The Tele Vue 24mm Panoptic is no longer the new kid on the block but it still has some great views to offer amateur astronomers. Named a Hot Product by Sky & Telescope magazine in 2003, it is still one of the most popular low to medium power wide field telescope eyepieces and the winner of our TopTenREVIEWS Bronze Award.
The 24mm Panoptic still holds its own when compared with the newer and flashier telescope eyepieces because it is quite good for a well-corrected view throughout its 68-degree field of view. With this accessory you will enjoy quality views of deep space objects and many other celestial wonders.
Expect to see beyond what your telescope’s included eyepiece can offer in the way of deep space targets. For the owner of a great 1.25-inch telescope this is going to be a solid option.
The 24mm Panoptic should make a really good pair with most Dobsonians and fast focal ratio refractors. It would take a really long time for the targeted item to move across the Panoptic’s field of view so you can share a great image with friends before having to reposition the telescope.
Rubber knurling makes this eyepiece easy to hold and control. The tapering at the end adds to the ergonomic advantages. Filter threads on the barrel will make it a breeze to add even more variety to your views. The 15mm eye relief will be comfortable for most viewers and the eye cup can fold to create the best view specific to you.
The 24mm Panoptic’s field of view is smaller than most in our lineup but it is also smaller in overall size, weighing in at just 8.2 ounces. Something a little more compact might be nice after considering the heavyweights that look more like footballs than eyepieces.
An eyepiece for which you don’t need to make special travel plans could be a good thing. Pack this along with your favorite scope for a star party or picnic. It will offer panoramic views of space your telescope cannot, and it will fit in your eyepiece case.
Tele Vue’s customer support options have never impressed us. Their site is unpleasant to navigate and lacks much of the information an average customer would seek.
Customer support is less of an issue for eyepieces than for products with lots of moving parts, but it is still relevant.
Many other distributers offer the 24mm Panoptic and they have better customer service options than the company website itself.
The 24mm Panoptic is still a great investment after all these years, especially if you are looking for a 1.25-inch barrel. Tele Vue eyepieces, this one included, tend to cost more but they also tend to justify their price.
