Explore Scientific 82 Waterproof Telescope Eyepiece 8.5mm - High Power

In this review the Explore Scientific 82 8.5mm eyepiece is evaluated as a high-power option for observers seeking more detail on planets and the Moon while retaining comfortable viewing. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of an 8.5mm focal length for higher magnification with an unusually long 16.3mm eye relief, which makes it usable for eyeglass wearers without sacrificing the wide apparent field. It presents a practical balance between reach and comfort in a waterproof, sealed design that reduces internal moisture and dust.

Key Features

• 8.5mm focal length: Provides higher magnification suited to planetary and lunar observing where detail matters.
• 16.3mm eye relief: Allows eyeglass wearers to see the full field without uncomfortable eye position adjustments.
• 82 apparent field of view: Makes locating targets easier and gives a roomy view that helps with averted vision on faint objects.
• Low-dispersion glass with EMD coatings: Delivers sharp contrast and bright views by maximizing light transmission and reducing color fringing.
• Waterproof, gas-purged housing: O-ring sealing and inert gas purge prevent internal moisture and dust, improving longevity and reliability.
• USA customer support: Backed by a support team in Springdale, Arkansas for service and questions.

Who It's For

This eyepiece is aimed at amateur astronomers who want higher magnification for planetary and lunar detail while retaining a comfortable viewing position, including those who wear glasses. It's also a good choice for observers who appreciate a broad 82 apparent field to ease target acquisition and to provide a more immersive view of larger celestial regions.

It is not the best first purchase for someone who needs very low magnification wide-field sweeping of star fields or for observers constrained by smaller telescopes where extreme magnification may exceed useful limits in poor seeing. Users seeking ultra-long eye relief beyond 20mm should consider alternate designs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High magnification from the 8.5mm focal length reveals planetary and lunar detail under steady skies.
• Long 16.3mm eye relief keeps the full field accessible for eyeglass wearers.
• 82 apparent field produces an immersive, relaxed viewing experience and helps locate targets.
• Waterproof, gas-purged housing resists internal moisture and dust for reliable performance.

Cons

• Higher power means views depend strongly on atmospheric steadiness; not ideal in poor seeing.
• Not intended as a low-power, wide-sky survey eyepiece for very large deep-sky fields.

Specifications

Brand	Explore Scientific
Focal length	8.5mm
Apparent field of view	82
Eye relief	16.3mm
Optics	Low-dispersion glass, edge-blackened elements with EMD coatings
Housing	Gas-purged, O-ring sealed waterproof
Support	Customer service in Springdale, Arkansas, USA

Our Verdict

The Explore Scientific 82 8.5mm eyepiece is a strong choice for observers who need higher magnification with comfortable eye relief and a wide apparent field. Its waterproof construction and quality coatings deliver sharp, contrasty views when seeing allows, and the long eye relief makes it well suited to eyeglass wearers, offering good value for users focused on planetary and lunar observing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this eyepiece work for eyeglass wearers?
Yes. The 16.3mm eye relief is long enough for most eyeglass wearers to enjoy the full field of view.

Is this eyepiece waterproof for outdoor use?
Yes. The ocular housing is gas-purged and O-ring sealed to prevent internal moisture and dust.

Is this a good wide-field eyepiece for deep-sky sweeping?
It has a broad 82 apparent field, but the 8.5mm focal length is a higher-power option better suited to planets and lunar detail than very low-power wide-sky surveys.