The 24mm Ultra Wide Angle Series 5000 dwarfs many other telescope eyepieces. That is because it is quite large. It offers quite a bit, though, so its ultra wide size is understandable.
It’s not quite 100-degrees wide but an 82-degree field of view will still likely blow you away if you are used to anything less. You will be able to take some lovely “walks in space” with this eyepiece.
The 24mm Ultra Wide Angle (UWA) Series 5000 have a reputation for being Nagler imitators. Tele Vue and their Nagler eyepieces dominated the field of eyepieces due to their reputation for excellence for years so that is hardly a criticism.
The 24mm UWA is built to offer high resolution, exquisite views across 82 degrees. However, compared to other 82-degree eyepieces in our lineup it is not likely to be quite as exciting.
Premium glass inside the 24mm UWA has been individually tuned and coated with multiple layers to encourage the maximum amount of light transmission. Lens edges and all internal metal surfaces are blackened in an effort to promote image contrast.
This eyepiece is parfocal so you won’t have to waste time at the star party refocusing when you switch eyepieces, and the long eye relief should lead to a comfortable view for most astronomers.
An adjustable, twist-up rubber eyecup will provide lots of viewing options and possibly a little goo on your fingers. This eyepiece has a reputation for messiness because an adjustment to the eyecup exposes the greased barrel.
Meade customer support is good. Friendly and knowledgeable people answer the phone without delay. Meade stands behind its products with a one-year warranty for workmanship defects.
The warranty is non-transferrable, which may come into play for the eyepiece junkies out there. You will likely enjoy this eyepiece but with the rate of innovation in the eyepiece world you may want to sell it at some point. The warranty will not go with it, which may impact someone’s decision to buy it from you.
It is difficult to imagine a lukewarm reaction to an eyepiece that has an 82-degree field of view, but the 24mm Ultra Wide Angle Series 5000 seems to inspire a bit of a yawn. Compared to other eyepieces in our lineup it does not seem to really shine too much. It is a well-built piece of equipment from a well-respected manufacturer that should offer a very lovely view of the heavens.
There are other eyepieces in our lineup that also fit those qualifications that seem to stand out more, however, in terms of a better price, wider field of view or better reputation.
