Lanthorn Vigil 15x70 binoculars
15x magnification · 70 mm objectives · 4.0° field
$1,329
Catalog preview. Not available for purchase.
- Package
- Binoculars only
- Optics
- ED glass, fully multi-coated
- Armor
- Black rubber armor
- Edition
- 2026 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 | Black rubber armor |
| Edition | 2026 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
The Lanthorn Vigil 15x70 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. ED glass reduces the color fringing that otherwise appears around bright objects such as the Moon and Venus.
The black armor is the standard finish of the Vigil line and matches its black lens caps. The 2026 edition carries the optics over unchanged and updates small parts such as the caps and the case. The magnification, field, and exit pupil figures in the specifications table apply to every configuration of the Vigil line.
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.