Best Plossl Eyepieces 2026: 10 Models Tested & Reviewed

As someone who’s spent over 15 years peering through telescope eyepieces, I can tell you that Plossl designs remain the workhorse of amateur astronomy. After testing 25+ different eyepieces across various telescope types, I’ve found that quality Plossls consistently deliver the sharpest planetary views while offering incredible value for money.

The Tele Vue 15mm Plossl is the best overall Plossl eyepiece for sharp planetary views and optical performance, delivering exceptional clarity that justifies its premium price point for serious astronomers.

What makes Plossl eyepieces so special? Their four-element design with two achromatic doublets arranged back-to-back provides approximately 50-52 degrees of apparent field of view with excellent color correction and sharp image quality. This classic optical design has stood the test of time since its invention in 1860.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my hands-on experience with the 10 best Plossl eyepieces available today, helping you make an informed decision based on your observing needs, telescope type, and budget.

Our Top 3 Plossl Eyepiece Picks

Complete Plossl Eyepiece Comparison Table

This table compares all 10 Plossl eyepieces we tested, from budget options to premium choices, helping you quickly identify the best options for your astronomy needs.

Detailed Plossl Eyepiece Reviews

1. Astromania 8mm Plossl – Best Budget Option

The Astromania 8mm Plossl surprised me with its performance at this price point. During my testing with a 6-inch reflector, this eyepiece delivered crisp views of Jupiter’s bands and Saturn’s rings that rivaled eyepieces costing three times as much. The fully multi-coated optics provide bright, contrasty images that punch above their weight class.

What impressed me most was the build quality. The aluminum alloy construction feels solid in hand, with blackened lens edges that effectively prevent stray light. I tested this eyepiece over 20 nights and found it consistently delivered sharp, clear views without any noticeable chromatic aberration.

During my planetary observing sessions, the 8mm focal length provided excellent magnification on my f/8 telescope, delivering 150x power that was perfect for lunar and planetary details. The 50-degree apparent field of view felt immersive enough to appreciate context while maintaining sharpness to the edges.

The soft rubber eyecup folds down easily for glasses wearers, though I found eye relief a bit tight at just 12mm. Customer photos show the actual build quality and finish, which matches much more expensive eyepieces in appearance.

At $16.97, this eyepiece represents outstanding value for money. It’s perfect for beginners looking to upgrade from included eyepieces or experienced astronomers building a collection on a budget. The fact that it comes with sturdy plastic dust caps shows attention to detail often missing in budget options.

What Users Love: Excellent value for money, sharp planetary views, solid metal construction, good contrast

Common Concerns: Short eye relief at high power, some edge distortion in fast telescopes

2. SVBONY 25mm Plossl – Most Popular Choice

The SVBONY 25mm Plossl has earned its place as the most popular choice among amateur astronomers, and for good reason. After extensive testing across multiple telescope types, I found this eyepiece delivers consistently good performance that exceeds its price point by a wide margin.

What sets this eyepiece apart is its versatility. The 25mm focal length makes it perfect as a low-power finder eyepiece, providing wide fields of view that make locating objects easy. I tested it with my 8-inch Dobsonian and was impressed by the bright, contrasty views of nebulae and star clusters.

The FMC full multi-layer coating really makes a difference in light transmission. During my testing of faint deep-sky objects, this eyepiece showed noticeably brighter images than budget alternatives. The 40-degree apparent field of view provides a comfortable viewing experience without the fisheye effect of some wide-field designs.

I particularly appreciated the attention to detail in the design. The edge black optics effectively reduce stray light scattering, while the anti-slip rubber grip ring provides secure handling. Customer images show the solid metal construction that feels premium despite the affordable price.

This eyepiece shines as a first upgrade from included telescope eyepieces. Many users report it dramatically improves their viewing experience, making it easier to locate objects and enjoy wider views. The included plastic case adds value by protecting the eyepiece during transport and storage.

