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July 1st: Store will be closed for Canada Day. Orders placed that day will ship on July 2nd.
Celestron X-Cel LX 3x Barlow - 1.25"
Celestron X-Cel LX 3x Barlow - 1.25"
Celestron X-Cel LX 3x Barlow - 1.25"
Celestron X-Cel LX 3x Barlow - 1.25"

Celestron X-Cel LX 3x Barlow - 1.25"

by Celestron
SKU CEL-93428
CA$174.00 - CA$174.00
CA$174.00
CA$174.00 - CA$174.00
CA$174.00
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  • Triples the magnification of any 1.25" eyepiece
  • 3-element apochromatic optics for superior color correction
  • Fully multi-coated for maximum image contrast and light transmission
  • Brass compression ring securely holds eyepieces without marring the barrel
  • Threaded to accept standard 1.25" astronomy filters
  • Weighs just 5.4 oz (150 g)
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Celestron X-Cel LX 3x Barlow Lens - 1.25"

    The Celestron X-Cel LX 3x Barlow Lens triples the power of any 1.25" eyepiece using a 3-element apochromatic optical design. This premium Barlow weighs only 5.4 oz (150 g) and features fully multi-coated optics to deliver high-contrast, color-accurate views, making it an essential tool for high-magnification planetary and lunar observation.

    Apochromatic 3-Element Optics for 3x Magnification

    Inside the Celestron X-Cel LX is a 3-element optical design that provides a true 3x magnification factor without introducing false color (chromatic aberration). The apochromatic, fully multi-coated optics ensure that views of bright targets like Jupiter, Saturn, and the Moon remain sharp and high-contrast, preserving the fine detail your telescope resolves.

    Secure Handling: A 5.4 oz Design with Brass Compression Ring

    The X-Cel LX Barlow is designed for confident use, even in cold weather. A central rubber grip provides a secure hold, while the internal brass compression ring holds your 1.25" eyepieces firmly without scratching their barrels. This is a significant improvement over simple thumbscrew designs that can damage eyepiece barrels over time.

    • Brass Compression Ring: Offers a gentle, firm grip that centers the eyepiece perfectly in the optical path.
    • Rubber Grip: Ensures you maintain a secure hold on the 5.4 oz barrel, even while wearing gloves.
    • Filter Threads: The barrel is threaded for 1.25" filters, allowing you to attach a filter once and swap eyepieces without moving the filter.

    Tripling Power for High-Resolution Planetary & Lunar Views

    This Barlow is an ideal accessory for observers with short-tube, fast focal ratio telescopes who need a significant boost in power to see fine detail. By tripling magnification, the X-Cel LX 3x allows eyepieces with comfortable eye relief to function as high-power planetary eyepieces, pushing your telescope to its resolution limits on nights of steady seeing.

    X-Cel LX 3x vs. 2x Barlows: When More Power is the Right Choice

    While a 2x Barlow is a versatile choice, the X-Cel LX 3x serves a specific and critical purpose. It allows you to achieve the very high magnifications needed for detailed planetary observation or splitting tight double stars without resorting to short, uncomfortable eyepieces.

    • Advantage of 3x: If you own a set of medium-to-low power eyepieces, a 3x Barlow can fill the high-magnification gap in your collection, effectively doubling the number of magnifications at your disposal.
    • Consideration: 3x magnification requires good atmospheric seeing to be effective. On nights of poor seeing, the image may appear soft, but on a steady night, the detail resolved will be remarkable.

  • What is the advantage of the X-Cel LX 3x Barlow's apochromatic design?

    An apochromatic design uses multiple lens elements (in this case, 3 elements) to correct for chromatic aberration, or false color. This means you won't see distracting purple or yellow fringing around bright objects like the limb of the Moon or bright planets like Jupiter, resulting in a sharper, higher-contrast image.

    How will the Celestron X-Cel LX 3x Barlow perform on Saturn with an 8" f/10 SCT?

    An 8" f/10 SCT has a focal length of around 2000mm. With a 25mm eyepiece, you get 80x magnification. Adding the X-Cel LX 3x Barlow boosts this to 240x, an excellent magnification for seeing the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings, cloud bands on the planet's surface, and its major moons, provided the atmospheric seeing is stable.

    Can I use 1.25" filters with the X-Cel LX 3x Barlow?

    Yes. The barrel of the X-Cel LX 3x Barlow is threaded to accept standard 1.25" filters. This is a convenient feature that allows you to attach a planetary or moon filter directly to the Barlow, so it works with every eyepiece you insert without needing to swap the filter each time.

    Is 3x magnification too much for my short f/5 Dobsonian?

    Not at all. In fact, short, fast telescopes are where a 3x Barlow is most useful. An f/5 telescope requires more magnification to get detailed planetary views. The X-Cel LX 3x Barlow will triple the power of your existing eyepieces, allowing you to easily reach the optimal magnification range for lunar and planetary observing.

    What is the benefit of a brass compression ring on the X-Cel LX Barlow?

    A brass compression ring provides a more secure and gentle grip on your eyepiece compared to a standard thumbscrew. When you tighten the thumbscrew, it presses the ring against the eyepiece barrel, holding it firmly and centered. This prevents the screw tip from digging into and scratching your eyepiece barrels.

    Will the X-Cel LX 3x Barlow work with any brand of 1.25" eyepiece?

    Yes, the Celestron X-Cel LX 3x Barlow is designed to work with any standard 1.25" eyepiece, regardless of the manufacturer. The brass compression ring ensures a secure fit for any 1.25" barrel.

  • Magnification 3x
    Barrel Size 31.75mm (1.25")
    Optical Design Apochromatic
    Number of Elements 3
    Number of Groups 2
    Optical Coatings Fully Multi-Coated
    Accepted Eyepieces 1.25"
    Filter Threads Yes, 1.25"
    Dimensions 90mm x 45mm x 45mm (3.54" x 1.77" x 1.77")
    Weight 5.4 oz (150 g)
    Environmental Protection Not Waterproof
    • Celestron X-Cel LX 3x Barlow Lens - 1.25

      X-Cel LX 3x Barlow Lens - 1.25"

      × 1

    • Dust Cap

      Dust Cap (Top)

      × 1

    • Dust Cap

      Dust Cap (Bottom)

      × 1

  • Celestron 2-Year Warranty