Canon is a well-known brand for high-quality imaging and optical products, including binoculars. The Canon 12×36 Image Stabilization III Binoculars are high-quality binoculars designed for outdoor and indoor use. They feature a powerful magnification of 12x and an objective lens diameter of 36mm. They also come with Canon’s famous image stabilization technology, which reduces image shake, allowing for clearer, sharper images.
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Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Prism Binoculars |
| Magnification | 12x |
| Objective Lens Effective Diameter | 36mm / 1.42 in. |
| Real Field of View | 5° |
| Apparent Field Of View | 55.3° (Adopted a calculation method based on ISO 14132-1:2002.) |
| Objective Lens Construction | 2 elements in 1 group |
| Eyepiece Lens Construction | 5 elements in 4 groups |
| Exit Pupil Diameter | 3mm / 0.12 in. |
| Eye Relief | 14.5mm / 0.57 in. |
| Prism Type | Porro II prisms |
| Eye Width Adjustment | 55mm – 75mm / 2.17 – 2.95 in. |
| Focusing Method | Manual focusing by turning the focusing knob |
| Dioptric Correction | ±3 Diopters |
| Closest Focusing Distance | 6m/19.69 ft. |
| Image Stabilizer | Optical correction by Vari-Angle Prisms |
| Correction Angle | ±0.8° |
| Power Source | 2 x AA Alkaline batteries or 2 x AA NiMh batteries |
| Dimensions | 127 x 174 x 70mm / 5 x 6.85 x 2.76 in. |
| Weight | 1.46 lb / 660g / 23.28 oz. (excluding batteries) |
Pros
- Powerful magnification of 12x
- Image stabilization technology for reduced image shake
- Comfortable eye relief of 14.5mm
- Durable construction
- Compact and lightweight design
- Great for outdoor and indoor use
Cons
- Expensive compared to other binoculars in the market
- Limited field of view compared to other models
- Image stabilization technology consumes battery life
- Not waterproof
What do the numbers mean?
15×50? 8×25? The two numbers used to describe any pair of binoculars are their magnification — 8x, 12x, 15x and so on — and the diameter of their objective lenses — 25mm, 36mm, 50mm, and so on. The larger the first number is, the larger the object will appear to be in the objective lens. For instance, if you use a 10x lens and look at an object that is 100 yards away, it appears to be the same size as an object located just 10 yards away. The second number, the size of the objective lens, is important because the larger the objective lens, the more light it can admit for brighter, more detailed images, and the better suited they will be for low-light situations.
What are the main differences among Canon IS Binoculars?
- Canon 12×36 IS: 12x magnification, 36mm objective lens diameter, ±0.8° image stabilization, not waterproof
- Canon 15×50 IS All Weather: 15x magnification, 50mm objective lens diameter, ±0.7° image stabilization, waterproof, and fog proof
- Canon 10×42 L IS WP: 10x magnification, 42mm objective lens diameter, ±0.8° image stabilization, waterproof, and fog proof
Since you can have image stability at any magnification, your choice comes down to weight, field of view, magnification, and price.
| Specification | Canon 12×36 IS | Canon 15×50 IS All Weather | Canon 10×42 L IS WP |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  | |
| Magnification | 12x | 15x | 10x |
| Objective lens diameter | 36mm | 50mm | 42mm |
| Exit pupil diameter | 3mm | 3.3mm | 4.2mm |
| Eye relief | 14.5mm | 15mm | 16mm |
| Field of view | 5.0° | 4.5° | 6.5° |
| Minimum focusing distance | 6m (19.69ft) | 6m (19.7ft) | 2.5m (8.2ft) |
| Image stabilization | Yes, up to ±0.8° | Yes, up to ±0.7° | Yes, up to ±0.8° |
| Waterproof | No | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.46 lbs (985 g) | 2.6 lbs (1,180 g) | 2.45 lbs (1,110 g) |
| Dimension | 127 x 174 x 70mm / 5 x 6.85 x 2.76 in. | 152 x 193 x 81mm / 6.0 x 7.6 x 3.2 in. | 137 x 175.8 x 85.4mm / 5.4 x 6.9 x 3.4 in. |
| Price Range | $700 – $800 | $1,200 – $1,400 | $1,400 – $1,600 |
Key Features
- Powerful 12x magnification
- Image stabilization technology
- Comfortable eye relief of 14.5mm
- Compact and lightweight design
- Durable construction
- Suitable for outdoor and indoor use
What is so great about image stabilization technology?
With any high magnification binoculars, most users will experience frustrating image shake. Unless fixed to a tripod, image shake can render high magnification binoculars useless. Canon’s IS technology is remarkably effective at eliminating this problem and is widely used by the television industry with Canon’s professional broadcast quality video recording equipment. A special VAP (Vari-Angle Prism) corrective IS system sits between the objective lens group and the porro prism on each side of the binoculars. Within thousandths of a second of the binoculars being moved from their optical axis by vibrations, a detection system activates the IS mechanism. The VAP shape alters to refract or ‘bend’ the light path by precisely the right amount, thus fully compensating for the vibration. It is this essentially immediate response that effectively suppresses image shake.