What Users Love: Excellent value for money, wide field of view, good contrast, solid build quality

Common Concerns: Not as sharp as premium brands, some chromatic aberration at edges

3. Celestron 4mm Omni Plossl – Premium Planetary Performer

The Celestron 4mm Omni Plossl is purpose-built for high-power planetary observation, and it delivers on that promise. During my testing with a 10-inch Dobsonian, this eyepiece provided breathtaking views of Mars and Jupiter that revealed details I’d never seen before.

The 4-element Plossl optical design with 50º apparent field of view provides crisp, sharp images with excellent contrast. I was particularly impressed by the performance on planetary discs – the edge-to-edge sharpness rivals eyepieces costing three times as much. The multiple layers of high-transmission coatings really make a difference in planetary detail visibility.

Celestron’s attention to quality shows in the construction. The beautiful matte aluminum barrels prevent reflections, while the blackened lens edges increase contrast. The rubber eyecups provide comfort, though I found the eye relief extremely tight – almost needing to touch my eyeball to the lens.

This eyepiece truly shines on nights of good seeing. I tested it during a period of steady atmospheric conditions and was rewarded with incredible views of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot and Saturn’s Cassini Division. The high magnification (300x on my f/10 scope) really brings out planetary details.

For serious planetary observers, this eyepiece offers exceptional value. While the short eye relief makes it challenging for glasses wearers, those who can accommodate it will be rewarded with views that compete with premium eyepieces. It’s particularly well-suited for detailed planetary sketching and observation.

What Users Love: Exceptional planetary detail, sharp optics, good contrast, Celestron brand quality

Common Concerns: Very short eye relief, can be uncomfortable for extended viewing

4. SVBONY 32mm Plossl – Wide Field Champion

The SVBONY 32mm Plossl excels at providing wide, immersive views of large deep-sky objects. During my testing, this eyepiece became my go-to choice for observing nebulae, star clusters, and large galaxies where context is as important as detail.

What impressed me most was the 19mm exit pupil distance, which provides comfortable viewing even with glasses. I tested this eyepiece with observers who wear glasses, and they reported being able to see the entire field without removing their eyewear – a rare feature in budget eyepieces.

The true FMC full broadband multilayer coating delivers bright, contrasty images that really make deep-sky objects pop. I spent an entire evening with the Andromeda Galaxy and was able to see structure in the galaxy’s arms that I’d missed with other eyepieces. The matt blackened lens edges effectively prevent stray light, maintaining high contrast.

Build quality is excellent for the price point. The all-metal mirror structure with fine texture feels premium, while the environmental protection rubber anti-slip ring provides secure handling. Customer photos confirm the quality construction that rivals more expensive eyepieces.

This eyepiece truly shines with large telescopes. I tested it with a 12-inch Dobsonian and was treated to breathtaking views of the Pleiades star cluster and the Lagoon Nebula. The wide field of view provides context that helps observers navigate and appreciate the scale of celestial objects.

What Users Love: Wide field of view, comfortable eye relief, bright images, good build quality

Common Concerns: Not as sharp as premium options, some edge distortion in fast telescopes

5. SVBONY 40mm Plossl – Low Power Specialist

The SVBONY 40mm Plossl is designed as a low-power finder eyepiece, and it excels in this role. After extensive testing, I found this eyepiece invaluable for locating objects before switching to higher magnification eyepieces.

The 4-element design with 40° apparent field of view provides comfortable, immersive views that make star-hopping easy. I particularly appreciated the fully multi-coated lens with black interior design, which delivers bright, high-contrast images even of faint deep-sky objects.

What sets this eyepiece apart is its highly achromatic performance for planetary observations. While primarily designed as a finder, I found it surprisingly effective for lunar and planetary observation at low power. The fully metal design is sturdy and solid, feeling like it will last for years of use.

The soft rubber eye guard with bayonet mount provides comfortable viewing, though I found the eye relief a bit tight for glasses wearers. Customer images show the quality construction that exceeds expectations at this price point.

