BinocularChoice.com

Digital Camera Binoculars are a nice idea, combine the capture ability of a camera with a binocular so you can record that great moment and watch it again later.

Nothing wrong with the idea but does it actually work well in practice? Well, no is the short and to the point answer!

Why not? Its simply a matter of too little light on low resolution chips. We have by now become accustomed to cameras of 7Mp and more so having chips under 1Mp is a bit of a backward step.

Combine that with the limited light through the relatively small aperture lenses and you are NOT going to get good results.

Overall conclusion - avoid them for now but the concept might be made to work well in future models.

There has been huge interest in Image Stabilized binoculars in recent times. The technology has become more affordable over the last couple of years so it look set to continue growing its share of the binocular market.

Why the interest? It’s all down to resolution. Put simply IS technology allows you to see more detail in the image because it massively reduces the natural image shake caused by unsteady hands. Try focussing a normal binocular on some text then try again using an image stabilized binocular, you’ll see much more detail with the IS model.

Canon IS binoculars are probably the best known of the bunch. They are used by nature observers and sailors amongst others. Whether you’re viewing wildlife from the back of a moving jeep or you’ve had too much coffee, the stabilization is very effective. Sailors like their ease of use while astronomers appreciate the power and clarity of the optics.

Their inbuilt computer and gyros are very effective at reducing image shake. The gyros measure horizontal and vertical motion which is instantly compensated for by moving either variable prisms or a tilt mechanism depending on which particular model you have.

The 10x 30 is lightweight (a smidge under 1.5 lbs) and water resistant (note NOT waterproof) and the rubber coating makes them comfortable to hold. The combination of weight, quality optics and price seems to have hit a sweet spot with IS fans. Their 14.5mm eye relief also allows most folk to use them while wearing their specs.

Canon also make IS binoculars in other sizes: 8x 25, 12x 36, 10x 42, 10x 50, 15x 50 and 18x 50 but the most popular remains the 10x 30.

Best deals I’ve found on Amazon and Binoculars.com, I’ll show links to both as their prices fluctuate though they are generally pretty close to each other and cheapest in the market:-

Canon 10×30 Image Stabilization Binoculars w/Case, Neck Strap & Batteries from Amazon

Canon 10x 30 IS from Binoculars.com

Canon 12×36 IS II Image Stabilized Binoculars from Binoculars.com

Canon 8×25 IS Image Stabilized Binoculars from Binoculars.com

Canon 10×42L IS WP Image Stabilized Binoculars from Binoculars.com

Canon 15×50 IS Image Stabilized Binoculars ALL WEATHER from Binoculars.com

Canon 18×50 IS Image Stabilized Binoculars ALL WEATHER from Binoculars.com

BINOCULARS.CON (Canon 10X30 IS Image Stabilized Binoculars)

There is some confusion on this series with many searches made for the E1 I mentioned in brackets above which is incorrect. The correct term is EL and there are currently 4 models available all in roof prism designs and all with superb optical performance, rapid focus and excellent handling.

Swarovski have employed their p-coating and Swarobright coatings on all the El models for optimal performance as well as nitrogen filling and waterproofing.

With the EL series you get as good as binoculars get. The new design provides true color and high contrast images thanks to the superior coatings. All of the El series are lightweight so won’t weigh you down and they are all waterproof and fog-proof. While nobody recommends you test them out on the point they are also quite rugged and able to withstand some wear and tear.

If you’ve not come across the brand before Swarovski has a long history of crystal glass and optical excellence. This series new optical system delivers crisp images in natural color, perfect for serious bird watchers. Their slender build also makes them easy to handle, a very comfortable feel in the hand.

Swarovski 8×32 EL Binoculars

Weight: 21.5oz Eye Relief: 15mm FOV@1000 yards: 420ft Close Focus: 7ft

Swarovski 10×32 EL Binoculars

Weight: 21oz Eye Relief: 12mm FOV@1000 yards: 360ft Close Focus: 6.6ft

Swarovski 8.5×42 EL Binoculars

Weight: 29oz Eye Relief: 18mm FOV@1000 yards: 390ft Close Focus: 8ft

Swarovski 10×42 EL Binoculars

Weight: 27.5oz Eye Relief: 15mm FOV@1000 yards: 330ft Close Focus: 8ft

Ol’Optic : Jumelles Swarovski EL 8,5×42