Lanthorn Tallow 8x40 binoculars

Specifications

Description

The Tallow 8x40 is a roof-prism binocular with 40 mm objectives and 8x magnification. The combination gives an exit pupil of 5 mm, which suits many observers under moderately dark skies. At a 6.5-degree true field, the apparent field spans about 52 degrees, enough to frame the Pleiades, the Double Cluster in Perseus, and a broad section of the Milky Way in Cygnus without constant re-aiming.

The roof prisms are phase-coated and the objectives are fully multi-coated, which reduces light loss at each glass surface. The 17 mm eye relief lets you keep eyeglasses on and still see much of the field. Eyecups twist up or fold down, and the central focus wheel has a right-eye diopter adjustment that corrects small differences between your two eyes. Close focus is 3.0 m, which allows sharp views of nearby objects such as a tree line or a landscape. At 780 g, the binoculars are comfortable for an hour of hand-held viewing, though a monopod or a reclining chair steadies the view for longer sessions. The rubber body is nitrogen-purged and rated waterproof, so condensation on cold nights is less likely to fog the lenses.

Compared with a 32 mm objective, the 40 mm objectives gather about 56 percent more light, which makes faint members of star clusters easier to separate from the background. This gain is useful under suburban skies, where the background is brighter. Observers whose pupils open to 5 mm or less see a dimmer view of faint stars, and that difference is easy to notice on moonless nights.

For a first session, begin with the Moon a few days after new, then sweep along the Milky Way from Cygnus toward Cassiopeia. Note which open clusters you can resolve, and return to them on a darker night to compare how their stars change with the sky conditions.

About this configuration

The Lanthorn Tallow 8x40 binoculars comes in several configurations, and the notes below explain what this particular combination includes. Binoculars alone suit hand-held scanning of the Milky Way, bright star clusters, and the phases of the Moon. If you later want steadier views, the tripod socket between the barrels accepts a standard L-shaped adapter. 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 2023 edition of the Tallow 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 neck strap
• Objective and eyepiece rain caps
• Soft carrying case
• Lens cleaning cloth

Compatibility notes

• Has a 1/4-20 tripod socket that accepts a standard L-shaped binocular adapter.
• Fits binocular harnesses and parallelogram mounts rated for 1 kg binoculars.