Barlow and other EP recommendations?

I'm using a Nexstar 102GT and the stock 10mm and 25 mm EPs. I'm most interested in planetary viewing and during the summer will be at a dark, rural location. I've heard good things about the Orion Shorty Plus barlow, but they seem hard to come by used. What other brands would people recommend for a barlow?

Also, I want to get one or two other EPs for planets and DSOs. Using the max magnification formulas, I think 200x is my max for this scope. My question is this - is that a firm rule, and do I push the scope too far by getting a lense that will get me to 200? Or will something that will get me in the 180x range give me better results even though I lose a little magnification?

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

Kirk

Remember you don't want to exceed 50X per inch of aperture. Usually scopes of good optical quality will perform OK up to that much magnification. You will probably be better off at 35X maximum. A lot will depend on your experience, contrast and definition in the image your scope gives, and atmospheric conditions too.

If you go to a barlow, you might consider a very good one for future use if you decide to upgrade. You might consider a Klee or TeleVue barlow or better yet, a TeleVue Powermate. You may consider a 2.5X so as not to duplicate powers from your existing oculars. You may want to purchase a good ortho or plossl ocular too. At any rate, a marginal barlow can do a lot of damage to an image. You probably want to stay away from the old doublet type barlows and go for the newer designs. So to get the best image you scope can produce, you don't want to skimp on the barlow. Ultimately, a decision will need to be made as to how much money you want to invest in 'pumping up' your modest scope. No offense, but the optics are probably not the best quality from what has been posted about this particular scope.

Hi Kirk, here's my two cents, and possibly worth about that much. Orion Shorty Pluses are on sale now for about what they often sell for used, get yourself a new one, take good care of it and you'll get close to your money back should you decide to sell it later. Add a 6mm UO Ortho, which can be found used here occasionally for around $45 if your patient, and you will be all set for some fine planetary and lunar viewing for a relatively modest additional investment. A 6mm will probably be useable more often than a 5mm, but one of the really grand things about the UO Orthos is their affordability, you'll try a 5mm and 200x sooner or later and push the envelope.

Jim

Kirk,

If you want the best get a 2.5x Tele Vue Powermate. Be advised that they don't come cheaply.

OTOH, the Orion Barlow lens that you mentioned should be perfectly adequate by all acounts.

IMO, a 32mm Ploessl should be the first addition to your eyepiece collection.

Dave Mitsky

Kirk:
the University Optics' Klee 2.8x is a great barlow. One of the best ever made. You'll use it a lifetime.
Try looking into the U.O. website or in past issues of S&T for eps and the Klee(Dec.2004, page 126 for example).
Best of luck.

George S.