Canon IS Binoculars
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 Image Stabilization II Binoculars w/Case, Neck Strap & Batteries from Amazon
Canon 12×36 IS II Image Stabilized Binoculars from Binoculars.com
Canon 8×25 Image Stabilization Binoculars w/Case and Neck Strap from Amazon
Canon 8×25 IS Image Stabilized Binoculars from Binoculars.com
Canon 10×42 L Image Stabilization Waterproof Binoculars from Amazon
Canon 10×42L IS WP Image Stabilized Binoculars from Binoculars.com
Canon 15×50 Image Stabilization All Weather Binoculars w/Case, Neck Strap & Batteries from Amazon
Canon 15×50 IS Image Stabilized Binoculars ALL WEATHER from Binoculars.com
Canon 18×50 Image Stabilization All-Weather Binoculars w/Case, Neck Strap & Batteries from Amazon
Canon 18×50 IS Image Stabilized Binoculars ALL WEATHER from Binoculars.com
BINOCULARS.CON (Canon 10X30 IS Image Stabilized Binoculars)