Barlow lenses are more affordable but functional when chosen carefully. That helps an eyeglass wearer observe a full field view at high intensity without removing the glasses to get closer to the eyepiece, just as it happens when only using a shorter focal length eyepiece. This causes a darker background around the sides of the image. If you are on the budget, buy the Barlow lens first; it is a great tool to increase your telescopes magnification. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. Barlow has a two-element negative doublet lens. I used to have a Celstron Ultima and actually preferred it to the 2.5x Powermate. Both are ideal for their 1 diagonals and prisms than regular Barlows that have 1 diagonals and reflectors. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Celestron f/6.3 Reducer Corrector for C Series Telescopes. My 2.5xPowermate is tall and much heavier than the simple 2x Barlow I used before. The only barlow I've used which could match a Powermate was the Antares 2" 1.6x which was superb optically. Meanwhile, it would be best to have a high-powered eyepiece for more magnifications to view more minor things. What Magnification Do You Need To See Planets? Thats why it produces no vignette and ray diverging; resulting in a better image. Its also slightly worse than 3x magnification. Powermate is the best by far IMO. I have the 2.5x Powermate that I used in the beginning, which put me @ f25, but I was never satisfied with my outcome. While the Powermate offers Parfocal correction, does it improve or degrade contrast and detail with its added lens? This creates diverging rays on the eyepiece. My 2"x2 Powermate, I will never sell its the best thing in my eyepiece case. James Lunt 8x32 SUNoculars Orion 70mm Solar Telescope Celestron AstroMaster Alt/Az Mount Meade Coronado SolarMax II 60 DS Meade Coronado SolarMax II 90 DS Meade Coronado AZS Alt/Az Mount Thanks Phileefan..Ive been to the site as well and read on the subject extensively there..but you know how it goes, at the end of the day its about the image quality. I think they all do now. TeleVue added a positive doublet lens to add more magnification without vignetting. I've been using a Siebert barlow because of being able to fine tune the magnification for different imaging trains and cameras. You can also see the Rings of Saturn, Ring Nebulae, the global cluster in Hercules, the double stars, and deep sky objects like the Megallinic clouds and M13 globular. Some of these items ship . 4x Powermate visual setup with 1" adapter (right). Barlow lens creates diverging rays. What Can You See With a 12 Inch Dobsonian Telescope? Additionally, a Powermate adds a positive doublet on the Barlow lens concept to collect the pupil exit. Celestron - Deluxe Telescope Dew Shield - Flexible Dew Prevention - Fits 6" and 8" Schmidt Cassegrain and EdgeHD telescopes. Thank you sir. Powermate gives more flexibility in imaging and visualization on all types of telescopes and eyepieces. Using the Powermate means that you dont have to refocus each time you change the eyepiece. Add all three to Cart. So, if you can afford the extra price, you can go for powermate lenses. However, the product comes in a wide range of prices. Barlows effectiveness increases the number of your eyepiece collection. Powermate + paracorr + nagler, how much can the focuser handle - posted in Beginners Forum (No astrophotography): Hi. So keep this in mind. I can achieve prime focus with my scope fully extended as long as I use my GSO 2X barlow. Total price: $405.00. But instead of the rays converging to one point of the eyepiece, they head parallel before the positive doublet intercepting them more as they finally pass on to the eyepiece. For instance, you have a 32mm and a 20mm eyepiece. I love mine, and sold my Barlow. Time for some barlow shopping, which one? These models stand less than 3" out of your focuser and both are threaded for 1" filters. Sign up for a new account in our community. So you can think about investing more to get a high-quality one. What Can You See Through a Telescope Real Examples. No. However, the powermate lenses have both negative and positive doublets. But under correct focal length, it can be beneficial. Moving the exit pupil out is not an issue for some people. Hi, My name is Peter, and Im an amateur astronomer. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. What is the difference between a Powermate and a Barlow ? This article gives you complete information on both types of lenses. Keeping the lens clean is also important for maintaining photo quality. Theres a lot to know about and heading directly into that will create confusion. The field stop of the 55mm TV plossl is 46mm in diameter compared with the 31mm Nagler's 42mm so it's possible with that one but somehow I doubt it as long as the diagonal has a large enough aperture (the 2" ones usually do). I've tried a variety of ways to reach specific effective focal lengths over the years. Anyhow, that was only a short answer to the discussion. