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Best Image Stabilized Binoculars – Comparison and Reviews

SmartReview — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 23:39:07 +0000

Best Rated Image Stabilized Binoculars Comparison – This page contains a roundup and comparision of all of the best top-rated image stabilized binoculars currently available (in 2011) that are on the market. Image stabilizing binoculars allow you to view objects at long distances without the blurring that can occur from vibration or shaking that occurs when viewing through binoculars without a tripod. They are best suited for birding, boating, astronomy, and other uses.

Best Rated Image Stabilizing Binoculars

Canon 10×30	Canon 12×36	Canon 10×42 L	Canon 15×50
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10×30 Image Stabilized Water-resistant Uses 2xAA batteries Apparent field of view 60° Vari-Angle Prism Stabilizer Closest focus: 13.8 ft Eye Relief: 14.5mm Weight 22 oz	12×36 Image Stabilized Water-resistant Uses 2xAA batteries Apparent field of view 60° Vari-Angle Prism Stabilizer Closest focus: 19.7 ft Eye Relief: 14.5mm Weight 23.3 oz	10×42 L Image Stabilized Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens elements Water-proof Uses 2xAA batteries Apparent field of view 65° Vari-Angle Prism Stabilizer Closest focus: 8.2 ft Eye Relief: 16mm Weight 36.8 oz	15×50 Image Stabilized Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens elements Weather-Resistant Uses 2xAA batteries Apparent field of view 67.5° Vari-Angle Prism Stabilizer Closest focus: 19.7 ft Eye Relief: 15mm Weight 41.6 oz

Best Rated Image Stabilized Binoculars

Canon 18×50	Nikon StabilEyes 12×32 VR	Nikon StabilEyes 14×40 VR	Nikon StabilEyes 16×32 VR
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18×50 Image Stabilized Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens elements Weather-Resistant Uses 2xAA batteries Apparent field of view 66.6° Vari-Angle Prism Stabilizer Closest focus: 19.7 ft Eye Relief: 15mm Weight 41.6 oz	12×32 Image Stabilized Water and Fog Proof Uses 2xAA batteries Apparent field of view 55.3° Vari-Angle Prism Stabilizer Closest focus: 11.5 ft Eye Relief: 15mm Weight 39.9 oz	14×40 Image Stabilized Water and Fog Proof Uses 2xAA batteries Apparent field of view 52.1° Vari-Angle Prism Stabilizer Closest focus: 16.4 ft Eye Relief: 13mm Weight 47.3 oz	16×32 Image Stabilized Water and Fog Proof Uses 2xAA batteries Apparent field of view 55.9° Vari-Angle Prism Stabilizer Closest focus: 16.4 ft Eye Relief: 15mm Weight 39.5 oz

Glossary of Terms

Closest Focus Distance = This is the nearest object that you can focus on. Lower power binoculars can focus on closer objects than high power binoculars.
Apparent field of view = Apparent field of view is the angular diameter, expressed in degrees (°), of the circle of light that the eye sees through your binoculars. A large field of view is good for a seeing a large amount of area (usually with lower power binoculars). Higher power binoculars zoom in on a smaller area.
Eye Relief = Eye relief is the distance (in millimeters) that a binocular can be held from your eye and the full field of view can still be observed. More Eye relief distance is important for those that wear eyeglasses.

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Binoculars Buying Guide 2010-2011

SmartReview — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 00:07:52 +0000

Buying Binoculars can be confusing as there are many choices and types of binoculars. This guide will attempt to explain the main factors that you should look for in buying binoculars and how to buy and which type would be best suited for your needs.

Cheap and Expensive Binoculars When buying binoculars, the term “you get what you pay for” certainly applies, as it does to camera lenses. Cheap binoculars will not perform nearly as well as the more expensive optics in high end binoculars. That is why some binoculars can cost as high as $2,000 (similar to high end SLR lenses). As with camera lenses, cheaper binoculars will have what is called chromatic abberations, which is a distortion of the image you see.

What does 7×50 mean? – Binoculars are quoted with two numbers, the first in the 7×50 example is 7. This tells you the magnification of the binoculars. These binoculars will bring objects 7 times closer than normal vision. The second number (50) will tell you the size of the objective lens in mm. The larger the objective lens, the brighter the image you will see (better light gathering). Binoculars come in many sizes like 10×50, 8×42, etc.

What size Objective Lens to get? – As explained above the second number in the example 7×50 is the size of the objective lens in mm. The larger the objective lens size, the more light sensitive the binoculars which can help in low light conditions, or where you have a very high magnification. (Higher magnification reduces the available light). One downside of a large objective lens is that the binoculars will be larger and bulkier. The largest objective lens binoculars are used for astronomy since they will need the most light gathering.

What magnification should I get? – This depends on what you are viewing. Popular sizes are 7x and 8x for general use. Keep in mind that the higher the magnification, the less light will reach your eyes. The higher you go, your field of vision will narrow as well. What this means is that you will be looking at a smaller part of your view, but closer in. The higher the magnification, the harder it will be to keep the image steady, and you must hold the binoculars very steady. The latest Image Stabilized binoculars will alleviate this problem as they compensate for any shaking you may do (Or shaking by where you are standing, such as a boat, car, or airplane).

Image Stabilized Binoculars – Utilizing the same principle used for camera lenses, an image stabilized pair of binoculars can keep the image rock steady even if using a high power magnification. It works by counteracting any vibration or movement that occurs. That is why its hard to get a clear image from high magnification binoculars. If you don’t have image stabilized binoculars you may have to use a tripod to get a similar image. On a boat, even a tripod may not help since the boat is moving, and not just you. The same would be true from a car, bus, truck, etc.
See our Image Stabilized Binoculars Comparison.

