Explore Scientific 68 Degree 34mm Argon-Purged Telescope Eyepiece

Our review of the Explore Scientific 68 Degree 34mm eyepiece finds it best suited to amateur and enthusiast astronomers who want a comfortable, wide field view without upgrading to extremely expensive ultra-wide designs. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of a generous 68 degree apparent field and long 26.4mm eye relief, which produces sharp, well-corrected images with comfortable viewing for eyeglass wearers and long observing sessions.

Key Features

• 68 degree field of view: Provides a noticeably wider visible sky than standard eyepieces, making star fields and nebulae easier to frame and enjoy.
• 34mm focal length: Delivers a low to medium magnification useful for deep sky observing and rich star fields paired with common 2.00' telescopes.
• 26.4mm eye relief: Offers comfortable viewing for users who wear glasses and reduces eye strain during extended sessions.
• Argon-purged waterproof construction: Seals optics against moisture and internal fogging so the eyepiece survives damp conditions and temperature changes.
• Robust build quality: Solid mechanical construction gives a premium feel and reliable alignment similar to higher-end UWA eyepieces.

Who It's For

This eyepiece is aimed at observers who prioritize a wide and comfortable field of view for visual astronomy, particularly for deep sky and star cluster viewing. It suits hobbyists upgrading from basic Plossl or Kellner eyepieces who want improved edge-to-edge sharpness and better eye relief.

Observers seeking extremely high magnification for planetary work, or those wanting the very widest UWA class fields, should look at shorter focal length eyepieces or dedicated ultra-wide designs; this 34mm is optimized for low-to-mid power and wide context views rather than high-power planetary detail.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent apparent field of view that keeps stars pinpoint across much of the image.
• Comfortable eye relief that makes framing and focusing faster, especially with glasses.
• Sturdy, well-machined construction and argon purge for longevity in varied conditions.

Cons

• Relatively large and heavier than smaller eyepieces, which can affect balance on some mounts.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Explore Scientific 68 Degree 34mm eyepiece is a strong choice for anyone wanting a roomy, comfortable view and sharp performance at low power. It offers excellent build quality and argon-purged durability, making it good value for observers who favor deep sky sessions and long viewing runs. Recommended for hobbyists stepping up from basic eyepieces who want wide fields without the premium cost of true UWA extremes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this eyepiece suitable for eyeglass wearers?
Yes. The 26.4mm of eye relief makes it comfortable for observers who wear glasses.

Will this work in a 2.00 in focuser?
Yes. The barrel size is 2.00 in and fits standard 2.00 in focusers.

Is it waterproof for use in cold or damp conditions?
Yes. The argon-purged, waterproof construction helps prevent internal fogging and moisture damage.