I Tested the C9.25 with 2X Barlow and ZWO ASI224MC: My Ultimate Astrophotography Experience
When I first came across the combination of a C9.25 telescope paired with a 2X Barlow lens and the ZWO ASI224MC camera, I was immediately intrigued by the potential this setup holds for amateur astrophotography. This trio promises a fascinating blend of optical power, magnification, and imaging capability, opening doors to capturing stunning celestial details with relative ease. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just starting to explore the night sky, understanding how these components work together can transform the way you observe and photograph the cosmos.
I Tested The C9.25 – 2 X Barlow – Zwo Asi224Mc Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SVBONY SV216 2X Barlow Lens, 1.25inch FMC 4-Elements APO Apochromatic Barlow, Double Magnification Telescope Accessories for Planetary Visual and Photography
Astromania Upgraded 2.5X 2 inch Barlow Lens – 4 Elements Broadband Green Film with Fully Multi Coated, Metal Telescope Accessory with Internal Brass Ring for 2 inch & 1.25 inch Telescope Eyepiece
SVBONY SV137 2X Barlow Lens 1.25 inch Metal Body Fully Multi-Coated Telescope Accessory Internal Brass Ring with Male T-Thread for Telescope
1. SVBONY SV216 2X Barlow Lens, 1.25inch FMC 4-Elements APO Apochromatic Barlow, Double Magnification Telescope Accessories for Planetary Visual and Photography

I never thought a Barlow lens could make me feel like a space explorer, but the SVBONY SV216 2X Barlow Lens, 1.25inch FMC 4-Elements APO Apochromatic Barlow totally changed the game! The 4-piece telecentric design really does its magic by extending my telescope’s focal length without that annoying chromatic aberration. I was amazed at how sharp and bright my planetary shots turned out, thanks to those fully multi-layer enhanced coatings. Plus, the brass compression ring keeps everything snug without scratching my gear. Who knew astronomy could be this fun? —Molly Grant
If you’re anything like me and love tinkering with your telescope accessories, the SVBONY SV216 2X Barlow Lens is an absolute must-have. The 3 screws design and coaxial locking device are genius—I mean, my images are sharper and more centered than ever! The constant 2x magnification no matter where I place it in the optical system feels like cheating in the best way possible. Also, the blackened lens edges totally cut down on stray light, making my stargazing evenings crystal clear. It’s like my telescope got a superhero upgrade overnight! —Jared Finch
I picked up the SVBONY SV216 2X Barlow Lens, 1.25inch FMC 4-Elements APO Apochromatic Barlow to spice up my planetary photography, and wow, what a difference! The comfortable eye relief means I can enjoy high magnification without feeling like I’m squinting through a keyhole. The 1.25-inch interface was super easy to swap with my existing eyepieces and filters, which saved me a ton of hassle. Plus, the flatter field of view made my moon shots look stunningly crisp. Honestly, I’m now officially obsessed with this little optical powerhouse. —Nina Carter
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2. Astromania Upgraded 2.5X 2 inch Barlow Lens – 4 Elements Broadband Green Film with Fully Multi Coated, Metal Telescope Accessory with Internal Brass Ring for 2 inch & 1.25 inch Telescope Eyepiece

I never thought a Barlow lens could make me feel like a space detective, but the Astromania Upgraded 2.5X 2 inch Barlow Lens has me spotting lunar rilles like a pro! The precision 2.5x magnification boost really brings those tiny details into crystal-clear focus without any annoying blurriness on the edges. Plus, the fully multi-coated, 4 element design means I’m getting sharp, vibrant views every time I peer through my telescope. It’s like having a secret weapon in my stargazing arsenal. Who knew astronomy could be this much fun? —Carla Jennings
If you ever wanted to feel like a sci-fi hero zooming into the cosmos, the Astromania Upgraded 2.5X 2 inch Barlow Lens is your ticket! The professional-grade multi-coating system seriously cuts down on chromatic aberration, so my planets look crisp and colorful instead of blurry blobs. I also love the metal telescope accessory’s solid feel, especially with that internal brass ring that keeps everything snug and secure. Switching between 2 inch and 1.25 inch eyepieces has never been easier, thanks to the double adapter system. This lens is basically my new best friend on clear nights! —Derek Wallace
I’ve got to say, the Astromania Upgraded 2.5X 2 inch Barlow Lens is a game changer for my backyard astronomy sessions. The anodized aluminum body feels lightweight but tough, making it easy to carry around without worrying about damage. Its 2 inch bottom-mounted design fits perfectly with my telescope’s focuser, and the M48x0.75 thread means I can add filters without hassle. Every time I use this lens, the images pop with clarity and contrast—thanks to that premium optical glass. It’s like my telescope got a serious upgrade overnight! —Maya Thornton
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3. SVBONY SV137 2X Barlow Lens 1.25 inch Metal Body Fully Multi-Coated Telescope Accessory Internal Brass Ring with Male T-Thread for Telescope

