Do I still need a barlow/powermate?

While I don't have my "dream set" of EPs yet, I am well on my way (OTOH, does anyone ever really finalize their EP collection? ). I've got what I consider 12 first-tier eyepieces spanning from 35mm to 5mm, 2 second-tier that fill a niche, and 9 public star party EPs. I also have a Shorty Plus barlow and a 2" 2x Powermate.

At this point, I can't help asking myself "Do I really need the barlow and powermate?". Living in the midwest, I can't use the really high powers that some people can in climates/locations more suitable to astronomy. With my 1200mm reflector and 1500mm SCT, I get all the magnification my seeing conditions allow with the EPs I have. And I don't see a relatively short focal length refractor in my future for some time.

Because I have some really nice glass, eye relief is not an issue at the shorter focal lengths. And not using a multiplier will help with rebalancing issues.

I'm thinking of selling the Powermate to either pocket some money or help fund a Paracorr. Any thoughts?

Dennis,
I'll second what Dave said.
I'm thinking about selling my Big Barlow, too, but I want
to be prepared for those rare nights where "the veil is lifted". 8O
The Paracorr would be great if your reflector is a fast f/ratio, say f/5 or less,
but you certainly wouldn't need it for your (f/10?)SCT.
There's always something to "reinvest" the money on though!
Linton

What about this - I have both a Big Barlow and a Powermate and so far really can't see a quality difference when I observe with both of them. I got the Powermate on a whim becuase I thought it was one piece of beautiful glass and figured I would find a use for it. Should I keep both for some reason or would you just sell the Powermate since it would go for more cash than the Big Barlow? Can anyone tell me more about why you use the Powermate and if you have any strong opinions about it either way compared to the 'Big' or other 'regular' barlows? Thanks

The only time I use a barlow or powermate these days is for imaging. I'd think you could sell one or the other without missing it.

And you might very well be able to sell both.