Explore Scientific 8.5mm LER 82° Field Argon-Purged Waterproof 1.25" Eyepiece

Explore Scientific 8.5mm 82° 1.25" LER Eyepiece – Wide-Field Precision Meets Premium Comfort

The Explore Scientific 8.5mm 82° 1.25" Long Eye Relief (LER) Eyepiece is designed for astronomers who demand a perfect balance of high magnification, expansive field of view, and exceptional optical quality. Whether you're scanning the intricate surface of the Moon, tracking planets across the sky, or diving deep into the heart of a star cluster, this eyepiece offers an immersive, high-contrast view with pinpoint sharpness from edge to edge.

Explore Scientific’s renowned 82-degree apparent field of view delivers a "spacewalk" experience, making it feel as if you’re floating among the stars. With argon purging, premium optical coatings, and an ultra-durable waterproof housing, this eyepiece is built for outstanding performance in all conditions—ensuring that your views remain crisp, clear, and free from internal fogging, even in the most demanding observing environments.

Compared to narrower-field eyepieces, the 82-degree design significantly reduces the need for frequent manual tracking, making it a great choice for dobsonian and non-motorized telescope users who want to keep objects in view for longer periods before repositioning.

8.5mm Focal Length – The Perfect Sweet Spot for High-Detail Observing

The 8.5mm focal length is ideal for mid-to-high magnification observations, striking an excellent balance between zooming in on planetary details and maintaining a wide enough field for deep-sky exploration. This makes it an extremely versatile choice for a range of celestial targets, including:

• Lunar Observing – Spotting fine rilles, crater shadows, and mountain peaks with stunning clarity.
• Planetary Detail – Capturing features like the Cassini Division in Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, and Martian surface markings.
• Globular Clusters – Resolving individual stars in densely packed clusters like M13 and Omega Centauri.
• Nebulae and Galaxies – Framing large emission nebulae and brighter galaxies with contrast and definition.

This eyepiece provides a remarkable level of contrast and sharpness, making faint objects easier to detect while maintaining vivid, high-resolution detail on brighter celestial bodies.

15mm Long Eye Relief – Exceptional Comfort for All Users

Eye relief is a critical factor when choosing an eyepiece, particularly for those who wear glasses or observe for long periods. Unlike many high-magnification eyepieces that can feel restrictive, the Explore Scientific 8.5mm 82° Eyepiece features a generous 15mm of eye relief, making it a comfortable choice for all observers.

For eyeglass wearers, the extended eye relief allows you to see the entire 82-degree field without having to remove your glasses. The included fold-down rubber eyecup provides added flexibility, allowing users to adjust their viewing position for optimal comfort and field immersion.

Argon-Purged Waterproof Design – A Lifetime of Performance

Unlike traditional eyepieces that are susceptible to internal fogging and dust infiltration, this Explore Scientific eyepiece is fully waterproof and argon-purged. Argon gas provides superior long-term stability compared to nitrogen purging, preventing optical degradation over time.

With its O-ring sealed, argon-filled construction, this eyepiece is completely resistant to:

• Internal fogging in humid or cold environments
• Moisture damage from dew exposure
• Dust and debris infiltration for long-term optical clarity

This makes it a perfect choice for astronomers who observe in varying climates—from dewy summer nights to crisp winter evenings—without worrying about performance loss due to environmental factors.

Advanced Optical Coatings – Maximum Light Transmission and Clarity

At the heart of this eyepiece’s optical performance is Explore Scientific’s patented Enhanced Multi-Layer Deposition (EMD) coatings, which are applied to every lens surface to maximize light transmission and minimize internal reflections. The result is higher contrast, sharper image quality, and improved color fidelity, making celestial objects appear more vivid against a darker sky background.

Additionally, the internal blackened lens edges and precision light baffles help suppress stray light, ensuring that your views remain crisp and high in contrast.

Precision Machined Build for Lasting Durability

Every component of the Explore Scientific 8.5mm 82° Eyepiece is designed with longevity and precision in mind. The solid aluminum barrel ensures durability while maintaining a lightweight balance that pairs well with all telescope types. The standard 1.25-inch barrel size makes it universally compatible with a wide range of telescopes and accessories, from refractors and reflectors to SCTs and Maksutovs.

The barrel is also threaded for standard 1.25" filters, allowing users to enhance their views with planetary, nebula, or light pollution filters for even greater observing versatility.

Why Choose the Explore Scientific 8.5mm 82° LER Eyepiece?

• Expansive 82° field of view for an immersive spacewalk-like experience
• 8.5mm focal length ideal for high-powered planetary, lunar, and deep-sky observing
• 15mm of eye relief for comfortable extended viewing, even with glasses
• Argon-purged, fully waterproof design to prevent internal fogging and protect optics
• Premium multi-coated optics for bright, high-contrast images
• Durable aluminum construction with 1.25” barrel for universal telescope compatibility
• Blackened lens edges and precision light baffles to minimize glare and stray light

Upgrade Your Observing Experience Today

If you’re looking for an eyepiece that delivers breathtaking wide-field views, crisp optical performance, and long-term durability, the Explore Scientific 8.5mm 82° 1.25" LER Eyepiece is an outstanding addition to any astronomy toolkit. Whether you're a deep-space explorer or a planetary enthusiast, this premium eyepiece provides the perfect blend of power, comfort, and precision to enhance your time under the stars.

Experience the universe in stunning clarity—add the Explore Scientific 8.5mm 82° LER Eyepiece to your collection today.