Let’s Dive into Explore Scientific 92 Degree Series Long Eye Relief Eyepiece
The Explore Scientific 92 Degree Series Long Eye Relief Eyepiece is a premium offering designed for discerning amateur astronomers. Manufactured by Explore Scientific, this 12mm eyepiece boasts a super-wide 92-degree apparent field of view and a comfortable 20mm of eye relief, promising immersive and comfortable observing sessions. Its argon-purged, waterproof construction further enhances its appeal, ensuring clear views even in challenging environments.
As someone who has spent countless nights under the stars with various optics, I was seeking an eyepiece that offered both a wide field of view and excellent edge-to-edge sharpness, without sacrificing eye relief. My older eyepieces, while decent, often left me feeling like I was looking through a porthole, and the short eye relief made extended viewing sessions uncomfortable, especially with glasses. The promise of a 92-degree field and 20mm eye relief drew me to this Explore Scientific eyepiece.
The unboxing experience was pleasant; the eyepiece arrived in a sturdy Tirion box, complete with a storage pouch and eyecaps. The heft of the eyepiece immediately conveyed a sense of quality, and the fit and finish were impeccable. Holding it, you can feel the quality in the materials.
Compared to my Tele Vue Panoptic 24mm and Celestron X-Cel LX 25mm, the Explore Scientific 92 Degree Series Long Eye Relief Eyepiece offered a noticeably wider field of view, although at a higher magnification. I considered purchasing a Tele Vue Ethos eyepiece, but the price point of the Explore Scientific eyepiece, while still substantial, made it a more accessible entry into the world of ultra-wide-field viewing.
My first impression was one of excitement mixed with cautious optimism. Could this eyepiece truly deliver on its promises of wide, sharp, and comfortable views? Only time under the stars would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Explore Scientific 92 Degree Series Long Eye Relief Eyepiece to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was a dark-sky site about an hour outside of the city, utilizing my 10-inch Dobsonian telescope. The seeing conditions were good, with minimal light pollution. I immediately aimed the scope at the Lagoon Nebula (M8) and slipped in the Explore Scientific 92 Degree Series Long Eye Relief Eyepiece.
The difference was immediately apparent; the nebula filled the entire field of view, providing an incredibly immersive experience. The 20mm eye relief was a godsend, allowing me to comfortably view the scene with my eyeglasses on, without sacrificing any of the field of view. There was a slight learning curve to navigating the expansive field, but I quickly adapted.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Explore Scientific 92 Degree Series Long Eye Relief Eyepiece has become one of my go-to eyepieces for deep-sky observing. The build quality remains excellent, with no signs of wear and tear despite frequent use. Storing it in its pouch when not in use is essential.
Cleaning the eyepiece is relatively straightforward, requiring only a gentle wipe with a microfiber cloth. The argon-purged, waterproof design gives me peace of mind, knowing that the internal optics are protected from moisture and dust. Compared to my previous eyepieces, the Explore Scientific eyepiece offers a superior viewing experience in terms of field of view, eye relief, and overall image quality.
Breaking Down the Features of Explore Scientific 92 Degree Series Long Eye Relief Eyepiece
Specifications
- Apparent Field of View: 92 degrees, providing an immersive and expansive viewing experience. This wide field is ideal for observing large deep-sky objects and star fields.
- Focal Length: 12mm, offering a high magnification suitable for detailed planetary and lunar observations, as well as resolving globular clusters. Matching this focal length to the right telescope is important.
- Eye Relief: 20mm, allowing for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses. This is a crucial factor for eyeglass wearers who often struggle with short eye relief eyepieces.
- Barrel Size: 2.0-inch O.D., ensuring compatibility with most standard telescope focusers. This larger barrel size contributes to the wider field of view.
- Construction: Argon-purged and waterproof, protecting the internal optics from moisture, dust, and fungus. This ensures long-term durability and clear views in various observing conditions.
- Included Accessories: Tirion box, storage pouch, and eyecaps for safe storage and transport. Keeping the eyepiece safe is important.
Performance & Functionality
The Explore Scientific 92 Degree Series Long Eye Relief Eyepiece excels in delivering wide, sharp, and comfortable views. Its large apparent field of view creates an immersive observing experience, while the excellent eye relief makes it a pleasure to use for extended periods. Edge-of-field sharpness is well-controlled, although some slight distortion may be noticeable at the very edge.
The eyepiece’s light transmission is excellent, providing bright and contrasty images. It does meet my expectations based on its design.
Design & Ergonomics
The eyepiece features a sleek and modern design with a black anodized finish. The weight feels substantial, reflecting the quality of the materials used. The 20mm eye relief and comfortable eyecup make for a very user-friendly design.
Durability & Maintenance
The Explore Scientific 92 Degree Series Long Eye Relief Eyepiece is built to last, with a rugged, waterproof construction. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a microfiber cloth. Its build quality suggests it will last a long time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The eyepiece comes with a Tirion box, storage pouch, and eyecaps. Being a standard 2″ eyepiece, it is compatible with various filters that thread into the barrel. No other customization is available or necessary.
Pros and Cons of Explore Scientific 92 Degree Series Long Eye Relief Eyepiece
Pros
- Extremely wide 92-degree apparent field of view, providing an immersive and panoramic observing experience. Seeing more is always better.
- Comfortable 20mm eye relief, ideal for eyeglass wearers and extended observing sessions. The eye relief is a really important feature.
- Excellent edge-of-field sharpness, delivering clear and detailed views across the entire field of view. Sharp images are a must.
- Argon-purged and waterproof construction, protecting the internal optics from moisture and dust, ensuring long-term durability.
- High-quality build and materials, providing a premium feel and ensuring years of reliable use.
Cons
- Pricey compared to standard eyepieces, representing a significant investment for amateur astronomers. The price may be too high for some.
- Large size and weight may be a concern for some users, particularly those with smaller telescopes.
Who Should Buy Explore Scientific 92 Degree Series Long Eye Relief Eyepiece?
This eyepiece is perfect for serious amateur astronomers who demand the best possible viewing experience. It’s also great for eyeglass wearers who struggle with short eye relief eyepieces. Experienced deep-sky observers who want wide, immersive views of nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters should also buy this.
This product might not be suitable for beginners due to its high price. Also, observers with small or unstable telescopes may find the weight and size of the eyepiece unwieldy.
Must-have accessories include a good quality 2-inch mirror diagonal and a set of light pollution filters.
Conclusion on Explore Scientific 92 Degree Series Long Eye Relief Eyepiece
The Explore Scientific 92 Degree Series Long Eye Relief Eyepiece is a top-tier eyepiece that delivers exceptional performance and a truly immersive viewing experience. While the price is undoubtedly high, the quality, features, and overall experience justify the investment for serious amateur astronomers. The price is high but justifiable.
I wholeheartedly recommend this eyepiece to anyone seeking to elevate their observing experience. It’s an excellent investment that will provide years of enjoyment under the night sky. So, upgrade your stargazing, expand your view, and see the cosmos like never before!