Celestron X-Cel LX 18 mm - 1.25"
- 18mm Focal Length
- 60° Apparent Field of View
- 6-Element Fully Multi-Coated Optics
- 16mm Eye Relief
- Parfocal with all X-Cel LX Eyepieces
- 1.25" Barrel with Filter Threads
Simulate the exact field of view of the Celestron X-Cel LX 18 mm - 1.25" with your specific telescope.
Launch Visual AssistantThe Celestron X-Cel LX 18mm Eyepiece delivers a wide 60° apparent field of view through a 6-element optical system, providing sharp, high-contrast views of both planets and deep-sky objects. With a comfortable 16mm of eye relief and a weight of just 6.5 oz, this eyepiece is designed for extended observing sessions. Its 1.25" barrel is threaded for standard filters, and its parfocal design allows for quick magnification changes with minimal refocusing when switching between other eyepieces in the X-Cel LX series.
The 18mm focal length strikes a balance between the higher powers needed for planetary detail and the wider fields required for many deep-sky targets. The 60° apparent field of view is a significant step up from standard Plössl designs, allowing you to frame larger objects like the Orion Nebula (M42) or the entire Pleiades cluster (M45) in many short-focal-length telescopes. The 6-element Erfle-type design, combined with full multi-coatings and blackened lens edges, controls aberrations and maximizes contrast.
Comfort is critical during long observing nights, and the X-Cel LX 18mm provides a generous 16mm of eye relief, making it accessible for most observers, including those who wear glasses. The pop-up eyeguard can be extended for non-eyeglass wearers to block stray light or retracted to a flat surface for those who need to get closer with their glasses on. The black-anodized aluminum body features a threaded rubber grip, ensuring a secure hold even with cold hands or while wearing gloves.
All eyepieces in the X-Cel LX series are designed to be parfocal, a feature that significantly speeds up observing. This means that when you switch from the 18mm to another X-Cel LX eyepiece, like the 9mm for higher power or the 25mm for a wider field, the focus point remains nearly the same. This eliminates the need for major refocusing, allowing you to spend more time observing and less time adjusting your equipment, which is especially useful when tracking a planet or trying to locate a faint galaxy.
In a typical 8" f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, the X-Cel LX 18mm will provide approximately 113x magnification. This is an excellent medium power for resolving globular clusters like the Hercules Cluster (M13), viewing details in larger planetary nebulae such as the Ring Nebula (M57), and observing cloud bands on Jupiter or the rings of Saturn.
Yes. With 16mm of eye relief, most eyeglass wearers can see the full 60° field of view comfortably. The pop-up eyeguard can be retracted to a flat position, allowing you to get your eye, with glasses, close enough to the lens to take in the entire view.
A standard Plössl eyepiece typically has an apparent field of view around 50-52°. The 60° field of the X-Cel LX 18mm provides a noticeably wider, more immersive "spacewalk" viewing window at the same magnification. This makes it easier to frame large star clusters and locate objects by giving you more context of the surrounding starfield.
Being parfocal means that all eyepieces within the Celestron X-Cel LX series share a common focal plane. When you switch between them, your telescope will require little to no refocusing. This saves significant time and hassle, especially when you are observing multiple objects or sharing views with others.
Yes. The 1.25" barrel of the X-Cel LX 18mm is threaded to accept all standard 1.25" astronomy filters. This allows you to use moon filters, color filters for planetary observing, or light pollution filters to enhance contrast on deep-sky objects.
No, the eyepiece is not rated as waterproof. While it is designed to be durable for field use and can handle typical dew conditions, it should not be submerged or exposed to heavy rain. Always allow it to dry thoroughly with the caps off if it gets damp.
| Focal Length | 18mm (0.71") |
| Barrel Size | 1.25" (32mm) |
| Apparent Field of View | 60° |
| Optical Design | Erfle |
| Lens Elements | 6 |
| Lens Groups | 4 |
| Optical Coatings | Fully Multi-Coated |
| Eye Relief | 16mm (0.63") |
| Field Stop Diameter | 18.4mm (0.72") |
| Parfocal | Yes, with X-Cel LX series |
| Filter Threads | 1.25" |
| Eye Guard | Pop-up, adjustable |
| Body Material | Aluminum |
| Waterproof | No |
| Dimensions | 85mm x 48mm x 48mm (3.35" x 1.89" x 1.89") |
| Weight | 6.5 oz (184 g) |
X-Cel LX 18mm Eyepiece - 1.25"
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