There has been huge interest in Image Stabilized binoculars in recent times. The technology has become more affordable in recent years so it look set to continue growing its share of the binocular market.
Why the interest? It's all down to resolution. IS technology allows you to see more detail in the image because it greatly reduces the natural image shake caused by unsteady hands and yes we all have the shakes, its just a matter of how much! Try focusing normal binoculars on some text, perhaps on a street sign some distance away, while holding them then try again with the binoculars on a tripod. Notice the difference? You can see much more detail in the steadier tripod mounted binocular. Reducing or eliminating the shake gives us much better detail.
Canon IS binoculars are probably the best known of the bunch while brands like Fujinon are fast gaining a following. IS binoculars are used by nature observers such as birders 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 and water resistance while astronomers appreciate the power and clarity of the optics. With a steadier image we can achieve greater magnification more comfortably. Sailors used to be pretty much limited to 7x magnification but IS technology now allows up to 18x with the same aperture.
Their inbuilt computers and gyros are very effective at reducing image shake. The gyros measure both horizontal and vertical movement which the processor instantly compensates for by moving either variable prisms or a tilt mechanism depending on which particular model you have.
Fitting the electronics and batteries into the body adds weight so these do not feel like a normal binocular. Having said that, one soon gets accustomed to holding the weight at least for short durations.
The Canon 10x 30 is lightweight as IS binoculars go at a shade under 1.5lbs and is water resistant, think showerproof not waterproof and the rubber coating makes them comfortable to hold. The combination of weight, quality optics and price seems to have hit the mark with IS fans. The 14.5mm eye relief also allows most folk to use them while wearing glasses.
Canon make IS binoculars in several sizes: 8x 25, 12x 36, 10x 42, 10x 50, 15x 50 and 18x 50 but the 10x 30 seems to be the most popular.
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