Binorum Planetary Deluxe LE 5mm 55° Wide-Angle Eyepiece
Experience planetary observation like never before with the Binorum Planetary Deluxe LE 5mm wide-angle eyepiece. This premium eyepiece belongs to an elite series designed to deliver exceptional sharpness and remarkably high contrast levels that surpass standard eyepieces in its class. Whether you're observing Jupiter's Great Red Spot, Saturn's ring division, or fine lunar details, this eyepiece reveals what others cannot.
Crystal-Clear Optics from Center to Edge
One of the most impressive features of the Planetary Deluxe series is its ability to provide distortion-free imaging right to the edge of the field of view. Even when used with demanding Newtonian telescopes - which are notorious for showing optical aberrations with lesser eyepieces - the Binorum Planetary Deluxe maintains stunning clarity across the entire 55° apparent field.
This exceptional performance comes from a sophisticated 7-element optical design arranged in 4 groups. Each element is precisely positioned and figured to eliminate optical aberrations while maximizing image quality. The result? Pinpoint stars, razor-sharp planetary details, and stunning contrast that makes faint features pop against the background sky.
Premium FMC Multi-Coatings for Maximum Light Transmission
Every single glass surface in the Binorum Planetary Deluxe LE 5mm features Fully Multi-Coated (FMC) anti-reflection coatings. These advanced optical coatings dramatically reduce internal reflections and light scatter, ensuring that the maximum amount of light reaches your eye. Additionally, all lens edges are blackened to further suppress stray light and enhance contrast.
The benefits are immediately visible: compared to eyepieces from other series, the Planetary Deluxe demonstrates superior transparency and brighter images against a darker sky background. There's virtually no scattered light to wash out faint details - just pure, high-contrast views that reveal subtle planetary features and delicate lunar topography.
Comfortable 20mm Eye Relief - Perfect for Eyeglass Wearers
Here's where the Binorum Planetary Deluxe truly shines for many observers: it offers a generous 20mm eye relief distance. This is exceptional for a short focal length planetary eyepiece and makes all the difference for comfortable observing.
What does this mean for you?
- Eyeglass wearers rejoice! You can observe comfortably without removing your glasses. Vision correction is no longer a barrier to enjoying planetary observation.
- Relaxed viewing sessions - No more eye strain from pressing your eye uncomfortably close to the lens
- Easy eye positioning - Finding the "sweet spot" for viewing is effortless, even for beginners
- Reduced eyestrain - The comfortable eye distance allows for extended observing sessions without fatigue
Generous 55° Apparent Field of View
Despite being optimized for high-magnification planetary observation, the Binorum Planetary Deluxe LE 5mm doesn't sacrifice field of view. With a wide 55° apparent field, you get substantially more sky coverage than traditional planetary eyepieces, which typically offer only 40-45°.
This wider field provides several advantages:
- Easier to locate and center objects, especially planets that drift across the field
- More immersive viewing experience
- Better context for planetary observation - see moons alongside their parent planet
- Comfortable tracking of objects without constant repositioning
No "Kidney Bean" Effect - True Wide-Angle Comfort
Many wide-angle eyepieces suffer from the annoying "kidney bean effect" (also called "blackout" or "edge blackout"), where moving your eye even slightly off-axis causes parts of the field of view to suddenly go dark. This forces you to maintain a precise eye position, which becomes tiring during long observing sessions.
The Binorum Planetary Deluxe eliminates this problem entirely. Thanks to its advanced optical design, you don't need to maintain a perfectly centered eye position. You can shift your gaze naturally across the field of view without experiencing any blackout or field loss. This makes observing far more comfortable and natural, especially during long planetary imaging or observation sessions.
Optimized for Planetary and Lunar Observation
The 5mm focal length makes this eyepiece ideal for high-magnification observation of:
Planetary Details
- Jupiter - Cloud bands, Great Red Spot, festoons, white ovals, moon transits and shadows
- Saturn - Cassini Division, ring structure, cloud bands, polar hexagon
- Mars - Polar caps, dark albedo features, dust storms during oppositions
- Venus - Phase and atmospheric details (with appropriate filters)
Lunar Features
- Crater details - central peaks, terraced walls, ray systems
- Rilles and valleys
- Mountain ranges and isolated peaks
- Mare boundaries and wrinkle ridges
Double Stars
- Splitting close binary pairs
- Detecting subtle color differences in double star systems
Excellent Performance with Newtonian Reflectors
Newtonian telescopes are beloved for their large apertures and excellent value, but they can be optically demanding, especially with wide-field eyepieces. Off-axis aberrations like coma can turn stars into "seagulls" at the edge of the field with poorly designed eyepieces.
The Binorum Planetary Deluxe LE 5mm is specifically designed to work beautifully even with fast Newtonian telescopes. Its advanced optical formula compensates for field curvature and minimizes off-axis aberrations, delivering sharp, point-like stars from center to edge. This makes it an excellent choice for Dobsonian users and anyone with a Newtonian reflector.
