Explorations with Explore Scientific's 82-degree Eyepieces: A Personal Account
Revamped Review: Ultra Wide Eyepieces from Explore Scientific - A Game Changer for Stargazing
Let's dive into my personal experience with the Explore Scientific 8.8mm and 6.7mm 82° eyepieces. I'll discuss why these bad boys grabbed my attention and share some insights on their impressive capabilities.
Initial impressions? The ES 82° series is renowned for its ultra-wide apparent field of view (AFOV), reaching a whopping 82°. In the expansive world of astronomy, anything surpassing the standard Plössl's 50–60° field is considered wide. So, when you're peering through these gems, you're in for a truly panoramic skyview.
But what does that really mean for us stargazers? It boils down to three main benefits:
- Extended Drift Time: With a wider field of view, you've got more time for those manual scopes to keep targets in sight. Picture this—you're tracking a distant galaxy, and without these wide-field wonders, that drift time would be much shorter.
- Broad Perspective on Large Targets: Take the Andromeda Galaxy, for instance, which sprawls over 3°. With an 82° AFOV, you can view a whopping 12.75° of the galaxy, giving you an unparalleledbird's-eye view of these celestial wonders.
- Immersive Visual Experience: This third benefit is all about the little things. With a wider field of view, you can spot smaller targets nestled within their cosmic surroundings. It's like going from a bird's-eye view to a satellite shot, showing you more celestial detail and connection.
So, are these ES 82° eyepieces worth the investment? My answer? Absolutely, yes!
Priceless Precision in Lower Focal Ratio Scopes
But let's face it—there are cheaper alternatives in the market. However, these budget-friendly options frequently fall short when it comes to lower focal ratio telescopes (less than f/7). Cheap wide-field eyepieces tend to reveal distortion or aberration at the edges as your view approaches the field of view. The Explore Scientific 82° eyepieces, on the other hand, consistently deliver a clean, crisp, and sharp image, even with my f/5 Meade ETX-80 and Orion XT8i scopes.
The Comfort Factor
Compared to Plössl eyepieces and many other designs, these babies offer an extra touch of comfort—eye relief. Eye relief is the distance you should keep your peepers from the lens to see the full field of view. A typical 9mm Plössl has a mere 6mm of eye relief, while the ES 82° 8.8mm boasts an impressive 15.6mm. This ample eye relief translates to a much more comfortable viewing experience, especially for those who wear glasses.
A Few Handy Features
- Waterproof and Argon Gas-Purged: These eyepieces are entirely waterproof and filled with argon gas to keep moisture at bay, preventing the growth of mold and fungus. So, if you're in a heavily dewed location, a waterproof eyepiece like these will be your BFF.
- Fully Multi Coated for Superior Light Gathering: Each ES 82° eyepiece is generously coated with the company's EMD (Enhanced Multilayer Dispersion) coatings for optimal light transmission.
- Twist-Up Rubber Eyecup: The eyecups on these eyepieces are adjustable, allowing for the ideal eye positioning for optimal, stray light-blocking comfort.
- One-Year Warranty with an Upgrade Option: Each eyepiece comes with a one-year warranty, but if you register it within the first 60 days of purchase, Explore Scientific will extend the warranty to a lifetime, transferable policy. Kudos to the confidence in their product!
In conclusion, the Explore Scientific 8.8mm and 6.7mm 82° eyepieces are powerhouse additions to any telescope setup, offering unparalleled wide-field views, superior image quality, and comfortable use. So, advance your stargazing journey with these outstanding tools and lose yourself in the captivating wonders of the cosmos.
- The ultra-wide apparent field of view (AFOV) of the Explore Scientific 8.2° series, reaching 82°, extends drift time for manual telescopes, providing more time to keep targets in sight during stargazing.
- With an 82° AFOV, these eyepieces offer a broader perspective on large targets, such as the Andromeda Galaxy, allowing for a view of up to 12.75° of the galaxy, providing an unparalleled bird's-eye view of celestial wonders.
- The Explore Scientific 82° eyepieces deliver a clean, crisp, and sharp image even with lower focal ratio telescopes, outperforming budget-friendly options that often reveal distortion or aberration at the edges.
- Compared to traditional eyepieces, the ES 82° eyepieces offer enhanced comfort with extended eye relief, making them an ideal choice for glasses wearers. Additional features include waterproof and argon gas-purged designs, fully multi-coated lenses, adjustable eyecups, and a one-year warranty with an upgrade option.