Is image stabilization (IS) under appreciated?

[Peewee]

Since I own a Canon 12x36 IS I hardly use any other pair of binoculars any more. Not that I have top class other binoculars but still if I did (and I have looked through top range binoculars) I would probably still use my Canon IS more then others. Why? Because of IS. This feature give me so much more detail and is just very pleasant to look throw. If I push the button it is just like magic. I would think that the advantage of IS over Non-IS would seem much more than the advantage of lets say ED over Non-ED.
Even if you are able to hold your binoculars very still I still think there is a major advantage.

I know the Canons I have do have some other disadvantages (very ugly, not waterproof, no twist-up eye cups etc.) but the IS-feature itself is just amazing. I think the problem with IS is that the advantage is not (or hard) to measure scientifically because the advantage depends the ability of the binocular user to hold still. I can not say “how much” more detail I can see if I push the button. I can not give any figures. All I can say is that it is “a lot” but that’s it. Is there any way to scientifically value the advantage of IS of non-IS? (how much more detail, contract etc?)
Has anyone ever done some resolution tests handholding IS binoculars and comparing the image with and without the IS button pushed? Even knowing the user plays a major role in this test I would still like to know what the result was.


Cheers Peter

[gerdwichers8]

Hello Peter,

I started using a stabilized piece myself in 2001. A 20x60.
My initial purpose was to replace a heavy telescope with a tripod. When I lost my Leica in 2004, I used the 20x60 as a replacement in all circumstances.
Advantages are: It is useable in situations where weight has to be cut down.
It is faster than the set up of a telescope and a tripod.
The last advantage can be found while I am on my recumbent bike and see a bird all of the sudden.
During migration counts, when small passerines fly overhead, this advantage is found all day long, compared to the people who use telescopes. A telescope is definitely slower: one has to walk to the set up, handle the gear.
The Monoscope (mine is not a binoculars) is there immediately.
Disadvantage on the other hand is that when installed behind the Telescope set-up, the set up provides an even more stable view over longer times of operation, higer magnifications can be used with great succes and the light, caught by 88 mm front lens is much much better.

Yet an other good piece came in use with the introduction of the Monoscope. A Monopod.
I use this Monopod for the support of the Monoscope but even more frequently for the ordinary 10x42 bins. If one is scanning over longer time, the support by the Monopod gains great profit for the ordinary bins.

It is at this point where the initial use of the stabilised binoculars was thought to be the replacement for the ordinary bins. But still one has to hold even a heavy Stabi over longer times. A Monopod is good to have with you.
If one wants to walk in difficult terrain, the stick shows anothter advantage .

[etc]

I don't have any binoculars with IS, but have a Canon digital camera with 12x zoom, and it's awesome. Can take pics off-hand on 12x.

Really, binoculars haven't evolved all that much in many decades. Better coating, yes. Lighter bodies, yes. But I wonder if IS is the next major evolutionary step for Big Three.

[Sancho]

Is IS under-appreciated? IMHO, yes, definitely. I have the same 12x36 and love it. I use it in all situations where extra mag is required, and despite it's glass not being in the same league as my Swaro EL 8x32 or my Nikon EII 10x35, I can definitely discern more detail with the Canon IS than with non-IS bins of any quality. They are also light (same weight as Swaro 8x32), and although they look odd, they're very easy to use. Some people seem to have been put off by the slight "Swoony" effect when panning....I don't notice this anymore. Others haven't liked the need to slightly refocus sometimes after engaging the IS button....I do this instinctively now. The IS 12x36 are definitely the bins I use most often. Funny thing is, I've never seen anyone else in Ireland with a pair of IS binoculars (although I know of one other person who has IS 10x42 L series....I've just never seen him with them!). I would be prepared to pay a lot of money for 12x36 IS binos with top-quality glass (if I were allowed....) A tip....if your diopter setting changes too much, fix it in place with Duct-Tape.

[KorHaan]

Interesting thread; I use a 10x42 non-IS ( a pretty good midpriced one I think ) for 3 months now, after I sold my 7x42 FL's. 10x gives me more detail, but I'm still not satisfied. The Canons are tempting enough to give them a try. I tried the 10x30IS last year as the owner kindly would let me, and I was very pleased with the view. Nice lightweight bins too, sharp and easy on the eyes. I almost regretted to give them back which I normally don't experience in such cases. And at that time I still owned the FL's!

I guess the only thing that is holding me back from getting a pair is that the lightweight ones are not waterproof; I've had so many nightmare scenario's of fogged-up bins in the past that I'm a bit wary to take the plunge.

