TV Powermate 2.5x and SW100ED

[jam1e1]

Hi,

Was out last night in early evening and decided to have a go at visual obs of moon using Meade 5000 UWA EPs and TV 2.5x barlow (recently acquired @astrofest).

Scope used was SW100ED F9.

To set the scene used to own a revelation photo-visual set, was excellent set in its own right and not going to compare the two as not direct comparison, but idea of what went from.

Bought the TV 2.5x to have a go at planetary imaging at some point, also for observing. Was initially skeptical about buying a barlow as didnt think it would good visual results.

To cut long story short, was amazed at quality achieved (sharpness, brightness) even down to 6.7mm EP. Tried with 14mm, 8.8mm and 6.7mm, all gave excellent views with minimal loss of sharpness. What I was truly amazed about was view gave at 6.7mm with barlow, thought it would be blurry and colour distorted - there were the usual atmospherics so did resemble looking through a clear flowing stream (imaging shaking around), whilst it wasnt crystal clear could still make out lots of detail, also with what appeared to be no loss in FOV. Overall almost forgot there was a barlow in visual train. Felt like was almost on the moon

Used in conjunction with Baader Moon/IR streetlight filter.

Also tested on Jupiter, was hard to distinguish much detail due to lower elevation and atmospherics, but when the view did momentarily clear did give a considerably good view considering conditions. Again was pleased with results, as was expecting a lot more colour distortion and less sharpness. Saw the northern belt and could just make out one or two details in lower section.

Would have liked to try with other objects but clouds came in so went back in.

First time I can actually say a salesperson got it pretty bang on when giving their 'sales talk', as was considering as alternative cheaper 2x barlow.

Note im not going out to buy any more TV eyepieces as

a) not that rich

Meade 5000 UWA/SWA im really happy with

c) dont think personally much more to be gained

Overall can certainly recommend the Powermate to anyone considering investing

Jamie

[John]

Nice review .

The Powermate is not actually a barlow but achieves a similar effect though a different optical arrangement. They have one or two advantages over barlows and are superb performers as you have found - as you say they just "get out of the way" leaving only the increased magnification:)

[JAO]

Jamie

Excellent review. Also, like you I was initially a bit skeptical about Powermates until I borrowed one and was immediatly convinced so had to buy one. As John says Powermates are a different design to a Barlow and whatever that Televue vodoo is, it certainly works

[jam1e1]

thanks both, didnt realise wasn't barlow!

Like the way it unscrews too so can easily fit on webcam without need for additional adapters etc

When get clearer skies will try in the 10" newt to see how performs