TeleVue Powermate 5x 1.25″ – Barlow Lens

TeleVue Powermate 5x 1.25″: Barlow lens: telecentric amplifier from TeleVue

The Powermate 5x is the specialist for planet photography with fast telescopes. An f/4 to f/5 Newtonian becomes f/20 to f/25 with this factor, the classic working range for lucky imaging with small pixels.

Visually, 5x only makes sense on telescopes with a large aperture; calculate beforehand whether the magnification stays within twice the aperture in millimeters.

Telecentric instead of Barlow

A Powermate is not a Barlow. Behind the negative front group is a second, positive group that makes the light beam parallel again. The result: the magnification factor remains practically constant, regardless of what is behind it and at what distance.

A classic Barlow lens changes its magnification as the distance to the sensor or eyepiece increases and shifts the eyepiece's exit pupil. The Powermate does neither of these, making it suitable for long optical trains and for photography.

For planet photography

For moon and planet imaging with a video camera, the image scale determines the detail. The Powermate brings the f-ratio to the level that matches the camera's pixel size, with a predictable, fixed factor.

With the matching T-ring adapter, you screw a camera directly onto the Powermate, without loose adapters in the train.

Featured accessories

For photography, the PMT 1.25-inch T-ring adapter is included, allowing a camera with a T2 mount to screw directly onto the Powermate. Visually, the Powermate is compatible with any eyepiece from the brand.

For whom yes and for whom no

• ✓ Planetary photography with fast Newtonians
• ✓ Very high magnifications on large telescopes
• ✓ Who needs a stable factor on a long train
• Small telescopes
• ✗ For all-around visual use, the factor is too high

Specifications

More eyepieces and Barlows are on the Accessory page for eyepieces and Barlows. You can find the complete selection of this brand on the TeleVue brand page.