Varrow Lantern 130 Newtonian reflector, tube only

Specifications

Description

The Lantern 130 is a Newtonian reflector built around a 130 mm parabolic primary mirror with a focal length of 650 mm. Working at f/5, it gives a moderate field with low-power eyepieces and reaches higher magnifications on the Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn when paired with shorter focal length eyepieces. The primary carries an aluminized reflective coating with a protective overcoat, and a flat secondary mirror on a four-vane spider directs the light to the focuser on the side of the tube.

Because the optical tube is open at the front, it reaches outdoor temperature more slowly than a small refractor, so allow twenty to thirty minutes before you attempt high-power planetary work. Collimation matters more on a Newtonian than on a refractor. The mirrors leave the factory aligned, but shipping and handling can shift them, and you can adjust the three collimation screws on the secondary cell with the supplied Allen key. A simple laser collimator makes this job quicker and more repeatable.

The 1.25 in dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser holds standard eyepieces and a basic star diagonal. At 6.8 kg for the tube, the Lantern 130 needs a sturdy equatorial head or a stable alt-az mount with a broad base. The 6x30 finderscope helps you locate targets before you move to the eyepiece.

Typical targets include the craters along the lunar terminator, the cloud bands of Jupiter, and the rings of Saturn at high power. Under dark skies, you can also find brighter Messier objects such as the Orion Nebula, the Hercules Cluster, and the Andromeda Galaxy, which show more structure at this aperture than at smaller sizes.

About this configuration

This listing covers one specific configuration of the Varrow Lantern 130 Newtonian reflector, defined by its bundle, finish, accessory kit, and edition year. This is the optical tube on its own, so you need to supply a mount that can carry its weight steadily. Buying the tube alone makes sense if you already own a suitable mount or plan to choose one separately. Gloss white paint is easy to wipe clean, and the tube stays easy to spot in a dark yard.

The astrophotography kit adds a T-ring adapter for a camera body and a Bahtinov mask for precise focusing on a star. This is the 2023 edition of the Lantern line, the earliest version that is still listed in the catalog. Check the specifications table for the optical figures, since they stay the same across every configuration of the Lantern line.

What's in the box

• Optical tube assembly with primary mirror cell
• Secondary mirror on four-vane spider
• Tube rings with dovetail bar
• 1.25 in star diagonal
• 1.25 in 25 mm eyepiece
• 6x30 finderscope with bracket
• Collimation Allen key
• Front and rear dust caps
• T-ring and T-adapter
• Bahtinov focusing mask

Compatibility notes

• Accepts 1.25 in eyepieces and star diagonals directly in the dual-speed focuser.
• The dovetail bar fits most equatorial heads with a standard 1-inch-wide saddle.
• The focuser does not include a 2 in adapter.