How to Use the Barlow Lens With the Sky-Watcher SK707AZ2 Refractor Telescope

The Barlow Lens, named after Peter Barlow (1776-1862), a professor of mathematics at the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich, England, is an additional device that enhances the focal length of a telescope. The greater the focal length, the better the magnifying power of your telescope. The main benefit of the Barlow Lens is that it provides greater relief to the viewer’s eye and lessens circular deviation in the eyepiece. Here’s how to use the Barlow Lens with the Sky-Watcher SK707AZ2 Refractor Telescope.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Note that you can insert the Barlow Lens in two ways for a better view from the telescope. The lens can be placed between the focuser and the eyepiece in a reflector or between the focuser and the diagonal. By doing so, you get greater magnification in some telescopes. By placing the Barlow lens between the focuser and the diagonal, the 2X lens can work as a 3X.

2. Adjust the position of the telescope until you feel it is appropriate for viewing through the Barlow Lens.

3. Make sure that you do not touch any optical surface while placing the Barlow Lens. It can affect the viewing quality.

4. Loosen or tighten the screws carefully at a place where there is adequate light. This will ensure that you do not loose any of the screws.

5. Take care that you do not tighten the screws excessively after inserting the eyepiece. It can cause damage to the telescope components.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a Barlow Lens in combination with the lens to increase the magnification of the telescope in comparison to the single lens being used. With the Barlow Lens, the user effectively has 2 different eyepieces.
• Be careful while handling the lens, as it is fragile.
• Do not clean the lens or any optical surface unless you are sure about the correct way of doing it.