Quillon Tessera 15x38 binoculars, with parallelogram mount

Specifications

Description

The Tessera 15x38 is a compact binocular with 38 mm objectives and 15x magnification. Its true field of 3.6 degrees gives an apparent field of about 54 degrees, and the 2.5 mm exit pupil makes the view bright on high-contrast targets such as the Moon, the planets, and bright double stars. Faint deep-sky objects look dimmer than through a 7x50 or 10x50 instrument, so the 15x38 suits detail more than wide sweeps.

Roof prisms of BaK-4 glass keep the optical path short, and the body weighs 780 g, which is manageable by hand for brief sessions but benefits from a monopod or a tripod adapter for steady viewing at this magnification. Fully multi-coated lenses reduce reflections on all air-glass surfaces. The 14 mm eye relief lets observers who wear glasses see the full field, and the rubber eyecups fold down when needed.

The body is nitrogen-purged and sealed with O-rings, so it resists fogging and light rain, though it is not rated for immersion. The central focus wheel turns with a smooth action, and the right-eye diopter corrects for a difference between your eyes. The close focus of 10 m lets you examine nearby objects, such as a bird on a branch, in daylight.

For a first session, start with the Moon a few days after new, then move along the terminator to see craters in relief. Next, sweep the Beehive cluster in Cancer and the Double Cluster in Perseus, and note how many stars each field holds. Return to the same fields on a darker night to compare the difference in star counts. Record the magnitude of the faintest star you can see in each field.

About this configuration

The Quillon Tessera 15x38 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. Fully multi-coated optics treat every air-to-glass surface, which raises light transmission and image contrast.

Slate gray armor uses a slightly harder rubber compound that resists scuffs from tripod clamps and cases. The optics in the 2024 edition match the other years; the changes concern handling details only. 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
• Soft carrying case
• 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 harnesses and parallelogram mounts rated for 1 kg binoculars.