Zoom Binoculars – Zoom binoculars allow you to change the magnification factor from low to high. For example, 8-24×50 signifies that these binoculars can go from 8 to 24 times magnification, with an objective lens of 50mm.

Prism Types in Binoculars – In general there are two types of prisms used for binculars. One is called a Roof Prism and the other is called a Porro prism. Roof prism can give you binoculars that have a straight profile, with the eyepiece situated directly behind the front lens.
This allows for a more compact design. Porro prisms are the traditional binocular type where the binoculars are bulkier and the lens and eyepiece are offset. Without prisms, the binoculars would always produce upside-down, reversed images.

What does Field of View mean? – This is the area that is visible through your binoculars. With normal vision you can see about 180 degrees (out of 360 degrees). When using binoculars you have a narrower field of view. This view decreases as you increase the power of magnification. However higher magnification will bring you in closer to your subject, so it is a tradeoff which you must decide. Larger field of view or higher magnification.

Waterproof Binoculars – These binoculars are sealed so that you can take them out in bad weather, or when near water, or boating. Our most popular and top-rated waterproof binoculars are the Nikon Monarch Series, reviewed on this site.

Lens Coatings – Most binoculars have special coatings. These help remove glare (such as from the sun hitting water), and help to allow the maximum amount of light reach through the binocular’s lenses. The more expensive binoculars have multiple coatings on their lenses.

Birding Binoculars – A very popular use for binoculars is spotting birds. Birding binoculars are loosely defined as ones that are light enough to carry all day, but that show colors and details with great accuracy of the birds that you are observing. They should focus quickly and be usable in low light conditions. The binoculars should be weatherproof at a minimum and waterproof should you be in wet conditions.

Canon 10×30 Image Stabilization Binoculars

SmartReview — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 20:32:12 +0000

Canon 10x30 Image Stabilized Binoculars

Rated 4 1/2 Stars

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Canon’s ultra-compact lightweight 10x binoculars have a built-in Image Stabilizer (IS) system that allows you to view far away objects without blur. When you hold a pair of standard binoculars, any shake in your hand or where you are standing (a boat), can blur what you are seeing. The higher the magnification of the binculars, the greater this problem. Some high power binoculars require a tripod. Canon’s IS system removes this blur and solves this problem. IS binoculars can eliminate the eyestrain you can get from traditional binoculars. These are the ultimate binoculars for birding. Many use these for astronomy as well.

Features Doublet field-flattener for sharp, distortion-free images from edge-to-edge. Super spectra multi-coating for superior contrast. Water-resistant rubber coating for secure holding. Long eye relief for easy viewing (when viewing thru eyeglasses). Takes 2 AA batteries.

Includes: Case, Neck Strap, and Batteries
Closest Focusing Distance: 4.2 meters/13.8 feet
Image Stabilizer: Vari-Angle Prism

Dimensions: 5.0″ x 5.9″ x 2.8″ inches (22 ounces.)

Smart-Review Commentary: Canon is a leader in optics and especially in the field of Image Stabilized Binoculars. These Canon 10×30 binoculars are compact enough to take just about anywhere and are powerful enough for bird and nature observation. The IS feature is very handy, especially in situations where it is impossible to hold the optics steady. To activate the Image Stabilization feature, you press a button on the binoculars. We suggest using rechargeable NIMH AA batteries for these binoculars. You can use these binoculars for astronomy, such as looking at the moon and planets. Owners of these binoculars have given exceptional reviews, even comparing them to much more expensive brands. These binoculars are a smart-review “top pick”, as are all of Canon’s IS line of binculars.

Canon IS Binoculars	10×30	12×36	15×50
Canon 10×30 *Canon 10×30 IS 10x Power 60 degree apparent field of view Exit Pupil: 3mm Vari-Angle Prism Eye Relief: 14.5mm Closest Distance: 13.8 ft Power: 2xAA Objective Lens Diam: 30mm	Is this the best price?	Is this the best price?	Is this the best price?
Canon IS Binoculars	8×25	10×42	18×50
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Nikon Monarch ATB 8×42 Waterproof Binoculars

SmartReview — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:33:30 +0000

Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 Waterproof Binoculars

Rated 5 Stars

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The Nikon Monarch ATB (8×42) binoculars are built for tough environments. They are 100% Waterproof, Fogproof, and Shockproof. To enhance their rugged design they are rubber armored and incorporate a roof prism design.

Extended eye relief and central focus. Every lens surface is multicoated with anti-reflective compounds to maximize light transmission for bright, color-correct images. Eyeglass wearers will be able to use these because they have a long eye relief and twistable rubber eye cups that offers ideal viewing with glasses or without. They include a Nikon USA 25-Year Limited Warranty for your long-term assurance.

Dimensions: 5-3/4″ x 5″ inches (21.3 ounces.)

Hilights: 8×42, rubber-armored, roof prism design, waterproof, fogproof, multicoated optics.

Smart-Review Commentary: The Nikon Monarch series of binoculars have received outstanding ratings by consumers. SmartReview gives the Monarch binoculars its Top Pick rating. Owners give these binoculars the highest 5 star rating. Owners of these binoculars report the images are crystal-clear, they do not slip out of your hands when wet, and are relatively lightweight for their size. They also report that they are quite bright, even in low light conditions. Many people have used this model for bird watching. There are several Monarch models, which range in magnification from 8x to 12x, some with larger objective lenses for better light gathering.

Nikon 8×42	10×42	12×42	12×56