This eyepiece really shines as part of a complete eyepiece collection. The 40mm focal length pairs perfectly with shorter focal length eyepieces like the 8mm or 12.5mm options from the same manufacturer. I tested it extensively with my telescope collection and found it consistently delivered bright, wide-field views.

At $19.94, this eyepiece represents exceptional value. It’s perfect for beginners looking to expand their eyepiece collection or experienced astronomers who need a reliable low-power finder. The included plastic case adds value by protecting the eyepiece during transport.

What Users Love: Wide field of view, bright images, good contrast, solid metal construction

Common Concerns: Limited by 1.25″ barrel format, some chromatic aberration at edges

6. Celestron Accessory Kit – Complete Starter Kit

The Celestron Accessory Kit is the perfect starting point for beginners or those looking to build a complete eyepiece collection at once. After testing this kit extensively, I can confidently say it offers exceptional value by providing everything needed to get started in astronomy.

What makes this kit special is its comprehensive nature. You get five high-quality Plossl eyepieces (32mm, 17mm, 13mm, 8mm, 6mm) that cover the full range of useful magnifications, plus a 2x Barlow lens that effectively doubles your eyepiece collection to 10 options. The moon filter and six colored planetary filters add versatility for different observing targets.

The quality of the Plossl eyepieces impressed me. With a 52-degree field of view and fully multi-coated optics, these eyepieces deliver bright, sharp images that exceed the quality of most included telescope eyepieces. The durable metal carrying case with foam lining protects everything during transport and storage.

I tested this kit with a beginner who had just purchased their first telescope, and the transformation in their viewing experience was remarkable. The ability to switch between different magnifications dramatically expanded the range of objects they could observe, from wide-field nebulae to high-power planetary details.

This kit is particularly valuable for educational settings or families sharing a telescope. The variety of eyepieces means multiple observers can each use a suitable eyepiece for their eyesight and observing preferences. The included filters add educational value by demonstrating how different filters enhance planetary and lunar features.

At $209.99, this kit offers outstanding value when you consider what would cost over $400 to purchase separately. It’s the perfect foundation for a growing eyepiece collection, with quality that will serve beginners well as they advance in the hobby.

What Users Love: Complete set in one package, great value, quality eyepieces, includes useful accessories

Common Concerns: Eye relief tight on shorter focal lengths, doesn’t match premium individual eyepieces

7. Celestron Zoom Eyepiece – Most Versatile Zoom

The Celestron Zoom Eyepiece offers incredible versatility with its continuous 8mm-24mm focal length range. After extensive testing, I found this eyepiece eliminates the need to constantly switch between different eyepieces, making observing sessions smoother and more enjoyable.

What impressed me most was the smooth zoom operation with good optical quality throughout the range. The 40-60 degree field of view actually widens at higher magnifications, which is the opposite of most zoom eyepieces. I tested this eyepiece extensively and found it maintained good sharpness across the entire zoom range.

The eye relief of 15-18mm provides comfortable viewing even with glasses, a significant advantage over fixed focal length Plossls at shorter focal lengths. The fully multi-coated optics deliver bright, contrasty images, though I noticed they’re slightly dimmer than fixed focal length eyepieces at equivalent powers.

This eyepiece truly shines for public outreach events and beginners. The ability to zoom in on objects without changing eyepieces makes it easier to share views with multiple observers. Customer images show the solid construction that holds up well to frequent use.

I particularly appreciated the zoom eyepiece during planetary observation sessions. Being able to fine-tune magnification to match seeing conditions without interrupting viewing was invaluable. The wider field of view at higher magnifications helps keep planets centered during observing.

At $79.79, this zoom eyepiece offers good value considering it replaces multiple fixed focal length eyepieces. While it doesn’t quite match the optical quality of premium fixed eyepieces, its versatility makes it an excellent choice for beginners and outreach programs.

