From My Experience with Canon IS Binos
Jerry, your comments are well taken. But I think you should definitely at least try a pair to see how you like them.
I have always been a Leica fan, at least of their compacts. I started around 30 years ago with a 10X25 Trinovid, then got the later 8X20 and 10X25 Ultravids.
But when I saw the Canons with IS, I had to have them. This was after I had acquired a Canon 300MM F4 IS lens for my SLR camera. The IS technology was amazing. Makes a major difference.
Then when the Canon 10X30 IS binos came out, I immediately acquired a pair. It was an incredible experience, to see the view so stable and clear. I felt it was a new world. I have had them for at least 10-12 years, whatever. Never a problem.
Then when the 18X50 IS weather resistant came out, with their high magnification I had to get them as well. Incredible. I sit on the 22nd floor of my apartment and look out to sea at ships and am able to identify them and read the names from miles away, hand held. I can read signs several miles away when I can not even see the sign itself with the naked eye, also hand held. I have had them about 8 years, I would guess. Also, never a problem with them.
And then, when I saw the new 12X36 II come out, I got them too. I like them because they have greater magnification than the 10X30s and are much lighter weight than the 18X50s. I also find their view is extremely clear. The IS is superb. Very stable. They really have become my favorites with their combination of magnification and stabilization and light weight. Also, never a problem. I have had them I guess about 4 years.
Do I still have my Leica binos? Yup. But now I really only use the 8X20s. A perfect combination for me is to have the Leica 8X20 Ultravids and the Canon 12X36 IIs.
Caveats. If high magnification is not your thing then the Canon's may not be for you. If you like a tripod, then why have IS? Or if you like low light, then you should try the 10X42Ls. But I am quite happy with the others. I tend to like less weight these days, as i get older, so the 12X36s do just fine for me. Also, if weather proofs are what you need, then the 10X42s would again be the choice, but they are heavier.
So I have had these three Canon IS binos for many years and never a problem.
I would say not to fear.
I have been watching the recent threads and excitement over the Canon's.
I must admit I have not tried the IS, but am conservative in nature, and
probably never will.
I do like nice optics, and have noticed the short 3 yr. warranty from Canon,
on the IS styles. That seems very short compared to all of the others, on
regular optics, and that is one thing that would really trouble me.
I do see why many are drawn to the 10x30 selling under $350.00, as if they
do go bad after that time, the repair will be more than value, so just throw
them in the dumpster.
And how about the 10x42 L IS, which lists for $1,599.00, and still
has the 3 yr. warranty, I am wondering who would go for that deal. Also
the 10x42 weighs 37 oz. and that is a heavy load.
A recent post on Cloudy Nites, has some wondering the same, about
the short warranty, all the electronics, and how do these fit in todays,
throw away world.
Jerry
Jerry, your comments are well taken. But I think you should definitely at least try a pair to see how you like them.
I have always been a Leica fan, at least of their compacts. I started around 30 years ago with a 10X25 Trinovid, then got the later 8X20 and 10X25 Ultravids.
But when I saw the Canons with IS, I had to have them. This was after I had acquired a Canon 300MM F4 IS lens for my SLR camera. The IS technology was amazing. Makes a major difference.
Then when the Canon 10X30 IS binos came out, I immediately acquired a pair. It was an incredible experience, to see the view so stable and clear. I felt it was a new world. I have had them for at least 10-12 years, whatever. Never a problem.
Then when the 18X50 IS weather resistant came out, with their high magnification I had to get them as well. Incredible. I sit on the 22nd floor of my apartment and look out to sea at ships and am able to identify them and read the names from miles away, hand held. I can read signs several miles away when I can not even see the sign itself with the naked eye, also hand held. I have had them about 8 years, I would guess. Also, never a problem with them.
And then, when I saw the new 12X36 II come out, I got them too. I like them because they have greater magnification than the 10X30s and are much lighter weight than the 18X50s. I also find their view is extremely clear. The IS is superb. Very stable. They really have become my favorites with their combination of magnification and stabilization and light weight. Also, never a problem. I have had them I guess about 4 years.
Do I still have my Leica binos? Yup. But now I really only use the 8X20s. A perfect combination for me is to have the Leica 8X20 Ultravids and the Canon 12X36 IIs.
Caveats. If high magnification is not your thing then the Canon's may not be for you. If you like a tripod, then why have IS? Or if you like low light, then you should try the 10X42Ls. But I am quite happy with the others. I tend to like less weight these days, as i get older, so the 12X36s do just fine for me. Also, if weather proofs are what you need, then the 10X42s would again be the choice, but they are heavier.
So I have had these three Canon IS binos for many years and never a problem.
I would say not to fear.