How will the Omni 2x Barlow affect views of Jupiter with my 8" SCT?
Using the Omni 2x Barlow with an 8" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain is an excellent way to boost magnification for planetary viewing. For example, a 25mm eyepiece that normally provides 81x magnification will jump to 162x with the Barlow. This is an ideal power for resolving Jupiter's main cloud bands, the Great Red Spot, and the Galilean moons as distinct disks.
Does the Omni 2x Barlow introduce any chromatic aberration?
The 2-element, fully multi-coated design of the Omni 2x Barlow does a very good job of controlling false color (chromatic aberration). While any additional glass in the optical path has the potential to introduce minor aberrations, this Barlow is designed to provide sharp, color-correct views, especially when paired with quality eyepieces.
Can I use the Celestron Omni 2x Barlow for astrophotography?
Yes, the Omni 2x Barlow is a great tool for lunar and planetary imaging. It doubles the effective focal length of your telescope, increasing the image scale on your camera's sensor. This allows you to capture much more detailed close-ups of the Moon's craters or the cloud bands of Saturn and Jupiter.
Is it better to use the Omni 2x Barlow with a 20mm eyepiece or just buy a 10mm eyepiece?
Both will give you the same magnification, but the Barlow solution offers a key advantage: eye relief. A 20mm eyepiece typically has much more comfortable eye relief than a 10mm eyepiece. Using the Omni 2x Barlow with the 20mm eyepiece gives you 10mm power while retaining the comfort of the 20mm's longer eye relief.
How do I attach filters to the Omni 2x Barlow?
The 1.25" barrel of the Omni 2x Barlow is threaded to accept standard 1.25" filters. You can screw a filter directly onto the bottom of the Barlow barrel before inserting it into your telescope's focuser or diagonal. This allows you to apply the filter's effect to any eyepiece you then place in the Barlow.
What is the build quality of the Celestron Omni 2x Barlow?
The Omni 2x Barlow features a sleek, silver aluminum body with a metal thumbscrew to securely hold your eyepiece. At a weight of just 60 g (2.11 oz), it's light enough to avoid causing significant balance issues with your telescope.