Explore Scientific 26mm 62° 1.25" Waterproof Eyepiece
The Explore Scientific 26mm 62° Series Eyepiece offers a perfect balance of generous eye relief, wide apparent field of view, and excellent optical performance in a compact, user-friendly 1.25" format. Designed with the discerning visual observer in mind, this eyepiece makes an excellent low-to-mid power choice for deep-sky viewing, open clusters, and sweeping views of the Milky Way.
Optimized Viewing with a 62° Apparent Field of View
The 62-degree apparent field offers a wider view than traditional Plössls and Orthoscopics, without venturing into ultra-wide territory. This means you get a richly immersive experience with less chance of field distortion, and no need to constantly nudge your telescope to keep objects centered. It's wide enough to feel expansive, but tight enough to retain excellent contrast and edge-to-edge sharpness.
With its 26mm focal length, this eyepiece excels at providing bright, low-power views in most telescopes. It's particularly well-matched to short-to-medium focal length refractors and fast Dobsonians, where it can deliver generous true fields for locating and observing large deep-sky objects. Globular clusters like M13, open clusters like the Double Cluster, or sweeping star fields near Sagittarius all show up beautifully framed and richly contrasted.
Waterproof and Argon Purged for Long-Term Reliability
Explore Scientific's 62° Series eyepieces are fully waterproof and argon-purged. While that might sound like overkill for an eyepiece, it's a real advantage when it comes to internal fogging, dust, and fungal contamination. Whether you're observing from a humid backyard, a dewy mountain top, or a high-altitude star party, you’ll appreciate the sealed design that keeps your optics clean and moisture-free.
The argon purging also means these eyepieces can handle the temperature swings that often occur during nighttime observing sessions. You’ll spend less time defogging and more time observing.
Excellent Optical Performance and Build Quality
The eyepiece features fully multi-coated optics and blackened lens edges to maximize light transmission and minimize internal reflections. Combined with precision machining and a hard-anodized barrel, the 26mm 62° delivers excellent light control, mechanical durability, and a comfortable viewing experience.
Eye relief is generous enough to accommodate eyeglass wearers, and the fold-down rubber eyecup adds versatility for different viewing preferences. The standard 1.25” barrel is compatible with virtually all telescope focusers and diagonals, and the safety undercut ensures secure retention in compression ring or set-screw holders.
A Great Value for Discerning Observers
The Explore Scientific 26mm 62° Series is an ideal upgrade from basic starter eyepieces. Whether you're looking to expand your set with a high-quality low-power eyepiece or seeking a reliable, well-made tool for wide-field deep sky work, this model fits the bill without breaking the bank.
It’s a favorite among budget-conscious enthusiasts who want performance and durability in a sleek, waterproof package.
Whether you’re chasing dark sky gems or just enjoying casual sweeps through the Milky Way, the Explore Scientific 26mm 62° Eyepiece gives you the field of view, clarity, and construction you need to make the most of every night under the stars.
