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What is a Barlow Lens?
A Barlow lens is a simple optical device that is used with telescopes to increase the magnification of an eyepiece. The Barlow lens is placed between the eyepiece and the focuser of the telescope, and it works by increasing the effective focal length of the telescope system. This increased focal length results in a magnified image, which allows you to observe smaller details in astronomical objects.
Barlow lenses are a popular accessory for amateur astronomers, as they are an inexpensive and easy way to increase the magnification of a telescope without having to buy additional eyepieces. Most Barlow lenses are designed to be used with standard 1.25-inch or 2-inch eyepieces, and they come in a variety of magnifications, typically ranging from 2x to 5x.
How to choose a Barlow Lens?
When choosing a Barlow lens, there are several factors you should consider:
- Magnification: Barlow lenses are available with different magnification factors, ranging from 2x to 5x or higher. Consider the maximum magnification you need for your observing setup, and choose a Barlow lens that provides the desired magnification.
- Number of lenses: Barlows have usually between 2 and 4 lenses. The entry-level have 2 lenses, and advanced ones will have up to 4 lenses. The more lenses Barlows have, the better the image quality will be. More lenses mean less chromaticity, less aberrations, and therefore better performance.
- Quality of the Glass: The quality of the glass used in the Barlow lens can affect the clarity and sharpness of the image. Make sure to choose a Barlow lens made with high-quality glass to ensure the best viewing experience.
- Coatings: Barlow lenses with multiple anti-reflective coatings on the lenses can reduce reflections and glare, which can improve image quality and make it easier to see faint objects.
- Compatibility with your Telescope: Barlows come in different sizes and thread types, so it’s important to choose a Barlow lens that is compatible with your focuser and eyepieces. Make sure to check the specifications of your telescope and the Barlow lens to ensure compatibility.
- Price: Barlow lenses range in price from affordable to expensive, so consider your budget when making a decision. Keep in mind that a higher-priced Barlow lens does not always mean a better-quality product.
- Durability: A Barlow lens that is well-constructed and durable is important, especially if you plan to use it frequently. Make sure to choose a Barlow lens that is built to last and can withstand the rigors of regular use.
How to Take Care of Barlow Lenses?
As any optics are sensitive, here are some tips for taking care of your Barlows:
- Cleaning: To clean the lenses of your Barlow lens, use a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution specifically designed for optical surfaces. Avoid using tissue paper or rough materials that could scratch the lens.
- Storage: Store your Barlow lens in a clean, dry place when not in use. Consider keeping it in a protective case to prevent dust or other particles from settling on the lens.
- Avoid Exposure to Moisture: Moisture can damage the lenses of your Barlow lens, so be sure to store it in a dry place and avoid exposing it to damp conditions. If the lens does get wet, use a microfiber cloth to gently dry it off.
- Handle Carefully: When handling your Barlow lens, be sure to hold it by the body and not the lens itself. This will prevent any accidental scratches or other damage to the lens.
- Avoid Dropping: Dropping a Barlow lens can cause serious damage, so be sure to handle it with care and avoid dropping it. If the lens does get damaged, consider having it professionally repaired or replaced.
- Avoid Over-tightening: When attaching or removing the Barlow lens from your focuser, be careful not to over-tighten it. Over-tightening can cause damage to the focuser or the Barlow lens itself.
The 20 Best Barlows for telescopes
Here are the best Barlows for telescopes. Note that the best Barlow lens for you will depend on your specific needs and the type of telescope you’re using. Some factors to consider when choosing a Barlow lens include magnification, weight, field of view, and compatibility with your telescope’s eyepieces.
SaleBestseller No. 1 
3X - 1.25” – X-Cel LX Barlow Lens
- TRIPLE THE POWER OF YOUR TELESCOPE EYEPIECES: This quality...
- 3-ELEMENT APOCHROMATIC OPTICS: All air-to-glass surfaces are...
- BRASS COMPRESSION RING: Rather than setscrews, the X-Cel LX...
- ACCEPTS 1.25" FILTERS: The Barlow is threaded to accept...
- NON-SLIP GRIP: A centralized rubber ring around the Barlow's...
$99.99 
Buy on Amazon SaleBestseller No. 2 
Celestron Omni 1.25" 2X Barlow Lens, Multi, Model...
- Double the magnification of each eyepiece you own with the...
- Keep the eye relief of your eyepieces while getting 2X the...
- Slides into 1.25 inch focuses and diagonals and accepts 1.25...
- Fully multicoated optics with blackened edges for good light...
