Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series 11mm Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece Review

Let’s Dive into Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series 11mm Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece

As an avid stargazer, I’m always on the hunt for equipment that can bring the cosmos closer. That’s why the Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series 11mm Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece immediately caught my eye; promising a super-wide field of view and enhanced clarity. Explore Scientific has built a reputation for delivering quality optics at reasonable prices, and this eyepiece seemed to be a perfect fit for my needs.

My old eyepiece just wasn’t cutting it; the narrow field of view felt like looking through a straw. I needed something that would allow me to fully immerse myself in the night sky, particularly when observing sprawling star clusters and faint nebulae. The promise of an 82-degree apparent field and comfortable eye relief sealed the deal.

Unboxing the Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series 11mm Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece was a pleasant experience. The eyepiece felt solid and well-built, with a reassuring weight that hinted at quality glass and construction. The black anodized finish looked sleek and professional.

I considered the TeleVue Delos 10mm and the Baader Hyperion 8mm, but the Explore Scientific offered a similar field of view at a more attractive price point, and with the added benefit of being argon-purged and waterproof. My first impression was excitement; I couldn’t wait to try it out under the stars!

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Real-World Testing: Putting Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series 11mm Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series 11mm Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece at a dark sky site about an hour outside the city. The conditions were excellent, with minimal light pollution and clear skies. I mounted it on my 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and targeted the Andromeda Galaxy (M31).

The difference was immediately noticeable; the 82-degree field of view provided a panoramic vista of the galaxy and its surrounding star field. Even on a humid night, the argon-purged design prevented any internal fogging. It was easy to achieve focus and the eye relief was generous, allowing for comfortable viewing even with my glasses on.

No major issues arose during the first use. The eyepiece performed exactly as advertised, providing stunning views and comfortable ergonomics. It felt like a significant upgrade from my previous standard eyepiece.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series 11mm Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece, it has become a staple in my observing kit. It consistently delivers sharp, high-contrast views of a wide range of celestial objects. The build quality is holding up well; there are no signs of wear and tear despite frequent use and transport.

Maintenance is simple; I just wipe the lens with a microfiber cloth after each use to remove any dust or smudges. The waterproof design gives me peace of mind, knowing that I don’t have to worry about accidental splashes or damp conditions. Compared to my previous eyepieces, the Explore Scientific offers superior performance in terms of field of view, image clarity, and overall comfort. It has significantly enhanced my observing experience.

Breaking Down the Features of Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series 11mm Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece

Specifications

• Focal Length: 11mm – This provides a moderate magnification suitable for a wide range of telescopes and targets.
• Apparent Field of View: 82 degrees – This ultra-wide field creates an immersive viewing experience.
• Eye Relief: 15.6mm – This generous eye relief makes it comfortable to use, even for eyeglass wearers.
• Barrel Size: 1.25 inches – This is a standard size, making it compatible with most telescopes.
• Argon-Purged: This prevents internal fogging and keeps the optics clear in humid conditions.
• Waterproof: This provides extra protection against moisture and accidental splashes.
• Weight: 9.8 oz – A solid weight suggesting robust construction and high-quality materials.

The specifications matter because they directly translate to the observing experience. The wide field of view makes it easier to locate and track objects. Generous eye relief provides comfortable viewing sessions. The argon-purging and waterproofing ensures that the eyepiece performs reliably in all conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series 11mm Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece performs exceptionally well, delivering sharp, high-contrast views across the entire field of view. The edge correction is impressive, with minimal distortion even at the periphery. It is a great all-around performer.

One minor weakness is that it can show slight kidney-beaning (darkening of the image when the eye is not perfectly aligned) if your eye position isn’t consistent. However, this is easily corrected with a little practice. Overall, it exceeds my expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series 11mm Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece is well-built and feels solid in hand. The rubber eyecup is comfortable and adjustable. There is no significant learning curve.

The eyepiece has a good weight; it’s not too heavy to cause balance issues with smaller telescopes, but hefty enough to inspire confidence in its build quality. The design is functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Durability & Maintenance

The Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series 11mm Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece appears to be built to last. The materials are high-quality and the construction is robust. With proper care, it should provide many years of service.

Maintenance is straightforward; simply wipe the lens with a microfiber cloth after each use. The argon-purged and waterproof design minimize the risk of internal condensation and corrosion.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series 11mm Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece comes with standard dust caps to protect the lenses. There are no specific customization options for the eyepiece itself. However, it is compatible with a wide range of standard 1.25-inch filters, allowing you to enhance your observing experience by blocking specific wavelengths of light. You can use light pollution filters, oxygen-III filters, or hydrogen-beta filters.

Pros and Cons of Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series 11mm Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece

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Who Should Buy Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series 11mm Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece?

The Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series 11mm Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece is perfect for amateur astronomers of all levels who want to upgrade their observing experience with a wide-field eyepiece. It’s especially well-suited for observing large objects like star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.

Beginners who want a comfortable and easy-to-use eyepiece should consider this, and experienced observers seeking to upgrade their existing equipment will be very happy. Those on a very tight budget might want to explore cheaper alternatives with narrower fields of view. A good Barlow lens to increase magnification could be considered a must-have accessory.

Conclusion on Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series 11mm Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece

The Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series 11mm Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece is an outstanding performer that delivers exceptional value for its price. The wide field of view, sharp optics, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for any serious amateur astronomer. At $229.99, it is not the cheapest eyepiece on the market, but the performance and features justify the cost.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this eyepiece to anyone looking to enhance their observing experience. It has become an indispensable part of my observing kit. So, if you’re ready to take your stargazing to the next level, grab the Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series 11mm Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece and prepare to be amazed!