Explore Scientific 20mm 62° 1.25" Waterproof Eyepiece
The Explore Scientific 20mm 62° Series Eyepiece offers an outstanding blend of comfort, optical performance, and durability at a price that makes it an excellent value for both beginner and seasoned astronomers. This 1.25" format eyepiece is part of Explore Scientific’s mid-range 62° Apparent Field of View (AFOV) line, offering a generous viewing window and high-contrast images—ideal for deep sky observing, lunar viewing, and casual planetary work.
Wide Field Performance for a Richer Visual Experience
With a 62° apparent field of view, the 20mm eyepiece delivers immersive views that go well beyond what standard Plössls or Kellners can provide. Whether you’re scanning star fields in Sagittarius or framing open clusters like the Pleiades, the wider field allows more context in a single glance. At 20mm focal length, it’s especially effective for low to medium power views, making it a great all-around choice for small to mid-aperture telescopes.
Enhanced Optical Coatings for Maximum Contrast
Each lens element in the Explore Scientific 62° Series is fully multi-coated with their proprietary EMD (Enhanced Multi-Layer Deposition) coatings. These coatings improve light transmission and reduce internal reflections that can degrade image quality. Edge-blackened optics further enhance contrast by minimizing stray light and ghosting.
Waterproof and Argon-Purged Housing for Rugged Reliability
Like all eyepieces in the Explore Scientific 62° Series, the 20mm is fully waterproof and argon-purged. This unique feature at this price point protects the internal lens elements from fogging, moisture, dust, and fungal growth—ideal for observers in humid environments or those who frequently observe under the open sky. Waterproof construction also makes cleaning the lens surfaces much safer and easier, since moisture can't penetrate the sealed housing.
Generous Eye Relief and Comfortable Viewing
With 15mm of eye relief, the 20mm eyepiece offers comfortable viewing even for eyeglass wearers. The fold-down rubber eyecup adds to the user-friendly experience by providing a stable and adjustable interface between your eye and the eyepiece. The optical design maintains edge-to-edge sharpness with minimal field curvature or distortion.
1.25" Barrel with Filter Threads
The standard 1.25" barrel fits all modern diagonals and focusers and includes standard threading for 1.25" filters. You can easily pair it with your favorite planetary or light pollution filters for tailored performance under a variety of observing conditions.
A Great Eyepiece for All Telescope Types
This eyepiece performs well across a broad range of telescopes, from fast f/5 Newtonians and Dobsonians to longer focal length refractors and SCTs. Its combination of moderate magnification and wide field makes it versatile for a wide range of targets—from galaxies and globular clusters to the Moon and larger planetary nebulae.
Why Choose the Explore Scientific 20mm 62° Eyepiece?
If you're looking to upgrade from basic eyepieces without jumping to premium price points, the Explore Scientific 20mm 62° is an ideal stepping stone. Its combination of sharpness, field of view, and waterproof durability make it a long-term addition to any eyepiece collection.
This is an eyepiece that invites you to stay at the eyepiece longer. Whether you're showing off the Andromeda Galaxy to friends or losing yourself in the rifts of the Milky Way, the 20mm 62° delivers a clean, wide window into the universe—at a price that’s hard to beat.
