Explore Scientific AR 9mm 120° 2″ XWA eyepiece
If you are looking for an eyepiece that literally pulls you into the universe and makes the boundaries of the field of view disappear, the Explore Scientific AR 9mm 120° is exactly what you need. This XWA series wide-angle eyepiece with a record apparent field of view of 120° is among the very best products available on the market today. The XWA (Extreme Wide Angle) design delivers an extraordinary observing experience - you will feel like an astronaut floating freely in open space, with no distracting field edges and no compromises in image quality.
Optical design
Inside this eyepiece there is an impressive optical arrangement: 12 lenses organized into 8 groups, with every single surface coated with multi-layer anti-reflection coatings. The result is very high light transmission, minimal reflection losses, and excellent contrast. These are exactly the qualities you will appreciate when observing fine details in emission nebulae, globular clusters, or large galactic fields.
Build quality and design
The eyepiece has a 2″ barrel diameter, so it fits all standard focusers and finders with a 2-inch output. The weight of 1350 g and the height of 185 mm reflect a solid, well-built construction that immediately feels premium in your hands. The folding rubber eyecup allows you to quickly adjust the eye relief - making it comfortable for observers both with and without glasses. The 13 mm exit pupil is a comfortable value for a wide range of observers.
The eyepiece is filled with inert argon gas and is fully waterproof - features that may seem surprising for telescope accessories, but are extremely valuable in practice. The argon filling prevents internal fogging of the lenses caused by moisture and condensation, which often occurs when moving from a warm indoor environment to a cold night atmosphere. The waterproof construction means the eyepiece will survive light rain, dew, or other weather conditions without any damage to the optics. For serious observers who spend long hours outside at night, this is a practical advantage, not just a marketing feature.
Filter thread and accessories compatibility
The eyepiece has a standard 2″ filter thread, so you can easily attach UHC, OIII, or any other narrowband filter - an ideal choice for observing emission nebulae under light-polluted skies. The folding eyecup is robust and holds firmly in both positions.
Who is this eyepiece for?
The Explore Scientific 9mm 120° XWA eyepiece is an ideal choice for experienced astronomers who want the maximum observing experience and do not want to make any compromises. It is well suited for visual observation of:
- Open and globular star clusters
- Large emission and reflection nebulae
- Galactic fields and star-rich regions of the Milky Way
Owners of short focal length refractors, as well as users of large Newtonians and Dobsonians, will all benefit from this eyepiece - it delivers high magnification together with a panoramic field of view. The 9 mm focal length makes it particularly effective when paired with shorter focal length telescopes, where the 120° field ensures you never lose the surrounding star field context even at higher magnification.
This is an investment that will reward you with unforgettable views of the sky every clear night.
Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Focal length |
9 mm |
| Apparent field of view |
120° |
| Barrel diameter |
2″ |
| Optical design |
12 lenses in 8 groups |
| Lens coatings |
Multi-layer anti-reflection coatings on all surfaces |
| Exit pupil |
13 mm |
| Filter thread |
2″ |
| Gas filling |
Argon (inert gas) |
| Waterproof |
Yes |
| Eyecup |
Folding rubber eyecup |
| Height |
185 mm |
| Weight |
1350 g |
