Vixen SLV 9mm 50° eyepiece (1.25″)
The Vixen SLV 9mm is a high-performance eyepiece designed for demanding astronomers who expect the best from their optics. Built around a 7-element lanthanum optical design, it delivers an exceptionally sharp and contrastive image across the entire 50° apparent field of view, free from aberrations and chromatic distortion. Multi-layer anti-reflection coatings on all optical surfaces maximize light transmission and ensure accurate, natural color rendition. The resulting view is strikingly clean, rich in detail, and immediately rewarding.
Key features
- 7-element lanthanum optical system for superior sharpness and contrast
- 50° apparent field of view
- 9mm focal length - ideal for high-magnification planetary and lunar observation
- 20mm eye relief with twist-up eyecup for extended comfort
- Fully multi-coated optics on all air-to-glass surfaces
- Standard 1.25″ barrel - compatible with the vast majority of telescopes
- 1.25″ filter thread for planetary, lunar or nebula filters
Optical performance
The Vixen SLV series is widely regarded as one of the finest eyepiece lines for planetary observation, and the 9mm focal length sits at the heart of that reputation. The lanthanum glass elements provide a level of correction that eliminates the edge softness and color fringing often found in simpler designs. Stars remain point-like across the full field, and planetary detail - cloud bands, polar caps, ring divisions - is rendered with precision and clarity.
The 50° field of view strikes a practical balance: wide enough to frame larger subjects comfortably, yet tight enough to maintain excellent edge-to-edge correction without compromising eye relief or overall size.
Comfort and usability
A generous 20mm eye relief, combined with a retractable twist-up eyecup, makes the SLV 9mm comfortable for extended observation sessions. Astronomers who wear glasses will appreciate that the full field of view is accessible without removing them - a practical advantage during long nights at the eyepiece.
The 1.25″ filter thread at the base of the barrel allows quick attachment of any standard filter, making it straightforward to switch between unfiltered views and enhanced observation with a lunar, planetary or light-pollution filter.
Recommended applications
- Planetary observation - Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Venus
- Lunar surface detail - craters, mountain ranges, rilles
- Bright deep-sky objects - globular clusters, open clusters
- Double star splitting
Technical specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Focal length |
9mm |
| Apparent field of view |
50° |
| Barrel diameter |
1.25″ |
| Eye relief |
20mm |
| Optical design |
7-element lanthanum |
| Coatings |
Fully multi-coated |
| Filter thread |
1.25″ |
| Eyecup |
Twist-up (retractable) |
Compatibility
The Vixen SLV 9mm fits any telescope or spotting scope equipped with a standard 1.25″ focuser. This includes refractors, reflectors, and catadioptric telescopes from all major manufacturers. It is equally suitable as a standalone high-magnification eyepiece or as part of a complementary set covering a range of focal lengths.
About the Vixen SLV series
The Vixen SLV eyepiece series has been a reference standard in the astronomical community for many years. Designed and manufactured by Vixen Optics - a Japanese company with decades of experience in precision optical instruments - the SLV line combines advanced lanthanum glass technology with careful mechanical construction. Astronomers around the world rely on SLV eyepieces as trusted tools, from first light through to advanced planetary work. The 9mm focal length is consistently one of the most popular choices in the range.