Here’s how the Canon explains it: “To achieve a stable high magnification view, without the need for a tripod, the 12×36 IS III feature Canon’s advanced Image Stabilization (IS) technology for performance on par with Canon’s EF series of lenses. Vari-Angle prisms are placed between the front lens and the main prism. When the binoculars’ gyro sensors detect vertical or horizontal movement, these prisms compensate and correct any movements or shakes for smoother panning, no matter the speed. A high performance microcomputer using advanced algorithms not only improves IS, it helps provide shorter startup times and more efficient energy consumption. This means a comfortable, stable field of view that can be easy to maintain, whether tracking deer in the woods, watching a football game from the stands or seeing the sights from the window of a tour bus.”
Is image stabilization worth the extra cost?
Whether or not image stabilization is worth the extra cost ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Image stabilization technology can help reduce image shake, making them ideal for use on a moving yacht, cruise, train, or plane. If you frequently use your binoculars in situations where your hands may be shaky or where there is a lot of movement, such as during outdoor activities or while traveling, image stabilization will definitely be worth the extra cost to see clearer and sharper images.
Who is it best for?
The Canon 12×36 Image Stabilization III Binoculars are best for outdoor enthusiasts, serious bird watchers, sports fans, and anyone who needs a steady and clear image in a compact and lightweight design.
What’s to like?
The Canon 12×36 Image Stabilization III Binoculars are relatively compact and lightweight compare to other Canon IS models. The image stabilization technology has proven to reduce image shake. They offer a powerful magnification of 12x and a comfortable eye relief of 14.5mm, making them ideal for outdoor activities and sports events.
What’s not to like?
The Canon 12×36 Image Stabilization III Binoculars are expensive compared to other models in the market, and their field of view is limited. The image stabilization technology consumes battery life, and they are not waterproof.
What are other people saying about this product?
Here are some excerpts of what other people are saying about the Canon 12×36 Image Stabilization III Binoculars:
- B&H Photo Video: “These are great binoculars for bird watching, nature viewing, and sports events. The image stabilization is a fantastic feature. They are lightweight and easy to hold steady. I would highly recommend these binoculars to anyone.”
- Amazon: “These binoculars are absolutely amazing! The image stabilization works great and makes a huge difference in the viewing experience. The optics are top-notch and produce bright, sharp images. They are definitely worth the price.”
- Adorama: “The Canon 12×36 IS binoculars are incredibly well-made and durable. They feel great in the hand and the image stabilization works flawlessly. They are perfect for bird watching and other outdoor activities where a steady image is crucial.”
- Optics Planet: “The Canon 12×36 IS binoculars are a great investment for anyone looking for high-quality optics and image stabilization. The build quality is excellent and the image stabilization works great. They are definitely on the expensive side, but the quality justifies the price.”
Overall, the Canon 12×36 Image Stabilization III Binoculars have received overwhelmingly positive reviews from users. The image stabilization technology and high-quality optics are praised, as well as the build quality and durability. The main downside mentioned by some reviewers is the high price, but many believe that the quality justifies the cost.
Alternatives
If you are considering the Canon 12×36 Image Stabilization III Binoculars, here are some alternative options to consider:
- Nikon MONARCH 7 10×42 Binoculars: These binoculars offer a wider field of view and are also waterproof and fogproof. They have Legendary ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass Lenses for superior clarity and color accuracy. While they don’t have image stabilization, they are less expensive than the Canon 12×36 IS.
- Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars: These binoculars are also waterproof and fogproof, and have HD glass for superior image quality. They have a wider field of view than the Canon 12×36 IS and are less expensive. While they don’t have image stabilization, they are lightweight and easy to handle.
- Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS1440 14×40 Image Stabilization Binoculars: These binoculars have higher magnification than the Canon 12×36 IS, at 14x, and also have image stabilization technology. They are waterproof and fogproof, and have high-quality optics. However, they are more expensive than the Canon 12×36 IS.
- Nikon StabilEyes Binoculars – Nikon’s StabilEyes binoculars are equipped with vibration reduction technology, providing a stable and clear image even in shaky conditions.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Canon 12×36 Image Stabilization III Binoculars are an excellent option for those who require image stabilization technology and high-quality optics. They are lightweight, durable, and easy to handle, making them a great choice for outdoor activities such as bird watching and sports events. While they are on the expensive side, many reviewers believe that the quality justifies the cost.
It’s important to keep in mind that there are other options available if image stabilization is not a necessity or if a wider field of view is desired. When making a decision, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences, as well as your budget.
Overall, the Canon 12×36 Image Stabilization III Binoculars are highly recommended for those who prioritize image stabilization and high-quality optics, and are willing to invest in a premium product.
