Varrow Lantern 130 Newtonian reflector, tube with equatorial mount

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. The equatorial mount follows the sky along one axis once you align its polar axis with the celestial pole. Balancing the tube and the counterweight before each session helps the equatorial mount move smoothly in both axes. A matte white finish reduces glare from nearby lights while keeping the tube easy to see at night.

The deep-sky kit adds a wide-field eyepiece and a UHC filter for emission nebulae such as the Lagoon and the Orion Nebula. The 2025 edition keeps the same optical figures as the earlier years of the Lantern line. The optical figures in the specifications table apply to this configuration and to every other version of the Varrow Lantern 130 Newtonian reflector.

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
• Equatorial mount with steel tripod
• Counterweight and counterweight shaft
• 24 mm wide-field eyepiece (1.25 in)
• UHC nebula filter (1.25 in)

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.