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Explore Scientific 1.25" 68° Series Argon-Purged Waterproof Eyepiece - 24mm

4.8 (21 Reviews) Read Reviews Write Review
Brand Explore Scientific
Part Number EPWP6824-01
Availability available

Product Info

Manufacturer Description

Through computer-optimized design, a careful selection of optical glasses, and enhanced multi-layer deposition coatings, the Explore Scientific 68° Series eyepieces produce long eye-relief and ensure high image-correction, a flat field, and high contrast across the entire image field. An excellent choice for those who make extended visual studies of detail with subtle variations of brightness, and for those who must wear glasses while observing.

With the introduction of the 68° Series, Explore Scientific has made two important improvements in eyepiece manufacture - the first being 15 layer Enhanced Multi-layer Deposition (EMD) coatings on all glass-to-air surfaces to gain maximum contrast, and waterproofing the eyepiece with the use of Argon gas purging instead of standard Nitrogen gas. Although Nitrogen is a fine choice that will last for many years, Argon is a larger molecule that maintains its protective properties over a wider range of temperatures, and is even more resistant to diffusion thereby further extending the protective waterproof environment of the eyepiece body.

Each eyepiece is meticulously assembled into precision machined metal lens barrels that maintain the perfect alignment of the optical train for years of rugged use in the field. To keep internal reflections to a minimum, all internal surfaces of the eyepiece barrel are flat black, as well as the edges of the lenses themselves to minimize the scattering of light within the lenses themselves.

Explore Scientific's eyepieces are backed with their exclusive Explore STAR Transferrable Extended Life of the Product Warranty. Limited Warranty is one year, which converts to the Explore STAR Transferrable Extended Life of the Product Warranty when product is registered within 60 days of purchase. We think that you will find Explore Scientific eyepieces rank among the finest obtainable and represent an outstanding value.

Reviews

4.8 (Based on 21 Reviews) 95% of reviewers recommended this product.
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    1. Guest

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      Review by james d.
      1524890021
      Apr 27, 2018

      5.0 explore scientific 24mm 68 deg

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      this eyepiece the stars are sharp as a tack i think its the best in the 1.25 range for explore scientific works excellent in my celestron 6" nexstar evo for deep sky star fields/clusters and objects if you want a lower power eyepiece buy this one its my goto eyepiece the one i use first then maybe up the magnification but i still come back to using this eyepiece its a much nicer feel /view and pin sharp to the very edge i hear its great in binoviewers (i dont own one ) if you can only use 1.25 eyepieces like me in my 6" then this is a must have in the collection i am very happy with my purchase from agena astro great service and company ...life is too short so do yourself a favor treat yourself and buy this quality eyepiece... you will thank me !!
      cheers
      james D

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    2. Guest

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      Review by liav c.
      1521101918
      Mar 15, 2018

      5.0 excellent piece of gear!

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      helps me get to maximize the fov on my 5" mak-cas.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    3. philippelletier

      philippelletier New Member

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      Review by Philip P.
      1512179344
      Dec 1, 2017

      5.0 Every bit as good as 24mm TV Panoptic

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Well made solid construction, nice ergonomics. Very comfortable to use, only minor edge of field distortion in 80mm f7 refractor. Highly recommended.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    4. Guest

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      Review by Joe T.
      1494420042
      May 10, 2017

      5.0 Explore Scientific 1.25" 68° Series 24mm eyepiece

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Great service, quick delivery. I've only had one opportunity (for a variety of reasons) to use the 24mm eyepiece and only had limited skies when I did, but the views of the moon were stunning compared to the stock eyepiece that came with my Celestron NexStar 6SE. Unfortunately the sky clouded before I was able look at anything else. Looking forward to completing the 68° Series set.
      thanks

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Richard S.
      1493555997
      Apr 30, 2017

      5.0 A beautiful eyepiece!

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I'm really enjoying this eyepiece, well made and a great fov. Agena shipped it right away, great company!

