Posting this here because Canon is the main IS bino manufacturer and probably the most likely to introduce new models...
I've been wondering if you could design an IS binocular for birding, what format it would be, and what features would it have? I've tried the Canon 18x50 (briefly) and given the 10x42 IS-L two sessions (about 30min and about 20min) at the 2019 Birdfair. The IS feature really impresses me, especially in difficult situations, but the 10x42 is larger and heavier than I'd like. I can live with something that size for certain situations, but there are plenty of times I would prefer a lighter/handier binocular (which is partly why I don't own one myself).
Looking at the rest of the Canon range, Canon seems to go for higher magnification for objective size than most typical binoculars - probably working on the assumption that IS offsets the shake from higher magnification/the fiddlyness of the smaller exit pupil. I haven't tried the 12x36 or smaller objective sizes (8x20, 10x30) but from what I gather the IS increases the size of these binoculars such that the 8x20 is more like the size of a typical 8x30. The 10x42 is a pretty hefty unit and probably comparable to many 10x50s in size/bulk. The 12x36 looks like it might be comparable to a conventional x42 binocular - can any users chime in?
I was thinking that a binocular along these lines could be pretty interesting:
You would then have something about the size of a conventional largish 10x42 but with IS. I can't say I would rush out immediately and get one, but I'd have to consider it a lot more seriously than the 10x42 IS-L - which is a device with some remarkable and unique qualities that, unfortunately, in most of the situations I use a binocular are outweighed (literally) by its size and bulk. I wonder to what extent a 10x42 IS-L replacement (if and when it happens) will be along these lines?
A smaller (say 8x30) and larger (say 12x42) format would also be really interesting. They would go against Canon's preference for high magnification for a given objective size but it's worth noting that their premier model (10x42 IS-L) is a pretty conventional format, and even Canon acknowledge in their blurb for the 10x42 IS-L that the 4.2mm exit pupil has value. 10x works better for me for a lot of the observation I do, though. I've considered the 12x36, especially after yarrelli's praise for it, and will try it the next chance I get, but the 87.5m field of view sounds as though it would be very confining. I've learned to live with the 105m of my 10x42 SE but would really like more - at least the old standard of 110m for a 10x40, like the 10x40 Dialyt had.
What would the ideal IS binocular format/design for your situation be?
I've been wondering if you could design an IS binocular for birding, what format it would be, and what features would it have? I've tried the Canon 18x50 (briefly) and given the 10x42 IS-L two sessions (about 30min and about 20min) at the 2019 Birdfair. The IS feature really impresses me, especially in difficult situations, but the 10x42 is larger and heavier than I'd like. I can live with something that size for certain situations, but there are plenty of times I would prefer a lighter/handier binocular (which is partly why I don't own one myself).
Looking at the rest of the Canon range, Canon seems to go for higher magnification for objective size than most typical binoculars - probably working on the assumption that IS offsets the shake from higher magnification/the fiddlyness of the smaller exit pupil. I haven't tried the 12x36 or smaller objective sizes (8x20, 10x30) but from what I gather the IS increases the size of these binoculars such that the 8x20 is more like the size of a typical 8x30. The 10x42 is a pretty hefty unit and probably comparable to many 10x50s in size/bulk. The 12x36 looks like it might be comparable to a conventional x42 binocular - can any users chime in?
I was thinking that a binocular along these lines could be pretty interesting:
- 12x36 body/form factor (smaller and appears more ergonomic than the 10x42 IS-L)
- 10x magnification
- optical quality equal to the 10x42 IS-L (which I felt was just below alpha class - more comparable to the Conquest HD class, which are great binoculars in their own right)
- ideally fully waterproof/sealed, although splash/rainproof is acceptable
- twist eyecups, although rubber eyecups are acceptable
- state of the art IS and battery for best performance/longest endurance
- ideally a longer warranty period on the electronics and/or being less expensive to service if faults arise
You would then have something about the size of a conventional largish 10x42 but with IS. I can't say I would rush out immediately and get one, but I'd have to consider it a lot more seriously than the 10x42 IS-L - which is a device with some remarkable and unique qualities that, unfortunately, in most of the situations I use a binocular are outweighed (literally) by its size and bulk. I wonder to what extent a 10x42 IS-L replacement (if and when it happens) will be along these lines?
A smaller (say 8x30) and larger (say 12x42) format would also be really interesting. They would go against Canon's preference for high magnification for a given objective size but it's worth noting that their premier model (10x42 IS-L) is a pretty conventional format, and even Canon acknowledge in their blurb for the 10x42 IS-L that the 4.2mm exit pupil has value. 10x works better for me for a lot of the observation I do, though. I've considered the 12x36, especially after yarrelli's praise for it, and will try it the next chance I get, but the 87.5m field of view sounds as though it would be very confining. I've learned to live with the 105m of my 10x42 SE but would really like more - at least the old standard of 110m for a 10x40, like the 10x40 Dialyt had.
What would the ideal IS binocular format/design for your situation be?
