Corvane Lark 15x50 binoculars, with tripod adapter

Specifications

Description

The Lark 15x50 is a Porro-prism binocular with 50 mm objectives and 15x magnification. The pairing gives an exit pupil of about 3.3 mm and a true field of 3.0 degrees, which is an apparent field of about 45 degrees. At this power the view is closer to a small telescope than to a wide-field hand-held glass, and the 50 mm objectives collect enough light to show double stars and open clusters under a dark sky.

The higher magnification shows hand tremor more clearly than the lower-power models in this line. Rest the binoculars on a tripod through the central socket, or brace your elbows on a wall or a car roof. With steady support, the Double Cluster in Perseus, the Beehive Cluster in Cancer, and the star fields of Sagittarius along the Milky Way fill the narrow view. On the Moon, the crater rims and the shadow line along the terminator show clearly when the air is still.

The BaK-4 Porro prisms and the multi-coated lenses reduce light loss inside the barrels, but the bodies are not sealed. Keep the instrument dry and out of direct sun between sessions, and wipe the objectives after dew forms. The 15 mm eye relief is shorter than the 22 mm of the Lark 7x50, so observers who wear glasses may find that part of the field is blocked; fold the rubber eyecups down to hold the eye at the correct distance. The 1,100 g weight is manageable for short sessions, and the focus wheel and right-eye diopter adjust smoothly.

Begin with the Moon a few days after new, then move to the Double Cluster and the Beehive Cluster on a dark night. Note how many stars you can count in each cluster, and return on a later night to compare the results.

About this configuration

All configurations of the Corvane Lark 15x50 binoculars share the same magnification and objective size; the options below change the package and finish. The included tripod adapter lets you fix the binoculars to a photo tripod for steadier, more relaxed views. With the adapter on a tripod, hand shake disappears, which makes faint stars and close double stars easier to see. The ED version adds low-dispersion glass and full multi-coating for sharper star images toward the edge of the field.

The black armor is the standard finish of the Lark line and matches its black lens caps. The optics in the 2024 edition match the other years; the changes concern handling details only. Compare the exit pupil in the specifications with your sky conditions and your age, since both affect how bright the view looks.

What's in the box

• Binoculars with neck strap
• Objective and rain guard caps
• Soft carrying case
• Lens cleaning cloth
• L-shaped tripod adapter

Compatibility notes

• The central tripod socket takes a standard L-shaped binocular adapter with a 1/4-20 thread.
• Fits binocular tripod adapters rated for 1.2 kg.