Lanthorn Vigil 15x70 binoculars

Specifications

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. Fully multi-coated optics treat every air-to-glass surface, which raises light transmission and image contrast.

The black armor is the standard finish of the Vigil 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. 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.