Lanthorn Vigil 15x70 binoculars
15x magnification · 70 mm objectives · 4.0° field
$1,169
Catalog preview. Not available for purchase.
- Package
- Binoculars only
- Optics
- ED glass, fully multi-coated
- Armor
- Olive rubber armor
- Edition
- 2023 edition
Specifications
| Magnification | 15x |
|---|---|
| Objective diameter | 70 mm |
| True field of view | 4.0° |
| Exit pupil | 4.7 mm |
| Dawes limit | 1.66 arcsec |
| Limiting magnitude | 11.2 |
| Eye relief | 18 mm |
| Close focus | 5.0 m |
| Prisms | BaK-4 Porro |
| Weather sealing | O-ring sealed, nitrogen purged |
| Weight | 2,100 g |
| Package | Binoculars only |
| Optics | ED glass, fully multi-coated |
| Armor | Olive rubber armor |
| Edition | 2023 edition |
Description
The Vigil 15x70 is a large-aperture binocular with 70 mm objectives and 15x magnification. The combination gives an exit pupil of about 4.7 mm, a true field of 4.0 degrees, and an apparent field of 60 degrees. At this power, star clusters separate into individual stars, and the brighter nebulae show more structure than smaller binoculars display under the same sky.
Targets such as the Pleiades, the Double Cluster in Perseus, and the Orion Nebula fill a good part of the field. The Andromeda Galaxy spans several degrees, so you can examine its bright core and the nearby outer regions from a dark site. Because the field is narrower than that of a 7x50 model, you will need to scan more slowly when you search for faint targets. Star charts marked with a 4-degree field help with that search.
At 2.1 kg, the Vigil 15x70 is too heavy to hold steady for long periods by hand. Mount it on a tripod through the central socket, using a tripod rated for at least 3 kg, and adjust the head so the binocular balances around its pivot point. A reclining chair with a stable mount lets you observe for extended periods without strain on your neck and arms.
An eye relief of 18 mm allows observation with glasses if you fold the eyecups down, although some eyeglass wearers lose part of the field. The O-ring seals and nitrogen purge reduce internal fogging during cool nights. Focus with the central wheel, and set the right-eye diopter on a bright star at the start of each session. Most adult observers with a dark-adapted pupil of about 5 mm or more use the full exit pupil under dark skies.
About this configuration
All configurations of the Lanthorn Vigil 15x70 binoculars share the same magnification and objective size; the options below change the package and finish. This package contains the binoculars with their strap, lens caps, and case, without any mounting hardware. Binoculars alone suit hand-held scanning of the Milky Way, bright star clusters, and the phases of the Moon. The ED version adds low-dispersion glass and full multi-coating for sharper star images toward the edge of the field.
The olive armor has the same grip pattern and thickness as the other colors in the Vigil line. This is the 2023 edition of the Vigil 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 caps
- Hard carrying case
- Tripod adapter bracket with 1/4-20 thread
- Lens cleaning cloth
Compatibility notes
- The central tripod socket takes a standard L-shaped binocular adapter with a 1/4-20 thread.
- Fits binocular mounts and parallelogram harnesses rated for 2 kg or more.