What does 15×52 mean?
15× is the magnification: things look 15 times closer. 52 is the diameter of each front lens in millimeters. Divide one by the other and you get the exit pupil, 3.5 mm, which is a rough guide to how bright the view is in dim light.
Is 15× too shaky to hold by hand?
It’s usable by hand for quick looks if you brace your elbows, but it shows more shake than 8× or 10×. For long looks, sit, lean on a rail, or put the adapter on a tripod. If you want a pair you’ll only ever hand-hold while walking, an 8×42 is the steadier choice.
How far can I see with them?
Binoculars don’t have a maximum range. What matters is how big the subject is and the air between you and it. At 15×, something 300 yards away looks about as big as it would to your eyes at 20 yards.
Will they work with my glasses?
Yes. Twist the eyecups all the way down and look through with your glasses on. We’ll publish the measured eye relief here once we’ve measured our production sample.
How does the phone adapter work?
It clamps onto the right eyepiece and holds your phone with its main camera centered over the lens. Line it up once, zoom the phone in slightly to fill the frame, and take photos or video. It’s steadiest on a tripod. It fits most smartphones; very large camera bumps can make centering harder. [CONFIRM PHONE SIZE RANGE WITH FACTORY]
Are they waterproof and fog-proof?
The maker rates them waterproof to IPX7. The maker doesn’t state nitrogen purging, so we don’t claim fog-proof. If you go from a cold car into a warm house, let them warm up before you open the case.
Are they good for birding? For hunting?
For birds far away (water birds, raptors, shorebirds) and for glassing a field or a far tree line, 15× reach helps. For warblers in thick woods, an 8×42 is easier because its view is wider. Check your local hunting rules for optics before the season.
Can I use them for sports, concerts or stargazing?
Yes for stadium seats and outdoor shows. For the night sky, put them on a tripod: the Moon and bright star fields look great at 15×, but hand shake gets in the way.
Is the video real?
No. The video at the top is a dramatization of how Larkglass is meant to be used, made for this page. It is not a recording through the binoculars.
Do more pairs cost less each?
Yes. $79.99 for one pair, $69.99 each for two, $64.99 each for 3–5, $59.99 each for 6–9 and $54.99 each for 10 or more. The bundles and the + and − buttons use the same prices.
What if they’re not for me?
Read the eligibility conditions, exclusions and fees before ordering. Details are in our refund policy.