What magnification does the 6.5mm LER give?
Divide your telescope's focal length by 6.5: 480mm gives about 74x, 760mm about 117x and 1200mm about 185x. Long focal length telescopes push it past 300x, which needs very steady air.
Is the 16.8mm eye relief on the Explore Scientific 6.5mm eyepiece enough for viewing with glasses?
Explore Scientific designed the 6.5mm LER with 16.8mm of eye relief for comfort and says long relief is a must for eyeglass wearers because it allows them to enjoy the full field of view.
What does "Argon-Purged" mean for the Explore Scientific 82° 6.5mm eyepiece?
"Argon-Purged" means the interior of the eyepiece has been filled with inert argon gas and sealed with O-rings. This creates a waterproof environment that is impervious to internal fogging and keeps contaminants out of the housing.
Will the 6.5mm focal length be too much magnification for viewing the Orion Nebula (M42) in my telescope?
For a wide-field object like the Orion Nebula (M42), a 6.5mm eyepiece will almost always provide too much magnification to see the entire object. This focal length is designed to resolve fine detail in smaller targets. For example, at 117x in a 760mm telescope the field is about 0.7 degrees (82 / 117), which shows the Trapezium and the bright core but not the faint outer nebulosity. A longer focal length eyepiece suits the whole nebula.
What is the benefit of the 82° field of view on the 6.5mm eyepiece compared to a standard Plössl?
A standard Plössl eyepiece has an apparent field of view around 50-52°. The 82° field of the Explore Scientific eyepiece provides a much wider, more immersive window onto the sky at the same magnification. The wide field promotes relaxation and the use of averted vision.
Can I use the Explore Scientific 6.5mm LER eyepiece with a focal extender?
Yes. Explore Scientific's 1.25" Focal Extenders (FE02-125, FE03-125, FE05-125) fit its 1.25" barrel. For example, using it with a 2x focal extender would effectively turn it into a 3.25mm eyepiece, doubling the magnification. This can be useful for extremely high-power applications on nights of perfect seeing, but may be too much magnification for most telescopes and conditions.
How do I clean my Explore Scientific 6.5mm waterproof eyepiece?
The sealed design makes cleaning easy: only the outer lens surfaces need it. First, use a blower bulb to remove any loose dust or grit. Then, if needed, apply a few drops of a quality lens cleaning solution to a fresh microfiber cloth and gently wipe the lens in a circular motion from the center to the edge. Never spray cleaning fluid directly onto the lens.
How large and heavy is the 6.5mm LER?
It measures 106mm long and 50mm wide and weighs 325 g, with a 1.25" barrel and 7 elements in 5 groups.
