Lanthorn Vigil 15x70 binoculars, with parallelogram mount
15x magnification · 70 mm objectives · 4.0° field
$1,629
Catalog preview. Not available for purchase.
- Package
- With parallelogram mount
- Optics
- Multi-coated optics
- Armor
- Slate gray 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 | With parallelogram mount |
| Optics | Multi-coated optics |
| Armor | Slate gray 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. 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. The multi-coated version suits casual scanning of the night sky as well as daytime nature viewing.
The slate gray finish makes the binoculars easier to find on a dark table than the black armor does. This is the 2026 edition, the most recent version of the Vigil line in the catalog. Before you add a mount or adapter later, check the compatibility notes for the thread and fitting that this binocular uses.
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
- Parallelogram mount with counterweight
- Tripod adapter
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.