Meade ETX-80 focus and Barlow

aschex · Guest

I purchased a Meade ETX-80AT for Christmas and I have a couple questions. The telescope comes equipped with a x2 Barlow lens. Can I use a x3 Barlow in conjunction with the x2 Barlow?

Also, is there an electric-focus for the ETX-80 AT? I saw one for the ETX-70 and one for the ETX-90. Will either of those work on the ETX-80?

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 5:44 pm Post subject:

Hi

I would not recommend using the flip-mirror barlow in the ETX-80, especially with another barlow, since it takes an enormous amount of refocusing just with the flip barlow by itself. Also, adding a barlow to another barlow is not the best idea optically. With that many glass elements in the optical path, you will lose image brightness, which is not that high in a small scope like the ETX80 in the first place. You also run the risk of over-magnification and consequent loss of image quality. A 3x barlow is a better option here.

We don't carry an electric focuser for the ETX-80, but there amy be an aftermarket version available. You might also want to try a Scopetronix Flexicable. Anything is better than the focuser that comes with ETX-80.
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