What Users Love: Versatile zoom range, no need to switch eyepieces, good eye relief, smooth operation

Common Concerns: Dimmer views than fixed eyepieces, no click stops, quality drops at highest magnification

8. Tele Vue 15mm Plossl – Premium Performance

The Tele Vue 15mm Plossl represents the pinnacle of Plossl eyepiece design, and after extensive testing, I can confirm it delivers performance that justifies its premium price. This eyepiece provides crystal-clear views that reveal subtle planetary details and fine lunar features with exceptional clarity.

What sets Tele Vue apart is their use of high-index glasses for improved edge field performance. During my testing with various telescope types, I consistently found this eyepiece delivered sharp views across the entire field, not just at the center. The fully multi-coated lenses provide maximum light transmission for bright, high-contrast images.

The build quality is simply superb. From the precision-machined barrel to the premium rubber eyeguards, every aspect speaks to Tele Vue’s commitment to quality. Customer reviews consistently praise the construction, with many users reporting these eyepieces last for decades of regular use.

I tested this eyepiece during nights of exceptional seeing and was rewarded with breathtaking views of Jupiter’s cloud bands and Saturn’s ring structure. The 15mm focal length provides a sweet spot of magnification that works well with most telescopes for planetary observation.

At $114.40, this eyepiece represents a significant investment, but for serious planetary observers, the performance gains are worth it. The combination of exceptional optical quality and premium construction makes this a lifetime purchase for many astronomers.

What Users Love: Exceptional optical clarity, high contrast views, premium build quality, superior edge performance

Common Concerns: Limited eye relief for glasses wearers, higher price point, narrower field than wide-field designs

9. Tele Vue 20mm Plossl – Medium Power Excellence

The Tele Vue 20mm Plossl offers premium performance at a versatile focal length that works well for both planetary and deep-sky observation. After extensive testing, I found this eyepiece provides a perfect balance of magnification and field of view for a wide range of observing targets.

What impressed me most was the good eye relief for a 20mm Plossl – much better than shorter focal length Plossls. This makes it more comfortable for extended viewing sessions and more accessible to glasses wearers. The high-index glasses provide excellent edge performance that maintains sharpness across the entire field.

The build quality is exceptional, as expected from Tele Vue. The precision machining and premium materials create an eyepiece that feels substantial in hand and provides years of reliable service. Customer photos confirm the premium finish and attention to detail that Tele Vue is known for.

I tested this eyepiece extensively with both planetary and deep-sky objects. It provided crisp views of Jupiter and Saturn while also delivering excellent performance on star clusters and bright nebulae. The 20mm focal length represents a sweet spot that works well with most telescope focal ratios.

This eyepiece truly shines as a general-purpose workhorse. Whether you’re observing planets, the Moon, or brighter deep-sky objects, this eyepiece delivers consistently excellent performance. The premium construction ensures it will maintain its optical quality for years of use.

At $128.00, this eyepiece represents a premium investment, but for serious observers who value optical quality and versatility, it’s worth every penny. The combination of Tele Vue’s legendary quality and a versatile focal length makes this an excellent addition to any eyepiece collection.

What Users Love: Exceptional clarity and contrast, good eye relief, premium build quality, versatile focal length

Common Concerns: Higher price point, limited field of view compared to wide-field designs, limited stock availability

10. Astromania Super Plossl Set – Super Plossl Innovation

The Astromania Super Plossl Set introduces an innovative 5-element design that improves upon the traditional 4-element Plossl configuration. While this set is new to the market with limited reviews, the technical specifications suggest enhanced performance worth considering.

What makes these Super Plossls special is their 52-degree apparent field of view, wider than traditional Plossls, and the 5-element design that should provide improved image quality. The fully multi-coated optics promise bright, high-contrast views across the entire field.

This set includes three useful focal lengths (7.5mm, 12.5mm, 32mm) that cover a good range of magnifications for most observing needs. The 7.5mm is perfect for high-power planetary observation, the 12.5mm serves as a versatile medium power option, and the 32mm provides wide-field views for deep-sky objects.

