Lanthorn Beacon 20x80 binoculars, with parallelogram mount
20x magnification · 80 mm objectives · 3.2° field
$589
Catalog preview. Not available for purchase.
- Package
- With parallelogram mount
- Optics
- ED glass, fully multi-coated
- Armor
- Desert tan armor
- Edition
- 2023 edition
Specifications
| Magnification | 20x |
|---|---|
| Objective diameter | 80 mm |
| True field of view | 3.2° |
| Exit pupil | 4.0 mm |
| Dawes limit | 1.45 arcsec |
| Limiting magnitude | 11.5 |
| Eye relief | 15 mm |
| Close focus | 20.0 m |
| Prisms | BaK-4 Porro |
| Weather sealing | Splash-resistant |
| Weight | 2,300 g |
| Package | With parallelogram mount |
| Optics | ED glass, fully multi-coated |
| Armor | Desert tan armor |
| Edition | 2023 edition |
Description
The Beacon 20x80 is a large Porro-prism binocular with 80 mm objectives and 20x magnification. It is designed for use on a tripod or a parallelogram mount, where it gives views of deep-sky objects that approach those of a small telescope, with the comfort of using both eyes.
The 80 mm objectives collect about 2.6 times as much light as a 50 mm binocular. At 20x, many globular clusters show granular texture, galaxies such as M51 and M101 show as faint glows under dark skies, and the Orion Nebula shows its wings spreading around the bright core. The 3.2-degree true field still frames the Pleiades and the Double Cluster.
The exit pupil of 4 mm keeps the sky background dark under suburban skies. The BaK-4 prisms give round exit pupils, and the optics are multi-coated. A support rod runs from the tripod socket toward the objectives, which keeps the binocular balanced and reduces flexing that could pull the two sides out of alignment.
At 2,300 g, the Beacon 20x80 is too heavy to hold by hand for more than a few seconds. Use it on a sturdy photo tripod with a fluid head or on a parallelogram mount. Looking near the zenith with a straight-through binocular on a tripod is awkward, so a reclining chair helps.
The 15 mm eye relief suits most observers without glasses. The central focus wheel and right-eye diopter adjust smoothly, and lens caps cover both ends. The Beacon 20x80 is a practical choice for comets, bright galaxies, and star clusters.
A simple routine helps with heavy binoculars: set up the tripod first, level it, then attach the binocular with the support rod pointing forward. Adjust the height so you can look through it without bending, then lock every clamp before you let go.
About this configuration
This listing covers one configuration of the Lanthorn Beacon 20x80 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. The ED version adds low-dispersion glass and full multi-coating for sharper star images toward the edge of the field.
The tan armor is easy to spot when you set the binoculars down on the grass in the dark. The 2023 edition uses the same prisms and objectives as later years, with small differences in the eyecups. The magnification, field, and exit pupil figures in the specifications table apply to every configuration of the Beacon line.
What's in the box
- Binoculars with integrated support rod
- Objective and eyepiece caps
- Padded carrying case
- Neck strap
- Parallelogram mount with counterweight
- Tripod adapter
Compatibility notes
- The support rod has a 1/4-20 thread for photo tripods and parallelogram mounts.
- Needs a tripod or mount rated for at least 3 kg.