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Agena 1.25" Starguider Dual ED Eyepiece - 12mm

4.8 (18 Reviews) Read Reviews Write Review
Brand Agena AstroProducts
Part Number E-AG-SGED12
Availability available

Product Info

Manufacturer Description

With a true flat field and two high quality ED glass elements of different glass types, the new Agena StarGuider Dual ED eyepieces are characterized by a significantly high contrast image. These 1.25" fully multicoated (FMC) eyepieces give maximum detail and definition across the entire 60 degree field of view (FOV). This feature is especially useful for telescopes without tracking capability where the object drifts across the field of view during observation. A great value, these eyepieces are exceptional at nearly eliminating lateral color aberration and light scatter often associated with more expensive eyepieces that are better suited for deep space objects.

The eyepieces are parfocal, minimizing the amount of refocusing needed when switching from eyepiece to eyepiece within the series.

Agena Dual ED Eyepieces vs. More Expensive Eyepieces:

Premium (and costly!) eyepieces that have similar wide fields of view need many exotic glass elements to achieve that wide field of view - as many as 9 lenses or more. More lenses mean more cost and more glass, which attenuates the amount of light you see. That also means there are more air-to-glass surfaces that can scatter light - reducing contrast and sometimes causing multiple reflections (ghosting) when viewing very bright objects such as the Moon and planets. Extra lenses can also mean compromises in the overall design that can often lead to other issues.

One such issue of all that glass is lateral color aberration. This results when different wavelengths (colors) of light pass through the eyepieces focal plane at different points and appear as a cloud of false color around bright objects. Another issue is light scatter seen as a distracting halo or glow around bright objects. This can also reduce contrast. Light scatter and lateral color are rarely seen in very wide field eyepieces when observing faint deep sky objects, but they become very apparent when viewing lunar, planetary, and double star objects. These objects don't need an extra-wide field of view to see small details and subtle contrast differences. Our 60 degree eyepieces provide high contrast, no scattered light, and the highest possible definition.

Agena Eyepieces - Rooted in Solid Design:

Orthoscopic and Plossl eyepieces have traditionally been the designs of choice for lunar, planetary, and binary star/star cluster observations. Their low number of lenses (typically four) and air-to-glass surfaces give better contrast and definition than the more exotic extra wide field eyepieces. A high quality orthoscopic or Plossl eyepiece on a good telescope gives views of Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn that can be breathtaking. But even these designs can be improved upon for lunar and planetary use.

Long Eye Relief - Up To 20mm!

Agena's StarGuider Dual ED eyepieces are the first long eye relief eyepieces with a comfortably wide field for planetary observing that also give the sharpness, contrast, and lack of lateral color and light scatter of the best orthoscopic and Plossl designs. What they don't have is the limited eye relief and restricted fields. Our eyepiece eye relief averages around 18mm and is as much as 20mm in the 25mm focal length model. Even the 5mm eyepiece has almost 16mm of eye relief! Experienced observers will truly appreciate such generous eye relief at significant magnifications.

The nicely machined body is rubberized and scalloped grooves around the circumference at the top provide a secure grip in all conditions.

Sharpness, Great Contrast and Flat Field of View:

With up to six lens elements in this unique design, these eyepieces are fully internally baffled and all internal spacers have antireflection microbaffles on their edges with flat black anodizing to reduce reflections. The field stop also has microbaffles in its edge to reduce off-axis flaring and produce a sharply delineated field edge. Every air to glass surface is broadband multicoated for peak light transmission and outstanding contrast on subtle lunar and planetary detail. The lens edges are blackened to eliminate internal reflections.

The eyepieces have a twist-up eyecup that can be raised or lowered as much as 11mm to provide the eye relief you find most comfortable. Spherical aberration of the exit pupil is well controlled, so there are no serious blackouts or kidney-bean effects if you move your eye slightly off the axis. Dust covers are provided for both ends of each eyepiece. A groove is machined into the nose piece barrel to ensure the eyepiece is less likely to fall out of the diagonal or focuser if the capture screw becomes accidentally loose.

