2" Zhumell Barlow lens

Hi all,
I just purchased the Zhumell 2" ED 2X barlow lens with a 1.25" adapter. Has anyone tried this barlow? It came in yesterday and rain is in the forecast...SURPRISE!! I'm getting pretty anxious to use it so maybe I can at least get some facts about it. I have to budget myself very strictly but I have needed one for quite some time now, so this was my Christmas present to myself. There aren't any for sale here on the mart so I got a less expensive one new. It seems to be a nice quality barlow, it has some weight to it and isn't plastic. Any input would be appreciated.

Clear skies,
Darrell

Hi Darrell, Merry Christmas to you!

We are also getiing rain for the next couple of days (but that is OK because I don't have to shovel it).

I don't have the Zhummel barlow but I do have the GSO version. I don't know if they are the same or not but they sure look alike. I don't have any issues with mine. I have never noticed any problems except with some minor internal reflections when I use certain eyepieces. These problems are related more to the combination, and are not the fault of the barlow.

I like the fact that I can remove the lens assembly from the barlow and screw it directly onto an eyepiece. I probably use it like this more than in its factory configuration.

I am sure you will enjoy the Zhumell once you get it out under some clear skies.

Best wishes for the New Year,
dan

The reviews I read on it from a website that sells it were all very positive and not all the reviews that people post on the site are positive for the products that they sell.
The barlow is probably made by GSO or equivalent. The non-ED 2" GSO barlow with a 1.25" adapter that I use is quite good. Don Pensack likes it as well and we've talked about it in the past while observing up at Mt Pinos. I anticipate you'll like the ED version just as the other reviewers have...

Hi Darrell

A lot of Zhumell stuff looks to be spookily similar to GSO gear if it is actually made by some other OEM.

I have the GSO version and it seems to work fine.