Explore Scientific N2 34mm 68° 2″ eyepiece
If you are looking for an eyepiece that gives you a truly impressive view of the night sky without constantly moving the eyepiece to follow an object, you are in the right place. The Explore Scientific N2 eyepiece with a 34mm focal length and an apparent field of view of 68° is a popular choice among astronomers who want to comfortably observe large star clusters, nebulae or the Milky Way. The 2″ connection makes it compatible with the vast majority of modern astronomical telescopes with a 2-inch focuser.
Optics and image quality
This wide-angle eyepiece uses 6 lenses in 4 groups and is built around an SWA (Super Wide Angle) design. This construction provides a comfortable and geometrically accurate image across the entire field of view. Fully multicoated anti-reflection surfaces on all optical elements minimise light loss and suppress unwanted reflections, so image contrast remains high even when observing faint deep sky objects. The result is a sharp and bright image that will satisfy both casual visual observers and demanding astronomers used to working with high-quality optics.
Eye relief and comfort
A significant advantage of this eyepiece is its 26mm eye relief - the distance from which you can comfortably see the entire field of view. This is especially appreciated by observers who wear prescription glasses, as they do not need to remove them during observation. The fold-down rubber eyecup allows quick adjustment of the eye distance without any tools, so switching between observing with and without glasses takes only a second.
Build quality and practical features
Explore Scientific pays great attention to the mechanical quality of its eyepieces, and the N2 34mm is no exception. The body is waterproof and filled with an inert gas, which protects the internal optics from moisture condensation and fogging even during sudden temperature changes - a situation every astronomer in the field knows well. A filter thread is included as standard, so you can attach a Moon filter, OIII or UHC filter directly to the eyepiece without any adapters.
The eyepiece is designed to be parfocal within the entire 68° series, which means that when switching between different focal lengths in the same series, you will need little or no refocusing. This is a practical advantage during comparative observation or when swapping eyepieces throughout the night.
Technical specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Focal length |
34mm |
| Apparent field of view |
68° |
| Barrel size |
2″ (50.8mm) |
| Eye relief |
26mm |
| Optical design |
SWA, 6 elements in 4 groups |
| Coatings |
Fully multicoated |
| Body diameter |
79mm |
| Length |
105mm |
| Weight |
1050g |
| Filter thread |
Yes |
| Waterproof / gas-filled |
Yes |
| Parfocal series |
Explore Scientific 68° |
Size and weight - what to consider
With a weight of 1050g and a diameter of 79mm, this is a robust optical element, yet it is well balanced in the hand. The length of 105mm is typical for 2″ eyepieces of this type. When mounting the eyepiece on a telescope, we recommend checking the load capacity of the focuser - particularly with lighter mounts, the weight may affect the balance of the tube.
Who is this eyepiece for?
The Explore Scientific N2 34mm 68° eyepiece is an ideal choice for astronomers who focus on observing large deep sky objects - open star clusters, emission nebulae, galaxies or rich star fields of the Milky Way. Thanks to its long focal length, it provides low magnification and a wide field of view, making it also suitable as a so-called finder eyepiece for initial orientation on the sky. The waterproof, gas-filled design makes it a reliable companion both at a fixed observing site and during trips to dark sky locations.
Part of the Explore Scientific 68° series
If you already own or plan to purchase more eyepieces from the Explore Scientific 68° series, you will appreciate the parfocal properties of the entire range. Your night observation sessions will be smoother and more enjoyable without the need to constantly refocus when swapping eyepieces. Overall, this is a well-thought-out and technically advanced eyepiece that will provide long-term enjoyment during every observing session.