Premium Build Quality
The eyepiece housing is precision-machined from aluminum with a durable black anodized finish. Features include:
- Standard 1.25″ (31.7mm) barrel diameter - fits all modern telescopes
- Threaded for standard 1.25″ filters
- Twist-up rubber eyecup for customizable eye relief
- Brass compression ring on barrel prevents scratching of focuser
- Rubber grip for secure handling
- Protective caps for both ends
Technical Specifications
- Focal Length: 5mm
- Apparent Field of View: 55°
- Eye Relief: 20mm
- Optical Design: 7 elements in 4 groups
- Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated (FMC) on all air-to-glass surfaces
- Barrel Diameter: 1.25″ (31.7mm)
- Filter Thread: M28.5×0.6 (standard 1.25″)
- Eyecup: Twist-up rubber
- Housing Material: Aluminum, black anodized
- Weight: Approximately 180g
Calculating Magnification
The magnification you achieve with this eyepiece depends on your telescope's focal length:
Magnification = Telescope Focal Length ÷ Eyepiece Focal Length
Examples:
- 1000mm focal length telescope: 1000 ÷ 5 = 200x magnification
- 1200mm focal length telescope: 1200 ÷ 5 = 240x magnification
- 2000mm focal length telescope: 2000 ÷ 5 = 400x magnification
This makes the 5mm focal length ideal for medium to long focal length telescopes when you want high magnification for planetary detail.
The Binorum Planetary Deluxe Series
The Planetary Deluxe LE series is available in multiple focal lengths to cover all your observing needs:
- 3mm - Ultra-high magnification for exceptional seeing conditions
- 5mm - High magnification for planets and lunar details (this model)
- 7mm - Medium-high magnification, versatile for planets and bright deep-sky
- 9mm - Medium magnification, excellent all-rounder
- 12mm - Lower magnification for wider fields
All eyepieces in the series share the same optical excellence, 20mm eye relief, and premium build quality.
What Makes Planetary Deluxe Different?
Compared to standard Plössl or basic wide-angle eyepieces:
| Feature |
Standard Eyepiece |
Planetary Deluxe LE |
| Eye Relief (5mm) |
3-5mm (uncomfortable) |
20mm (very comfortable) |
| Apparent Field |
40-50° |
55° |
| Edge Sharpness |
Moderate softness |
Sharp to edge |
| Contrast |
Good |
Exceptional |
| Kidney Bean Effect |
Often present |
Eliminated |
| Eyeglass Friendly |
No |
Yes |
Usage Tips
Getting Started
- Insert eyepiece into focuser and secure with thumbscrew
- Adjust twist-up eyecup to comfortable height (extended for bare eyes, collapsed for eyeglasses)
- Center your target object using a lower power eyepiece first
- Switch to the 5mm Planetary Deluxe
- Refocus carefully - high magnification requires precise focus
Maximizing Performance
- Allow telescope to cool - Temperature equilibration is critical for sharp views at high magnification
- Wait for steady seeing - High magnification amplifies atmospheric turbulence
- Use on appropriate targets - Planets, Moon, bright double stars (not faint deep-sky objects)
- Ensure proper collimation - Newtonian telescopes must be well-collimated for best results
Who Is This Eyepiece For?
- Planetary observers seeking the finest details on solar system objects
- Lunar enthusiasts who want to explore craters and surface features in depth
- Eyeglass wearers who struggle with short eye relief eyepieces
- Newtonian telescope owners wanting excellent edge performance
- Serious amateur astronomers who demand professional-grade optics
- Anyone who values comfort during extended observing sessions
Why Choose Binorum Planetary Deluxe LE 5mm?
- Exceptional 20mm eye relief - comfortable even for eyeglass wearers
- Wide 55° apparent field - more sky, easier observing
- 7-element premium optical design - sharpness from center to edge
- FMC coatings throughout - maximum light transmission and contrast
- No kidney bean effect - natural, comfortable viewing
- Excellent with Newtonian telescopes - minimal off-axis aberrations
- Professional build quality - precision engineering for years of use
- Ideal 5mm focal length - perfect for high-power planetary observation
Investment in Quality
A premium eyepiece like the Binorum Planetary Deluxe LE 5mm is an investment that will serve you for decades. While your telescope remains constant, upgrading your eyepieces is one of the most effective ways to dramatically improve your observing experience. The difference between viewing Jupiter through a basic eyepiece versus the Planetary Deluxe is night and day - literally.
Don't let your telescope's potential go unrealized. Experience the difference that true optical excellence makes. See planetary details you've never noticed before. Observe in comfort, even if you wear glasses. Enjoy every moment at the eyepiece without strain or frustration.
Discover the planets as they're meant to be seen with the Binorum Planetary Deluxe LE 5mm eyepiece.
