Smithysteve Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 (edited) Hi all, I am on the lookout for a Televue Powermate, preferably the 2x 2", in the unlikely event you have one laid about doing nothing please contact me etc, cheers! Steve Edited January 2, 2016 by Daz Type-R Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweedledee Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 Have a look at Siebert Optics telecentric barlows. They are the same design as powermates (telecentric, not normal barlows) but some would say they are an improvement on the TV version. They have larger diameter optics than TV (better for use with big field lens eyepieces, no vignetting), are available in a much greater range of amplifications (1.5x through 4x in 0.25x steps) and are a similar price if not slightly cheaper even after import. Choosing the right amplification can make better use of your eyepiece range reducing duplications of magnification. They do even more expensive telecentrics in bigger barrels up to 4"! I will certainly go for a Siebert if I ever get one, though I wouldn't refuse a Powermate going cheap . http://www.siebertoptics.com/SiebertOptics-barlows.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smithysteve Posted May 15, 2015 Author Share Posted May 15, 2015 Have a look at Siebert Optics telecentric barlows. They are the same design as powermates (telecentric, not normal barlows) but some would say they are an improvement on the TV version. They have larger diameter optics than TV (better for use with big field lens eyepieces, no vignetting), are available in a much greater range of amplifications (1.5x through 4x in 0.25x steps) and are a similar price if not slightly cheaper even after import. Choosing the right amplification can make better use of your eyepiece range reducing duplications of magnification. They do even more expensive telecentrics in bigger barrels up to 4"! I will certainly go for a Siebert if I ever get one, though I wouldn't refuse a Powermate going cheap . http://www.siebertoptics.com/SiebertOptics-barlows.html Thanks for your advice Pete, once again I am impressed with your depth of knowledge in these matters! I have had a look at the link to Siebert. I must be honest, I had never heard of them before, and so, once again I am eagerly looking into the specifications of this new to me range. I will not be making a move on this until I have studied the options a little more. But I am impressed with the Siebert option. I don't really expect to acquire a Powermate or Siebert second hand... But giving it a chance for a week or so, then if nothing turns up, I will prob buy new. Any more info or advice is very welcome... Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daz Type-R Posted May 15, 2015 Share Posted May 15, 2015 (edited) Powermates turn up on ABS from time to time, I have seen a 2.5x and a 5x powermate on there in the last couple of weeks. Link to ABS here..... http://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php You have to be quick though, when they do go up, they tend to sell really fast. Can't recall seeing a Siebert go for sale though...... Edited May 15, 2015 by Daz Type-R Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smithysteve Posted May 15, 2015 Author Share Posted May 15, 2015 Powermates turn up on ABS from time to time, I have seen a 2.5x and a 5x powermate on there in the last couple of weeks. Link to ABS here..... http://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php You have to be quick though, when they do go up, they tend to sell really fast. Can't recall seeing a Siebert go for sale though...... Thanks Darren, Astrobuysell is a site I frequent every day, and like you I can recommend it. Following having a chat with you the other night on the Powermate, I looked at reviews and specs etc and decided to be on the lookout for one, so thanks for that. (I do have a couple of Barlow's, but they are 1.25" and not very good). I think a 2x 2" will suit my existing arsenal for now, but I am willing to take advice etc. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweedledee Posted May 15, 2015 Share Posted May 15, 2015 I'm no expert Steve, I just enjoy seeking out these unusual products and finding out what is available and reading a lot of reviews. Siebert seem to be well respected by the bigger observatories and cater for a lot of unusual equipment specifications. Recently they seem to be catering more for amateur size equipment as well. But like Darren says, I've never seen Siebert stuff in the UK, and maybe people who do use them find they are keepers. I really don't think you'd notice the difference between Powermates and the Siebert version. If you get yourself a nice 40" aperture F20 refractor in your obsy, Siebert can kit you out with a quality 4.3" barrel wide field eyepiece and diagonal or even binoviewers to take 2" eps. How about a revolving eyepiece turret that takes six 2" eyepieces? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smithysteve Posted May 15, 2015 Author Share Posted May 15, 2015 I'm no expert Steve, I just enjoy seeking out these unusual products and finding out what is available and reading a lot of reviews. Siebert seem to be well respected by the bigger observatories and cater for a lot of unusual equipment specifications. Recently they seem to be catering more for amateur size equipment as well.But like Darren says, I've never seen Siebert stuff in the UK, and maybe people who do use them find they are keepers. I really don't think you'd notice the difference between Powermates and the Siebert version. If you get yourself a nice 40" aperture F20 refractor in your obsy, Siebert can kit you out with a quality 4.3" barrel wide field eyepiece and diagonal or even binoviewers to take 2" eps. How about a revolving eyepiece turret that takes six 2" eyepieces? Cheers Pete, if money were no object, then ..... I will keep on buying the lottery tickets :-) if I win then I will ask you for advice on which 40" to go for :-) lol. It would be interesting to draw up a wish list, based on an unlimited budget! :-) I might start another post on that one lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweedledee Posted May 15, 2015 Share Posted May 15, 2015 I might start another post on that one lol. Yes, I will be happy to come and help you choose your 40" frac. You'd be better off asking PhilJay on that though Here's a thread that was done a little while before you joined... http://www.eastmidlandsstargazers.org.uk/topic/8352-if-money-was-no-object/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smithysteve Posted May 15, 2015 Author Share Posted May 15, 2015 Yes, I will be happy to come and help you choose your 40" frac. You'd be better off asking PhilJay on that though Here's a thread that was done a little while before you joined...http://www.eastmidlandsstargazers.org.uk/topic/8352-if-money-was-no-object/ An interesting post with lots of interesting comments Pete... If money were no object, other things would still have to be taken into account, family, home, time etc. Wish lists have to be achievable I guess, or it's a waste of time putting things on the list, and relative to every day stuff. Half the fun is finding out about stuff and discerning what would enhance our time at the eyepiece... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweedledee Posted May 15, 2015 Share Posted May 15, 2015 How about this... http://www.eastmidlandsstargazers.org.uk/topic/9040-too-big/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smithysteve Posted May 15, 2015 Author Share Posted May 15, 2015 How about this... http://www.eastmidlandsstargazers.org.uk/topic/9040-too-big/ Lol - that's brill... 😀👌 I told my better half that all the neighbours would get one when they saw our obsy! 😇 Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweedledee Posted May 15, 2015 Share Posted May 15, 2015 Lol - that's brill... I told my better half that all the neighbours would get one when they saw our obsy! Cheers! I will have to come and see your street full of obsy's . Talking of wish lists - fancy one of these on the back of your 10" SCT? You'd need a good solid 3" focuser first! This is shown on a C14 ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smithysteve Posted May 16, 2015 Author Share Posted May 16, 2015 I will have to come and see your street full of obsy's . Talking of wish lists - fancy one of these on the back of your 10" SCT? You'd need a good solid 3" focuser first! This is shown on a C14 ... Wowee! That's one heck of a coffee maker! 😃 It would be more interesting looking at this lot than looking through them! All parfocal too no doubt 😠Awesome kit, but a tad over the top for my 10" and these skies! â˜ºï¸ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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