Impressions of the New 12X36 III
Received the new bins today. I have a long history with Canon IS bins. I tried one of the first 10x30s in a photo dealer and that was it. Then later I went for the 18X50s when they came out. Loved em. Then the 12X36 IIs. I still have them all and use them at various times. For compacts, I have used Leicas for 30 years and gave several of them. 8x20 and 10x25 ultravids and an old Leitz 10x25 Trinovid which I still have. I tend to just keep stuff. Keep in mind that I am not a technician and these are just my impressions as a user.
So I had a problem with my 12x36 IIs which some have reported on. The covering started to disintegrate. It would get sticky and bits would come off in my hands. I put some Gorilla tape all over the body and am still able to use them, but am unhappy with them, and they are well out of warranty, and essentially unfixable. I think that it was caused by someone using them who had insect repellent on their hands. These bins had been my favorite travel bins with their stabilization, magnification and light weight. So I decided to order the new IIIs. And today I got them. Here are my impressions.
1. Stabilization. I first looked through the series II 12X36's as even though they look bad cosmetically they still work well. The new ones are far superior. When you turn the switch on, there is a slight jigger and then they are rock solid. It is almost like they are on a tripod. I was always impressed with the Canon IS, but these are the best I have ever seen.
2. Brilliance. The new ones are definitely brighter than the old ones. I did clean the lenses on the old ones before I compared them, but it is still noticeable.I believe they must have improved the coatings on the lenses.
3. Clarity. They are about as good as any bins I have. At least as good as the little Leicas which are very good. If course the IS helps in that regard.
4. Eye relief. I wear glasses so I have to use the bins with the eye ups folded back. In this they are the same as the older ones. They can be a little difficult to adjust for my eyes, but once you get it, it is still acceptable. But I would much prefer twist caps, like are found on other bins.
5. I also compared them to my other bins. Against the 18x50s I felt that the IS was somewhat better in the 12X36 IIIs. I also felt that the view is clearer. Of course the 18x50s are much older and that may reflect this.
6. Comparing to the Leicas I prefer the view through the 12x36 for the IS and clarity. The Leicas are still great but the shake is a problem. But I still carry the 8x20s everywhere for very small size.
7. Cons of the 12X36 IIIs. The eye cups. They are either out or folded. No in between. I would much prefer the twist cups which are infinitely variable. Also, the battery door is still the same flimsy one they have used for years. On my 10X30s it broke and I had to send them back to Canon for an expensive repair.
No weatherproofing. It would be nice to have, as these are ideal for travel. And how about caps on both ends of the bins? I also hope that I don't have the problem with the covering again. I am going to be careful about how they are used.
Bottom line. Even with the above cons, I still think they are worth it. I have never seen anything like them, with the quality of the stabilization and the view, combined with low weight.
Received the new bins today. I have a long history with Canon IS bins. I tried one of the first 10x30s in a photo dealer and that was it. Then later I went for the 18X50s when they came out. Loved em. Then the 12X36 IIs. I still have them all and use them at various times. For compacts, I have used Leicas for 30 years and gave several of them. 8x20 and 10x25 ultravids and an old Leitz 10x25 Trinovid which I still have. I tend to just keep stuff. Keep in mind that I am not a technician and these are just my impressions as a user.
So I had a problem with my 12x36 IIs which some have reported on. The covering started to disintegrate. It would get sticky and bits would come off in my hands. I put some Gorilla tape all over the body and am still able to use them, but am unhappy with them, and they are well out of warranty, and essentially unfixable. I think that it was caused by someone using them who had insect repellent on their hands. These bins had been my favorite travel bins with their stabilization, magnification and light weight. So I decided to order the new IIIs. And today I got them. Here are my impressions.
1. Stabilization. I first looked through the series II 12X36's as even though they look bad cosmetically they still work well. The new ones are far superior. When you turn the switch on, there is a slight jigger and then they are rock solid. It is almost like they are on a tripod. I was always impressed with the Canon IS, but these are the best I have ever seen.
2. Brilliance. The new ones are definitely brighter than the old ones. I did clean the lenses on the old ones before I compared them, but it is still noticeable.I believe they must have improved the coatings on the lenses.
3. Clarity. They are about as good as any bins I have. At least as good as the little Leicas which are very good. If course the IS helps in that regard.
4. Eye relief. I wear glasses so I have to use the bins with the eye ups folded back. In this they are the same as the older ones. They can be a little difficult to adjust for my eyes, but once you get it, it is still acceptable. But I would much prefer twist caps, like are found on other bins.
5. I also compared them to my other bins. Against the 18x50s I felt that the IS was somewhat better in the 12X36 IIIs. I also felt that the view is clearer. Of course the 18x50s are much older and that may reflect this.
6. Comparing to the Leicas I prefer the view through the 12x36 for the IS and clarity. The Leicas are still great but the shake is a problem. But I still carry the 8x20s everywhere for very small size.
7. Cons of the 12X36 IIIs. The eye cups. They are either out or folded. No in between. I would much prefer the twist cups which are infinitely variable. Also, the battery door is still the same flimsy one they have used for years. On my 10X30s it broke and I had to send them back to Canon for an expensive repair.
No weatherproofing. It would be nice to have, as these are ideal for travel. And how about caps on both ends of the bins? I also hope that I don't have the problem with the covering again. I am going to be careful about how they are used.
Bottom line. Even with the above cons, I still think they are worth it. I have never seen anything like them, with the quality of the stabilization and the view, combined with low weight.