Celestron X-Cel LX 12 mm - 1.25"

A 60° Window for Planets and Deep-Sky Objects

With a 60° apparent field of view, the X-Cel LX 12mm provides a noticeably wider and more immersive window than the typical 50-52° field of a standard Plössl. This wider perspective is ideal for framing the entirety of the lunar disc, capturing Jupiter along with its Galilean moons, or fitting smaller deep-sky objects like the Ring Nebula (M57) or the Hercules Cluster (M13) comfortably within the field.

6-Element Optics for High-Contrast Views

The internal 6-element, 4-group Erfle design uses fully multi-coated optics to maximize light transmission and minimize internal reflections. The lens edges are blackened to further boost contrast by absorbing stray light, resulting in a darker sky background and sharper details on planetary surfaces. The 13mm field stop ensures a sharp, defined edge to the field of view.

16mm Eye Relief for Comfortable Observing

The entire X-Cel LX series features a generous 16mm of eye relief, a critical feature for comfortable viewing during long sessions. This distance allows most users, including those who wear eyeglasses, to see the full 60° field without pressing their eye against the lens. The pop-up eyeguard extends with a simple twist, allowing you to set the perfect distance and block stray ambient light.

• Adjustable Eyeguard: The pop-up eyeguard provides a customizable height for observers with or without glasses, ensuring optimal eye placement.
• Secure Grip: A threaded rubber grip around the black-anodized aluminum body ensures secure handling, even when wearing gloves on a cold night.
• Filter Ready: The 1.25" barrel is threaded to accept standard astronomy filters, allowing you to easily add a moon filter or a nebula filter to enhance your views.

X-Cel LX 12mm vs. Standard Plössls: A Wider Perspective

Compared to a similarly priced Plössl eyepiece, the X-Cel LX 12mm offers several key advantages for the visual observer.

• Wider Field of View: The most significant upgrade is the 60° apparent field versus the 50-52° of a Plössl. This makes locating and tracking objects easier and provides a more engaging, "spacewalk" viewing feel.
• Longer Eye Relief: At 16mm, the eye relief is considerably more comfortable than the shorter eye relief found on most 12mm Plössl designs, which is a major benefit for eyeglass wearers.
• Parfocal Design: Switching between X-Cel LX eyepieces requires almost no refocusing. This is a time-saving convenience that Plössls from different manufacturers cannot offer.