$36.95
Buy on Amazon Bestseller No. 3 
SVBONY 1.25 inches 3X Barlow Lens, Fully-Multi...
- Advanced Achromatic Lens;Superior sharpness and color...
- For owners of fast short focal length telescopes;It not only...
- 3x Barlow triples the magnification of any 1.25” eyepiece;...
- Includes both end caps to protect against dust and...
- Works on for Celestron; Orion;and most brands of...
$29.99
Buy on Amazon Bestseller No. 4 
Starboosa 1.25-inch 5X Barlow Lens & Moon Filter...
- Barlow lens & moon filter, which are indispensable for...
- 5x Barlow lens has a magnification of 2.5 times in the...
- Works with telescopes from Celestron, Skywatcher, Mead,...
- Universal M42 thread connection, you can also connect an SLR...
- Both the 5x Barlow lens and Moon Filter frame are processed...
$14.59
Buy on Amazon SaleBestseller No. 5 
SVBONY SV118 Barlow Lens 1.25 inches 2X Achromatic...
- Powerful Telescope Accessories; SV118 1.25" 2x achromatic...
- Fully Multi coated lens; SV118 barlow lens uses two element...
- Compact barlow lens; SV118 barlow lens just 2.5 inches long;...
- Important role; The Barlow lens’ role is not only to...
- SV118 2X barlow lens provide a high power magnification...
Bestseller No. 6 
SVBONY SV137 3X Barlow Lens 1.25 inch Telescope...
- Fashion appearance;Different from the black that is common...
- Brass compression ring design; A brass compression ring can...
- Lens edges is blackened; The edge of the mirror is matted...
- Non-slip rubber grip ring design; No slip prevent the barlow...
- Fully multi-coated lenses;The lens fully multi-coated...
$20.99
Buy on Amazon Bestseller No. 7 
Orion 08711 Shorty 1.25-Inch 2x Barlow Lens...
- Double the power of any 1.25" telescope eyepiece with the...
- A great way to essentially double the number of telescope...
- Very compact - just 3 inch long (half the length of a...
- Doublet lens system is multi-coated for excellent...
- Threaded for use with 1.25 inch Orion telescope eyepiece...
Bestseller No. 8 
Acouto 2X Barlow Lens 1.25 Inch M28.6 Thread...
- 【1.25inch Barrel Size】This 2x barlow lens is suitable...
- 【Good Light Transmission】Fully multi-coated glass lens...
- 【2X Magnification Barlow Lens】High-definition 2X...
- 【High Quality】The astronomical telescope barlow lens...
- 【Quality Assurance】As a professional seller, high...
$11.54
Buy on Amazon Bestseller No. 9 
SVBONY SV137 2X Barlow Lens 1.25 inch Metal Body...
- Provides comfortable viewing;Using the 2x barlow lens with a...
- Quality aluminum stock and black anodized body; Precision...
- Full bandwidth multi-coated lens;Ensure that the incoming...
- Brass ring design;The built-in brass pressure ring on the...
- Well-made 2x barlow lens black tube flocking matt inside;all...
$17.99
Buy on Amazon Bestseller No. 10 
SVBONY SV213 3X Barlow Lens, 1.25inch FMC...
- SV213 3x Barlow lens triples the magnification of all 1.25...
- All optical glass surfaces have multi-layer coating; the...
- Barlow lens with M28.5*0.6 thread allows the Barlow lens to...
- SV213 Barlow lens has 2 fixing screws and equipped with...
- The standard 1.25 inches Barlow lens can be compatible with...
$49.99
Buy on Amazon Bestseller No. 11 
NEEWER 2X Barlow Lens for Telescope Eyepiece,...
- 【Double Magnification Barlow Lens】 NEEWER 2X Barlow lens...
- 【Multi-layer HD Optical Glass Lens】 Anti-reflective...
- 【Interface with M42x0.75 Thread】The T/T2 (M42x0.75mm)...
- 【High-quality Material】 Aluminum alloy and black...
- 【Protective Cap】 Two pairs of protective caps to keep...
$19.49
Buy on Amazon Bestseller No. 12 
Barlow Lens 2X, Bysameyee 1.25 Inch Fully...
- Doubles the Magnification: This 2X Barlow lens doubles the...
- Interface with M42x0.75 Thread: With T/T2 (M42x0.75mm) male...
- Multilayer HD Broadband Green Film Optical Glass Lens: Offer...
- Quality Made: Aluminum stock and black anodized body,...
- Free Dust Cap: Keeps lens clear easily with 2 pairs of dust...
$19.99
Buy on Amazon Bestseller No. 13 
Telescope Barlow Lenses Kit 2X-3X-5X, 1.25 Inch...
