| Brand: | Canon | ||
| Average Rating |
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Light, sleek and powerful, this advanced binocular features Canon’s Image Stabilizer technology to keep the image steady even when you are not. High magnification multi-coated lenses deliver a wide, extra-bright field-of-view. The Doublet Field Flattener keeps images sharp from edge-to-edge. An enhanced power-saving technology coupled with optional lithium AA batteries provide up to 12 hours of continuous use. All Canon binoculars feature a center focus for easy one-handed operation, and the 12 x 36 IS II has a water-resistant, non-slip rubber coating that ensures secure handling in a wide range of environments more info
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Where were these when I was young
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
While attending an astronomy club’s night out, one of the members offered to show me a globular cluster using his image stabilized binoculars (brand unknown). As I brought the portion of sky into focus, I pressed the button and — WOW! I could clearly see the cluster, not because it was highly magnified, but because my eyes had a chance to focus and process the image. Thoroughly impressed, I walked over to my wife and told her of the experience. A few weeks later, we had a pair of 12×36 Canons, and were counting the moons of Jupiter. My wife wanted her own pair so we would not have to readjust them when sharing. She complained about having to hold down the button all the time, something that I don’t mind doing as I have long fingers. She also wanted a pair that would focus closer.
SOLUTIONS: We bought her a pair of 10×30′s, and to hold the button down, we simply wrapped a strong rubber band, compliments of our postal letter carrier, around them and stuck a short piece of 1/2″ dowel rod between the rubber band and the button. The dowel rod is connected to the focus knob by a piece of thread so that, when we do not want the button pushed, the dowel rod does not become lost. We have opted to use lithium cells, rather than alkaline, as they are lighter and last longer, and using our rubber band system will likely mean using the IS much more.
Some reviewers complain that the image still moves as you move. Yes it does, gracefully. What the Canons do well is take out that itty bitty shake that makes things difficult to concentrate on well enough to observe details. Now I can aprreciate eagles as I smoothly track them in flight, or follow the antics of a chipmunk, or count some of Jupiter’s 63 moons.
Some complain about the small size of the “exit pupil.” Being that my wife and I are in our 60′s, a 3mm exit pupil is just about all our eyes can accomodate. They do not seem to be difficult to hold in such a way as to see the whole image. Both of us can leave off our glasses (she is near sighted and I am farsighted), which makes the image even more pristine.
Thanks to one report of the storage case strap breaking, we have opted to use the strap directly connected to the binocs while they are in the case. We simply zip up the case with the straps coming out the top and have had no problem with that system as of yet.
I expect these to require far more protective treatment than our backpacking binocs, and I am quite pleased that they come with a 3-year warranty. I noticed how carefully the astronomy club members treated their equipment and, given how wonderful these Canons are, we will do the same with them. The bottom of their case is padded but, knowing that we will more often than not set them down on that padded end, I have installed a piece of very stiff fiberboard (like the cover of a 3-ring binder) in the bottom of the case to resist anything that might try to poke its way into their objective lenses.
No matter how good the manufacturing, optics are always a compromise and, because of that, someone who does not know any better will always have a critical comment. You simply cannot have it all, at any price. I have been an amateur photographer for over 50 years and consider the optical quality of these to be superb. There is little if any distortion or light loss for nearly 85% of the field of view. Only as the viewed object approaches the last 15% of the field (near the edge) does distortion become noticeable, certainly not objectionable. And why would I focus my eyes on something near the edge when I can move the binocs to bring the object into the center? The nice thing about these, in that regard, is that the distortion is so slight as to not bring attention to itself when viewing a central object.
I should add, at this point, that my first pair of 12x36s did have a defect in the left ocular. Amazon swapped them out so quickly that the binocs practically passed each other in shipping. Good price, good service, and good viewing.
A very good pir of binoculars
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’ve had these for four years now, and they are the simply great. There is a slight color distortion, but less than I have seen even in other (high end) binoculars. The image stabilization? Well it just works, and has continued to do so through four years of active use. The combination of 12x magnification and IIS is incredible, and enhances the usefulness of these binoculars a lot.
The only downside I have found is that the individual focus on the right eyepiece is a bit hard to adjust.
Great, fun, it works. Lack a fixed IS on feature, tough
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
It really works. Great image. amazingly wide and clear view. Looks even brighter than real life.
But the magic begins when you push the IS button; You will undestand the fun and the NECESSITY of it.
