Lanthorn Beacon 20x80 binoculars, with parallelogram mount
20x magnification · 80 mm objectives · 3.2° field
$479
Catalog preview. Not available for purchase.
- Package
- With parallelogram mount
- Optics
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Armor
- Slate gray armor
- Edition
- 2024 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 | Fully multi-coated optics |
| Armor | Slate gray armor |
| Edition | 2024 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
The Lanthorn Beacon 20x80 binoculars comes in several configurations, and the notes below explain what this particular combination includes. 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. Fully multi-coated optics treat every air-to-glass surface, which raises light transmission and image contrast.
The slate gray finish makes the binoculars easier to find on a dark table than the black armor does. This is the 2024 edition, which revised the focus wheel and the strap attachment points of the Beacon line. 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 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.