Canon 10x30 Image Stabilization Binoculars w/Case, Neck Strap & Batteries by Canon
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Digital camera reviews of Canon 10x30 Image Stabilization Binoculars w/Case, Neck Strap & Batteries
Digital camera Review: Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!
Summary: 5 Stars
I will never buy another pair of binoculars without Image Stabilization. It is like air-conditioning - once you have it, you can never go back to living without it!
I cannot offer any additional information beyond the terrific reviews submitted by others on this item. If you are undecided about buying these, put your fears to rest and buy them! Absolutely one of the best purchases I have ever made and worth every penny!
Digital camera Review: Excellent, though with some quirks
Summary: 4 Stars
I like these binoculars a lot, and the image stabilization does the job well. You must hold down a button on top of the binoculars to keep the image stabilization engaged, and as soon as you touch the button, you see the image in the binoculars jerk once, then steady itself. Holding down the button isn't difficult or a big deal, by the way, and it does save batteries. If your batteries are dead, or you are concerned about minimizing battery use, the binoculars work fine without the image stabilization engaged.The effect of the stabilization isn't quite what I expected beforehand--In long viewing sessions, there is less fatigue from hand movement thanks to the stable image, and I expected this. But the big benefit is that you can see much more detail in the steady image--In effect you have an increase in magnification! You can see a lot more with image-stabilized binoculars.
Now for the quirks--First, the small aperture and high power mean the image isn't very bright. This isn't a problem in many applications (for whalewatching in bright Sun, the binocs were wonderful!), but it means these binocs may not be the best choice for low-light applications--birding in deep woods, for instance.
Second, the IS mechanism is slightly fragile. Don't drop 'em!
Third, the binocs do use batteries. I recommend Lithium, particularly if you might let them set unused for quite awhile. They cost more upfront, but cost the same or less in the long run due to their greater lifespan. Also, the long storage life means you won't hike out in the boonies and find your only set of batteries is dead!
Fourth, the binocs aren't light. They aren't monstrously heavy, but they they do weigh a bit. The 8x25 binocs may not be as bad in this regard, but they were released just after I bought my own pair, so I haven't tried them.
Fifth, panning with the Image stabilization engaged may confuse the binoculars a bit. Let up on the button to turn off stabilization a moment before panning. I do sweeping searches with stabilization off, then turn on stabilization when I find what I am looking for.
If you decide to buy, look for a rebate coupon from Canon. Canon frequently seems to have a $50 rebate on these binoculars (I applied for and received the rebate for my pair). Recommended, but keep those quirks in mind....
Digital camera Review: Good performance but unable to handle marine environment
Summary: 3 Stars
I knew these were not waterproof, but they don't seem to have any water resistance at all. Used them for 2 summers on the boat and the IS system stopped working. They didn't get dunked in water and the optics are fine; just being the salt air apparently was bad enough. And the estimated repair cost (out of warranty) is out of line with their cost.
So will try anther brand since their waterproof version is so much more expensive.
Digital camera Review: Great Binoculars
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought these binoculars to use for my birding and wildlife observations. They are perfect in every way. I love them. The IS feature is GREAT!! I give them a rating of 5 stars. My 12 year old grandson came to visit here on the farm and has been using them and loves them..he says that they are "awesome"..need I say moreDigital camera Review: Great Binoculars
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had these binoculars for 3 years and use them for bird watching. Love them. Fantastic glass and the image stabilization works like a charm. I ended up buying two more for my parents and they also love them and won't take any trip without them.
They do a good job gathering light on dark and dreary days and focus very easily.
I have had no problems with them, and I'm pretty tough on equipment. I've owned many binoculars in my lifetime and have always had a problem with glass in either one of the tubes "slipping" and not being able to focus through both eyes simultaneously. I haven't had a single problem with these, and I've dropped them several times.
I highly recommend these binoculars.