Even if you rapidly shake on purpose your hands, the imagine remains stable, fixed on the image. It’s amazing!!!
Great to any type of shows, theaters, plays, or just an outside or throuogh the windows view.
The ONLY absence =an annoying one- is that you have to be pressing the IS button for this feature to work. There is no “on” fixed position; I checked the factory, and they only do this “on’ feature on the 10×35 binocular. Mine, the 12:36, and the rest of the line, you have to be pressing it otherwise you get a nice normal binocular.
I’m getting used to be pressing it. It’s even very fun to feel the difference.
and it REALLY makes that difference. I could see small details thorough my window to te beach, that I never saw before. Like very small letters on the name of the street, where they explain the history of the person that has his name on it. I never even NOTICED that explanation was there! Only when you fix the shaking you can see such details.
And it’s a great relief to your eyes.
I would not buy the smaller ones… the bigger the aproximation, the bigger the necesity of such IS; Start form 12x, and goes as your pocket and your use will do (don’t buy a very bit 18 if you just want to go to the theather, unlesse you intend to stay always at the last row;
The best would be one of those with a ZOOM, a fixable IS and some kind of cap.
I enphatically recomend this binocular.
Will show off A LOT!
Bye the way, another great feature is using normal AA batteries: they can rapidly be exchanged for new ones, and you can always recharge them. I had another electronic auto-focus binocular in the past, and it was difficult and expensive to exchange them.
Another point to this Canon Binocular!
hehe
Rock Steady
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Bought these ahead of a trip to South America – Galapagos Islands, Macchu Picchu, etc. I admit I was skeptical about image stabilization. The first time I pushed the button, however, was an Oh My! moment. Performance is flawless. They really made this trip extra special. Guides thought they were something magical.
A good weight and size for traveling and light enough to hold to your eyes for extended periods (such as while watching blue-footed boobies dance or scanning the ruins atop Wayna Picchu) with plenty of magnification. They’re also great for star-gazing.
close up with no shakes
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Canon 12×36 Image Stabilization II Binoculars w/Case, Neck Strap & Batteries Great binoculars. The clarity and easy stabilizing make it very enjoyable. Light enough to be able to use for a decent amount of time. I’ve been using a 7×30 Bushnell which is fine but the Canon gives me greater magnification and light. Fine optics and design.
Well worth the money
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have used a pair of Cannon 15×50 IS binoculars for about 2-3 years in my job doing environmental field work. Most of the work is performed surveying lake and river shorelines from a 14ft boat with an outboard motor running. We are on the road for about a month and a half during the summer with less intense work in the fall and spring. I have logged hundreds of hours per year with the 15×50 to my eyes. Although they don’t smooth out the large jolts of one foot waves or larger at 15-25 mph, it does take out the constant vibration and shake produced from the outboard in the small boat.
We have just purchased the 12×36 IS II for a co-worker as he does more work on land than I and he needed something more portable. He loaned them to me to try out, and they are quite fine . . . much lighter and easier to carry around. The stabilization is as good as the 15x50s. Just hold down the button and the image “floats” rather than shakes all over the place. I haven’t tried them long enough to check out the battery life. The specs say they will last twice as long (4 hours) as the 15x50s (2 hours). I go through about two or three sets of batteries per day with the 15x50s so their estimates are probably close as I probably have them engaged 6-8 hours per day. I highly recommend using Eneloop rechargable batteries, and have a set or two charged up for spares if you use the stabilization feature a lot.
The one thing about the 15x50s that is much better is the ability to “lock” the stabilization for 5 minutes (automatically disengages after that time) with a single click of the button (or you can click and hold like the 12x32s). Sometimes in a rough environment, it’s tough to keep your finger on the button all the time. With the 12x32s, you must constantly hold the button down when you want stabilization engaged. It’s not the most terrible thing in the world, but just not as convenient.
Biggest complaint . . . . where are the lens caps? Even my cheap pair that I use in my kayak have lens caps! But the 15x50s don’t come with objective lens caps either. What gives? I am as careful with these as possible, but they are subject to some unforgiving condiions (still haven’t dropped them, yet). Lots of rain and rough water but still no problems with the 15x50s. I wouldn’t expect less from the 12x32s although they aren’t officially rated “All Weather” as are the 15x50s.
Another thing that I noticed is that they don’t have a tripod mount. It would stand to reason that you wouldn’t need one if you have the stabilization feature, but I could imagine that there would be times where a bird watcher might be set up where a tripod would be adventageous. In my line of work, it doesn’t make sense, but it is worth mentioning. The 15x50s are threaded for a mount.
