Home > Consumer Reviews > Canon 12 x 36 IS II Image Stabilising Binoculars with Neck Strap & Soft Case
Canon 12 x 36 IS II Image Stabilising Binoculars with Neck Strap & Soft Case
See it at Amazon.co.uk for £520.00Average Customer Rating
(4.5 out of 5)
Amazon Customer Reviews
Most Helpful First | Newest First | + ShareImage stabilising is a big bonus
(4 out of 5) by Paul W on Jul 3, 2009 (UK)Having image stabilising on a binocular is a massive bonus - especially with 12x magnification. I'd previously avoided anything above 8x.
The image stabilising ( IS ) works quite well and lets you actually concentrate on what your viewing rather than trying to see it between the shaking and judders.
Optically they are good but not top notch. At £600 you are probably getting £200 binoculars in terms of optical performance. The actual image is clear, quite bright and prefectly acceptable for all but the most demanding circumstances. The biggist optical downside is a little bit of chromatic aberration - mostly only noticable when looking at bright straightlines - for example a white window frame - but it really isn't that bad unless your a perfectionist.
I compared them to my leica trinovid 8x20 binoculars I've had for years and they do have less chromatic aberration but with the Canon's 12x magnication, brighter image and image stabilising I can see a lot more detail. If the two binoculars were the same weight the Canon would be my first choice for all trips.
The image stabilising is good on the Canons but I have read Nikon has better IS. Nikon call it Vibration Reduction ( VR ). However the Nikons are quite a bit heavier and bigger so while they may be better optically I suspect their weight will mean they are often left behind if you want to travel light.
I would definately recommend these - the IS is a real bonus.
The image stabilising ( IS ) works quite well and lets you actually concentrate on what your viewing rather than trying to see it between the shaking and judders.
Optically they are good but not top notch. At £600 you are probably getting £200 binoculars in terms of optical performance. The actual image is clear, quite bright and prefectly acceptable for all but the most demanding circumstances. The biggist optical downside is a little bit of chromatic aberration - mostly only noticable when looking at bright straightlines - for example a white window frame - but it really isn't that bad unless your a perfectionist.
I compared them to my leica trinovid 8x20 binoculars I've had for years and they do have less chromatic aberration but with the Canon's 12x magnication, brighter image and image stabilising I can see a lot more detail. If the two binoculars were the same weight the Canon would be my first choice for all trips.
The image stabilising is good on the Canons but I have read Nikon has better IS. Nikon call it Vibration Reduction ( VR ). However the Nikons are quite a bit heavier and bigger so while they may be better optically I suspect their weight will mean they are often left behind if you want to travel light.
I would definately recommend these - the IS is a real bonus.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Compromise for an excellent product
(5 out of 5) by K. Smith on Jan 15, 2008 (Aberdeen Scotland)The Canon image stabilizer Bino's are excellent,they have a solid build feel with the coating of hard rubber, and excellent viewing. The purchase of which level to go for obviously depends on each individuals use for them. The reason I selected this version is because it's a compromise of weight, magnification and price. I feel the 12 x mag fits in the middle nicely. Field of view is 87m at 1000 and weight 660g ideal for a multitude of uses (I enjoy back packing in the Scottish mountains) and these are excellent if you are out of breath or have an unsteady hand, the stabilizer really does the trick.
I would like the 15 x or 18 x but the weight and cost may defeat the purpose. No objective lens caps was a disappointment for the price.
I would like the 15 x or 18 x but the weight and cost may defeat the purpose. No objective lens caps was a disappointment for the price.