 The new 14mm Explore Scientific 100° field 2" eyepiece is O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged to be 100% waterproof. While waterproofing might seem important only for observing underwater, waterproofing serves several five useful purposes for the astronomical observer as well.
One, internally sealing the eyepiece and purging it with inert, dry nitrogen gas prevents internal fogging in the eyepiece when observing at sub-freezing temperatures. Two, for observers in dusty climates, it halts the intrusion of wind-blown dust and fine particulates into the eyepiece body. Three, for observers in very humid climates, it prevents the growth of fungus on the internal lens elements. Four, for all observers, it maximizes the life of the internal optical coatings. And finally, five, the waterproof 14mm Explore Scientific eyepiece is easier to clean, as there is no risk of cleaning solution migrating from the top of the lens and seeping around edges to be trapped in between elements. To insure a perfect seal, Explore Scientific tests every eyepiece in one meter of water for 30 minutes before shipping.
The 14mm Explore Scientific is a nine element optical system using lenses of dense crown, light crown, dense flint, and lanthanum rare earth optical glasses. It is designed for maximum field/medium power deep space use with telescopes having focal ratios down to f/4. It is exceptionally effective on nebulas with fast f/ratio reflectors, such as Dobsonians, giving both an immense field and a bright exit pupil (over 3mm with the typical f/4.5 Dob). Its very wide field also makes it convenient for moderate power lunar and planetary observing with Dobsonians, as you have much longer to observe before the planet drifts out of the field and the scope has to be repositioned. That said, it is worth noting that the new 14mm Explore Scientific Explore Scientific is marvelous for open clusters, nebulas, galaxy clusters, and globular clusters with any telescope capable of using a 2" eyepiece.
The 100° apparent field of this new 14mm Explore Scientific eyepiece is nearly 50% larger in area than an 82° field eyepiece. You could get a similar true field with a longer focal length (but narrower apparent field) conventional eyepiece, but the 14mm Explore Scientific Explore Scientific has the benefits of the higher power and darker sky backgrounds that are inherent in its shorter focal length. You can use the field of view calculator below to see just how much sky the Explore Scientific can reveal with your telescope.
There is a soft rolldown eyecup to shield the eye from ambient light (from a neighbor’s security light, for example) and improve the image contrast. At an eye relief of 14.5mm, the 14mm Explore Scientific would normally somewhat vignette the field of view for eyeglass wearers. However, since the 100° field is so wide that you can’t see the full field without having to move your head from side to side to take it all in anyway, vignetting in the conventional sense is not a problem.
The 14mm Explore Scientific has high contrast, comfortable eye relief, and full field sharpness – with well-controlled astigmatism, field curvature, and lateral color. Initial comments from unbiased observers have been uniformly favorable. Here’s an example from one experienced observer. “I’ve looked at the stars for 30 years and I have never had an eyepiece gave me a wow factor like the Explore Scientific 100 degree 14mm did. At 100 degrees it is an awesome vista to see. Not only were the stars pin-point to the very edges of the field, the contrast was greatly enhanced as well. I was totally blown away, it is incredible."
The 14mm Explore Scientific fits 2" focusers only. A safety groove is machined into the 2" chrome barrel to engage your focuser thumbscrew. This helps prevent the eyepiece from falling should the thumbscrew accidentally loosen while observing.
This individually serial numbered Explore Scientific product is backed by a limited one year warranty, which will be extended to an Explore Scientific STAR lifetime transferrable limited warranty when the product warranty card is registered with Explore Scientific within 60 days of purchase. For full details on this unique transferrable lifetime warranty, click on this link.
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