An additional note . . . . a few years ago, I was using my 9×35 Leupolds and saw a plant that I needed to identify on the other side of a shallow weed infested stump field. The plant turned out not to be what I was trying to find, but I still had to shut off the engine, and push and pole the boat through some nasty stuff in hot weather before I could get close enough to make a positive ID. After I got the 15x50s, I was able to view the same plant from open water while my assistant kept driving the boat. I could easily ID the plant without breaking stride. No need to stop or get close. The difference was amazing.
In summary, both the 12×36 and the 15×50 are worth the money in my book, and, if I didn’t have the money, I would save my pennies or sell something to get it.
Canon Delivers
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Canon’s 12×36 IS II Binoculars are well worth the investment. After lugging around an old 12×50 non-IS for 20 years, the Canon is lighter, brighter, better balanced and better contoured. The IS is impressive to say the least, and so easy a caveman could do it! Lots of Pros for this one. The only Con are the lens dust caps, or more accurately the eyepiece dust caps. We managed to lose one of them in the first half hour on the trail. They don’t grip real well. Now when we use the binocs we carry them in their soft case at all times, leaving the caps behind in the truck so they don’t get lost. Best binocs I’ve ever had, and I’ve had quite a few over the years. Can’t go wrong with this one.
Great product!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I purchased these binoculars for my husband about a month ago, as a gift. He is thrilled with them. The distance, clarity and stability is outstanding.
You’ll never go back…
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
These things are simply amazing. Things are bright and sharp without stabilization, but turn it on and over about a second or two it settles in and… wow!. You can read small type on a distant sign that you just would not have been able to make out otherwise. It would have been sharp, but too shaky to read. Details on wildlife are totally distinct, it’s almost like the binocs are on a tripod. It really is astounding, everyone that tries them is knocked out.
A couple other points: The brightness is completely fine in my book – I have had absolutely no issues in that regard, even at night. The eye relief is sufficient for wearing glasses, but I’ve never found binocs that really work for me with glasses on – I think I just prefer having my eyes right in the eyepiece. Also, the rubber eyecups need to be flipped/forced back to really work with glasses which isn’t very convenient, and I feel they would eventually suffer from the wear. The eyecups on the Nikon, for example, twist into different depths which is a better way of adjusting. The overall size is pretty good, definitely not as small as a good standard pair, but not giant or cumbersome at all either.
I think this model is a great middle ground. Lots of power at 12x, good brightness, medium sized, and that amazing stabilization. I’d definitely buy them again.
Oh one thing I would add, these only focus down to about 19′, so consider if that is an issue for you…
Great for sports
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
We’re Green Bay Packer season ticket holders, and had a pair of the 10×30, and love them. I wanted a second set of binocs for the games and bumped up a little to the 12×36. Love them too. The image stabilization is great – we are at the goal line on one side, and I can get a clear and stable view of what’s happening on the other end of the field.
All About Electronic (A.A.E} Amazon vendor.
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
I cannot give a review of the Canon 12×36 Stabilization II Binoculars is because the Pair ordered in late November for a Christmas present came without a Warranty Card, and at best gray market merchandise. I returned then to A.A.E. because after numerous calls they would not furnish the Canon/USA warranty. Then even with a return Return Authorization Number A.A.E played the “We didn’t get it game”. It took a Federal Express Investigator to smoke the binocular out. Today I may still be out some $600.00, as the case is still pending with Discover Card.
The good news is bought a pair of Steiner Binoculars for a little more from Optics Planet, Inc with a full 30 year warranty and a factory new product.
To date I no of no action take by Amazon to help me (their customer) or any action take against their unscrupulous 3rd party vendor.
Today you pay for everything you get, but don’t get what you pay for.
Canon 12×36 IS Binoculars
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
Own a vintage 2000 Canon IS 10x? bino and the stab system seemed to work better than this pair. They aren’t as steady as my old one which I’ve sent back to Canon for repair.
Maybe it’s the extra 2x that makes the system seem less stabilized.
Pricey- and well worth it!!! Simply amazing!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Simply stated, these are the best binocs I’ve ever owned. They are simply amazing in their ability to control the shakes. The optics seem to be of the highest quality with no distortions or imperfections or false colorization. The stabilization technology is amazing! I have a significant “essential tremor” which has limited my ability to use binocs. These binocs “cure” that condition! To see things snap to stable and clear upon the click of a button is a wonder to behold!