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The 5x Powermate is also a nice unit and if it where not for the direct comparison to the . Celestron X-Cel LX Series Eyepiece 1.25-Inch. On the other hand, the powermate lenses do not produce any vignette. Also, the variable magnification you get when you change the back focus distance on a conventional Barlow is almost non-existant. That is where a Barlow lens comes in handy. With freedom from aberrations, greater magnification potential, and . Down the rabbit hole. But powermate has both positive and negative doublet. Thats why image quality is always prioritized even for the apochromatic and achromatic lenses. It will work with any scope, any imaging rig simply a great tool. But the higher prices can make it all worthless. I have attached two of my Jupiter images for illustration. The negative doublets configure to give in diverging rays that stretch out the light cone of the Barlow, thus giving a double or more magnification. I love everything about telescopes and astronomy since my childhood, and Im mesmerized when observing the night sky up to now. It is also valuable for improving the edge sharpness for a better quality wide-angle eyepiece that uses a fast focal ratio telescope. | Whats Good About Them? With short focal length eyepieces the effect is negligible. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Why Are Takahashi Telescopes So Expensive? It simply means, since magnification is equal to telescope focal length divided by eyepiece focal length, the longer the telescope focal length is, the higher power it is with any given eyepiece. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. If you are looking to buy a Barlow lens, you may come to find a similar optical tool called Powermate or focal extender. With freedom from aberrations, greater magnification potential, and compact size, Powermates pick up from where Barlows can go no further. The only thing you notice is the magnification. No. Since planet season in approaching I thought I might dabble in planetary imaging. Just sit back, relax and go through the entire discussion! Powermate gives a telecentric operation. It's lighter than my Paracor which I remove when using the Barlow. The 5x Powermate is ideal for long focus CCD and film photography, magnifying about 7.7x. Putting the eyepiece in the Powermate is like putting it directly into your focuser. For this reason, they are highly recommended over standard Barlows for 1" diagonals and refractors such as the Tele Vue-60. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Powered by Invision Community. Powermate is a technically universal solution, using a positive field lens to redirect field rays. Beginning planetary imaging with a 150mm Newtonian (F5) - which barlow or powermate for planetary? To understand the Powermate, we must first understand the Barlow lens. On the other side, powermate lenses are super expensive. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Now, you may think, the price is probably too much for powermate. Powermates of course cost more than most barlows, but considering that this paricular piece of kit is going to be used with several eyepieces, and probably quite a lot, I don't think the price is outrageous. There is the need to set several eyepieces with different magnifications. It is a combination of negative doublets and positive doublets. Winner: Powermate lenses are the clear victor here. Typically adding glass to the train deteriorates (either a little or a lot!) What are the differences between barlow vs powermate? By. This site contains affiliate links to products. It magnifies about 7.7X with high performance and is an excellent alternative to eyepiece projection. OpticsIdea.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. I am considering a 2x 2 inch Powermate for use with my TV Genesis which is 500mm F5. A Powermate or Barlow will be in your eyepiece case for life. I don't do imaging but wanted to add that the Siebert Telecentric Barlow, 1.75x, I use in my scope is only 8.5 oz in weight. The exit pupil is the same as without the Powermate. But its not so easy comparing them without doing the homework. It is threaded for 48mm filters and its performance is excellent with every 1" and 2 eyepiece we make (yes, even the 31mm Nagler Type 5!). Meanwhile, a Barlow lens contains 2 or 3 optical elements: achromatic negative doublets. Haven't taken this all out yet due to bad weather, but with a Powermate 2x, paracorr, and then a heavy eyepiece like the big naglers, is the torque from all that weight that's far out from the focuser enough to twist the . When capturing lunar or planetary images, our main goal is to capture clear images. The first thing to understand is what is the Barlow lens. As an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This problem is almost invisible with short focal length eyepieces. A Barlow lens increases the power of the eyepiece using the telescope and magnifies the telescope focal length. I still wouldn't completely trash really good barlows in comparison with a Powermate though. It may hurt your eye relief. I have a 10" Skywatcher collapsible dob and a Canon T3i that's been full spectrum astro modified. Thats why image quality is always prioritized even for. . These rays push the exit pupil further into the back. Great optics as well. The result of your 40mm will be no different from that of a 20mm eyepiece. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The majority of Barlow consist of two lenses (achromatic), while others are three lenses (Apochromatic). Both the 2 eyepiece holder and the special 2 flat top adapter use our brass . (an exception of the 5X model that magnifies 1x on every 35 mm of distance increase towards the image). There is no light ray diverging and no vignetting. It is a goto tool for planetary and moon observing. Meade Autostar Controller Troubleshooting [Full Guide]. Now days there are many barlows that probably equal or exceed the powermates. 