Zoom + Barlow Experiences

Hi All,

In the attempt to reduce my eyepiece collection, a Leica 7.3-22mm Zoom (with 2" adapter) has replace 3 fixed focal length eyepieces in that range and now I'm looking at doing the same at shorter focal lengths. The TV 3-6mm is not too appealing since I like comfortable eye relief. Adding a 2" Barlow to the Leica would produce an eyepiece of enormous size (not good) and I'd also like a dedicated high power zoom eyepiece without having to insert and remove a Barlow constantly. Has anyone tried combining a smaller high quality zoom (Nikon for example) with a high quality Barlow (Ultima 2X for example) to produce a shorter focal length zoom with good eye relief and how did it perform?

Thanks, Tom

I have the Nikon zoom (modified spotting scope ep 7-21mm) and I use it with a barlow (TV big barlow, but I believe the Ultima or its clones, would yield similar results). IMO, the Nikon blows the doors off of the 3-6 Nagler and is better than, or equal to my 5.2 Pentax (with or without barlow). If Nikon starts making ep's - Televue, and everyone else that makes high end, ep's, is in for a run for the money.