Canon 12×36 IS binoculars
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
My previous binoculars, which were used while boating, were Canon IS 10×30. I found them very useful in detecting markings on the waterways. However, they were lost and, after doing some research,I replaced them with the Canon IS 12×36. In looking for buoys and other markings, I find the detail to be greater and objects can be seen from a greater distance. The image stabilization feature in both binoculars is a tremendous asset, particularly in a moving boat. Canon 12×36 Image Stabilization II Binoculars w/Case, Neck Strap & BatteriesThey are really superior and very lightweight. I would highly recommend them.
This is a great product
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
These are good field glasses; then when you are focused, and push the stabilizing button – they become great! It takes maybe a second and a half, and the object in focus becomes yours. It’s like you own it. Steady, hand held and no shaking or blur – at 12 times magnification! Quite extraordinary. If you can’t afford them, hope that your children can buy them for you as a gift. I’m blessed, mine did and birding just got way better.
canon 12×36 is II binoculars
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
These binoculars are by far the most superior I have ever looked thru. My brother the hunter purchased sawarski’s some years back 10 power, they have very good optics (like mine) but they don’t have the magic button!!! It’s with this that the magic starts! Everything comes into prespective, as if you are standing there five feet away. The clarity of these canon’s are the best for the money I paid, nobody could beat amazon’s price! I have 7×25 wide angle, 10×50′s, which I don’t always use because of the shake at high power. Yes I know you have to take very good care of them and they use batteries, but I do the same with my other binoculars, as with my digtal camera. I strongly recommend these 12×36 for their weight, power, but most of all Image Stabilization. I took them to the 2008 sony open and was looking at the scorecard carrier’s walking on other fairway’s and relaying the info to my wife and friend (who’s name, what their score was) following the ball was alot easier! It is great to look at stars at night, or the landscape during the day. I can hardly wait to get with my brother and compare!!!!
Cannon 12×36 Image Stabilization II Binoculars
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
These are quite something. I gave them to my bird watching wife and she is very pleased. The Image Stabilization is almost like magic. She hasn’t had them long but so far they have performed well.
Gift
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I bought this item for my brother. I have not used it but he said it worked fine for him
Exceptional optical instrument-a different way of seeing
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
The Canon IS 12×36 binoculars take binocular viewing to a wholly different plane. Image improvement is similar to viewing HDTV vrs old analog TV. The optics of these binoculars are beautiful, multi-coated and distortion free. The instrument fits beautifully in my hands, with weight and balance perfect for observing. The focus knob is deft and sensitive and there is a small notch in the bottom of the barrels where my thumbs fit perfectly. And then, when the IS button is pressed, the image steadies and almost pulls your eyes into the scene. I have used these binoculars at a political rally, where from 100 yards away, I could clearly read the name tags on the chairs of the dignitaries. I have also used them for birding and wildlife. Birds in a distant tree jumped into focus with bright colors and crisp resolution. The same excellent results were seen with wild animals. Truly it is a treat to use this magnificent instrument.
Addendum 8/14/09. Jupiter is in spectacular opposition during this month, visible high in the Southern skies in the Northern hemisphere. The Canon IS 12×36 gave a jaw dropping view of this planet, showing a clear disc and 4 distinct moons. It was just superb pressing the IS button and watching Jupiter and the moons steady to an eye grabbing image just as Galileo must have seen 400 hundred years ago when he discovered Jupiter’s satellites.
Liked the binoculars.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I bought the binoculars for the Olympics. They worked great. The image stabilization was a big help.
Exceptional binoculars!!!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is our second pair–exactly the same, but this pair were a better price. If one uses binoculars and has never tried the image stabilizing product, you’re really missing out. These are fantastic!!
Great Product
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
We used our friends binoculars on a sailing trip in Maine and loved them. Had to have a pair when we returned home. Excellent quality and viewing.
I Can Now See You!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Though I gulped at the total price (including shipping) they are so worth it! When I am on the water these make it possible to actually see whales in the distance instead of just fighting the shake/bounce from the boat movement and the waves. The light is excellent and you can roll down the eye cups for glasses. Unless you are really shaky on land, image stabilizers (I don’t think) are necessary. But for being able to see when there is a lot of movement this binos are great.
Best IS bins for Birders
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Most of the reviews I see for IS binoculars are by and for plane spotters and other non-birders, so I wanted to add the wildlife viewing perspective to the mix.
