Why 62°
A 62° field is noticeably wider than a 52°, so objects do not race out of view as quickly on a telescope that does not track, and our eyepiece guide calls it the sweet spot for value. At the same magnification it shows about 20 percent more width of sky than a 52°. Explore Scientific makes it in seven focal lengths, from 5.5 mm to 40 mm.
Choosing one
Focal length and barrel
The 5.5, 9, 14, 20 and 26 mm have 1.25-inch barrels, and the 32 and 40 mm are 2-inch. In a 1,200 mm telescope, the 20 mm gives 60x and about 1 degree of sky, twice the width of the full Moon.
Eye relief
Eye relief runs from 10.4 mm on the 14 mm to 19.3 mm on the 26 mm and 28.2 mm on the 40 mm. If you observe with glasses, choose 15 mm or more: the 26, 32 and 40 mm.
Weight and coatings
The 1.25-inch models weigh 3.5 to 8.2 oz and the 2-inch 40 mm 23.6 oz, and every one carries Explore Scientific's EMD multi-coatings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which 62° should I buy first?
A medium focal length you will use most nights. Three eyepieces for low, medium and high power, plus a 2x focal extender, cover almost everything.
62° or 68°?
62° for value and light weight. 68° for a clear step up in immersion without the weight and cost of the ultra-wide designs.
Are they waterproof?
Yes. Each is argon-purged and waterproof.
Which 62° for the planets?
The 5.5 mm or 9 mm, matched to your telescope's focal length and to the 200x to 250x the air usually allows.
For how apparent field, eye relief and exit pupil work together, read Best Telescope Eyepieces: A Buyer's Guide, and for a step down, browse our 52° eyepieces.