Buying guide
Eyepiece Upgrade Kit
Updated How we research
Better glass for wider, sharper, more comfortable views. The page is split into five sections (Cover the basics; Go wide and immersive; Stay flexible; Double your range; Improve the light path), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 20 picks. Our scores range from 6.2 to 9.2 out of 10.
- Best overall:Explore Scientific 82 Degree Waterproof Telescope Eyepiece 14mm Focal Length 1.25 inch. Highest overall score in this guide at 9.2/10.
- Also great value:SVBONY FMC 1.25 inch 68 Degree Ultra Wide Angle Eyepiece Set 6mm 9mm 15mm 20mm. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Solid build:Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series Waterproof Telescope Eyepiece Ultra Wide Field. Build and materials score of 9/10, overall 8.0/10.
- Feature-rich:SVBONY SV191 Zoom Eyepiece 7.2 to 21.6mm 1.25 inch FMC 42-65 FOV Twist-Up Eyecups. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Cover the basics
- Orion 8741 25mm Sirius Plossl Telescope Eyepiece 1.25 inch Fully Multi-CoatedOur score8.3/10
- Orion 08736 10mm Sirius Plossl Telescope Eyepiece Black 1.25 inch 4-Element DesignOur score8.0/10
- SVBONY 40mm 1.25 inch Plossl Lens Fully Multi Green Coated 40 Degree 4 Element EyepieceOur score7.2/10
- SVBONY 1.25 inch 4mm Plossl Telescope Eyepiece Fully Coated for Astronomical TelescopeOur score6.2/10
Go wide and immersive
- Explore Scientific 82 Degree Waterproof Telescope Eyepiece 14mm Focal Length 1.25 inchOur score9.2/10
- SVBONY FMC 1.25 inch 68 Degree Ultra Wide Angle Eyepiece Set 6mm 9mm 15mm 20mmOur score8.6/10
- SVBONY 1.25 inch Eyepiece 68 Degree Ultra Wide Angle Telescope Accessory 15mmOur score8.0/10
- Explore Scientific 82 Degree Series Waterproof Telescope Eyepiece Ultra Wide FieldOur score8.0/10
Stay flexible
- SVBONY SV191 Zoom Eyepiece 7.2 to 21.6mm 1.25 inch FMC 42-65 FOV Twist-Up EyecupsOur score8.6/10
- SVBONY SV171 Telescope Zoom Eyepiece 1.25 inch 8mm to 24mm FMC 7 Element 4 GroupOur score8.4/10
- Celestron 93230 Zoom Eyepiece 8mm-24mm 1.25 inch Low and High Power ViewingOur score8.4/10
- SVBONY SV135 1.25 inch Zoom Eyepiece 7 to 21mm 5 Element 3 Group for Astronomic TelescopesOur score7.8/10
Double your range
- Celestron 93428 X-Cel LX 1.25 inch 3X Barlow Lens Black Triples Eyepiece MagnificationOur score8.4/10
- SVBONY 3X Barlow Lens Fully-Multi Coated Achromatic 1.25 inch Telescope AccessoryOur score8.0/10
- SVBONY Barlow Lens 2X 1.25 inch Multi Coated Broadband Green Film M42 Thread for EyepieceOur score8.0/10
- Orion 08704 Tri-Mag 1.25 inch 3x Barlow Lens Black for Telescope EyepiecesOur score7.8/10
Improve the light path
- Celestron Dielectric Star Diagonal 1.25 inch with Twist Lock 58 Layer Coating 99% ReflectivityOur score8.6/10
- SVBONY SV188P Telescope Diagonal, 2" 90°Mirror Diagonal 99% ReflectivityOur score8.4/10
- SVBONY SV188P Telescope Diagonal 1.25" 90°Mirror Diagonal 99% ReflectivityOur score8.1/10
- Astromania Telescope Diagonal 2" 90° Diagonal Mirror 99% Reflective CoatingOur score8.0/10
All 20 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1Explore Scientific 82 degree 14mm waterproof eyepiece, a 1.25 inch wide-angle for immersive mid-power views.
Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + 82 degree field gives spacewalk-style views of clusters and nebulae
- + Waterproof, sealed design protects against dew and cleaning
- + 14mm focal length is a versatile mid-power choice
- - Heavier than simple eyepieces, which can unbalance small telescopes
- - Wide field designs cost more than basic Plossls
#2SVBONY FMC 1.25 inch 68 degree ultra wide angle eyepiece set with 6mm, 9mm, 15mm and 20mm lenses.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 6mm, 9mm, 15mm and 20mm focal lengths cover low to high power in one set
- + 68 degree wide fields make all powers more immersive
- + Fully multi coated optics at a set price
- - Budget set quality may not match premium single eyepieces
- - Short focal lengths can be demanding in inexpensive telescopes
#3SVBONY SV191 zoom eyepiece from 7.2 to 21.6mm, 1.25 inch, FMC with 42-65 FOV and twist-up eyecups.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 42-65 FOV range gives a wider field than many zoom eyepieces
- + Twist-up eyecups improve comfort and help block stray light
- + FMC coatings support bright, contrasty views
- - Wider zoom design costs more than basic SVBONY zooms
- - Heavier body may unbalance small telescopes
#4Celestron 1.25 inch dielectric star diagonal with twist lock and 58 layer coating for 99% reflectivity.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 58 layer dielectric coating reaches 99% reflectivity for bright views
- + Twist lock holds eyepieces securely without marring barrels
- + Celestron quality suits refractors and SCTs
- - Priced above basic diagonals with similar coating claims
- - Small-barrel format rules out wide-field 2 inch eyepieces
#5SVBONY SV171 1.25 inch zoom eyepiece covering 8mm to 24mm with FMC coatings and 7 element 4 group optics.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 8mm to 24mm range replaces several fixed eyepieces
- + 7 element 4 group design aims for sharp images across the zoom range
- + FMC coatings improve light transmission and contrast
- - Field narrows at the long end of the zoom
- - Zoom eyepieces are less sharp than good fixed focal length eyepieces
#6Celestron 93230 zoom eyepiece 8mm-24mm, a 1.25 inch zoom for low and high power viewing.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Zoom range lets you change power without swapping eyepieces
- + Celestron quality with broad compatibility
- + Great for quick comparisons of magnification on a target
- - Narrow field at 24mm compared with fixed low-power eyepieces
- - Zoom mechanism adds weight and bulk compared with a single fixed eyepiece
#7Celestron 93428 X-Cel LX 1.25 inch 3X Barlow lens in black that triples eyepiece magnification.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + X-Cel LX quality optics keep images sharp at triple magnification
- + Triples the power of any 1.25 inch eyepiece in your case
- + Celestron build is solid and pairs well with X-Cel LX eyepieces
- - Priced above generic 3X Barlows with similar specs
- - 3X power is limited by seeing conditions on most nights
#8SVBONY's SV188P 2 inch, 90-degree dielectric diagonal with reflectivity stated at up to 99% and a 2 inch to 1.25 inch adapter included. A budget way into 2 inch wide-field eyepieces.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Dielectric coating with reflectivity up to 99%, described as more durable than an enhanced aluminum coating
- + Comes with a 2 inch to 1.25 inch converter and supports 2 inch filters, so both eyepiece sizes work
- + Brass pressure ring protects eyepiece barrels, and the interior is matte treated to cut stray light
- - Uses a side screw lock, not the twist-lock collar found on the pricier diagonals in this guide
- - Mirror accuracy is stated as 1/4 wavelength, a looser figure than premium diagonals quote
#9Orion 8741 25mm Sirius Plossl, a fully multi-coated 1.25 inch eyepiece for low-power, wide views.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 25mm focal length is ideal for finding objects and scanning star fields
- + Fully multi-coated optics boost contrast on faint deep-sky targets
- + Comfortable eye relief at this focal length suits most observers
- - Low power will not show fine planetary detail
- - Plossl field is modest compared with wide-angle designs at the same focal length
#10A 1.25 inch, 90-degree dielectric mirror diagonal with a stated reflectivity of over 99%. A low-cost upgrade for the diagonal on small refractors and Cassegrains with a 1.25 inch focuser.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Dielectric coatings on a super-flat mirror reduce reflected light loss, with the surface stated at over 99% reflective
- + 1.25 inch nosepiece accepts standard 1.25 inch filters, and the body takes 1.25 inch eyepieces and Barlow lenses
- + Brass compression ring with thumbscrew holds the eyepiece firmly without scratching the barrel
- - 1.25 inch format only, so it cannot take 2 inch wide-field eyepieces on a larger focuser
- - The view is upright but reversed left to right, as the listing notes, which is normal for a mirror diagonal
#11Orion 10mm Sirius Plossl, a black 1.25 inch 4-element eyepiece for medium to high power views.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 10mm focal length gives a useful higher-power view of planets and the Moon