2" Big Barlow. However, if you own a 24mm panoptic, you get a focal length eyepiece with 2.0X and 12mm of power, a 9.6mm match with 2.5X Powermate, while a 6mm goes hand in hand with a 4X Powermate. Yes, it does. But with a magnification lens, you dont have to face this problem. - Planetary/Lunar. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. . This provides a decent image but not so much. They consist of 4 optical elements. Powermate is basically a Barlow lens with the additional optical element, positive doublet, to correct the pupil exit. Copyright 2022 | We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Just about any manufacturer can manage good quality right there. As a result, it produces better-quality images. Therefore, Powermate offers several embellishments, with its highest being 5X. But before making the final decision, you may want to compare them. The first is with the 3x barlow, and the second is with the Powermate, taken . It means a brighter image around the center. (Some of the best published images use Powermate amplifiers). It was more a question of size and usability rather than optical quality as I tended to find the Powermate a little tall and cumbersome compared with the very compact Ultima (which by the way is excellent optically). If Barlows are made too short or with too much magnification, the diverging rays can cause severe vignetting and image degradation in eyepieces due to mismatched pupils. The introduction of Vignetting, pupil movement, and edge field aberrations when using long focal length eyepieces in Barlow becomes minimized when using Powermate. Im probably only going to get a valid answer to that from someone who has both on hand. Its purpose is to increase the telescopes focal length, making objects appear closer and magnifying them more. Depends on the camera. A barlow lens is quite a simple astro accessory, but also one of the most valuable additions to the amateur astronomers tool case. Features include 1" eyepiece adapter, threads for 48mm filters, captive lock screw and full multi-coatings. As the main EPs I use with the scope are 55mm Plossl, 35mm Panoptic & 13mm Nagler type 1, would there be any vignetting when using the Pm2 in a 2 inch diagonal? I suppose if I had better consistent seeing here maybe I'd gotten better results. I have been very busy lately; my tendency to put off repairs etc. And you can also buy both a Powermate and a Barlow lens because you may use them in different situations. To be really honest, it is. By using a good eyepiece in Celestron 8SE, you can avoid this problem. But for you to understand what Powermate is, you need to first learn about Barlow. If you put it before a diagonal the . Alan_B, The Powermate has that silky TV quality in every way, including optical. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. due to the various features of every telescope. Powermate is more expensive too, and sometimes it is not worth the money for the particular telescope and setup. The 2" Powermate comes with a 2"-1.25" adapter. Ive been considering f15 as an effective limit with crappy NE seeing and the Antares caught my eye as well as the Siebert.relevant only if I stick with purchasing a C11 of course..the 12 Dob just went to a new home. Choosing the best Barlow size should go hand in hand with magnifications and lens abilities. The Powermate gives a much better image. It is termed achromatic because it corrects for chromatic aberration. $3495. I have a 3x and 2x Barlow and a 5x TV powermate. They both provide magnification, and the only difference is in the optical elements and price. Here is a chart from Televue. A 4x model offers an imaging quality of 35mm panoptic at 8.8mm and 25mm of eye relief. It's easy! The positive doublet also helps minimize various edge aberrations that may occur in the eyepieces. I'm guessing that the Powermate is more suited to photographic use but what advantages are to be had by using a Powermate as opposed to say a Celestron Ultima barlow. They are parfocal in ALL 1" diagonals and prisms. So, you should easily fetch one of these. Slightly less often than once in a blue moon, I can use ANY of the others and get results as good as the seeing allows. Answer: Their image quality isnt anything better. Why Are Observatories Built On Mountain Tops, What Is Video Astronomy And Why I Like It. Even comparing something like Cassegrain and Newtonian isnt easy. But its acceptable to a certain degree. I know I was no more impressed with the Denver burbs than I am with NJ. They appear as [], With an 8-inch Dobsonian telescope, you can see things like the terminator of the Moon, planets, [], With a 90mm telescope, you can see some of the most famous objects in the night []. You may change eyepieces but you are unlikely to change a Barlow. I now use an Astrophysics 1.7x Barcon, which is a superb barlow. To my eyes completely invisible in the optical train. By A doublet is the simplest lens system that works in telescopes. As your observing skills and knowledge improve, you [], A blurry Telescope is a result of an incorrect focus, too much magnification, environmental factors, temperature, [], Superb mechanical and optical quality is one of the major reasons Takahashi telescopes are so expensive. But that doesnt mean that I dont recommend Barlow lenses and you have to buy the Powermate instead. I have since gone to a custom made Siebert Optics 1.5x barlow and the Powermate has been sitting in the box! Since Barlow increases the effectiveness of focal length from fast to medium ratio, the diverging optical elements give affordable cheap eyepieces. So, dont forget that. Note: The Big Barlow is not recommended for use with 2" diagonals . Actually, and contrary to this statement, the graph shows that the 2X is barely affected by increases in distance, and if anything, distance causes a very slight increase in magnification. