Lanthorn Beacon 20x100 binoculars, with parallelogram mount
20x magnification · 100 mm objectives · 3.0° field
$2,099
Catalog preview. Not available for purchase.
- Package
- With parallelogram mount
- Optics
- ED glass, fully multi-coated
- Armor
- Olive rubber armor
- Edition
- 2023 edition
Specifications
| Magnification | 20x |
|---|---|
| Objective diameter | 100 mm |
| True field of view | 3.0° |
| Exit pupil | 5.0 mm |
| Dawes limit | 1.16 arcsec |
| Limiting magnitude | 12.0 |
| Eye relief | 17 mm |
| Close focus | 25.0 m |
| Prisms | BaK-4 Porro |
| Weather sealing | Waterproof, nitrogen-purged |
| Weight | 4,500 g |
| Package | With parallelogram mount |
| Optics | ED glass, fully multi-coated |
| Armor | Olive rubber armor |
| Edition | 2023 edition |
Description
The Beacon 20x100 is a giant astronomy binocular with 100 mm objectives and 20x magnification. With about 1.6 times the light-collecting area of an 80 mm binocular, it shows deep-sky objects in both eyes at once with a brightness close to that of a 4-inch telescope.
At 20x, the Beacon 20x100 resolves globular clusters such as M13 and M92 toward their cores, shows the spiral shape of M33 under dark skies, and separates the members of galaxy groups such as M65, M66, and NGC 3628. The 3-degree true field still fits the whole Double Cluster with space around it, and the 5 mm exit pupil keeps the image bright.
The body is a rigid cast-aluminum frame with individually focused eyepieces, which keeps the two sides in alignment and seals out moisture. The BaK-4 prisms show round exit pupils, and all air-to-glass surfaces are multi-coated. Dew shields at the objective end slow dew formation on humid nights.
At 4.5 kg, the Beacon 20x100 needs a heavy-duty tripod or a fork mount designed for large binoculars. Its integrated mounting plate has two threaded holes and fits most photo heads and binocular mounts. Because the eyepieces point straight out, a reclining chair or a low tripod setting makes high targets more comfortable.
Individual focus means each eyepiece is set once for your eyes and then left alone for the night. The Beacon 20x100 suits observers who want a two-eyed view of deep-sky objects and who have a permanent place to set it up.
Plan the setup before your first night. A fork mount with altitude and azimuth clutches lets you aim the binocular smoothly, and a counterweighted parallelogram mount keeps the eyepieces at a fixed height as you move from the horizon to higher targets.
About this configuration
This listing covers one configuration of the Lanthorn Beacon 20x100 binoculars, defined by its package, optical coatings, armor color, and edition year. The parallelogram mount keeps the binoculars at eye level while you move them across the sky in smooth arcs. A parallelogram mount lets observers of different heights share the same view without aiming the binoculars again. ED glass reduces the color fringing that otherwise appears around bright objects such as the Moon and Venus.
Olive rubber armor offers the same protection as the black version in a different color. This is the 2023 edition of the Beacon line, the earliest version that is still listed in the catalog. 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 integrated mounting plate
- Objective and eyepiece caps
- Hard carrying case with foam insert
- Parallelogram mount with counterweight
- Tripod adapter
Compatibility notes
- The mounting plate has 1/4-20 and 3/8-16 threads for heavy photo heads and binocular mounts.
- Needs a tripod or mount rated for at least 6 kg.