But I'm sure that IF I take the plunge there will be no more getting back to non-IS binoculars, ever. I always take my scope with me on outings, even into the woods, and once set up, the steady 23x view is really enjoyable. I'd like a stable binocular to complement this.
So thanks for the boost of confidence here. In less than two months it's my birthday...
There will be some money to spend!

Greetings, Ronald

[etudiant]

Hi Peter,
There has been some work done such as you suggest. If I remember correctly, it indicated that the IS feature allows about a factor of two resolution improvement relative to hand held binoculars.
I'd thought it was in Better View Desired (http://www.betterviewdesired.com)
or in the Cloudy Nights (http://www.cloudynights.com/index.php) reviews,
but could not find them just now.
I'm also very surprised by the lack of birder acceptance of this wonderful new technology, whose improvement is so striking, unlike the very subtle differences between the existing big 3 binocular makers' products. The mediocre styling of the IS designs, whether from Canon or from Nikon or from Fuji, probably plays a role, but the glaring absence of the gear around the necks of any of the world's top birders is probably the most important impediment. Given the importance birders attach to having the right optics, it appears most birders don't like to stick their necks out.

[Peewee]

Thanks everybody for your comments.

Hello Peter,

The last advantage can be found while I am on my recumbent bike and see a bird all of the sudden.
.

Great to see I am not the only recumbent bike rider on this forum. I have a Challenge Wizard and also have my bins on my belly when I ride. I haven’t done so with my Canon IS yet (I’ve only got them last October) but I am sure the view will be better with the IS.


I use this Monopod for the support of the Monoscope but even more frequently for the ordinary 10x42 bins..

I too have a monopod which I used to support my non-IS bins. It was this experience that made me realize that handshake spoils the view. So when I read Sancho’s comment on the Canon IS I decided to ask a colleague if I could borrow hers for a weekend. This made me want to have a pair of my own.

Others haven't liked the need to slightly refocus sometimes after engaging the IS button....I do this instinctively now. A tip....if your diopter setting changes too much, fix it in place with Duct-Tape.

Well Sancho it was you who directed my to the Canon 12x36 ( and I am still thankful for this. Thank you so much) Funny thing is that I never have to refocus after pushing the button and my diopter does not need Duct tape either. Did you have this problems from day 1 or is this something that will happen to my pair later on?

In less than two months it's my birthday...
There will be some money to spend!

Greetings, Ronald

If this will be something the wife is going to give you , you know it is true love. ;)

Hi Peter,
There has been some work done such as you suggest. If I remember correctly, it indicated that the IS feature allows about a factor of two resolution improvement relative to hand held binoculars.
I'd thought it was in Better View Desired (http://www.betterviewdesired.com)
or in the Cloudy Nights (http://www.cloudynights.com/index.php) reviews,
but could not find them just now.
I'm also very surprised by the lack of birder acceptance of this wonderful new technology, whose improvement is so striking, unlike the very subtle differences between the existing big 3 binocular makers' products. The mediocre styling of the IS designs, whether from Canon or from Nikon or from Fuji, probably plays a role, but the glaring absence of the gear around the necks of any of the world's top birders is probably the most important impediment. Given the importance birders attach to having the right optics, it appears most birders don't like to stick their necks out.
`
Etudiant

Thanks for the info. Factor 2 seems quite a bit. I don’t think the difference between ED and a Non-ED would be that much although I must admit I don’t know that much about optics.

Thanks for the link I found this one on cloudy nights.

http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1625


it appears most birders don't like to stick their necks out.

So let us set an example end wait an see who will follow ;)

Cheers PeterB (:

[kabsetz]

All you Dutch folks on this thread, surely you have read your countryman Jan Meijerink's excellent reviews of image stabilized binoculars on twentse vogelverkgroep website: www.tvwg.nl

On the alula ( www.alula.fi ) website there is my review of the Canon 15x50 IS, and in some point in the future a corresponding review of the 10x42 IS L (published in print some time ago) should appear.

Kimmo

[etudiant]

Hi Kimmo,
It was your review in Alula that I was in fact referring to. The doubling in resolution distance you found was so striking. My apologies for misremembering, because yours is probably the most perceptive review of the three. It makes me impatient to see your take on the 10x42L, which has become my standard glass.

[kabsetz]

Etudiant,

There was (and is) a significant increase in resolution distance, but it was a doubling (or close to it) only when comparing the 15x Canon stabilized to a hand-held 8x-10x binocular. When comparing a 10x IS to a 10x non-IS, both hand-held, the difference is more like 10-20% depending on many variables.