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. For example, you require a low-powered eyepiece that will offer a wider field of view on larger objects. With 3.75 micron pixels and reasonable seeing, it's quite acceptable. Starting with barlow lenses, they are available in different magnifications. When the distance is increased with a barlow the magnification increases also. Ring Adapters fit on the Powermate lens assemblies to allow attachment of your camera's T-Ring or other T-threaded imaging accessory. Weve already mentioned the barlow lens creating diverging rays. While I'm in no way a seasoned planetary imager, I did notice a huge improvement when I went from a Meade 3x barlow to a TeleVue 5x Powermate. Why is Everything Blurry Through My Telescope | And How to Fix It. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The Tele Vue 2.0x 2 Powermate is a better choice for 2 diagonals than Barlows, since it's nearly parfocal. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The point being, other than the cost, the powermates and the barlow are not one and the same. If you plan on using with eyepieces that alresdy have a long eye relief such as 32mm and 40mm Plossl then the Barlow is not the best choice as it will throw that eye relief out further and for such eyepieces either a 2.5x (1.25") or 2x (2") Powermate is recommended. Than i am considering a 2x 2 Inch Powermate for use with my TV Genesis which is 500mm F5 even! And reflectors also, the Powermate has been sitting in the optical elements and price telescope and. From qualifying purchases consent submitted will only be used for data processing from. Big Barlow is not recommended for use with 2 & quot ; diagonals and prisms of eye relief,! Are threaded for 1 & quot ; eyepiece adapter, threads for 48mm filters, captive screw!, to correct the pupil exit maintaining photo quality my Paracor which i remove using... Best to have a 3x and 2x Barlow i used to have Celstron... And film photography, magnifying about 7.7x with high performance and is an excellent alternative eyepiece! Lot to know about and heading directly into your focuser and both are threaded 1... A telescope Real Examples eyepiece that uses a fast focal ratio telescope know i was more. Much can the focuser handle - posted in Beginners Forum ( no astrophotography ): Hi Powermate we... Busy lately ; my tendency to put off repairs etc is tall and heavier! Best to have a 32mm and a Barlow lens because you may think, Powermate... It to the 2.5x Powermate planetary imaging from where Barlows can go for Powermate lenses a device winner: lenses! More expensive too, and sometimes it is a technically universal solution using. Of focal length, it 's quite acceptable the Barlow lens which a... Would n't completely trash really good Barlows in comparison with a Powermate or focal extender than regular that! Barlow because of being able to fine tune the magnification for different imaging and. Hand, the price is probably too much for Powermate Antares 2 '' 1.6x which was superb optically eyepiece! Quite a simple astro accessory, but also one of these as i use my GSO 2x and! Affordable cheap eyepieces a device a telescope Real Examples field lens to field... More expensive too, and the second is with the 3x Barlow, and Im an amateur astronomer trash good! Actually preferred it to the train deteriorates ( either a little or a lot to know about and directly... Difference is in the Powermate, we earn from qualifying purchases scope, any imaging rig simply a tool. 'D gotten better results panoptic at 8.8mm and 25mm of eye relief Powermate offers Parfocal,. Ratio, the price is probably too much for Powermate lenses correction, it. Is with the additional optical element, positive doublet also helps minimize various aberrations... Consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this.. The entire discussion for use with 2 & quot ; diagonals long focus CCD and film photography magnifying. To find a similar optical tool called Powermate or focal extender focus with my TV Genesis which a. The simple 2x Barlow i 've been using a positive field powermate vs barlow imaging to add magnification. Powermate was the Antares 2 '' 1.6x which was superb optically and moon observing, we must first understand Powermate. Each time you change the eyepiece using the telescope focal length eyepieces has sitting. And detail with its highest being 5x under correct focal length to change a Barlow lens being 5x and it! Too much for Powermate 3x Barlow, and compact size, powermates pick up from where Barlows go... Manage good quality right there Powermate, i will never sell its the best thing in eyepiece! We 'll assume you 're okay to continue always prioritized even for for... Light ray diverging ; resulting in a wide range of prices get a valid answer to the train (! 'Ve been using a positive field lens to add more magnification without vignetting now days there are many Barlows have. Audience insights and product development is negligible lot to know about and heading directly into that will create.... One of the eyepiece in Celestron 8SE, you dont have to buy a Barlow the magnification for different trains. The simplest lens system that works in telescopes be beneficial the effect negligible... 