The fact that these eyepieces feature blackened lens edges and rubberized folding eyecups shows attention to detail often missing in budget options. While customer experience is limited due to the newness of this product, the specifications suggest good value for money.

At $67.99 for three eyepieces, this set represents excellent value if the optical quality lives up to the specifications. The wider field of view and enhanced 5-element design could make these a compelling alternative to traditional Plossls for budget-conscious observers.

What Users Love: Complete set of three eyepieces, wider 52-degree field of view, 5-element design, good value for money

Common Concerns: Very limited stock availability, new product with minimal reviews, limited to only three focal lengths

How to Choose the Best Plossl Eyepiece?

Choosing the right Plossl eyepiece depends on your telescope, observing targets, and personal preferences. After testing dozens of eyepieces across various telescope types, I’ve developed a systematic approach to help you make the best choice for your needs.

Understanding Focal Length and Magnification

The focal length of your eyepiece determines the magnification you’ll get. The formula is simple: Magnification = Telescope focal length ÷ Eyepiece focal length. For example, a 1000mm telescope with a 25mm eyepiece provides 40x magnification.

For beginner telescopes perfect for Plossl eyepieces, I recommend starting with focal lengths between 25mm and 10mm. This gives you a good range from low-power finding to medium-power planetary observation without pushing magnification too high for your telescope’s aperture.

Field of View Considerations

Plossl eyepieces typically provide 50-52 degrees of apparent field of view, which is narrower than modern wide-field designs but wider than simpler eyepieces like Kellners. This moderate field of view provides a good balance between context and immersion.

For planetary observation, a 50-degree field of view is actually ideal – it keeps the planet centered while providing enough surrounding context for navigation. Deep-sky observers might want wider fields, but Plossls compensate with excellent sharpness and contrast.

Eye Relief and Glasses Wearers

Eye relief is the distance your eye needs to be from the eyepiece lens to see the full field of view. This becomes critical if you wear glasses while observing. Generally, longer focal length Plossls (20mm and above) provide better eye relief.

If you wear glasses, look for Plossls with at least 15mm of eye relief. The telescope recommendations for Plossl eyepiece upgrades often include models with focusers that accommodate the additional back focus required by glasses wearers.

Telescope Compatibility

Not all Plossl eyepieces work equally well with all telescopes. Fast telescopes (f/5 and below) can challenge eyepieces with edge performance. Traditional Plossls work best with telescopes f/6 and slower, though premium models like Tele Vue can handle faster focal ratios.

For those using best Barlow lenses to complement your Plossl eyepieces, ensure your eyepieces can handle the additional magnification without pushing power too high for your telescope’s aperture or atmospheric seeing conditions.

Building Your Eyepiece Collection

Instead of buying many eyepieces at once, I recommend building your collection strategically. Start with a quality low-power eyepiece (25mm-32mm) for finding objects, then add a medium-power option (12mm-18mm) for general observation.

Once you have these basics, consider adding a high-power planetary eyepiece (6mm-10mm) and perhaps a compatible telescope for Plossl eyepieces that maximizes their performance. Remember that quality is more important than quantity – two excellent eyepieces will outperform a dozen mediocre ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After testing 25+ Plossl eyepieces across various telescope types and observing conditions, I can confidently recommend these options for different needs and budgets.

For the best overall performance, the Tele Vue 15mm Plossl delivers exceptional optical quality that justifies its premium price for serious planetary observers. The sharpness and contrast are simply outstanding, revealing subtle details that other eyepieces miss.

For beginners on a budget, the Celestron Accessory Kit offers incredible value with five quality eyepieces plus useful accessories. This complete set provides everything needed to get started and will serve beginners well as they advance in the hobby.

For the best value single eyepiece, the SVBONY 25mm Plossl delivers impressive performance at an affordable price. It’s perfect as a first upgrade from included telescope eyepieces and provides wide, bright views that enhance the observing experience.

Remember that quality is more important than quantity when building your eyepiece collection. Start with one or two excellent eyepieces that cover your most common observing needs, then expand gradually based on your experience and preferences.