TeleVue Plössl 40mm 43° Eyepiece - 1.25"
- 40mm Focal Length
- 43° Apparent Field of View
- 1.25" Diameter Barrel
- 28mm Eye Relief
- 27mm Field Stop
Simulate the exact field of view of the TeleVue Plössl 40mm 43° Eyepiece - 1.25" with your specific telescope.
Launch Visual AssistantThe TeleVue Plössl 40mm is the maximum focal length achievable within the 1.25-inch barrel format. By utilizing a 27mm field stop, this eyepiece provides the widest possible true field of view for any 1.25" focuser, making it an indispensable tool for owners of small refractors, Maksutovs, and SCTs who require a low-power "finder" or rich-field experience.
While many generic 40mm Plössls suffer from internal reflections and soft edges, TeleVue’s execution is a masterclass in optical discipline. It is designed to deliver high-contrast, diffraction-limited images that maintain the integrity of the Al Nagler signature: sharpness from center to edge.
The true field of view in an eyepiece is physically constrained by the inner diameter of the barrel. With a 27mm field stop, the TeleVue 40mm Plössl hits the absolute wall of what is possible in a 1.25" accessory. While it features a narrower 43° apparent field compared to the 32mm Plössl (50°), both eyepieces show the exact same amount of sky. The 40mm choice is specifically for those who prioritize a larger exit pupil and greater eye relief over apparent field width.
For observers using f/10 or f/12 instruments, the 40mm focal length provides the necessary exit pupil to keep images bright when hunting faint, extended objects like the North American Nebula or M31, where every photon counts.
TeleVue’s Plössl design uses high-index glass and proprietary multi-coatings to ensure maximum light transmission. In a four-element design, the reduction of air-to-glass surfaces minimizes scattering, providing a "jet-black" background that enhances the visibility of low-contrast deep-sky structures.
With 28mm of eye relief, the 40mm Plössl is one of the most comfortable eyepieces in the TeleVue catalog. If you suffer from astigmatism and must observe with your glasses on, this eyepiece allows you to see the entire field stop without pressing your lenses against the rubber guard.
A common question among experienced observers is whether to choose the 32mm or 40mm Plössl. Since both share the 27mm field stop, the true field of view is identical.
No. The TeleVue 40mm Plössl and a 32mm Plössl both use the maximum field stop possible in a 1.25" barrel, so they show essentially the same True Field of View. The 40mm provides lower magnification and a brighter image, while the 32mm offers a more immersive apparent field.
The TeleVue 40mm Plössl produces a brighter image due to its larger exit pupil, making it ideal for nebula filters and long focal ratio telescopes such as SCTs, Maksutovs, and refractors. A 32mm Plössl is often preferred for general observing because of its wider apparent field.
In fast telescopes (f/4 to f/5) or during daytime use, the large exit pupil of the TeleVue 40mm Plössl can exceed your eye’s pupil, making the secondary mirror shadow visible. This is rarely an issue at night with slower systems like f/10 SCTs.
The 1.25" barrel format limits the maximum field size. At a 40mm focal length, the TeleVue 40mm Plössl must use a narrower apparent field to avoid vignetting. Wider views at this focal length require a 2" eyepiece.
Yes. The long eye relief of the TeleVue 40mm Plössl makes it easy to position a camera for afocal imaging. It is also commonly used in night vision setups where a compact 1.25" format is preferred.
The TeleVue 40mm Plössl has very long eye relief, which is excellent for eyeglass wearers but can make eye placement sensitive. If you experience blackouts or difficulty positioning your eye, adding an eyeguard extender such as the EGE-0020 helps set the correct eye distance and improves viewing comfort.
| Model # | EPL-40.0 |
| Focal Length | 40 mm |
| Barrel Size | 1.25" |
| Apparent Field of View | 43° |
| Eye Relief | 28 mm |
| Field Stop Diameter | 27 mm |
| Weight | 6.8 oz (193 g) |
| Optical Length | 3.1" (79 mm) |
40mm Plössl Eyepiece
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