I have owned 2 different pairs of the 12x Cannon IS Binoculars, one pair of the 15x Cannon IS binos and I have tested the 10×42 L series (high-end, geared towards birders). I will cross-post these comments for all three. For any of you birders out there trying to decide which is the right choice for you, here are my observations.
First, general comments that apply to all three:
1) Image stabilization is great! There is nothing not to love about it. Why all birders on earth don’t use these things is a mystery to me. For the money, I would prefer to spend an extra $200 on image stabilization vs spending an extra $1000 for a comparable improvement in optics quality.
2) These binoculars are heavy and bulky. The grip, the feel and the ease of use are different than those of “normal” high-end binoculars. The human factors of the engineering range from acceptable (12x) to incomprehensibly bad (10x). I suspect that experienced birders may pick them up for the first time and not like them because they “don’t feel right.” Here’s my thought: it is worth the 1-2 hours it takes to get used to them, because it will change the way you bird. For example: YOU DO NOT NEED TO CARRY A SCOPE in many circumstances, which is huge. They may be slightly heavy for binos, but they are much lighter than binos plus a scope and tripod!
3) it is easy to underestimate the benefit and power of IS until you have used it for a while in the field. For example, when you are looking for a bird that is mostly hidden in leaves, and occassionally pops into view, these guys are great. The slight vibration in your hand means that you need to see an image longer for the brain to decipher the image. When it is stabilized, you can see it in a flash. You will be able to scan a flock of shorebirds at distance in a fraction of the time it takes someone with a scope. You can see details on a bird moving 100ft above in the canopy that are utterly impossible with normal binoculars.
4) THink of them as ELECTRONICS, not optics. These will not be passed on to your grandchildren. They will last 3-5 years depending on how hard you use them. Don’t bother trying to get them fixed because it is uneconomical outside of the warranty period. Don’t buy them if you are uncomfortable with the cost because you may need to replace them in the not-to-distant future. That said, reliability has been okay for mine. I have dropped them, gotten them throughly wet for hours, taken them to high altitudes, and exposed them to a wide range of temperatures without any issues. One 12x pair developed a rattle and subsequently a hiccup in the IS. When I openned them up (not recommended) I found that a couple of screws fell out. I don’t know where the screws came from and don’t really care because now they work fine again.
Here is a comparison of the various models:
12x: the normal “rule of thumb” for birders with conventional binoculars is that 8-10x is about right in terms of image stability, weight, field of view and magnification. With IS binoculars, the equation is a little different. You can have image stability at any magnification, so it comes down to weight, field of view and magnification. For me, the winner is the 12x. You will have a little extra trouble finding a fast-moving bird, especially at close range due to the smaller field of view vs typical 10x. However, it is strong enough to allow me to leave my scope at home for most purposes — it is equivalent to about a 15-18x conventional scope. The eyepieces are comfortable and the field of view is acceptable. My primary compaint is that the close limit of focus is too far for comfortable use in close quarters like dense rainforest. These binos seem rugged and reliable.
15x: optimal for pelagic birding, gulls and shorebirding, but the field of view and range of focus don’t work well for normal birding. On a boat, nobody else will be able to see the stuff you see, period. It is like having a scope when everyone else is using 8x bins. In these circumstances the relatively limited field of view is not an issue and the extra magnification is great. These are much larger and heavier than the 12x and you wouldn’t want to carry these on a 10 mile hike (although it would beat hiking 10 miles with a scope!). My main complaint — and it is a big one — is that the eyepieces are attrociously uncomfortable for my eyes. Presumably they must be comfortable for someone, like the engineer who designed them, but not for me. I had to replace them with eyepieces of my own because they are intollerable.
10x: These are fantastic. Pros: smaller, lighter than the 12x. Wider field of view and better close focus. Cons: 1) very expensive; 2) eyepieces that are as bad or worse than those on the 15x, which is why I don’t own a pair. I think perhaps Cannon made these because they found in their market surveys that birders want 10x binos. I suspect they haven’t sold many at the $1,100 price point given the Human factors issues. I personally would advise birds to not buy these unless they are willing to replace the eyepieces — and better yet just get the 12x. Hopefully the next version will address these issues, because the IS technology and the optics are great.
stabilized binoculars
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I love these binoculars. They are lightweight and have good magnification, a nice compromise. The optics are excellent and the stablization is rock hard. Very impressive. They arrived with a three year warranty, covers for the eye lenses, soft case and strap.