Canon 15x50 Image Stabilization All Weather Binoculars w/Case, Neck Strap & Batteries by Canon
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Digital camera reviews of Canon 15x50 Image Stabilization All Weather Binoculars w/Case, Neck Strap & Batteries
Digital camera Review: Excellent For Daytime And Astronomy
Summary: 5 Stars
This is my first image-stabilized product, and I'm very favorably impressed. Canon has long enjoyed a reputation for top-quality consumer optics, and this binocular certainly performs up to that standard. The image stabilization makes magnification over 10x practical for handheld viewing, and is very intuitive in use: one push of the IS button to activate, another to deactivate. I was somewhat skeptical that the 15x50 would perform well at night for stargazing. The 3.33mm exit pupil seemed to be too small for astronomy, but I didn't need to be concerned. The large 50mm objective lenses gather plenty of light. This, combined with the 15x magnification and very effective stabilization system, makes it a wonderful astronomy instrument. My backyard telescope has remained under wraps for months, because the Canon is so much handier to use, with zero set-up time.
For daytime use, the images are bright, well defined, with no discernable chromatic aberration. For bird watchers, this bino may be a bit too bulky and heavy for comfort when hiking through the back country. I found that a larger padded neck strap goes a long way towards relieving that problem, though.
Digital camera Review: Glad I Bought Them
Summary: 5 Stars
My main interest is in astronomy. I have had the Canon 10X30 IS Binocs for awhile and have been very happy. So I decided to take the (substantially more expensive) plunge and get either the 15x50 or 18x50 IS. After reviewing some info on various forums I decided on the 15x50 version.
They are outstanding! Sharp, clear optics. Of course the IS sytem works extremely well. As with all such systems, they eliminate the "jiggle" that ruins the view with binocs of about 10x or greater, but there is still some residual, slow "wander" because of larger scale movements that the user makes, but they stop everything more than enough to give a beautiful view. This "wander" is no more noticeable than with the 10x30s.
I don't want to overstate the "wander" business. If you have used IS optics you know what I am talking about. It's just that the IS system can't compensate for major movements. You wouldn't want it to try because you move the binocs to frame the subject. They completely eliminate the "shakes" though.
I recommend them highly.
Digital camera Review: Great
Summary: 5 Stars
I have had these for a few years now, and they still work great. I use them mostly for keeping an eye on the world outside my office window. They are a bit heavy, and they go through batteries fast. Get NiMH AA rechargeables and you'll be glad you did. One oddity - they do not come with objective lens caps, so if you keep them outside their case, it's best to store them standing on the objective end. Luckily they are very stable this way on a table or shelf.Digital camera Review: Great binoculars
Summary: 5 Stars
As an avid boater (owned 24) this binocular is the best I have owned. Admittedly they are also the most expensive that I have purchased. So if they hold up I will stay very satisfied.Digital camera Review: Great for backyard astronomy
Summary: 5 Stars
I have recently purchased the Canon IS 15x50 binoculars for backyard astronomy. I wanted enough "power" to be able to see interesting things without needing to set up a telescope. I researched and read a lot before making the purchase. The binoculars are great! The stabilization makes it possible to get a clear, shake-free view. So far I have been enjoying Jupiter and its moons, double stars, star clusters, and even some Messier objects. As a treat, various meteors flash across, and satellites too faint to see with the naked eye travel by. Even in my light polluted backyard, the binoculars are providing some very satisfying viewing. They are a bit heavier than regular binoculars, but are not uncomfortable, especially if I brace my elbows against my body or the arm of my chair.