Best Illuminated Telescope Eyepieces of 2025

Alan Eaton Avatar
Alan Eaton
Last Updated: Jan 2, 2025

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Illuminated telescope eyepieces are a popular choice among stargazers and astronomers. These eyepieces are designed to enhance the viewing experience by providing a bright and clear image of celestial objects. The illumination feature is especially useful when observing in low light conditions, allowing for easier focusing and tracking of objects. Some models even come with adjustable brightness settings to suit different viewing preferences. With a variety of options available on the market, including those with different magnification levels and field of view, illuminated telescope eyepieces are a must-have accessory for any stargazing enthusiast.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SVBONY Reticle Eyepiece 1.25 inches Illuminated Eyepiece 12.5mm Double-line Crosshair LED Illuminator 40 Degree FOV 4 Elements Design Telescope Accessory Guide Star Cover #TOP 1
SVBONY Reticle Eyepiece 1.25 inches Illuminated Eyepiece 12.5mm Double-line Crosshair LED Illuminator 40 Degree FOV 4 Elements Design Telescope Accessory Guide Star
ftb score rating icon 9.8
SVBONY SV152 Reticle Eyepiece Cover #TOP 2
SVBONY SV152 Reticle Eyepiece
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Astromania Illuminated Reticle Plossl Telescope Eyepiece Cover #TOP 3
Astromania Illuminated Reticle Plossl Telescope Eyepiece
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Illuminated Telescope Eyepieces

#TOP 1

SVBONY Reticle Eyepiece 1.25 inches Illuminated Eyepiece 12.5mm Double-line Crosshair LED Illuminator 40 Degree FOV 4 Elements Design Telescope Accessory Guide Star

FUSF9132A
SVBONY Reticle Eyepiece 1.25 inches Illuminated Eyepiece 12.5mm Double-line Crosshair LED Illuminator 40 Degree FOV 4 Elements Design Telescope Accessory Guide Star Cover
SVBONY Reticle Eyepiece 1.25 inches Illuminated Eyepiece 12.5mm Double-line Crosshair LED Illuminator 40 Degree FOV 4 Elements Design Telescope Accessory Guide Star

The SVBONY Illuminated Reticle Eyepiece is a 12.5mm Plossl eyepiece with a red LED illuminated double line crosshair reticle. This feature is ideal for measuring double star angular separations, position angles, planetary diameters, and lunar crater diameters. The brightness of the dual crosshair reticle can be steplessly adjusted by rotating the switch on the side of the eyepiece. The multi-coated 4-elements Plossl design provides excellent color correction and sharpness, as well as excellent light transmission and sharp imaging on faint stars. The eyepiece also offers a wider view angle and bright high contrast views with a 40-degree apparent field of view and 11mm comfortable eye relief. The SVBONY Illuminated Reticle Eyepiece is a great accessory for any standard 1.25" telescope filters and other astronomical devices and makes for a great Halloween, birthday, or Christmas gift.

What We Like
Illuminated double line crosshair reticle
Steplessly adjustable brightness
Multi-coated 4-elements Plossl design
#TOP 2

SVBONY SV152 Reticle Eyepiece

FW9115A
SVBONY SV152 Reticle Eyepiece Cover
SVBONY SV152 Reticle Eyepiece 1.25 Inch Crosshair Eyepiece 20mm Illuminated Centering Telescope Eyepiece SWA 70 Degree Adjustable Telescope Accessory for Perfectly Guided Star Astrophotography

The SVBONY Reticle Eyepiece is a 1.25-inch crosshair eyepiece designed for astrophotography. It features an illuminated crosshair that is precisely located in the center of the eyepiece field of view, making it easier to track the guide and acquire and center target objects. The eyepiece has a wide 70-degree apparent field of view and comfortable 16mm eye relief, allowing for a comfortable viewing experience. The brightness of the crosshair is adjustable, which can extend the life of the illuminator. The eyepiece is compatible with all 1.25-inch standard equipment and has a threaded extinction inside the eyepiece that suppresses the reflection of internal stray light, providing a bright high-contrast view.

What We Like
Precise illuminated crosshair
Wide 70-degree apparent field of view
Brightness adjustable function
#TOP 3

Astromania Illuminated Reticle Plossl Telescope Eyepiece

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Astromania Illuminated Reticle Plossl Telescope Eyepiece Cover
Astromania 12.5mm Illuminated Reticle Plossl Telescope Eyepiece - Adjustable Image and Reticle Focus and Adjustable LED Illumination

The Astromania Reticle Eyepiece is a high-quality telescope eyepiece with an adjustable image and reticle focus and adjustable LED illumination. It has a bright high-contrast view with a 40-degree apparent field of view and 11mm eye relief. The reticle eyepiece comes with a dual crosshair, providing a clean view to observe your target. It is excellent for accurate polar and go-to alignment and centering guide stars for astrophotography. The separate dioptre adjuster allows you to bring both the star and crosshairs into focus simultaneously, making it convenient for users. The steplessly adjustable knob on the side of the eyepiece makes it easy to use. The filter thread provided makes it more versatile for users.