Technical data:

  • Focal length: Available in focal lengths of 5mm, 8mm, 12mm, 15mm, 18mm and 25mm
  • 1.25" with filter thread
  • Field of view: 60°
  • Fully multi-coated on each glass/air surface

Reviews

4.8 (Based on 18 Reviews) 100% of reviewers recommended this product.
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    1. Guest

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      Review by Andres T.
      1555720168
      Apr 19, 2019

      5.0 Nice 12mm eye piece

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      This is the first eyepiece I've added to my 8" Zhumell dob beyond the included 9 and 30mm ep's. It produces bright, clean images to my inexpert eye with good eye relief and easy to focus. On my telescope it plays well with my 2x Celestron Barlow. Very pleased overall and considering adding a 5mm Starguider next.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by David K.
      1545366537
      Dec 20, 2018

      5.0 Agena 12mm Eyepiece

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      This is an excellent eyepiece, one of my favorites. Wide angle gives moderate magnification of entire full moon, crisp image and good contrast.

      Shipping was fast, as usual from Agena. Nice to have the free bolt case included.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Paul H.
      1542525523
      Nov 17, 2018

      5.0 I really like this eyepiece.

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I recently purchased this eyepiece and used it for several hours on a clear moonless night in my 80 mm f/7 Stellarvue achromat refractor. The eyepiece setup for this scope consists of the 25, 12 and 8 mm Starglider series with a Celestron Ultima Barlow used occasionally. I like the build quality. They just feel solidly built, the optical quality, the nice eye relief and that all three are very close to being parfocal. Just a minor tweak on the focus is all that is required when switching eyepieces. With this scope I get 47x and almost a 1.3 -degree field. It is great for open clusters. I am very happy and this is a great value for 60 dollars.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by David L.
      1542374697
      Nov 16, 2018

      5.0 Good at f/5

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      Cons:

      Comments:

      I purchased this for use with 130mm f/5 Newtonian reflector. There's astigmatism near the edge of the field, as one would expect with a fast scope, but it's not objectionable. With an inexpensive barlow lens most of the edge astigmatism disappears, giving an excellent virtual 6mm eyepiece. The 60-degree field is pleasant, and the field stop is well defined. This is a fine eyepiece, and a good choice for someone wanting better eye relief and a wider field than a plössl, but not wanting to pay a much higher price for a premium wide-field eyepiece.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Steven D.
      1535885576
      Sep 2, 2018

      5.0 Fantastic Views

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I use this in both my f5 Newtonian and f6 refractor. Amazing performance for the price.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Michael S.
      1521636483
      Mar 21, 2018

      5.0 12mm ED eyepiece

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Excellent clarity and wide field of view. Great eye relief. This ep is easily worth the money.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Steven S.
      1519252199
      Feb 21, 2018

      5.0 Hgh vaue eyepiece

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      Comments:

      I think this series of eyepieces represent a sweet spot for value. Sure you can spend ten times as much for a slight increase in performance but I'd rather have a set of these for half the price of a single "premium" eyepiece.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Steven
      1514447261
      Dec 27, 2017

      5.0 Incredible Performance! Incredible Value!

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      Comments:

      I am thoroughly impressed with the Starguider Dual ED series! An amazing value! The 12mm revealed details on the lunar surface I have previously been unable to perceive in my 90mm, F11 achromat. Superb sharpness and contrast, and the color correction is quite good! The eye relief is fantastic! Build quality is absolutely solid! Can't wait to put these fine eyepieces on Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn when they come back around! Don't hesitate to add these to your collection, you will not be disappointed!

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    9. Ronald Zincone

      Ronald Zincone New Member

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      Review by Ronnie Z.
      1503459345
      Aug 22, 2017

      5.0 Spectacular eyepiece!

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      Cons:

      Comments:

      The entire Agena Starguider eyepiece set is one of the best deals in astronomy!

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Gordon B.
      1501449741
      Jul 30, 2017

      5.0 Best Bang for the Buck EP I've Used

      Pros:

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      Comments:

      Not much more to say than what's in the title, really. These EPs provide crisp, sharp, well corrected views across the field. Colors are very natural.

      The EP is solidly built, comfortable to use with excellent eye relief.