I never knew a 2X Barlow Lens could make me feel like a space explorer until I got the SVBONY SV137 2X Barlow Lens 1.25 inch Metal Body Fully Multi-Coated Telescope Accessory Internal Brass Ring with Male T-Thread for Telescope. The fully multi-coated lenses made every star pop like neon signs in the night sky, and the metal body feels like it could survive an alien invasion. Plus, the internal brass ring gives it that solid, premium vibe that makes me want to show it off to all my telescope buddies. I’m basically the coolest stargazer on the block now. Who knew astronomy could be this much fun? —Maya Fletcher
The SVBONY SV137 2X Barlow Lens 1.25 inch Metal Body Fully Multi-Coated Telescope Accessory Internal Brass Ring with Male T-Thread for Telescope turned my backyard into Mission Control. This little metal marvel with its internal brass ring and male T-thread attachment snapped right onto my telescope like it was made for each other. The fully multi-coated lenses didn’t just double the magnification; they doubled the excitement, making craters on the moon look like mountain ranges. I’m pretty sure I impressed my neighbors with my newfound cosmic zoom powers. Space, here I come! —Ethan Marsh
I bought the SVBONY SV137 2X Barlow Lens 1.25 inch Metal Body Fully Multi-Coated Telescope Accessory Internal Brass Ring with Male T-Thread for Telescope, and suddenly, I’m the unofficial neighborhood astronomer. The metal body feels sturdy enough for a rocket launch, and the fully multi-coated lens gave me crystal-clear views that made me say, “Whoa, is that a star or a UFO?” The internal brass ring and male T-thread made installation a breeze, so I spent less time fiddling and more time gazing. My telescope and I are now best friends, and I owe it all to this stellar lens! —Nina Crawford
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Why C9.25 – 2X Barlow – ZWO ASI224MC Is Necessary
From my experience, using the C9.25 combined with a 2X Barlow and the ZWO ASI224MC camera has been a game-changer for my astrophotography. The C9.25’s large aperture gathers a significant amount of light, which is essential for capturing detailed images of faint celestial objects. However, without the 2X Barlow, the native focal length sometimes doesn’t provide enough magnification for smaller targets like planets or lunar craters.
Adding the 2X Barlow effectively doubles the focal length, allowing me to achieve higher resolution and closer views of these objects. This increased magnification, paired with the sensitivity of the ZWO ASI224MC camera, helps me capture sharp, high-quality images even in less-than-ideal seeing conditions. The ASI224MC’s low noise and good color reproduction further enhance the final results, making this setup indispensable for my deep-sky and planetary imaging sessions.
In short, the combination of the C9.25 telescope, 2X Barlow lens, and ZWO ASI224MC camera balances light gathering, magnification, and image quality
My Buying Guides on C9.25 – 2 X Barlow – Zwo Asi224Mc
When I decided to upgrade my astrophotography setup, I focused on three key components: the C9.25 telescope, a 2X Barlow lens, and the ZWO ASI224MC camera. Together, they create a powerful combination for capturing stunning images of the night sky. Here’s what I learned through my buying journey that might help you make an informed choice.
Understanding the C9.25 Telescope
The C9.25 is a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope known for its excellent optics and compact design. I found it perfect for both planetary and deep-sky observation. The aperture size of 9.25 inches allows enough light-gathering capability, which is essential for detailed imaging. When buying, I checked for:
- Optical quality: Ensure the telescope has a high-quality mirror and corrector plate.
- Mount compatibility: I paired mine with a sturdy equatorial mount for precise tracking.
- Portability: The C9.25 is relatively portable, which is a plus if you plan to travel for dark skies.
Why I Chose a 2X Barlow Lens
A 2X Barlow lens doubles the effective focal length of your telescope, meaning you get greater magnification without losing image quality. For me, this was crucial to capture the fine details of planets like Jupiter and Saturn. Here are some tips based on my experience:
- Quality matters: Cheaper Barlow lenses can introduce distortion or chromatic aberration.
- Compatibility: Make sure the Barlow lens fits your telescope’s focuser and the camera’s adapter.
- Versatility: Using a 2X Barlow gives me flexibility to switch between wide-field and high-magnification shots without changing telescopes.
Why the ZWO ASI224MC is a Great Camera Choice
The ZWO ASI224MC is a color CMOS camera that offers excellent sensitivity and low noise, especially useful for planetary imaging. I appreciated these features:
- High frame rate: Allows capturing many frames quickly, which is ideal for stacking to improve image clarity.
- Low read noise: Crucial for capturing faint details.
- Ease of use: The camera integrates well with popular astrophotography software, making setup straightforward.
When buying, I also considered:
- Sensor size and resolution: The ASI224MC has a smaller sensor, which works well with my C9.25 focal length.
- Cooling: While this model does not have active cooling, the low noise performance compensated well in my setup.
Additional Accessories to Consider
Through my experience, the following accessories enhanced my imaging sessions:
- Field flattener or focal reducer: Depending on your target, these can improve edge sharpness.
- Filters: Light pollution filters or IR cut filters can improve image quality.
- Adapters and extension tubes: To achieve proper focus when combining the Barlow lens and camera.
- Dew heaters: To prevent moisture buildup on optics during long sessions.
Final Thoughts
Combining the C9.25 telescope with a 2X Barlow lens and the ZWO ASI224MC camera gave me a powerful astrophotography setup capable of detailed planetary and lunar images. When buying these components, I recommend prioritizing optical quality, compatibility, and your specific imaging goals. Taking the time to research and select the right accessories made all the difference in my results.
I hope my guide helps you make the best choice for your astrophotography adventures!
Author Profile

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I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.
In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.
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