What We Like
Adjustable image and reticle focus
Bright high-contrast view
Separate dioptre adjuster
#TOP 4

Astromania 12.5mm Illuminated Eyepiece

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Astromania 12.5mm Illuminated Eyepiece Cover
Astromania 12.5mm Illuminated Reticle Plossl Telescope Eyepiece - Adjustable Image and Reticle Focus and Adjustable LED Illumination

The Astromania Illuminated Eyepiece enhances your stargazing experience with its adjustable image and reticle focus. You can easily fine-tune both the star and crosshairs for precise viewing, ensuring that you never miss a detail. The adjustable LED illumination allows you to set the brightness to your liking, making it easier to observe in various lighting conditions. With a comfortable 11 mm eye relief and a wide 40-degree field of view, you can enjoy bright, high-contrast images without straining your eyes. This eyepiece is perfect for accurate polar alignment and astrophotography, helping you capture stunning celestial images.

What We Like
Adjustable focus for precision
Customizable LED brightness
Comfortable eye relief
Wide field of view
Ideal for astrophotography
#TOP 5

Astromania 12mm Illuminated Eyepiece

51635
12MM
Astromania 12mm Illuminated Eyepiece Cover
Astromania Deluxe 12mm Illuminated Crosshair Eyepiece - for Perfectly Guided astrophotos

The Astromania Illuminated Eyepiece is designed to enhance your astrophotography experience. With its illuminated double crosshairs, tracking guide stars becomes much easier, ensuring your astrophotos are perfectly guided. The adjustable red LED light allows you to see the crosshairs clearly, even in low light conditions. Additionally, the 12 mm magnification provides the precision needed for accurate guiding. This versatile eyepiece is not just for astrophotos; it can also help you align mounts and locate double stars with ease. With the right tools, you can achieve stunning results in your stargazing endeavors.

What We Like
Illuminated double crosshairs
Adjustable red LED light
High precision 12 mm magnification
Versatile for various uses
#TOP 6

SVBONY 1.25" Illuminated Reticle Eyepiece Bundle

SVBONY 1.25" Illuminated Reticle Eyepiece Bundle Cover
SVBONY Reticle Eyepiece 1.25 inches Illuminated Eyepiece Bundle with Telescope Eyepiece 40mm 40 Degree Apparent Field, for Astronomical Observation

The SVBONY Illuminated Eyepiece offers a 12.5mm Plossl design with a red LED illuminated crosshair reticle, making it ideal for measuring distances between double stars and assessing planetary sizes. You can easily adjust the brightness of the dual crosshairs with a simple side switch, allowing for perfect visibility in various lighting conditions. Additionally, the 40mm Plossl eyepiece features a four-element design that provides a wide 40° field of view, enhancing your experience while observing broad lunar landscapes and star clusters. Its fully multi-coated lenses ensure that colors remain true, enhancing the details of planets like Jupiter and Saturn.

What We Like
Illuminated crosshair reticle
Brightness adjustment feature
Wide field of view
High-quality multi-coated lenses
#TOP 7

Astromania 9mm Illuminated Eyepiece

51635
Astromania 9mm Illuminated Eyepiece Cover
Astromania Deluxe 9mm Illuminated Crosshair Eyepiece - for Perfectly Guided astrophotos

The Astromania 9mm Eyepiece is designed to enhance your astrophotography experience. Its illuminated double crosshairs make it easier for you to track guide stars, ensuring your photos are perfectly aligned. You can adjust the brightness of the red LED light to suit your needs, providing optimal visibility. The separate dioptre adjuster helps you focus on both the star and the crosshairs, giving you greater precision. With a magnification that's ideal for detailed guiding, this eyepiece also features multi-coated lenses for a clear view. Whether you're aligning mounts or locating double stars, this versatile accessory is a must-have.

