{"product_id":"celestron-x-cel-lx-18-mm-1-25ft-eyepiece-optimized-planetary-views","title":"Celestron X-Cel LX 18 mm 1.25ft Eyepiece - Optimized Planetary Views","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the Celestron X-Cel LX 18 mm 1.25' eyepiece is assessed as a mid-range optical accessory aimed at amateur astronomers who want a comfortable, high-contrast view of the Moon and planets. The single biggest reason to consider this eyepiece is its well-executed optical design: a six-element, fully multi-coated lens set that delivers a clear image with increased contrast and a roomy 60 apparent field of view, making planetary details easier to pick out without resorting to very short focal lengths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e60 apparent field of view:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides a wide, immersive view that helps keep planetary disks and lunar terrain fully visible without constant re-centering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSix-element fully multi-coated optics:\u003c\/strong\u003e High-transmission coatings and blackened lens edges reduce stray light and boost contrast for sharper detail on bright targets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e16 mm eye relief:\u003c\/strong\u003e Comfortable positioning for most observers, including those who wear glasses, so extended viewing sessions stay strain-free.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePop-up rubber eyeguards:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adjustable eyecups twist up or down to suit eye position and increase perceived contrast by blocking peripheral light.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTreaded rubber grip:\u003c\/strong\u003e A positive, no-slip grip makes swapping eyepieces easier even when wearing gloves outdoors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1.25' threaded barrel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Accepts filters directly, allowing quick use of color or lunar filters without extra adapters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Celestron X-Cel LX 18 mm is best for hobbyists and binocular-to-small-telescope owners seeking a reliable ocular for planetary and Moon observing that balances field of view with comfortable eye relief. It suits observers who value solid build quality and want parfocal performance across a matched eyepiece set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is less appropriate for someone whose primary interest is wide-field deep-sky imaging at very low magnification or for observers seeking ultra-wide 80+ apparent field eyepieces. Users on an extreme budget may prefer simpler eyepieces, though they will likely trade away the contrast and coatings this model provides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent optical clarity and contrast from the six-element fully multi-coated design.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComfortable 16 mm eye relief and pop-up eyecups make long viewing sessions easier.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolid metal body with a treaded rubber grip gives a durable, positive feel during use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eField of view, while roomy at 60, is narrower than ultra-wide 70-80 FOV eyepieces favored for deep-sky sweeping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCelestron\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeries\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eX-Cel LX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBarrel size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.25'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApparent field of view\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 degrees\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEye relief\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConstruction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSix-element fully multi-coated optics; black-anodized aluminum body\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe X-Cel LX 18 mm 1.25' eyepiece is a well-rounded choice for planetary and lunar observers who want comfortable eye relief, solid build quality, and improved contrast from fully multi-coated optics. It offers good value for those upgrading from basic eyepieces and fits well into a parfocal set for quick swapping during observing sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this eyepiece parfocal with others in the series?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The X-Cel LX family is parfocal, so swapping between eyepieces in the set requires little or no refocusing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use filters with this eyepiece?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The 1.25' barrel is threaded to accept standard 1.25' filters for lunar and planetary work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it be comfortable for eyeglass wearers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The eyepiece provides about 16 mm of eye relief and has adjustable pop-up eyecups to help position the eye correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Celestron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48262690963675,"sku":"B0048JLLKM","price":109.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/517iEi2Jh-L._AC_SL1000.jpg?v=1778276033","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/celestron-x-cel-lx-18-mm-1-25ft-eyepiece-optimized-planetary-views","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}