What is the main benefit of the 62° field on the Explore Scientific 26mm eyepiece?
The 62° apparent field of view provides a wider, more immersive window into space compared to the standard 50-52° field of typical Plössl eyepieces. This makes it easier to locate objects, frame large nebulae and star clusters, and enjoy a more engaging "spacewalk" feeling when observing.
How does the waterproofing on the ES 62° 26mm eyepiece actually work?
The eyepiece is completely sealed with O-rings and filled with inert argon gas. This process, known as gas purging, displaces all internal moisture-laden air. As a result, the internal lenses cannot fog up due to temperature changes, and the multi-coatings are protected from moisture, fungus, and dust for the life of the eyepiece.
Is the Explore Scientific 62° 26mm a good eyepiece for my 8" f/10 SCT?
Yes, it's an excellent choice. In a typical 8" f/10 SCT with a 2032mm focal length, the 26mm eyepiece will provide about 78x magnification. This is a perfect low-power magnification for locating objects, observing large open clusters like the Pleiades (M45), and viewing the full disk of the Moon.
How will the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) look through the ES 62° 26mm eyepiece in a 10" Dobsonian?
In a typical 10" f/4.7 Dobsonian (around 1200mm focal length), this eyepiece yields 46x magnification. This low power and the wide 62° field of view are ideal for framing the entirety of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). You will be able to see the bright core and the extended galactic disk, along with its companion galaxies M32 and M110, all within a single field of view.
What does "near parfocal" mean for the Explore Scientific 62° series?
"Near parfocal" means that when you switch between different eyepieces in the same Explore Scientific 62° series, you will need to make only a very small adjustment to the focuser, if any at all. This saves significant time and effort when you want to change magnification quickly during an observing session.
Why is the ES 62° 26mm eyepiece good for "averted vision"?
The eyepiece's high-contrast, flat-field optics produce a dark sky background and sharp stars across the field. This clarity makes it easier to practice averted vision—looking slightly to the side of a faint object. This technique puts the object's light onto the more sensitive peripheral part of your retina, often making faint galaxies or nebular details "pop" into view against the dark background.