- + 4-element Plossl design delivers sharp images across most of the field
- + Standard 1.25 inch barrel fits nearly all beginner and mid-level telescopes
- - Short focal length Plossls have tight eye relief, which is hard for glasses wearers
- - Field of view is narrower than modern wide-angle eyepieces
#12SVBONY 15mm 68 degree ultra wide angle 1.25 inch telescope eyepiece for affordable wide views.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 68 degree field is much wider than standard Plossl eyepieces
- + 15mm focal length is great for clusters and mid-power views
- + Budget-friendly entry into wide-angle eyepieces
- - Edge sharpness may soften in fast telescopes
- - Build quality is lighter than premium wide-angle brands
#13Explore Scientific 82 degree series waterproof ultra wide field telescope eyepiece.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10
- + 82 degree ultra wide field provides immersive views of deep-sky objects
- + Waterproof construction resists dew and allows easy cleaning
- + Explore Scientific build quality is well regarded
- - Check the focal length carefully to match your viewing preferences
- - Premium wide-field eyepieces are heavier and pricier
#14SVBONY 3X fully-multi coated achromatic Barlow lens for 1.25 inch telescope eyepieces.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 3X factor turns a single low-power eyepiece into a high-power planetary option
- + Achromatic design reduces color fringing added by the extra lens
- + Low price makes it an easy way to expand an eyepiece collection
- - 3X power can push small telescopes past their useful magnification limit
- - Adds length to the eyepiece train, which can make balancing a small scope harder
#15SVBONY 2X Barlow lens, 1.25 inch, multi coated with broadband green film and M42 thread for eyepiece or camera use.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 2X factor doubles magnification while keeping views reasonably bright
- + M42 thread allows camera connection for planetary imaging experiments
- + Multi coated broadband green film helps contrast and light transmission
- - 2X gives less of a jump than 3X Barlows, which some planetary observers want
- - Budget build may not match the sharpness of premium Barlows
#16A 2 inch, 90-degree dielectric mirror diagonal with a stated 99% reflectivity and a Pyrex glass mirror. It ships with an SCT adapter and a 2 inch to 1.25 inch adapter for refractors and Cassegrains.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 6/10
- + Multi-layer dielectric coatings on a super-flat Pyrex mirror, with reflectivity stated at over 99% for brighter images
- + Includes both an SCT to 2 inch adapter and a 2 inch to 1.25 inch adapter, so it takes both eyepiece sizes
- + Listed as suitable for refractors, Schmidt-Cassegrains, ACF, EdgeHD and Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes
- - The listing says it is not recommended for reflectors, especially Newtonians, so it is no use on a Dobsonian
- - Costs about twice as much as the budget 2 inch dielectric diagonal in this guide for the same stated reflectivity
#17SVBONY SV135 1.25 inch zoom eyepiece from 7 to 21mm with 5 element 3 group optics for telescopes.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 7 to 21mm range covers medium to high power in one eyepiece
- + Compact 5 element 3 group design is light for small telescopes
- + Budget-friendly zoom lets beginners learn which powers they actually use
- - Simpler optical design may show softer edges
- - Field of view is narrower than premium zooms
#18Orion 08704 Tri-Mag 1.25 inch 3x Barlow lens in black for telescope eyepieces.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Tri-Mag 3x factor gives a big magnification boost for planets and doubles
- + Compact body keeps the eyepiece stack short and easy to handle
- + Orion build and coatings are reliable for general visual use
- - High 3x factor is too much for many short focal length beginner scopes
- - Not intended as a camera adapter, unlike threaded Barlows
#19SVBONY 40mm Plossl, a 1.25 inch fully multi green coated 4 element eyepiece with a 40 degree field.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 40mm focal length gives the lowest practical power in a 1.25 inch barrel
- + Long eye relief is comfortable for users who wear glasses
- + Good for sweeping large star fields and locating targets
- - 40 degree apparent field feels like looking through a tunnel
- - Large exit pupil can waste light in fast telescopes and show the secondary shadow
#20SVBONY 1.25 inch 4mm Plossl, a fully coated high-power telescope eyepiece for planetary viewing.
Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + 4mm focal length gives high magnification in long focal length telescopes
- + Fully coated optics at a low price make it an easy experiment in high power
- + Useful for splitting close double stars on steady nights
- - Very short eye relief makes it uncomfortable to use for long
- - Magnification is too high for many small or short telescopes
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Stargazer Nest curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.