Home > Consumer Reviews > Canon 8x32 Waterproof Binoculars w/Case & Neck Strap

These are a great value with good eye relief (18 mm, important for use with glasses), easy to hold and focus, good sized exit pupil (8/32 = 4 mm), wide field of view (395'), and not too heavy (26 oz.) A large exit pupil is important on a moving boat; it's easier to keep the image in view. They appear to be rugged; I and several other people used several pairs of these for several years, and none of them went out of alignment.
Minuses are:
(1) they do not focus close (minimum 19 feet), which is a major drawback for bird and butterfly watching but fine for boating,
(2) the optics are not phase corrected so images are a bit soft,
(3) the eyecups on the ones I used roll up and down which is tedious if you often switch between use with glasses and without, and may eventually cause the rubber to crack. However, the photos of the newer models suggest they now have rigid eyecups that pull or twist up or down, which are much better.

Birders and other serious users should look at slightly more expensive waterproof roof prism models that all focus closer (5-6'), are phase corrected, have a bit more light and larger exit pupil (5 mm), and have eyecups that click up & down: the Celestron Regal LS 8x42 or Eagle Optics Ranger Platinum 8x42 (both made by Celestron) or the new Nikon ATB 8x42. All cost between $300-$400 at discount and weigh about the same as the Canon 8x32. I own the Celestrons and they are great. There is also a Pentax 8x42 DCF waterproof with similar specifications but it costs a bit more.

I repaired optical equipment for the Navy for 15 years and am quite particular in regards to the optical equipment I purchase. I found these Binoculars to be an outstanding value. The binoculars are constructed very well. The rubber coating makes them very comfortable to hold but kind of on the heavy side. The brightness was quite impressive despite only having a 32mm objective lens. The eye relief is acceptable for those who wear glasses. I have used them in all kinds of weather and in the short time I have owned a pair I have found they can take quite a beating. Granted with optics you always get what you pay for but for the price of these binoculars I don't feel that you can beat them.

I compared this model in a sporting goods store to similar sized $500-1000 models from well known binoc. makers and to some other moderately priced units in the $100-250 range. I thought it outdid the other moderate units in handling and image quality and came pretty close to several of the high end models. For our limited uses this product is excellent. Canon is well known in camera optics but has not been well known in the binocular market and this non IS model is their way of breaking into the market. I use a Zeiss microscope everyday and appreciate good optics.

As a fly-fisherman, avid hiker and wildfowl-carver - the criteria I used to select affordable bins was somewhat unique. These have met my needs. The fog-proof feature comes in handy when it is 20 degrees or cooler. The bright, sharp image is acceptable for novice birders; waterproof casing is great for the occasional mishaps while fishing. For the price - these are solid performers. I haven't seen better in this $$ range.

The Canon 8x32WP is almost certainly the best waterproof binocular for under $200.00

The optics are great: good contrast, excellent brightness, and very little abberation at the periphery. The construction is solid: they are truly waterproof and the chassis is solid (I've dropped mine repeatedly with no misalignment). They are comfortable and easy to focus.

The additional brightness of these binoculars is a tremendous advantage over smaller units (say 8x24 or so). I bought a smaller pair of Minolta binoculars for my wife, and she fights me to use the Canon (she usually wins). You can find better binoculars, but not without spending double the money.

I highly recommend these for the active traveler, camper, hunter, or recreational boater. They will most likely last a lifetime of careful casual use.