Let’s Dive into Explore Scientific 28mm 68 Degree Series Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece
The Explore Scientific 28mm 68 Degree Series Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece promises an immersive viewing experience for astronomy enthusiasts, boasting a wide field of view and robust construction. This eyepiece, manufactured by Explore Scientific, aims to deliver sharp, clear images while withstanding the rigors of outdoor use.
I’ve spent countless nights under the stars, and I was searching for an eyepiece that could provide a truly wide field of view without sacrificing image quality. The allure of argon-purging and waterproofing was also a major draw, promising to eliminate fogging and protect against the elements. Upon unboxing the Explore Scientific 28mm 68 Degree Series Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece, I was immediately impressed by its solid feel and substantial weight, hinting at durable construction and quality optics.
Compared to my older 25mm Plossl and a cheaper 32mm wide-angle eyepiece, the Explore Scientific model stood out due to its promise of superior image correction and weather resistance. I chose it over the others, hoping for sharper edge-to-edge views and confidence that it could withstand dewy nights without fogging internally. My first impression was excitement; the build quality and advertised features suggested a worthwhile investment for enhancing my stargazing sessions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Explore Scientific 28mm 68 Degree Series Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Explore Scientific 28mm 68 Degree Series Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece at a dark sky site about two hours from my home, known for its minimal light pollution. The conditions were crisp and clear, with excellent seeing conditions perfect for observing deep-sky objects.
The eyepiece performed admirably in the cool, dewy night air, showing no signs of internal fogging even as other eyepieces nearby fogged up. It was easy to insert and remove from my 2″ telescope focuser, and the generous eye relief made for comfortable viewing. There were no immediate issues, but I noticed that the edge of the field wasn’t quite as sharp as the center, a common issue with wide-field eyepieces.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use in varying conditions, from freezing temperatures to humid summer nights, the Explore Scientific 28mm 68 Degree Series Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece has proven to be a reliable performer. The coatings have held up well, with no scratches or blemishes despite occasional cleaning.
The housing shows no signs of wear and tear, even after being bumped around in my gear bag. Maintenance is simple; a gentle wipe with a microfiber cloth keeps the lens surfaces clean and clear. Compared to my previous experiences with non-argon-purged eyepieces, this one significantly reduces the hassle of dealing with fogging, allowing for uninterrupted viewing sessions.
Breaking Down the Features of Explore Scientific 28mm 68 Degree Series Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece
Specifications
- Focal Length: 28mm. This provides a moderately low magnification view, ideal for scanning large areas of the sky.
- Length: 91.4mm. A relatively compact size ensures easy storage and portability.
- Width: 61.3mm. The wide body is comfortable to handle, though it might be a tight fit in some smaller focusers.
- Weight: 16.1oz; 458g. This heft indicates a solid build quality, but it could potentially affect balance in smaller telescopes.
- Barrel Size: 2.00″. The 2″ barrel allows for a wider field of view and is compatible with most modern telescopes.
- Eye Relief: 21.6mm. Generous eye relief offers comfortable viewing, even for eyeglass wearers.
- Field Stop Diameter: 31.8mm. This determines the size of the viewable field, contributing to the immersive experience.
- 68-Degree Apparent Field of View. Provides a wide vista of the night sky, enhancing the viewing experience of nebulae and star clusters.
- Argon-Purged. Prevents internal fogging, ensuring clear views in various weather conditions.
- Waterproof. Protects the internal optics from moisture and contaminants, extending the lifespan of the eyepiece.
These specifications are crucial because they dictate the eyepiece’s performance in different observing scenarios. The wide field of view is ideal for finding faint objects, while the long eye relief ensures comfortable viewing for extended periods.
Performance & Functionality
The Explore Scientific 28mm 68 Degree Series Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece performs its job admirably, providing a wide and relatively clear view of the night sky. It excels at revealing large, faint objects such as the Andromeda Galaxy and the Veil Nebula.
Its strengths lie in its wide field of view, comfortable eye relief, and resistance to fogging. The only notable weakness is a slight softening of the image at the very edge of the field. Overall, it largely meets my expectations for a wide-field eyepiece in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Explore Scientific 28mm 68 Degree Series Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece boasts excellent build quality, with a robust metal housing and smooth, precise machining. The weight feels substantial, inspiring confidence in its durability.
The eyepiece is user-friendly, with a simple design and intuitive operation, and no significant learning curve is necessary. It provides a comfortable viewing experience for long periods.
Durability & Maintenance
The robust construction suggests that the Explore Scientific 28mm 68 Degree Series Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece will last for many years with proper care. The argon-purging and waterproofing further enhance its longevity by protecting the internal optics from the elements.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution. It’s a hassle-free eyepiece that should provide reliable performance for years to come.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Explore Scientific 28mm 68 Degree Series Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece comes with protective end caps to keep the lens surfaces clean during storage. While there are no specific customization options for this particular eyepiece, its standard 2″ barrel size makes it compatible with a wide range of filters and other accessories from various brands. The compatibility with standard filters greatly enhances its versatility.
Pros and Cons of Explore Scientific 28mm 68 Degree Series Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece
Pros
- Wide 68-degree field of view: Offers an immersive viewing experience, perfect for observing large celestial objects.
- Argon-purged and waterproof: Prevents internal fogging and protects against moisture, ensuring clear views in all conditions.
- Long 21.6mm eye relief: Provides comfortable viewing, even for eyeglass wearers.
- Solid build quality: The robust metal housing ensures durability and longevity.
- Good image quality: Delivers sharp, clear views across most of the field.
Cons
- Slight softening at the edge of the field.
- Relatively heavy compared to some other eyepieces.
Who Should Buy Explore Scientific 28mm 68 Degree Series Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece?
This eyepiece is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts who are looking for a wide-field, fog-proof, and weather-resistant eyepiece. It’s particularly well-suited for those who enjoy observing deep-sky objects like nebulae and star clusters.
Beginners may find the price a bit steep, and those seeking absolute edge-to-edge sharpness might be slightly disappointed. This eyepiece is a worthwhile investment for serious amateur astronomers who want to enhance their observing experience.
Conclusion on Explore Scientific 28mm 68 Degree Series Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece
The Explore Scientific 28mm 68 Degree Series Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece is a well-built and capable eyepiece that offers a wide field of view and excellent resistance to fogging and moisture. While it’s not perfect, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthwhile addition to any astronomer’s collection.
The price is justified by the quality of construction, the advanced features like argon-purging, and the enhanced observing experience it provides. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile wide-field eyepiece. Invest in this eyepiece, and prepare to be amazed by the wonders of the night sky!