Canon is Best Compact Binoculars Top the Bill
Apart from the ability to use IS binoculars while on the go, the technology has another added advantage in that it enables high magnification besy compact binoculars to be hand held without experiencing image distortion due to slight movements in the hand. Without image stabilisation the greatest magnification that most people can use without a distorted image is 8x, with IS high magnification binoculars can be hand held (Canon do an 18x50 and Nikon do a 16x32).
So which IS binoculars are the ones to choose? Well it really depends on what you want to use them for.
If you want to use them for astronomy take a look at those with a larger objective lens to ensure maximum light gathering ability such as the 15x50 or 18x50 Canon IS binoculars. The IS technology does make them a little on the heavy side with them both weighing in at 1200g but they are ideal for those times when you just want to pick up binoculars and get viewing without have the hassle of setting up a tripod. The image stabilizing technology doesn't eliminate all the distortion due to movements in the hand but you would be hard to notice slight movements and users absolutely rave about them.
For marine use the Nikon Stabileyes 14x40 and the 10x42 WP Canon IS best compact binoculars are both popular choices.
The Nikon 14x40 comes with two modes, an on board mode and a land mode, weighs in at 1120g, is exceptionally good for spectacle wearers and is waterproof and fog-free. If you want to add these to your shopping list you'll be looking at spending around £1,300.
The Canon 10x42 are the first Canon IS binoculars to come with the coveted red L-series professional lenses making them an immensely popular choice. The optical performance is amazing, they are waterproof to 1mtr for 30 minutes and have a close focusing distance of just 2.5mtrs. If you buy on the internet you should be able pick up the Canon 10x42 for less than £900 which is a real bargain given the specification.
For bird watching it depends what is most important, size and weight or a larger objective lens. Again both Nikon and Canon have focused on the needs of the birdwatcher with Nikon offering 12x32 or 16x32 waterproof binoculars that have a reduced vibration mode to enable you to follow fast moving objects with a steady view. However the 14x40 offer 2 vibration modes (not available in the other models) which makes them a more popular choice.
Canon offer full size (10x42), mid-size (12x36) or compact options (10x30 or 8x25). The down side of the mid-size and compact canon IS binoculars are that they aren't waterproof. However, their weight makes them ideal for carrying around (660g, 600g and 490g) and the 12x36 are extremely popular high magnification birding binoculars, affordably priced at around £450.
Overall my preference is the 10 x 42 WP Canon IS binoculars particularly for bird watching and general outdoor pursuits. The L series lenses ensure they deliver an unrivalled performance with outstanding clarity and superior optical performance. Weight can prove an issue for some, at 1030g (a problem with most IS binoculars), but the benefits of image stabilizing technology make it well worth it.
US $3.50
My recommendation: Go for the Canons. The image stabilisation works a treat and in my view places them in an entirely different category to traditional binos, in that you can see things you never thought possible. I've never heard of anyone upgrading to IS binos and then going back.
I'll be very clear here: I am not knocking Zeiss, but their reputation is probably a little overstated. It seems they are in a similar situation to Zambuto mirrors – they are very good quality but the rants and raves grow to the point where you could easily believe they are the best out there period. In reality they are not unparalleled and other top brands can match or even surpass them – I would give Leica binos the edge over Zeiss for instance. That doesn't mean they are not extremely good.
However, optically the Canons are very good too and they have a reputation to be proud of. I wouldn't rate them as quite as good as Zeiss but they are not far off – at this level the differences are very small. However as I said the image stabiliser does transform them: I have a pair of Canon 12×36s here and I have seen Saturn's rings through them handheld. The image stabiliser plays a large part in that of course but it would still be impossible if they didn't check out optically. The 10×42s are the premium member of the IS range so I would expect them to perform even better. Don't be worried about the smaller aperture – the IS helps there, and I find I can see over a magnitude fainter with my 12×36s than I can with a traditional pair of 7×50s. In light polluted skies the difference is well over two magnitudes but of course the additional magnification helps there.
In summary, in ordinary circumstances I very much doubt you will notice a marginal difference in optical quality between the two. You certainly will notice the effect of the image stabiliser.
For bird watching almost all birders will agree, I think, that either 8 power or 10 power are the best. Most will select 8 power because of the wider field of view which is important when trying to find the bird in the field of view among the clutter of tree limbs or even flying across the sky. Stability of the image is important and above 10 power the image tends to shake so much that a tripod is recommended.
I have both 8 power and 10 power and I prefer the 8 power. Zoom is not a gimmick but in binoculars it is impractical because of image shake. If you want zoom, it is best to get a spotting scope with a tripod. An inexpensive spotting scope with zoom is this one.
I took it to Ecuador with me and was quit satisfied. You will also have to purchase a tripod to use with it the little tripod that it comes with is worthless.
As for binoculars, how much do you wish to pay?
The very best cost well over $1700. But I do not own such a pair. Seems like a waste of money to me. For the extra money I can finance a trip to South America.
This pair is inexpensive, fairly compact, water proof and fog proof, has a decent field of view and is marginally adequate if you wear glasses. What it does not have is a locking diopter adjustment. A refinement found in more expensive binos.
This pair is more expensive but has a somewhat wider field of view and a closer focus.
If you are not on a budget, then these are among the best that do not cost an arm and a leg. They do have locking diopter adjustment. I took this pair to Estonia.
If you want a very compact pair, you will have to sacrafice eye relief.
Here is a good pair.
http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?pid=4487
Lydia Lassila flew pencil-straight through the dreary fog to win Australia’s second gold medal of the Games.
Cheap! : Canon 15×50 Image Stabilization All Weather Binoculars w/Case, Neck Strap & Batteries
On sale at Amazon: Canon 10×30 Image Stabilization Binoculars w/Case, Neck Strap & Batteries
Thats because people dont take time to find out what they r talking about…they just go off of he say she say! But u r right!
All I can say is experiment. I haven’t tweaked it much, I have my setting I usually use. But there are a lot things to change on it. Good luck, have fun!
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Buyers Guide to Binoculars: "Canon Binoculars": #wildlife #bird watching #stargazing #binoculars #field glasses #nature
i like the bushnell 10×25s in camo clad rubber less than 40