The Canon 15×50 Image Stabilization All Weather Binoculars are a top-of-the-line optical instrument designed for professional and amateur outdoor enthusiasts who require clear, stable and reliable viewing in all weather conditions. These binoculars are engineered with Canon’s latest Image Stabilization (IS) technology, providing an unmatched viewing experience by reducing the effects of hand tremors and shake, resulting in a steady image with minimal distortion. Moreover, these binoculars are constructed with high-quality materials and are fully sealed to withstand the toughest weather conditions, making them ideal for outdoor activities such as bird-watching, hunting, and marine navigation. This review will delve into the features, pros and cons, and overall performance of the Canon 15×50 Image Stabilization All Weather Binoculars, providing you with a detailed and unbiased analysis of this exceptional product.
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Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Prism Binoculars |
| Magnification | 15x |
| Objective Lens Effective Diameter | 50mm |
| Real Field of View | 4.5° |
| Apparent Field Of View | 61.0° (Adopted a calculation method based on ISO14132-1:2002.) |
| Objective Lens Construction | 4 elements in 3 groups (including protective glass) |
| Eyepiece Lens Construction | 7 elements in 5 groups |
| Exit Pupil Diameter | 3.3mm |
| Eye Relief | 15mm |
| Prism Type | Porro II |
| Eye Width Adjustment | 58mm ~ 76mm |
| Focusing Method | Manual focusing by turning the focusing knob |
| Dioptric Correction | ±3.0 diopters |
| Closest Focusing Distance | 6 m / 19.7 ft. |
| Image Stabilizer | Vari-Angle Prism |
| Correction Angle | ±0.7° |
| Tripod Socket | Provided |
| Power Source | 2 x AA |
| Dimensions | 152 x 193 x 81mm / 6.0 x 7.6 x 3.2 in. |
| Weight | 2.60 lb / 1180g / 41.6 oz. (excluding batteries) |
Pros
- Image stabilization technology minimizes shaky hands and provides steady viewing experience.
- High magnification power of 15x allows for detailed and close-up viewing of distant objects.
- Large objective lens diameter of 50mm ensures bright and clear images even in low-light conditions.
- All-weather design makes these binoculars suitable for use in various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and fog.
- Durable and sturdy construction ensures longevity and reliability.
- Long eye relief of 15mm makes these binoculars comfortable to use for extended periods.
Cons
- The weight of 2.6 lbs. may be heavy for extended use.
- The price point may be expensive for some customers.
- The large objective lens diameter of 50mm may not be suitable for those with smaller hands or faces.
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
- Image Stabilization Technology: The built-in image stabilization technology helps to minimize image shake caused by hand movement, providing a steady viewing experience even at high magnification.
- High Magnification Power: With a magnification power of 15x, these binoculars allow for detailed and close-up viewing of distant objects.
- Large Objective Lens Diameter: The large 50mm objective lens diameter ensures bright and clear images even in low-light conditions.
- All-Weather Design: The binoculars are designed to be weatherproof, making them suitable for use in various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and fog.
- Durable Construction: The sturdy construction ensures longevity and reliability, making these binoculars a worthwhile investment for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Long Eye Relief: The long eye relief of 15mm makes these binoculars comfortable to use for extended periods.
- Dioptric Adjustment: The dioptric adjustment feature allows for fine-tuning of the focus to accommodate individual variations in vision.
- Porro Prism Design: The Porro prism design helps to provide a wider field of view and more natural image compared to roof prism designs.
- Rubber Coating: The rubber coating provides a secure grip and added protection against bumps and scratches.
- Tripod Mountable: These binoculars are tripod mountable, allowing for more stable and prolonged viewing experiences.
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 15×50 Image Stabilization All Weather Binoculars are best suited for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities such as bird watching, hunting, stargazing, and other outdoor recreational activities. The high magnification power, image stabilization technology, and large objective lens diameter make these binoculars ideal for observing distant objects in detail, even in low-light conditions. The all-weather design also makes them suitable for use in various weather conditions, which is particularly useful for those who enjoy outdoor activities in different seasons. The binoculars are also durable and reliable, making them a great investment for those who frequently use their binoculars for outdoor pursuits.
What’s to like?
The Canon 15×50 Image Stabilization All Weather Binoculars have a number of features that make them an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts. With built-in image stabilization technology, high magnification power, large objective lens diameter, and an all-weather design, these binoculars provide clear and detailed images even in low-light and adverse weather conditions. They are also durable and reliable, with a comfortable long eye relief and dioptric adjustment feature. Additionally, the Porro prism design and rubber coating provide a natural image and a secure grip, while the ability to mount them on a tripod allows for stable and prolonged viewing experiences.
What’s not to like?
Despite the many positive features of the Canon 15×50 Image Stabilization All Weather Binoculars, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:
- Weight: These binoculars are relatively heavy, which may make them uncomfortable to carry or hold for extended periods of time.
- Price: These binoculars are relatively expensive, which may make them less accessible for those on a tight budget.
- Battery Life: The image stabilization technology requires a battery to operate, which may need to be replaced periodically.
- Narrow Field of View: The high magnification power results in a narrower field of view compared to lower magnification binoculars, which may make it more difficult to locate objects.
- Not Compact: The binoculars are not particularly compact, which may make them more difficult to store or transport compared to smaller, more lightweight models.
What are other people saying about this product?
- On Amazon.com, the binoculars have an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, with many users praising their image stabilization technology, clarity, and durability.
- The binoculars have also received positive reviews from professional reviewers, such as OutdoorGearLab, which gave them a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars and noted their impressive image stabilization technology and all-weather design.
- On BHPhotoVideo.com, the binoculars have an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, with many users praising their sharpness, clarity, and low-light performance.
- OpticsPlanet.com users have given the binoculars an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, with many users noting their excellent image stabilization technology, clarity, and robust construction.
- In a review by PCMag, the Canon 15×50 Image Stabilization All Weather Binoculars received an “Excellent” rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with the reviewer noting their “incredible image stabilization” and “bright, clear views.”
Overall, the Canon 15×50 Image Stabilization All Weather Binoculars have received mostly positive reviews from both users and professional reviewers, with many praising their image stabilization technology, clarity, and durability.
Alternatives
If you are considering the Canon 15×50 Image Stabilization All Weather Binoculars, here are some alternative options to consider:
- Celestron SkyMaster 15×70 Binoculars: These binoculars from Celestron offer a similar magnification power to the Canon 15x50s, with a wider field of view and a more affordable price point. They are also compatible with a tripod for more stable viewing.
- Nikon 8252 Aculon A211 10-22×50 Zoom Binoculars: These binoculars from Nikon offer a similar magnification power to the Canon 15x50s, with a wide field of view and a more affordable price point. They also have a durable, all-weather design.
- 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 15×50 Image Stabilization All Weather Binoculars are an excellent choice for anyone who needs powerful magnification, image stabilization, and a rugged, all-weather design. They offer high-quality optics, a wide field of view, and the ability to stabilize images for clear viewing even in shaky conditions.
If you need powerful magnification and image stabilization in a rugged, all-weather design, the Canon 15×50 Image Stabilization All Weather Binoculars are an excellent choice that are sure to provide years of reliable use.