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Adam T.
      1490975197
      Mar 31, 2017

      5.0 Keeper EP

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Excellent value considering its level of correction in my 120mm f/5 refractor with only 1.25" diagonal.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Howard D.
      1490542265
      Mar 26, 2017

      5.0 One of my favorites

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I ordered the Explore Scientific 68 24mm to pair with my other one that I have had for awhile. I loved using this eyepiece for low power viewing, that I wanted to order another one for a binocular telescope I have. I love the field, and the eye relief.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    8. Guest

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      Review by T
      1484620090
      Jan 16, 2017

      4.0 Low weight, reasonable eye relief

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      High quality optics.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    9. Guest

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      Review by Laren M.
      1483621154
      Jan 5, 2017

      4.0 Great alternative to Panoptic for long focal length

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Very sharp out to the edge in my Orion 150mm Mak.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    10. Guest

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      Review by Brent S.
      1483469290
      Jan 3, 2017

      5.0 Explorer 1.25" 68 degree 24 mm eyepiece

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I really like all the Explorer Scientific eyepieces, from the 82 degree and the 68 degree as well. They are superb performers In all my telescopes, reflectors, refractors, and Maksutov's. This one is a bit heavy, but nothing that can't be easily accommodated. Thank you for a great eyepiece at a great price!!! Your fast service is unbeatable too!!!!

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    11. dogstar

      dogstar New Member

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      Review by Starthrower of Southern New Hampshire.
      1424995200
      Feb 26, 2015

      5.0 My big screen TV for astronomy

      Pros:

      Strong Construction,Easy to Use,Quality Lenses

      Cons:

      Comments:

      While I wanted a low power 82 degree Explore Scientific EP, they do not offer those in 1.25" barrel size. Having two of the 82's, and finding them to be my primary go-to EPs,I decided to try a 68. I am glad I did! While obviously not as wide a FOV as an 82, it is still a wonderful "porthole" experience, both on Deep Sky and Lunar targets. Also helpful to get a rich view of Jupiter with his moons when they are at a greater distance from the planet. Great construction, although at the price of serious heft. I recommend being mindful of balance issues, especially if mated with a Barlow/Focal Extender (which works VERY well). I really value the Explore Scientific line of optics.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by AhBok of 40 miles north of Graceland!.
      1410048000
      Sep 6, 2014

      5.0 As Good as the Best for Less!

      Pros:

      Strong Construction,Accurate,Quality Lenses

      Cons:

      Comments:

      The title says it all. This is a great eyepiece that give you the best corrected, widest true field for a 1.25" eyepiece. IMO, it is as good as the competition for quite a bit less. I have a box full of 68 and 82 degree eyepieces and this is my favorite all around for all of my scopes.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? No
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by John D of Titusville, NJ.
      1401494400
      May 30, 2014

      5.0 My go-to wide field eyepieces

      Pros:

      Easy to Use,Bino Viewer Friendly,Lightweight,Strong Construction,Compact,Quality Lenses

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I use two of these exclusively in my Denk II bino viewers and they're great. Both in the 80mm triplet and the C9.25. You could probably spend a lot more on eyepieces but personally I don't see enough of a difference to justify the exponential price increase for such an insignificant increase in quality. Plus ES customer service is top notch!

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Scanning4Comets of Canada.
      1391385600
      Feb 2, 2014

      4.0 Pretty good eyepiece!!!

      Pros:

      Lightweight,Quality Lenses,Compact,Easy to Use,Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Shows Coma In Fast Scopes

      Comments:

      There are some pros and cons with this eyepiece.

      Pros:

      1. Lightweight
      2. Razor sharp field stop
      3. Good eye relief
      4. Central 70% very sharp

      Cons:

      1. Lots of coma in a fast scope
      2. A bit tight if you need to wear glasses

      Overall the pros outweigh the cons for this particular eyepiece. Will work really well in a longer FL scope, than a short FL scope. Very similar in performance to the 28mm ES 68. You can't really go wrong with this eyepiece. IMO, the 22mm Vixen LVW is a lot better if you use a fast scope ~ images are sharp to the edges in it, but you wil pay more for a new one. The 24mm ES 68 is great for the price!

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    15. Guest

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      Review by Atom B of Phoenix, AZ.
      1386374400
      Dec 6, 2013

      5.0 My favorite EP!

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      This is the first EP to go in my focuser for every observing session. The large diameter eyecup and very good eye relief make this my most comfortable EP. Well corrected - even at F/7.5, there is hardly any field curvature. I really like the latest versions of ES eyepieces because they have no moving parts, and built like tanks.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    16. Rdamer726

      Rdamer726 New Member

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      Review by rd726 of Indiana.
      1386374400
      Dec 6, 2013

      5.0 Very nice

      Pros:

      Easy to Use,Quality Lenses,Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Service, as always, is wonderful and this eyepiece is VERY nice. I like it better than the Panoptic I had.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    17. Tim

      Tim New Member

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      Review by Tim of Eastern Iowa.
      1384819200
      Nov 18, 2013

      5.0 Great Low/Medium power eyepiece!

      Pros:

      Strong Construction,Great build quality,Quality Lenses

      Cons:

