TeleVue Plössl 55mm 50° Eyepiece - 2"

The Maximum True Field of View

In visual astronomy, the true field of view (TFoV) is limited by the physical diameter of the eyepiece barrel. The Tele Vue 55mm Plössl features a 46mm field stop, which is the absolute maximum that can fit inside a 2-inch barrel. This results in a 50° apparent field that, when paired with the long 55mm focal length, provides a true field of sky that simply cannot be exceeded by any other 2-inch eyepiece.

For owners of f/10 or f/11 telescopes, this eyepiece is a revelation. It allows you to frame entire open clusters, large nebulae, and rich Milky Way star fields that would otherwise be cut off. It essentially provides the lowest useful magnification for your telescope, which is vital for locating objects and observing large-scale structures in the deep sky.

Exceptional Optical Clarity and Contrast

While the Plössl design is one of the oldest in astronomy, Tele Vue has refined it to a professional standard. By using high-index glass and proprietary multi-coatings, the 55mm Plössl minimizes the internal reflections and scattering often found in cheaper long-focal-length eyepieces.

• Edge Sharpness: Unlike generic Plössls, the Tele Vue version is designed to maintain tight star images across the entire field. This is particularly noticeable in telescopes with slower focal ratios, where the stars remain points right up to the field stop.
• Light Transmission: The simple four-element design means there is less glass for light to pass through compared to complex ultra-wide eyepieces. This results in exceptional throughput, making it a favorite for hunting the faint outer halos of galaxies.
• Neutral Color Rendition: There is no "warm" or "cool" tint here. The 55mm Plössl provides a transparent, natural view that allows the true colors of stars to shine through without interference.

The Ideal Eyepiece for Night Vision and Afocal Imaging

In recent years, the Tele Vue 55mm Plössl has found a second life as the gold standard for night vision astronomy. Because of its long focal length and massive exit pupil, it is the primary choice for "afocal" setups where a night vision monocular (like the PVS-14) is attached to the eyepiece. The 55mm focal length provides the necessary reduction to feed a bright, wide-angle image into the night vision device, dramatically increasing the visibility of H-alpha emissions and faint nebulosity.

Additionally, for traditional afocal photography, the 55mm Plössl provides a flat, well-corrected image that is ideal for projecting onto a camera sensor, especially when capturing wide-field lunar or solar panoramas with the appropriate filters.

Ergonomics and Massive Eye Relief

One of the standout features of the 55mm Plössl is its 38mm of eye relief. This is significantly more than almost any other eyepiece on the market. For observers who must wear thick eyeglasses to correct for severe astigmatism, this eyepiece offers a level of comfort that is simply unmatched.

• Eye Guard Adjustment: Because the eye relief is so long, Tele Vue includes a large, adjustable rubber eyeguard. This allows you to find the perfect distance for your eye, preventing "blackouts" or kidney-beaning while blocking out stray light from the surrounding environment.
• Dioptrx Compatibility: Like all high-end Tele Vue eyepieces, the 55mm Plössl is compatible with the Dioptrx astigmatism corrector. This allows you to observe without your glasses while still achieving a perfectly sharp image.
• Build Quality: Despite its size, the eyepiece is surprisingly light at 18.1 oz (513 g) compared to many 2-inch wide-field eyepieces. This makes it much easier to balance on your telescope when switching from smaller 1.25-inch eyepieces.

Comparative Perspective: Why the 55mm Plössl?

When selecting a low-power 2-inch eyepiece, the 55mm Plössl is often compared to the 41mm Panoptic or the 31mm Nagler.

• vs. Panoptic 41mm: Both eyepieces offer the same maximum true field of view (46mm field stop). However, the 55mm Plössl provides a larger exit pupil and lower magnification. If you have an f/10 telescope, the 55mm is often the better choice for maximizing brightness, whereas the 41mm Panoptic is better for f/7 or faster scopes.
• vs. Nagler 31mm: The "Terminator" 31mm Nagler provides a much wider apparent field (82°), but it cannot show more of the sky than the 55mm Plössl because they share the same field stop limit. The 55mm Plössl is significantly lighter, more affordable, and provides much better eye relief for glass wearers.

Is the Tele Vue 55mm Plössl Worth It?

For many, this is a utility eyepiece that quickly becomes a favorite. It is the eyepiece you reach for when you want to see the "big picture"—the Andromeda Galaxy in its entirety, the sprawling North American Nebula, or the full disc of the Moon with room to breathe. Its simplicity is its strength, offering a pure, bright, and incredibly wide view of the universe. For owners of long focal length telescopes or night vision enthusiasts, the Tele Vue 55mm Plössl is not just an option; it is an essential component of the optical train.