Report to us after the weekend on your assessment, and have a great trip!
Ok Sancho . Here is my report.
Review of Canon 12x36 IS Binocular
Here’s my opinion on these binoculars after 3 days of extensive use. Before you read on please note that:
1. I’ve only tried these out for 3 days and I did not do much of testing/comparing.
2. I’m no optics expert whatsoever.
So here are the figures from the canon website to start with.
Magnification (x) 12
Objective Diameter (mm) 36
Exit Pupil (mm) 3
Real Field-of-View 5.0º
Apparent Field-of-View 60º
Field-of-View at 1000 (m) 87.5
Closest Focusing Distance (m) 6
Eye Relief (mm) 14.5
Prism ll
Objective Lens Movement YES
Inner Objective Lens Movement NO
Eyepiece Lens Movement NO
Image Stabiliser YES
Field Flattener Lens °°
UD Lens NO
Power Source 2x AA size batteries
Rubber Coating YES
Weatherproof NO
I have not checked whether these specs are exactly the same on my pair but I just trust Canon on this.
I tried these out during a weekend birding in Texel (Island NW in the Netherlands. Great place to visit BTW). The weather was just perfect. The sun was out almost all the time (no not at night) and there were a lot of birds to be seen.
Now here is what I think about these bins.
Physics of the 12x36 IS II
These binoculars are of the so called Porro types. Unlike ordinary porros the objectives do not move when you change the IPD. It is just the eyepieces that move when you adjust IPD. The rubber armouring is pleasant. The eyecups are just plain rubber eyecups that you can fold so they can be used by eyeglass wearers. Although twist-up eyecups are much preferred I am not really bothered by the old-fashioned rubber eyecups.
The package contains 2 batteries, 2 eyepiece covers that are not much anyway. I don’t know why Canon does not include objective covers. A simple but effective case for the binoculars is also included.
Using the 12x36
Although technically these are exceptional, practically these bins is very simple and using and adjusting is very much like we are used to. Just focus the left barrel with the central focuser, change the diopter-adjuster on the right barrel so that this is in focus. Use the central focuser to focus on whatever you want to focus on. Then when you want to see even better just press the IS button and magic happens. Handshake is (almost) eliminated and you see a lot more detail. If you think you can hold your binocular really still just try these and then see if you still think the same. I doubt it. (OK 12x is always difficult but still…)
This IS feature is very handy when following birds in flight. I use the IS button when I really want to focus. While scanning the surrounding I do not keep the button pressed but when I see something I want to see more clearly I just push the button and let the technique do the job. Really great.
Optics and image
As I said I am no expert but the optics seem to be OK (at least for me). I am sure it is not as good as lets say the Swaro EL series but with the IS button pushed down I am sure the Canon bins show you more then any other non stabilised binocular. The image is bright and shows a lot of detail when the button is pushed. With the IS feature, 12x and even more is now possible without a monopod or tripod. Isn’t this great for us birders?
Things I liked about this binoculars are:
1. IS feature (no surprise here)
2. Smooth focussing of the central focuser
3. The focussing. From close focus (6m)to infinity ….clockwise (as I think it should be.. but that may be just me)
4. The depth of field is much better then on the 15x50 (as expected) and is acceptable. Whished for more but I do not know whether that is realistic with 12x.
5. The weight. 745 grams including batteries and strap. Not too much not too little.
Things I did not like using this binocular are:
1. The focussing from close to infinity is less then 360 degrees. Because of the relative shallow depth of field I would have preferred more then 360 degrees so more precise focussing is possible. (This is not really a big issue and I just might get used to it)
2. In order to enjoy the IS feature you have to keep the button pressed. This is not much of an issue either but I prefer the method applied to the 15x50. With these you just push once so the IS is ON and push again and the IS is OFF.
3. The looks. I do not think it looks great but then again is works great. (I am more a function-over-form type of person)
During the weekend I had some other birders look through the Canons. Most of them had Swaro EL binoculars but all were very impressed by the Canons.
These are my first impressions of the Canons. I expect to enjoy these for the next years and just hope they will be reliable.
Cheers Peter.
Best of Luck with your choice!
