Lanthorn Cresset 7x50 binoculars, with parallelogram mount

Specifications

Description

The Cresset 7x50 binoculars are roof-prism binoculars with 50 mm objectives and 7x magnification. At 7x, the exit pupil measures about 7.1 mm, which suits a fully dark-adapted eye under dark skies and keeps extended objects bright. The 6.8-degree true field gives an apparent field of about 48 degrees, wide enough to sweep along the Milky Way and take in whole star clusters at once.

Use these binoculars for wide-field targets such as the Pleiades, the Double Cluster in Perseus, the Beehive Cluster in Cancer, and the Andromeda Galaxy. Brace your elbows against a wall, a fence post, or a car roof, or lie back in a reclining chair to hold the view steady. The 1000 g body is manageable for short sessions by hand, but a tripod with a binocular adapter steadies the view for longer observing. The central focus wheel turns smoothly, and the right eyepiece has a diopter ring for independent focus. The 20 mm eye relief lets observers who wear glasses see the full field.

The coated BaK-4 roof prisms are waterproof and nitrogen-purged, so the optics resist fogging during cold nights and heavy dew. The 3.0 m close focus lets you examine nearby terrestrial objects during daytime familiarization. Rubber armor covers the body, and the objective caps keep dust and moisture off the lenses when the binoculars are stored between sessions.

For a first session, start with the Moon a few days after new, then sweep the Milky Way from Cygnus toward Cassiopeia. Note which clusters you can resolve, and compare them on a darker night. Observers whose pupils open to 5 mm or less may find that a 10x50 model gives a darker background, but the 7x50 keeps the wider field.

About this configuration

The Lanthorn Cresset 7x50 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. With fully multi-coated optics, bright stars show less ghosting and the background sky looks darker.

The black armor is the standard finish of the Cresset line and matches its black lens caps. The 2023 edition uses the same prisms and objectives as later years, with small differences in the eyecups. 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 eyepiece caps
• Soft carrying case
• Lens cleaning cloth
• Parallelogram mount with counterweight
• Tripod adapter

Compatibility notes

• Accepts a standard L-shaped binocular adapter with a 1/4-20 thread at the central tripod socket.
• Fits parallelogram mounts and harnesses rated for 1 kg binoculars.