Kimmo

[Sancho]

Peter....I had the minor issue with the diopter from day one. And the slight refocussing that's sometimes required also. I bought my Canon IS from a store in Dublin that was selling them off, last pair in stock, at a ridiculous discount (about 50% off the normal high-street store price in Dublin). So maybe they were returns, but I don't care, I love them, Duct Tape and all! Curiously, no store in Ireland now stocks these, although some will order them in for you.

The Canon IS bins are really the Cinderellas of the bino world, IMHO. I've been using them through the winter here, and haven't had any issues with fogging. They may not be waterproof, but whatever binos I'm using, I pop them under my jacket if the rain gets heavy anyway, waterproof or not, so that's not an issue either.

Ronald....may I be the earliest in wishing you a Happy Birthday?;)

[Mickymouse]

I've had mine for over 2 years and still love them, never had any problems with fogging and OK they aren't waterproof but they are water resistant, I've been caught out by rain showers and they haven't come to any harm, my only gripe with them is the close focus could be better.
I shall only upgrade them when Canon start fitting them with better glass. Oh yeah got to say I like the look of them, don't know why but I do.

Mick

[nyatt]

Just my 2 cents worth, but in a world where computers crash, hard drives fail, dvd players lock up, cell phone batteries die during an important call, and digital cameras break; I find it refreshing to use my Nikon 8x32 SE's and see a fabulous view, with no electronic gizmos at all. Ever. I find it near miraculous that we get this kind of visual enhancement, with no HD-DVD plasma TV's, LCD, OLED, M-O-U-S-E or whatever. I appreciate what silicon technology has given us ( I sell high-end stereo and theater products), but I gaze with astonishment when I am using binoculars with no PC boards. Then again, I prefer tube electronics...

[Sancho]

Oh yeah got to say I like the look of them, don't know why but I do.

Mick
Too right, Mick. I know it's bordering on the perverse, but I'm beginning to find my Canon IS bins kind of cute......;)

[KorHaan]

Ronald....may I be the earliest in wishing you a Happy Birthday?;)

Thanks Sancho! B (:

I'm counting the days...
In the meantime, if you Canonians decide to start a fanclub, maybe that would be something cool... ;)

Greetings, Ronald

[Peewee]

On the alula ( www.alula.fi ) website there is my review of the Canon 15x50 IS, and in some point in the future a corresponding review of the 10x42 IS L (published in print some time ago) should appear.

Kimmo

Thanks for the link. I remember reading your review but forgot to check what you said about increase of resolution. I am looking forward to your next review of the 10x42IS. Please let us know if it is online.

Peter....I had the minor issue with the diopter from day one

Sancho

Thanks for your post. Could it be you have the first version and not the 12x36IS II? I read in the Dutch review (by Jan Meijerink) of this first version that the dioptre adjustment was somewhat of a problem. Reading this review it looks like the second version is quite a bit better than the first. I you do have the first version then you at least know what to buy next year when your “one-year-of-not-buying-optics” is over. ;)


Cheers Peter

[Alurap]

I have to wonder if "IS" will be the next big step the top bin manufacturers make....a nice optically crisp and sleek looking Swaro, Lecia or Zeiss...for about $5,000 US. Cannon certainly makes fine lenes, so why not top notch optics on their bins.
It would seem the incremental gains to be made by ED glass and coatings from this point on would be rather small... how much more can the today's top notch bins be improved upon?

Hello Peter,

I started using a stabilized piece myself in 2001. A 20x60.
My initial purpose was to replace a heavy telescope with a tripod. When I lost my Leica in 2004, I used the 20x60 as a replacement in all circumstances.
Advantages are: It is useable in situations where weight has to be cut down.
It is faster than the set up of a telescope and a tripod.
The last advantage can be found while I am on my recumbent bike and see a bird all of the sudden.
During migration counts, when small passerines fly overhead, this advantage is found all day long, compared to the people who use telescopes. A telescope is definitely slower: one has to walk to the set up, handle the gear.
The Monoscope (mine is not a binoculars) is there immediately.
Disadvantage on the other hand is that when installed behind the Telescope set-up, the set up provides an even more stable view over longer times of operation, higer magnifications can be used with great succes and the light, caught by 88 mm front lens is much much better.

Yet an other good piece came in use with the introduction of the Monoscope. A Monopod.
I use this Monopod for the support of the Monoscope but even more frequently for the ordinary 10x42 bins. If one is scanning over longer time, the support by the Monopod gains great profit for the ordinary bins.

It is at this point where the initial use of the stabilised binoculars was thought to be the replacement for the ordinary bins. But still one has to hold even a heavy Stabi over longer times. A Monopod is good to have with you.
If one wants to walk in difficult terrain, the stick shows anothter advantage .

