Barlow lens Tele Vue Powermate 2x 2" — 2× image amplifier for telescopes

The Tele Vue Powermate 2x 2" is a high-performance image amplifier designed to double the effective focal length of your telescope. Unlike traditional Barlow lenses, the Powermate utilizes a unique four-element optical design that maintains exceptional image sharpness and contrast across the entire field of view. It is specifically engineered to work seamlessly with 2-inch focusers, providing a stable and reliable platform for high-magnification visual observations and astrophotography.

Advantages

The primary benefit of this 2x image amplifier is its ability to increase magnification without introducing the common aberrations or vignetting often found in standard Barlow lenses. Its sophisticated optical configuration ensures that the exit pupil remains consistent, which is particularly beneficial when using long-focal-length eyepieces. The robust construction and high-quality coatings provide excellent light transmission, ensuring that your views of celestial objects remain bright, clear, and color-accurate.

Suitable for

• High-magnification planetary and lunar observation
• Resolving close double stars
• Extending the focal length for planetary imaging
• Adapting existing eyepiece sets to achieve higher power

When it may not be suitable

This accessory may not be ideal for telescopes with very short focal ratios where the resulting magnification exceeds the practical limit of the optics or the atmospheric seeing conditions. Additionally, it is not intended for use with 1.25-inch focusers unless a specific adapter is employed, and it may be unnecessarily heavy for ultra-lightweight travel telescope setups.

Key specifications

• Magnification factor: 2x
• Barrel size: 2 inches
• Optical design: 4-element system
• Compatibility: Standard 2-inch telescope focusers
• Coating: Fully multi-coated optics

How to use

To use the Tele Vue Powermate, simply insert the 2-inch barrel into your telescope's focuser and secure it with the locking screw. Once seated, insert your preferred 2-inch eyepiece into the top of the Powermate and tighten the compression ring to hold the eyepiece firmly in place. Adjust your telescope's focus knob until the image becomes sharp. Because this device doubles the magnification, you may need to re-center your target in the field of view before fine-tuning the focus.

What to consider before purchase

• Ensure your telescope focuser accepts 2-inch accessories
• Verify that your telescope's mount can handle the additional length and weight
• Check if your current eyepieces provide a usable magnification when doubled

Usage recommendations

For the best results, ensure that the optical surfaces are kept clean using professional lens cleaning equipment. When performing planetary imaging, experiment with the distance between the Powermate and your camera sensor to fine-tune the effective magnification for your specific imaging requirements.