Explore Scientific 68° 34mm Waterproof Eyepiece - 2"
- 34mm Focal Length
- 68° Apparent Field of View
- 2" Diameter Barrel
- Argon-Purged Waterproof Construction
- Parfocal with other 68° Series Eyepieces
- Long Eye Relief for Eyeglass Wearers
Simulate the exact field of view of the Explore Scientific 68° 34mm Waterproof Eyepiece - 2" with your specific telescope.
Launch Visual AssistantThe Explore Scientific 68° 34mm Waterproof Eyepiece delivers an immersive, wide-field view in a 2-inch barrel format. With a 34mm focal length, this eyepiece provides low-power, expansive views of the sky, framed within a generous 68° apparent field of view. Its fully sealed, Argon-purged body is tested to be waterproof at a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes, ensuring it remains internally pristine regardless of observing conditions.
This eyepiece is engineered to produce a wide, flat, and high-contrast window into the cosmos. The 34mm focal length yields very low magnification, making it an ideal "finder" eyepiece for locating faint targets and an exceptional instrument for observing large-scale objects. The 68° apparent field of view is wide enough to frame the entirety of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) or the Veil Nebula complex in most long-focal-length telescopes.
Dew and humidity are constant challenges in astronomy, but this eyepiece is built to withstand them. The optical housing is purged of all air and filled with inert Argon gas before being sealed. This process makes the eyepiece impervious to internal fogging, fungus growth, and contaminants, and it has been factory-tested by submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The dry, sealed environment means you can move from a warm house to a cold field without fear of internal condensation clouding your view.
Practicality is central to the 68° Series design. This 34mm model is parfocal with its siblings, meaning you can swap between different focal lengths in the series with little to no refocusing required. It also features long eye relief and a soft, foldable silicone eyecup, providing comfortable views for all observers, including those who must wear eyeglasses to correct for astigmatism.
When choosing a low-power eyepiece, a common comparison is between the 68° series and the wider 82° series. While the 82° eyepieces offer a more expansive "spacewalk" apparent field, the 68° series provides a critical advantage in observer comfort.
The eyepiece is fully sealed and purged with inert Argon gas. This dry, pressurized environment prevents moisture, dew, and dust from ever entering the optical housing. Explore Scientific tests each eyepiece by submerging it in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes to guarantee the integrity of the seals.
It excels in this role. In a typical 8-inch f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, the 34mm focal length provides a low magnification (around 60x) and a wide true field of view. This makes it much easier to star-hop and locate faint deep-sky objects compared to higher-power eyepieces.
Being parfocal means this eyepiece shares a common focal plane with other eyepieces in the Explore Scientific 68° series. When you switch from one 68° eyepiece to another, the image will remain nearly in focus, requiring only a minimal adjustment. This saves significant time and effort during an observing session.
Yes, it's an excellent choice. The 34mm focal length is designed to provide a wide true field of view that can easily frame large open star clusters like the Pleiades (M45) or sprawling emission nebulae like the North American Nebula (NGC 7000) in a single view.
Choose the 68° 34mm if you prioritize observer comfort, especially if you wear eyeglasses, as it offers longer eye relief. Choose an 82° eyepiece if your top priority is the most immersive, "spacewalk" viewing experience possible and you do not require long eye relief.
Yes. The Explore Scientific 68° series is known for its long eye relief. This allows observers who need to wear glasses for astigmatism correction to see the entire 68° field of view comfortably without having to press their glasses against the lens.
| Focal Length | 34mm |
| Apparent Field of View | 68° |
| Barrel Size | 2" |
| Waterproof | Yes, Argon-Purged (Tested to 1 meter for 30 minutes) |
| Parfocal | Yes (with ES 68° Series) |
| Coatings | Fully Multi-Coated |
| Eye Relief | Long |
| GTIN | 812257010509 |
Explore Scientific 68° 34mm Waterproof Eyepiece
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