Quillon Skylark 8x42 binoculars

Specifications

Description

The Skylark 8x42 is a roof-prism binocular with 42 mm objectives and 8x magnification. Roof prisms allow a straight, compact body, so the Skylark 8x42 weighs 690 g and fits in a large jacket pocket or a small bag.

The 8x42 format is popular with observers who use one binocular for both astronomy and daytime activities such as birdwatching. The 5.25 mm exit pupil gives a bright view at dusk, and the 7.5-degree true field covers large parts of a constellation at once. Scanning the Milky Way, following the Moon through its phases, and finding bright clusters before you aim a telescope all work well.

Roof prisms need a phase-correction coating to keep images sharp, and the Skylark 8x42 has one on its BaK-4 prisms. The body is sealed and filled with nitrogen, which keeps moisture and dust out and prevents fogging inside when you bring the binoculars from a warm house into the cold.

The 2 m close focus is useful during the day, and the twist-up eyecups have several click stops for use with or without glasses. The 19 mm eye relief lets most glasses wearers see the full field. A diopter ring on the right eyepiece corrects for differences between your eyes.

Under suburban skies, the Skylark 8x42 shows the brighter Messier objects such as M13, M31, M44, and M45, and it splits wide double stars such as Mizar and Alcor. Its light weight makes it easy to hold steady for several minutes, which helps you notice faint detail.

Roof-prism binoculars of this size also make good finders for a telescope session. Use the Skylark 8x42 to confirm the star pattern around a target, then aim the telescope at the same spot with its finder.

About this configuration

This listing covers one configuration of the Quillon Skylark 8x42 binoculars, defined by its package, optical coatings, armor color, and edition year. 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. Multi-coated optics reduce reflections at the main glass surfaces while keeping the price of this binocular low.

The slate gray finish makes the binoculars easier to find on a dark table than the black armor does. This is the 2024 edition, which revised the focus wheel and the strap attachment points of the Skylark line. 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 padded neck strap
• Objective caps and rain guard
• Padded carrying case
• Lens cleaning cloth

Compatibility notes

• The tripod socket under the front cover takes a standard binocular adapter with a 1/4-20 thread.
• Fits standard binocular harnesses.