Customer Reviews

Canon 12x36 Image Stabilization Binoculars with Case, Neck Strap & Batteries

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I also have the Zeiss image stabilized 20x60 binoculars, which run about $5000, and the comparison is interesting. First, the Canon eats batteries, and I've tried using lithiums which are much more expensive, without much improvement, so take a set of alkalines along on field trips. The Zeiss does not use batteries, but it will take a while for those savings to balance the cost difference! Second, the Canons won't stabilize in a rough sea; the Zeiss will. (So will the noisy gyro-driven Yamahas, by the way.) Third, the Canons give a rock solid image with fresh batteries; the Zeiss only give an easily readable image, but of course it is 20x instead of 12x. Fourth, the Zeiss weigh a ton, the Canons are easy to carry. Fifth, obviously, the field of view of the Zeiss is considerably less than that of the Canons. However, it's pretty good for a 20x; it's a portable scope without the need for a tripod. Both are easy to use for the complete techno-handicapped.

Against the best of the standard binox, the Nikon Super E and the Leicas, which I also have, the gains are terrific for most but not all purposes; e.g., the twilight performance of the stabized binox, with their limited 3mm exit pupil, is notably inferior, and the weight is less handy. But on balance, the 12x Canon is great!

Being a bit of a snob when it comes to binoculars (I own now and have owned both Leica and Zeiss binoculars), I was very sceptical of some of the reviews I'd read heaping such high praise on the Canon IS series of binoculars. But since I always want to own the best, I thought that I had to try these binoculars out and disprove all those glowing reviews. Well, the first time I focused a pair of 12x36IS binoculars and pushed the image stabilization button...it was like magic! I've always had a problem holding my 10x binoculars steady enough to get a really satisfying view, and here I was looking through 12x binoculars and getting a rock steady image that brought out amazing amounts of detail in everything I was looking at. And they were acting more like 12x50 binoculars than 12x36 binoculars because you could see so much more easily and clearly when the image was so steady. So believe everything that you're hearing about how great the Canon 12x36IS binoculars are - it's true!

I have about 20 sets of 10X30 IS and three sets of 15X50 IS Canon binoculars and have ordered two of these. My officers rely on these to enforce game and fish laws in Minnesota and use them in very demanding weather. We have had few failures, only a couple of repairs(due to dropping and running a set over with a boat trailer). They make the difference between being able to tell that a guy shot a duck or being able to tell what kind of duck he shot. For the money there is nothing better when detail if important.

Lucky me, I found my 12x36's slightly used, at a fairly reasonable price. Once you use IS binoculars, everything else seems useless. Cost aside, so what if they're bulky and heavy, do you want to lug a tripod around? Can you always find a convienent rest? If I must travel light, I'll carry a pair of 8X20 roofs, and still wish I had the Canons. An extra bonus is that the near focus is something like 10 feet, so they also act like a long range microscope. By the way, the key to longer battery life is to keep your finger off the button while scanning, until you find something interesting to look at.

I can't imagine what the reviewer who couldn't make the adjustment for the distance between his eyes was thinking, but these, like all Canons (and all binocs I've ever used) are certainly adjustable. You merely "bend" the two barrels in towards you to bring them (and thus the eyepieces) closer together, or away from you to move them further apart.
I've encountered many people who don't understand the basics of how binoculars work. Here's a good article for those interested:
http://www.photosafaris.com/Articles/Binoculars.asp

I LIKED THE FEEL OF THE PRODUCT. I WAS AMAZED AT HOW WELL IT STEADIED MY VIEWING AREA. THE EXTERNAL FEEL OF THE PRODUCT WAS GREAT, NOT TO HEAVY AND MY HANDS DID NOT SLIDE, I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN A GOOD FIRM GRIP ON IT.

these are the ultimate in binoculars, it would be difficult to use regular ones after using these, the stabilizer just gives an awesome view without the wiggle of your hands interfering. Highly recommend these

While I agree that the binoculars can be adjusted to fit different individuals the range of adjustment is too small and will NOT accomodate some women and alsmost all children.

This product has a fatal design flaw. The two eye pieces are a fixed distance apart. If the width of your eyes are not the same as the binoculars, then you can only see properly through either the left or right lense, but not both. If you try to view using both, and your eyes are not wide enough, the center of your view has a blocked-out portion which is annoying. My eyes are not wide enough apart, so I can't use both lenses. The magnification is not as impressive as the other views state. However, the stabilization feature does work well, although I don't see it as such a needed feature really. I'd much rather be able to see through both lenses clearly. I plan to return them, and purchase a pair that has adjustable lense width.