I recommend the TeleVue 2.5 powermate for any telescope . It increases the power options with any eyepiece collection and actually improves the view in some scopes. A big advantage is that you can increase magnification by 2.5 without reducing the exit pupil size or alternately you can use a longer focal length eyepiece to have a larger exit pupil than a short FL eyepiece to yield the same magnification. Virtually any other barlow type set up is noticeably inferior to the powermate. Buy one , you will be glad you did . (Posted on 10/23/2019)
I spent a fair amount of time researching barlows before deciding to go with the Televue 2.5 1.25" Powermate. It is very clear and does not have any negative impact on the image (viewing). The captive lock screw is great and something that should be part of every accessory design - my biggest issue with telescope and accessory manufacturers is the number of easy to lose screws they come with. This barlow is well worth the price and you will be glad you spent the extra money. (Posted on 10/23/2019)
This has been a great "Image Amplifier" (Barlow). Provides sharp and clear images. The 1.25" 2.5x Tele Vue Powermate has been well worth the purchase. Spend the money, you won't regret it and it will last a lifetime. Now I need to get an adapter for my Canon to see what it can do for imaging. (Posted on 10/5/2019)
Powermates work very well and are optically very good. (Posted on 12/31/2018)
Used as a photographic accessory to increase the telescope's EFL, it works superbly.
Visually, there seems to be some image compromise compared to going with an eyepiece with a native FL about 1/2.5 of the Powermate'd EP. For example, I get a sharper and contrastier image with a Pentax XW 5mm, than with a 2.5X Powermate combined with a 13mm Nagler T6 or an Astro-Tech 12.5mm High Grade Plossl. (Posted on 11/26/2018)
Exceptional quality and very comfortable to use. The best part about it is that it doesn't alter the eye relief of any of my LER eyepieces at all. This is something a normal barlow cannot do. (Posted on 11/21/2018)
Simply put this powermate just gets out of your way optically. The 2.5 power makes it very versatile without having multiples of eyepieces. Mechanically it is extremely solid.Money well spent!! (Posted on 11/16/2018)
As you can see by the other reviews I'm sure, this is an amazing product. Without question one of the best purchases I've ever made for my scope. Amazing optics and FAR better than a standard Barlow. Pricey, but you get what you pay for. This will not sit unused on your shelf. On nights of good seeing, whether for visual or astrophotography, the Powermate is in my opinion an indispensable addition to my AP toolkit for planetary and lunar imaging. Get one now! (Posted on 10/28/2018)
Yes, the PowerMates are a bit on the pricey side ... but boy do they perform! Very happy with the detail in the planetary images this little beauty has allowed me to capture.
If using it for imaging, I highly recommend the matching Tele Vue T-ring adapter - gives a rock-solid connection to your planetary camera. (Posted on 10/18/2018)
I use this when I need higher power with my TEC 140. My shortest focal length eyepiece is 4.7 mm so I use the Powermate when I need to reach shorter than 4.7 mm. The quality of the views through this Powermate are excellent. I can not detect any image degradation. (Posted on 10/6/2018)
The 1.25" 2.5x Tele Vue Powermate "Image Amplifier" is an exceptional product that delivers exactly what is promised. Solid construction and flexibility for visual and imaging with all types of scopes and eyepieces make this unit an excellent value, I particularly like the captive lock screw that can’t fall out and get lost. The Powermate magnifies without distortion, a significant improvement in the view over a regular Barlow lens. Compared to a regular Barlow the contrast is noticeably higher, with no evidence of scattered light, edge of field abortions or lateral color. The detail of both Saturn and Jupiter is noticeably sharper than a regular Barlow and the detail of both planets seems to pop out at you. Lunar viewing is exceptionally sharp and clear. The Tel Vue Powermate has replaced my standard Barlow. If you have been considering a new Barlow you would be well advised to go “all in” and get a Powermate instead, you will not be disappointed! (Posted on 10/6/2018)
Review by: Denis Williamson
To get more mileage from my eyepieces I bought a 'short' Barlow of a brand not sold by Astronomics. Bad idea -- it was a disappointment, with unsharp images, even under good seeing conditions.
So about a year ago I upgraded to the Televue Powermate 2.5. A 2x would have been better, but the Powermate only comes in 2.5 and 5x powers.
It's great; there's no essential difference between a good eyepiece plus the Powermate and a similar power eyepiece. A second benefit is that with the Powermate I don't have to use very short focal length eyepieces with tiny openings. This is handy for public star parties because people often have trouble finding the image with small eyepieces. (Posted on 8/4/2017)
The 1.25" 2.5x Tele Vue Powermate "Image Amplifier" is an exceptional product that delivers exactly what is promised. Solid construction and flexibility for visual and imaging with all types of scopes and eyepieces make this unit an excellent value, I particularly like the captive lock screw that can't fall out and get lost. The Powermate magnifies without distortion, a significant improvement in the view over a regular Barlow lens. Compared to a regular Barlow the contrast is noticeably higher, with no evidence of scattered light, edge of field abortions or lateral color. The detail of both Saturn and Jupiter is noticeably sharper than a regular Barlow and the detail of both planets seems to pop out at you. Lunar viewing is exceptionally sharp and clear. The Tel Vue Powermate has replaced my standard Barlow. If you have been considering a new Barlow you would be well advised to go "all in" and get a Powermate instead, you will not be disappointed! (Posted on 8/4/2017)