Orion Ultrascopic barlow

Does anyone have this barlow? I am wondering how this might compare to a Tele Vue 2x.
Thanks
Jason

I don't have one, but I can offer some observations from experience with a dozen or so Barlows. It is clearly longer than a 2x TeleVue Barlow and hence would be both less convenient in a star diagonal (particularly a 2" star diagonal) and might protrude into the light path of a Newtonian with a reasonably low-profile focuser. Also, neither the 2x Ultima nor the 2.8x Klee are the equal of the 2x Tele Vue Barlow despite the former two having 3-elements to the Tele Vue's 2, so I would not have high hopes for the Ultrascopic being able to match the performance of the Tele Vue 2x Barlow. It's cheaper, but I snagged my last 2x Tele Vue off Astromart for $75, though lately the going rate seems to be about $80 (shipped).
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Mike

I have an Ultrascopic and really like it. I haven't looked through a Televue to compare though. This barlow requires about 1cm more out focus, but when I combine a 1.25-.965" adapter with a .965-1.25" (to still use 1.25" eyepieces), it is just about parfocal. You won't be able to use this one outside a diagonal very well, because it is so long. I have used a few cheaper barlows and this is in a different league - I don't notice any image degradation. With Orion's return policy, why don't you try it.

Charlie