      Comments:

      The ES 24mm is a great eyepiece at a great price! Sharp to the edges, it gives great views. I use it in my ED refractor, SCTs and my DOB. One of my favorite eyepieces.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    18. Guest

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      Review by Astrodan of Boston Ma.
      1380326400
      Sep 27, 2013

      5.0 Works perfectly for binoviewing

      Pros:

      Strong Construction,Quality Lenses

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I use a pair of these for binoviewing in a Denk Binotron. They work wonderfully giving me a 68 deg 24mm view of the sky. I find them comfortable to use and the eye relief for me is good. I do not wear glasses when viewing so I cannot comment on how well they will perform with them on. The barrels are quite wide and I was first worried about not having enough room for my nose in the binoviewer. However this was not an issue. Even with dew straps affixed to them. These pair tend to be my preferred pair because I can use my power switch of the binoviewer to get the magnification I desire. The eyepieces are very well made and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone, whether mono viewing to binoviewing. The views thru them are nice and pin point with just some coma at the edges. But that does not bother me too much. The best feature is the 1.25" barrel so they fit my binoviewer. Most eyepieces in this field of view and magnification range require 2" barrels. So this was an obvious choice for people binoviewing. I have not been disappointed.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    19. michaeldowns

      michaeldowns New Member

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      Review by michael downs of SW Florida.
      1380326400
      Sep 27, 2013

      4.0 ES 24mm Widefield

      Pros:

      Quality Lenses,Compact,Lightweight,Easy to Use,Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I bought this 24mm to fill a void in my FL collection as well as to be a dedicated piece on an upcoming 5" f5 build I'm doing. Great return per dollar spent in terms of performance and usability. No pin chusioning in my f8 refractor or loss of light in any part of the fov. Very comfortable with excellent contrast and definition. Though no longer in my stable for side by side comparisons, this eyepiece seems to perform on par with a TV 24 WF I once had. Money very well spent to be sure!

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    20. Ken Magar

      Ken Magar New Member

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      Review by Mr Magoo of Indiana.
      1380326400
      Sep 27, 2013

      5.0 It's a keeper!

      Pros:

      Strong Construction,Easy to Use,Quality Lenses

      Cons:

      Comments:

      This easily is my favorite ES eyepiece of all that I own in either of the 82 or 68 series. I was fortunate to receive it just before attending a star party. It spent more time in my 16" f4.5 that weekend than any other eyepiece.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    21. Guest

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      Review by Mitch of Florida.
      1375488000
      Aug 2, 2013

      5.0 *The* eyepiece

      Pros:

      Strong Construction,Easy to Use,Accurate,Quality Lenses

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I absolutely love this eyepiece, it stays in my diagonal/Dob 97% of the time. Great choice for Milky Way scanning, and frames many objects in Sagittarius. Clean stars for the majority of the field, with stars only going soft at the outermost edges. If anything were to happen to it, I would immediately order another one from Agena Astro. I cannot praise this eyepiece enough, especially for the price. If you're looking for a good finder eyepiece with a wide-field, look no further.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Specifications

      Apparent Field of View 68°
      Barrel Size 1.25" (31.7mm)
      Bolt Case Included Yes - Free Agena Eyepiece Container
      Bolt Case Size Agena 65x80mm
      Coatings EMD (Enhanced Multilayer Deposition) Coatings
      Design 6 Elements; Combination of: Dense Crown, Light Crown, Dense Flint, and Lanthanum Optical Glasses
      Height (with Eye Guard) 3.27" (83.1mm)
      Max Width 2.22" (56.3mm)
      End Caps 2
      Eye Lens Diameter 0.92" (23.4mm)
      Eye Relief by Design 18.4mm
      Filter Threads Standard 1.25" Filter Thread (M28.5 x 0.6)
      Focal Length 24mm
      Lens Elements 6
      Lens Groups 4
      Parfocal Yes
      Rubber Eye Guard Rubber Folding Type
      Blackened Lens Edges Yes
      Additional Information Body: Anodized Black Aluminum; Laser-Etched Description and Serial Number; Rubber Grip: Internally O-Ring Sealed and Argon Purged

      Barrel: Stainless-Steel, Double Taper, Accepts Standard Filters
      Manufacturer Explore Scientific
      Eyepiece Focal Length 20.1mm - 30mm
      Eyepiece Field of View 61 - 70 degrees
      Eyepiece Series Explore Scientific 68°
      Barrel Type Tapered barrel
      Eyepiece Weight 11.70oz (331.69g)