- ➤Quality aluminum stock and black anodized body.
- ➤The set contains 3 Barlow lenses.The 2X,3X,5X...
- ➤Multi-coated optical lens provides high-quality...
- ➤The lens edges and inner barrel is blackened to provide...
- ➤1.25" Barlow lens fully multi coated metal with M42x0.75...
Bestseller No. 14 
Astromania 1.25" 3X Short Focus Barlow Lens for...
- 3x increase in magnification - Superior sharpness and color...
- It not only increases the magnification, the image will be...
- High quality Barlow. Bayonet SLR cameras can be connected to...
- Essentially triple the power of any 1.25" telescope eyepiece...
- Compatible with most 1.25- Inch diameter telescope...
$29.99
Buy on Amazon Bestseller No. 15 
SVBONY Telescope Barlow Lenses, 1.25 Inch...
- The value must have 5x barlow lens doubles the magnification...
- Quality aluminum stock and black anodized body
- 3 element 2 group lenses with multi coated optics design...
- Qulity and shorty aluminum stock and black anodized body for...
- 2 element one group broadband green film multi coated...
$15.99
Buy on Amazon Bestseller No. 16 
NEEWER 3X Barlow Len for 1.25" Telescope Eyepiece,...
- 【Triple Magnification Barlow Lens】Designed to enhance...
- 【Great Optical Performance】The LS-T11 Barlow lens excels...
- 【Wide Eyepiece Compatibility】 The 1.25" Barlow lens can...
- 【Easy to Use with M42x0.75 Thread】Simply place the 3X...
- 【Full Metal Build with Protective Caps】With full metal...
$26.49
Buy on Amazon SaleBestseller No. 17
Bindpo 2X Barlow Lens, 1.25inch Fully Multi-Coated...
- 【2X Magnification Barlow Lens】High-definition 2X...
- 【Fully Multi-Coated Glass Lens】Glass lens has high light...
- 【For Astronomy Lovers】This Barlow Lens suitable for 1.25...
- 【Barlow Lens Size】Barrel Size: 1.25inch / 31.75mm,...
- 【Great After-sales Service】We offer 100% satisfaction...
$11.67
Buy on Amazon Bestseller No. 18 
Barlow Lens 5X, Multi-Coated 1.25" 5X Barlow Lens...
- 【Long Lens Life】This Barlow lens adopts aluminum alloy...
- 【Compatible With DSLR or SLR Camera】This telescope lens...
- 【Multiple Magnification, Clearer】This astronomical...
- 【No Color Difference】The multilayer coated optical lens...
- 【Easy to Use】Just insert the eyepiece into the Barlow...
$17.79
Buy on Amazon SaleBestseller No. 19 
Bewinner 0.96 Inch 3X Barlow Lens, 24.5mm Optical...
- 【Multiple Magnification, Clearer】The 3x magnification of...
- 【Compatible With DSLR or SLR Camera】This telescope lens...
- 【Portable Design】The plastic body is light, stable and...
- 【Easy to Use】Just insert the eyepiece into the Barlow...
- 【100% Guarantee】If you have any questions about our...
$5.85
Buy on Amazon Bestseller No. 20 
Orion 8707 High-Power 1.25-Inch 3x 4-Element...
- 4-Element 3x Barlow will give your 1
- 25" telescope eyepieces a triple-power boost
- Ideal for high-power telescopic study of the Moon and...
- Sophisticated fully multi-coated, 4-element lens design...
Additional Resources
The following links gives additional resources to learn more about Barlow lenses.
- Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barlow_lens) – A comprehensive resource that provides an overview of Barlow lenses, including their history, construction, and use in astronomy.
- Sky & Telescope (skyandtelescope.org) – A leading publication for amateur astronomers that provides articles and resources on Barlow lenses, including their use in telescopes, how to choose the right one, and how to use them effectively.
- Cosmic Pursuits (cosmicpursuits.com) – A website dedicated to amateur astronomy that provides information on Barlow lenses, including their use in telescopes, how to choose the right one, and how to use them effectively.
- The Astronomy Café (astronomycafe.net) – A comprehensive resource for amateur astronomers that provides information on a wide range of astronomical topics, including Barlow lenses, with articles and discussions on their use in telescopes, how to choose the right one, and how to use them effectively.
- An Introduction to Astrophotography (optodir.com/introduction-to-astrophotography/) – An introduction to methods and tools to start photography of the sky’s objects with a telescope.
- A Youtube video by Celestron (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wWKjpDR4J8) explaining what is a Barlow lens.
Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