What We Like
Illuminated crosshairs for easy tracking
Adjustable brightness for visibility
High precision magnification
Multi-coated lenses for clarity
#TOP 8

SVBONY SV152 Crosshair Eyepiece Bundle

SVBONY SV152 Crosshair Eyepiece Bundle Cover
SVBONY SV152 Reticle Eyepiece 1.25 Inch Crosshair Eyepiece 20mm Illuminated Centering Telescope Eyepiece Bundle with SV224 Dovetail Base with 2 Thumbscrews

The SVBONY Crosshair Eyepiece is designed to enhance your astrophotography experience. Its illuminated crosshairs are centrally positioned, allowing you to accurately track celestial objects with ease. With a generous 70-degree apparent field of view and comfortable 16mm eye relief, you can quickly locate and center your targets without losing sight of them. The brightness is adjustable, letting you conserve battery life while still achieving optimal illumination. Additionally, the included SV224 dovetail base ensures compatibility with various finderscopes, making assembly straightforward and user-friendly.

What We Like
Illuminated crosshairs for accuracy
Wide 70-degree field of view
Adjustable brightness for battery saving
Compatible with various finderscopes
Easy assembly with thumbscrews
#TOP 9

ALSTAR 12.5mm Reticle Eyepiece

A ALSTAR
51633
ALSTAR 12.5mm Reticle Eyepiece Cover
Alstar 12.5mm Illuminated Reticle Plossl Telescope Eyepiece - for Perfectly Guided astrophotos

The ALSTAR 12.5mm Reticle Eyepiece is a high-quality telescope eyepiece designed for perfectly guided astrophotos. With its dual crosshair reticle and adjustable LED illumination, you can easily observe your target with a clean view. The focal length of 12.5mm provides bright and high-contrast views, while the 40-degree apparent field of view and 11mm eye relief ensure comfortable viewing. This eyepiece is excellent for accurate polar and go-to alignment, making it ideal for astrophotography. The adjustable image and reticle focus, along with the separate dioptre adjuster, allow you to bring both the star and the crosshairs into focus simultaneously. The ALSTAR Reticle Eyepiece also features a filter thread for added convenience.

What We Like
Dual crosshair reticle
Adjustable LED illumination
High-quality focal length
#TOP 10

SVBONY SV197 Collimating Cheshire Eyepiece Bundle

SVBONY SV197 Collimating Cheshire Eyepiece Bundle Cover
SVBONY SV197 Collimating Cheshire Eyepiece for Newtonian Reflector Telescope Bundle with SV152 Reticle Eyepiece 1.25 Inch Crosshair Eyepiece 20mm Illuminated Centering Telescope Eyepiece

The SVBONY Collimating Eyepiece Bundle is perfect for users of Newtonian and SCT reflector telescopes, allowing you to align your optical systems with precision. The unique peephole feature lets you directly observe the calibration results, ensuring accurate adjustments. Additionally, the included SV152 crosshair eyepiece is designed for guiding astrophotos, making it easier for you to track celestial objects with its illuminated center. With a wide 70-degree field of view and comfortable eye relief, you can enjoy a hassle-free experience while focusing on your targets.

What We Like
Accurate optical alignment
Easy astrophotography guiding
Wide field of view
Comfortable eye relief
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are illuminated eyepieces for?

An illuminated reticle eyepiece is virtually indispensable for serious astronomy observing and astrophotography. The Agena 20mm illuminated reticle Plossl eyepiece boasts a double line crosshair laser etched into optical glass that extends from edge to edge.

2. What is illuminated reticle eyepiece?

An eyepiece with an illuminated reticle (crosshair or grid) has many uses for the astronomer. It's a necessity for long-exposure astrophotography, where it is used in conjunction with a guide scope or off-axis guider to hold a guide star in a fixed position, to prevent star trailing on the film.

3. Which eyepiece is best for viewing planets?

The focal length of the telescope is 900mm, so to achieve the maximum useful magnification, then a 4.5mm eyepiece would be ideal. One of the best parts about planetary viewing or imaging is that since the objects are so bright, you can do it just about anywhere regardless of light pollution.

4. What is a telescope reticle?

Reticle eyepieces are essential for anyone interested in astronomy. These eyepieces attach to a finderscope or off-axis guider in order to center your telescope on your desired celestial object or guide star. Reticle eyepieces have also been around for nearly as long as telescopes themselves.

Editor's Notes

During our illuminated telescope eyepiece research, we found 16 illuminated telescope eyepiece products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,873 customer reviews through our big data system to write the illuminated telescope eyepieces list. We found that most customers choose illuminated telescope eyepieces with an average price of $51.66.

The illuminated telescope eyepieces are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of illuminated telescope eyepieces, including SVBONY, Astromania, A ALSTAR. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 582 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Alan Eaton Avatar

Alan Eaton is a seasoned writer whose expertise is in anything related to electronics, such as headphones, monitoring equipment, computer, and so on, built over a 15-year career in the technology industry. Working in the trade during his youth, he accumulated a great deal of knowledge about machinery.