      An absolute winner for the price.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by Heinrich B.
      1500987319
      Jul 25, 2017

      5.0 Nice clean optics...

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      ...in a nicely made package. This is my second Starguider eyepiece.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by James R.
      1498598853
      Jun 27, 2017

      5.0 Crisp View

      Pros:

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      Comments:

      I have only used this eyepiece since the weather has been uncooperative, but I am impressed with the eyepiece after limited use.
      Some planetary and a few double star observations are all I have experienced with the eyepiece, but the views were crisp and sharp. Definitely a step up from the plossl 12mm ( my old favorite)

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by telescope tom of Tucson.
      1444521600
      Oct 10, 2015

      4.0 Very good

      Pros:

      Accurate,Easy to Use,Quality Lenses,Lightweight,Strong Construction,Compact

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Very good for the price. Works well even in f/5 scopes.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by KC of San Jose, CA.
      1443225600
      Sep 25, 2015

      4.0 Best details of moon yet

      Pros:

      Strong Construction,Compact,Quality Lenses,Easy to Use

      Cons:

      Comments:

      This is the 10th and BEST eyepiece to join my astronomy collection. I was particularly happy with clear, high contrast lunar details that I could see.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by dr_eck of White Bear Lake, MN.
      1435363200
      Jun 26, 2015

      5.0 Excellent for the Money

      Pros:

      Strong Construction,Quality Lenses

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I recently picked up a 12" F/5 Dobsonian and wanted an eyepiece upgrade to go with it. After using this eyepiece, I will never go back to Plossls. I love the eye relief; it is almost long enough for use with eyeglasses. (I'm an optical engineer, so I'm really picky about such things.) The image is sharp enough that my wife commented on how easy it was to see the bands on Jupiter. Now I just need more Minnesota nights with good seeing.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    16. Guest

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      Review by Scopeguy of Mpls, MN.
      1427500800
      Mar 27, 2015

      4.0 12mm Starguider EP

      Pros:

      Eyeguard Is A Big,Strong Construction,Compact,Quality Lenses

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Excellent EP. Image is very sharp across the FOV, contrast is excellent,and the retractable eyeguard is an very nice feature,

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Review by harrytraver of Marine City, MI.
      1413849600
      Oct 20, 2014

      5.0 Excellent oculars

      Pros:

      Accurate,Large Eye Lens,Quality Lenses

      Cons:

      Heavy

      Comments:

      I spent a good amount of time and research looking for a new, high quality set of eyepieces to retire my older sets. I wanted a first-class, general purpose eyepiece that had a wide field for DSO and high contrast for planetary and binary stars. A difficult demand to fill at any price. I was prepared to spent more than twice the price for my final set.

      Testing the Agena Dual ED 8mm against an 8mm brass Brandon and 7mm Parks under the severest binary star tests with a 6" refractor, the Agena proved to be of equal performance with the bonus of a much greater field of view. The field is absolutely flat and well corrected. The optical quality of the Agena met all my observational requirements.

      This eyepiece immediately impressed me with its appearance, weight and design. Its "out of the box" quality promised good things to come and did not fail.

      I am a serious observer of 35 years, a hard core refractor owner and demand the best in optics. The Agena Dual ED is a "dark horse" ocular that deserves high praise. You will NOT regret owning the Agena Dual ED eyepieces.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    18. Guest

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      Review by None of New York.
      1409961600
      Sep 5, 2014

      5.0 Great price, great product

      Pros:

      Quality Lenses,Easy to Use,Strong Construction,Compact

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Great price, great product

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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      Specifications

      Apparent Field of View 60°
      Barrel Size 1.25" (31.7mm)
      Bolt Case Included Yes - Free Agena Eyepiece Container
      Bolt Case Size Agena 52x80mm
      Coatings Fully Multi-Coated
      End Caps 2
      Eye Relief by Design 20mm
      Filter Threads Standard 1.25" Filter Thread (M28.5 x 0.6)
      Focal Length 12mm
      Lens Elements 6
      Lens Groups 4
      Rubber Eye Guard Yes (Twist-Up Eyecup)
      Blackened Lens Edges Yes
      Manufacturer Agena AstroProducts
      Eyepiece Focal Length 10.1mm - 15mm
      Eyepiece Field of View 51 - 60 degrees
      Eyepiece Series Agena Dual ED
      Barrel Type With safety undercut
      Eyepiece Weight 6.10oz (172.93g)