Home > Consumer Reviews > Canon 8x25 Image Stabilization Binoculars w/Case and Neck Strap

I couldn't help myself buying these after reading the reviews (all magnifications). I got it for $170 A/R.

When I took it out case and look through, I was a little bit dissapointed. The IS effect was not so obvious. But after a while I got used to it. I think it is not bad.

The binoculars are nice themselves without IS. The IS effect is not so big becasue I think this is only 8 times magnification.
This is the only reason that I am giving it a 4 star ranking instead of 5.

But don't get me wrong, the IS effect is there. I can read smaller words with IS on. So I suggest buying higher powers if you can afford them and you are OK with their sizes and weights. The higher power the better IS effet.

Now about those whines,
1. Battery.
It is said one cr123a can be used for 6 hours. It is OK and it's not expensive if you buy them online ($1.5 each).

2. Object lens caps.
I put eye lens caps on object lens, they fit well.

3. Durability.
It's a fine product. What do you wanna do with a fine optical product other than using it with care?

I own a Canon 10x30 IS binocular, which I LOVE. My wife wanted a lighter binocular, so I ordered the 8x25 IS. I am dissappointed in the Image Stabilization in the 8x25. I get a more stable image in the 10x30 despite the greater magnification. The 8x25 stabilization leaves a noticable shake in the image and for about the first second of activation, the image drifts slowly as the system "warms up"(?) I tried replacing the battery and even returned the first set, but the second binocs have the same behavior. If I had never seen the larger binoculars, I would probably be satisfied (barely) with the 8x25, but after experiencing the immediate response and rock-steady image of the 10x30, the 8x25 stabilization was a definite let down. Otherwise the optics are great.

My husband and I love these binoculars. I was concerned about paying extra for the image stabilization and I really don't understand how it works, but I think it's great. You really pick up detail that you would otherwise miss due to you hands shaking. I would highly recommend these binoculars.

Oh, man. I worked eBay, finally got myself a pair of the vaunted Leica 8X32 roofs at a decent price. And splendid binoculars they are. Excellent.

Then Canon comes out with these IS 8X25's. I already had the 12X36 jobs, wonderful and bulky. HAD to have the 8X25's.

Here's the deal. Serious binocular users know "Better view Desired" http://www.betterviewdesired.com/

I used a casual version of his NEED test.

The $300 canon IS 8X25's beat the $500 Leica 8X32's all hollow on any measure of hand-held resolution. HAND-HELD. On a rest, the Leicas showed their precision optics. Hand held, the Canon's were far better.

There ya be, friends. Image stabilization RULES.

RossB

The image quality is excellent. Eye relief is good so these binoculars are easy to use. The image stabilization is amazing. I use them for star gazing and would not go back to binoculars that are not image stabilized. The improvement in seeing is amazing when the IS is engaged. I also use them for concerts etc. and IS makes all the difference.
Battery life has been good using the IS function 99% of the time. Since I am a casual user two batteries last about a year.

I would have liked to see a push on push off type of switch for the IS instead of having to push and hold the IS switch to keep it engaged.

Focusing is relatively easy even while holding down the IS button, which is located on the top front by the way.

After using 8x25 and experiencing IS for the first time I wish that I would have gotten the next higher magnification because it works so well.