Quillon Tessera 15x38 binoculars, with photo tripod

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

All configurations of the Quillon Tessera 15x38 binoculars share the same magnification and objective size; the options below change the package and finish. This package adds a photo tripod and an adapter, so you can hold the binoculars steady without further purchases. A tripod works well for objects at low and medium altitude, though viewing near the zenith becomes awkward on one. The ED version adds low-dispersion glass and full multi-coating for sharper star images toward the edge of the field.

Desert tan armor stays cooler in direct sunlight, which helps during daytime use before an evening session. The 2026 edition carries the optics over unchanged and updates small parts such as the caps and the case. 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 neck strap
• Objective and eyepiece caps
• Soft carrying case
• Lens cleaning cloth
• L-shaped tripod adapter
• Aluminum photo tripod with pan head

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.