[Sancho]

Sancho

Thanks for your post. Could it be you have the first version and not the 12x36IS II? ......
Cheers Peter
No, Peter, they´re the Mark II. But I have deep eye sockets and a big nose, and the eyecup of the Canon IS 12x just makes contact with my nose and eyesocket and moves a lot. But it´s really no problem, the duct tape did the trick!

[gerdwichers8]

I mannaged some attachments to show my set up. I had to design the protective case my self, since the manufacturer provided a suitcase to carry around in a Mercedes. NOT GOOD FOR BIRDING IN THE FIELD!
This case is really good. It is buffering shocks and keeps the fragile device inside intact.:t:

[KorHaan]

Gerd,

That's great! You're a genius!

I suspected yours was the Zeiss Mono. I looked through this many years ago, would have liked to own it but couldn't afford it...

Greetings, Ronald

[KorHaan]

Hi Peter,

Did you get your Canons from Kamera Express in Capelle aan de IJssel? I checked their website and prices look good. Did they have them all in stock?
I could try Vogelbescherming in Zeist, which is much closer to where I live, but I suspect their prices to be much higher.
Really looking forward to check them out; as a matter of fact, it was mrs. KorHaan who put forth the proposition, so now I love her even more.

Greetings, Ronald

[macshark]

Still waiting for Canon to make some image stabilized spotting scopes...

Until then, I have to use the viewfinder on my camera...

[Peewee]

Hi Peter,

Did you get your Canons from Kamera Express in Capelle aan de IJssel? I checked their website and prices look good. Did they have them all in stock?
I could try Vogelbescherming in Zeist, which is much closer to where I live, but I suspect their prices to be much higher.


Greetings, Ronald

Ronald

I got them at Foto Crown in Woudenberg. I think this is grey import but they seem reliable. If you want their phone number let me know. If you would like to check out my pair binoculars your welcome. Just send me a PM. Leusden and Woudenberg are not that far from Hilversum.

Cheers Peter

[medinabrit]

If most birders tried the Canon IS bins they would be sold on them .
But i think that a little bit of snobbishness holds some back & keeps them using the big 3 euros.
Brian.

[Sancho]

If most birders tried the Canon IS bins they would be sold on them .
But i think that a little bit of snobbishness holds some back & keeps them using the big 3 euros.
Brian.
Hi Brian, I agree that lots more birders would fall for IS if they gave it a try. The problem here (in Ireland) is trying them, they´re as rare as hen´s teeth, as I said I´ve never seen anyone else use them (apart from Yours Truly). I´d imagine people are just a little bit suspicious of the gizmos involved....more complicated technology means more possible problems. My Canon IS have only got a one-year guarantee (compared to the 30-year guarantee on the Swaro EL 10x that they replaced!). Mind you, they cost me a third of the price of the Swaros, so replacing them in the event of a mishap wouldn´t be as painful. I´ve been caught out twice in the field with batteries going flat, and no replacements in my pocket. (Not that big a deal, the bins still work but the IS doesn´t.) Zeiss make a non-battery IS binocular, but it´s 20x60, weighs two kilos and costs a fortune, I think. I may one day get the Canon 18x50 IS for seawatching, but not this year....(unless I weaken and break my Resolution....) Do you see many birders in Ohio with IS binoculars, just as a matter of interest?

[AlanFrench]

I certainly think they are under appreciated. I loved my Swarovski 7x42 SLCs, but the stable 12x view through the 12x36s allows IDs from a lot farther away, and the 12x36s are generally the pair I carry with me.

I may have told this story before, but there were some Kinglets in the back woods. Through the 7x42s I could say they were Kinglets. With the 12x36 it was obvious there was both a Ruby-crowned and a Golden-crowned in the group.

I tend to bird on my own, but I will likely join some of the local field trips this spring. We'll see if anyone asks about them. One birding friend asked for a pair for Christmas after trying mine when we down in the Florida Keys. (He got the 10x30s from his kids.)

Clear skies, Alan

[KorHaan]

If you would like to check out my pair binoculars your welcome. Just send me a PM. Leusden and Woudenberg are not that far from Hilversum.

Cheers Peter

Will do! Thanks! :t:

Ronald

[KorHaan]

Still waiting for Canon to make some image stabilized spotting scopes...

Until then, I have to use the viewfinder on my camera...

Image stabilized spotting scopes are a great idea.
I've got an idea I'll work out and open a new thread, after I've done some drawings and sketches.

Greetings, Ronald