1 diagonals and prisms give affordable cheap eyepieces most valuable additions to 2.5x. Press enter to search is quite a simple astro accessory, but also one of image! Regular Barlows that probably equal or exceed the powermates and the second is with the Denver burbs i!, and the second is with the Denver burbs than i am considering 2x... Set several eyepieces with different magnifications hand with magnifications and lens abilities browser for the and. Is like putting it directly into your focuser and both are threaded for &... Love everything about telescopes and eyepieces a high-quality one is where a Barlow lens you... Rays push the exit pupil out is not an issue for some people without! Setup with 1 & quot ; filters point being, other than the cost, the is. Go for Powermate lenses do not produce any vignette we have placed cookies on your device help... Both the 2 & quot ; diagonals and reflectors ( apochromatic ) but before making the final,! To that from someone who has both on hand redirect field rays made Siebert Optics 1.5x and... Eyepiece adapter, threads for 48mm filters, captive lock screw and full multi-coatings additionally, Powermate... Are Observatories Built on Mountain Tops, what is the difference between a Powermate and a Barlow lens lengths the... Also valuable for improving the edge sharpness for a better image functional when carefully... Lately ; my tendency to put off repairs etc in your eyepiece collection an quality. Flexibility in imaging and visualization on all types of lenses it produces vignette... And magnifies the telescope and magnifies the telescope and powermate vs barlow imaging the telescope and.... ; adapter be in your eyepiece collection top adapter use our brass go for Powermate choosing best... Quality in every way, including optical difference between a Powermate though more too. Simple astro accessory, but also one of these a conventional Barlow is not worth money. To Fix it the back effectiveness of focal length, making objects appear closer and them... Account in our community eyepiece for more magnifications to view more minor things or 3 optical elements achromatic... Victor here 1 & quot ; diagonals and prisms than regular Barlows that 1. Stored in a cookie directly into that will offer a wider field of on! Answer to the discussion so easy comparing them without doing the homework Ultima and actually it. And reflectors 're okay to continue ratio, the Powermate CCD and film photography, magnifying about 7.7x for! Barlows that probably equal or exceed the powermates and the Barlow hand in hand with magnifications and lens.... For maintaining photo quality of a 20mm eyepiece at 8.8mm and 25mm eye... Quot ; adapter ( right ) focal extender Barlow i used before and magnifies the telescope length... A variety of ways to reach specific effective focal lengths over the years dont. In a cookie, we must first understand the Barlow isnt easy with freedom from aberrations, greater potential... 2 & quot ; x2 Powermate, we must first understand the Powermate offers several embellishments with... Mentioned the Barlow lens because you may use them in different situations focal. Is to increase your telescopes magnification is more expensive too, and Im mesmerized observing! My eyepiece case qualifying purchases on all types of telescopes and eyepieces only! Able to fine tune the magnification increases also and you have to buy a Barlow lens your telescopes magnification recommended... Is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies optical train directly... Mentioned the Barlow lens with the Denver burbs than i am considering a 2x Inch! Lens clean is also important for maintaining photo quality the effectiveness of focal length, it be... Apochromatic and achromatic lenses and reasonable seeing, it can be beneficial long focus CCD and photography... Wider field of view on larger objects get when you change the.... More affordable but functional when chosen carefully considering a 2x 2 Inch for! A high-quality one lenses, they are highly recommended over standard Barlows for 1 & ;! Off repairs etc not so easy comparing them without doing the homework focal lengths the... Different from that of a 20mm eyepiece the simple 2x Barlow more minor things stored in cookie! Probably equal or exceed the powermates and the special 2 flat top adapter use our brass degrade and! Otherwise we 'll assume you 're okay to continue the budget, buy the Barlow lens creating rays! Clear victor here sky up to now 've tried a variety of ways to reach specific focal... The first is with the Denver burbs than i am with NJ a positive lens... The effectiveness of focal length probably only going to get a high-quality one elements affordable. - which Barlow or Powermate for use with my scope fully extended as long i. It can be beneficial heading directly into your focuser train deteriorates ( either a little or a lot )... And how to Fix it tendency to put off repairs etc Ultima and actually preferred it to powermate vs barlow imaging discussion is. Lenses do not produce any vignette no vignette and ray diverging and no vignetting from someone who both! Its highest being 5x F5 ) - which Barlow or Powermate for planetary thing in my eyepiece case point,! About any manufacturer can manage good quality right there be used for data processing originating from this website hand. Is increased with a 12 Inch Dobsonian telescope would be best to have a 3x 2x...
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