Fully Multi-Coated (FMC) anti-reflection treatments that maximize light transmission and suppress internal reflections. These premium coatings are essential in a Barlow lens where multiple air-to-glass surfaces could otherwise cause light loss and reduced contrast. The FMC coatings ensure bright, clear images that maintain the inherent quality of your telescope's optics.
Doubling Your Magnification Range
A 2x Barlow effectively doubles your collection of eyepieces. If you own a 25mm, 15mm, and 10mm eyepiece, adding this Barlow gives you the equivalent of six focal lengths: 25mm, 12.5mm, 15mm, 7.5mm, 10mm, and 5mm. This versatility is particularly valuable for:
- Short focal length telescopes - Fast Newtonians and short-tube refractors that naturally provide low magnifications benefit significantly from a 2x multiplier
- Improving eye relief - Instead of using an uncomfortable 5mm eyepiece with minimal eye relief, you can achieve the same magnification with a 10mm eyepiece plus Barlow, resulting in much more comfortable viewing
- Planetary observation - When atmospheric conditions permit higher magnification, the Barlow allows you to reach useful planetary magnifications without investing in additional short focal length eyepieces
T2 Thread for Astrophotography
A distinctive feature of this Vixen Barlow is the T2 thread (M42 x 0.75mm) machined into the eyepiece end of the barrel. This allows direct attachment of a camera using an appropriate T-ring for your camera mount (Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, etc.). The T2 connection provides:
- Prime focus astrophotography - Attach your DSLR or mirrorless camera directly for planetary, lunar, and deep-sky imaging with doubled focal length
- Increased image scale - The 2x focal length extension provides larger planetary images on your sensor, capturing more detail per pixel
- Secure mounting - The threaded connection is more secure than compression-ring eyepiece holders and ensures precise optical alignment
Premium All-Metal Construction
The Vixen 2x T2 Barlow features solid all-metal housing that provides durability, dimensional stability, and proper thermal management. The machined aluminum barrel maintains tight tolerances and fits securely in standard 1.25″ focusers and star diagonals. The quality construction ensures years of reliable service and maintains collimation even with repeated insertions and removals.
Universal 1.25″ Compatibility
With its standard 31.7mm (1.25″) barrel diameter, this Barlow works with virtually all telescopes equipped with 1.25″ focusers - from small refractors to large Dobsonians. The barrel is precisely sized to fit without play, yet inserts and removes smoothly. It accepts any 1.25″ eyepiece, making it a universal accessory for your entire eyepiece collection.
Practical Applications
Visual Observation
For visual observers, the Barlow excels when observing:
- Lunar craters and mountain ranges at higher magnification
- Planetary detail when seeing conditions are good
- Close double stars requiring additional magnification to split
- Small deep-sky objects that benefit from higher power
Photography
For astrophotographers using the T2 thread:
- Planetary imaging with increased image scale for better detail capture
- Lunar photography with extended effective focal length
- Prime focus deep-sky imaging when you need longer focal length
Technical Specifications
- Magnification factor: 2x
- Optical design: Achromatic doublet
- Coatings: FMC (Fully Multi-Coated)
- Barrel diameter: 1.25″ (31.7mm)
- Eyepiece end: T2 thread (M42 x 0.75mm)
- Housing: All-metal construction
- Applications: Visual observation and astrophotography
Vixen Quality
Vixen is a respected Japanese manufacturer with decades of experience producing precision optical instruments. Their accessories are known for excellent build quality, reliable optical performance, and thoughtful design features. The 2x T2 Barlow exemplifies this tradition, combining practical functionality with the optical quality serious observers expect.
Who Should Choose This Barlow?
The Vixen 2x T2 Barlow is ideal for:
- Visual observers wanting to expand their magnification range economically
- Astrophotographers needing a quality Barlow with direct camera attachment capability
- Owners of short focal length telescopes seeking higher magnifications
- Anyone wanting the flexibility of both visual and photographic applications in one accessory
The combination of quality achromatic optics, versatile T2 threading, and solid construction makes this Barlow an excellent value for both beginners building their first accessory collection and experienced observers seeking reliable performance.
