After a drop in Canon 10x30s, some question (2 Viewers)

[jb b]

Hello,

Three weeks ago, my Canon 10x30 IS II stabilised binoculars fell over (They were in the case, but the case is too thin). At first, I felt that the focusing wheel was hard. After several hours, it became smooth and precise again, phew.

Since then, I've noticed that the stabilisation works, but doesn't seem to perform as well: there are micro-shakes that mean that the image doesn't often freeze.
I had a birdwatcher friend who has Canon binoculars try them out. According to him, there's a problem with the alignment of the optics: he felt it when he took the binoculars off, and his eyesight had to readjust.
As for me, I feel my head being pulled and my neck is aching. I don't enjoy using the binoculars any more.

At the moment, Canon's after-sales service is fully occupied with the Olympic Games, so I don't have a verdict yet.

Are there any tests to refine the diagnosis?

I wonder if it's repairable and at what cost. It might be better to go for a new pair.
If I decide to buy again, what is your advice on binoculars that perform better than the stabilised 10x30?
Let me say straight away that the 10x42 IL are certainly tempting, but too heavy for birdwatching and hours in the field!
Are the 10x32s a good improvement on my 10x30s? The 10x32s are heavier and much more expensive. Is the price justified?

If Canon took the trouble to make a 10x30 with lenses like the 10x42 but limiting the weight, it would be perfect!

Thank you if you have any experiences similar to mine, and if you still recommend the Canon 10x30 IS II as a stabilised binocular for birdwatching.

(With the help of a translator)

 

[Binastro]

Personally, I would get a new Canon Mk2 10x30 IS, as the price is reasonable and you have found your 10x30 to be suitable.

Canon repairs are expensive and not very cost effective, and also sometimes not successful.

I wouldn't buy a secondhand one.

The IS on my Canon Mk2 10x30 IS is actually the best on any of my Canons but they may vary.

Home insurance may cover accidental damage, but a claim may result in increased premiums.
Also the insurer may use their own repairers, which usually results in a very poor repair.

It may be that the drop just knocked it out of collimation.

Regards,
B.

 

[jb b]

Thank you very much for your reply, @Binastro
I'm waiting for feedback from the after-sales service to make the right choice, but I think it will be a new purchase. I'll keep you posted.

And for the title of the subject: ‘some questions’. I don't know if anyone can correct it, I can't manage it.

 

[Hermann]

If I decide to buy again, what is your advice on binoculars that perform better than the stabilised 10x30?
Let me say straight away that the 10x42 IL are certainly tempting, but too heavy for birdwatching and hours in the field!

True, the 10x42 is a beast. However, I find the 10x42 quite manageable on a harness. Carried it on several longish hikes in the Norwegian mountains this summer, in sometimes difficult terrain. But I also took a lighter pair (with lower magnification) with me that I used on days when I carried a scope as well.

Are the 10x32s a good improvement on my 10x30s? The 10x32s are heavier and much more expensive. Is the price justified?

I think they are better. A bit. But the price ... It's a bit steep for what they are in my opinion. Too much CA for the price, and like the 10x30 they aren't waterproof.

If Canon took the trouble to make a 10x30 with lenses like the 10x42 but limiting the weight, it would be perfect!

True. And the could improve the ergonomics as well.

Thank you if you have any experiences similar to mine, and if you still recommend the Canon 10x30 IS II as a stabilised binocular for birdwatching.

I would, yes. If it works for you and your style of birding you should be fine. I personally still hesitate because I want waterproofing in my binoculars (and scopes).

Hermann

 

[jb b]

Thank you, @Hermann , it's always a pleasure to hear about your experiences and your thoughts on the spotting scope.

As far as repairs are concerned, I've just been told (by Canon after-sales service) that the cost is about half that of the binoculars. I'm not sure about the 10x30 ISII model. I don't think it's worth repairing. The binoculars are 7 years old.

Following your advice @Binastro and @Hermann , I'm thinking of buying the same one, the 10x30 ISII. The money difference is too great with the 10x32. Canon's range is bizarre (and complicated I find), the price difference with a superior model is considerable! What's more, there are few new releases and few technical or ergonomic developments, it's been a long time since the 10x42 IL was offered, for example.

I'm not looking for waterproofing.
As someone who has used the 10x30 and 10x42, is the image quality much better?
I'm really worried about the weight, even with a sling. Could the purchase of a 10x42 be justified if it avoids the purchase of a spotting scope? Maybe not completely, I think.
(I found that my stabilised 10x30s were more interesting (because practical) than the Swarovski ATC 17-40x56 for low magnification. After 3 days' experience, I didn't keep the ATC, and I'm still thinking about the spotting scope...).

Thanks again for your help.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

 

[Binastro]

The 10x42L IS has a better image, but in your case I think the 10x30 Mk 2 IS makes more sense.

It is lower priced, partly because Canon deliberately keeps the 10x30 price more competitive.
It also isn't so heavy.
The 10x42 L IS does not really compete with a scope on a tripod.

I definitely would not pay half the new price for a repair which may not last.

Regards,
B.

 

[Hermann]

What Binastro said. I think exactly the same.

A couple of additional points: Do you wear eyeglasses? If so, you'd need to check the 10x42 very carefully before buying. The eyerelief works for some eyeglass wearers, but no means for all. The 10x30 is much better in that respect.

And, like Binastro said, the 10x42 IS is not a substitute for a scope. Not enough magnification. If you want more magnification - get a scope, not a big binocular.

BTW, if you never used a scope, you might get a small and cheap scope, like the Kowa TSN-501. Small, light, and perfectly useable up to ~30x-35x. Sure, the zoom is pretty narrow, but it's OK. There's a review here on the forum by someone who knows what he's talking about: Kowa TSN-501 - a brief review The beauty is that if you catch the scope bug and want to get a big scope, you can still keep the small Kowa for use on walks and the like. Beware though that the eypiece may not work for you if you wear eyeglasses!

Hermann

 

[yarrellii]

@jb b In case it's of any help, I had a similar problem last year. I dropped my 12x36 Canon IS III and they got out of alignment (eventually I discovered that they landed on an eyepiece that got broken). I got them repaired by dekijkerspecialist.nl and I'm really happy.

Here's the link about the matter as I posted last year:

Canon ISIII 12x36 First impressions: amateurs vs professionals

@Hermann Thanks for your comments. The 10x42 IS sounds, by most accounts, like "the" binocular. However, weight/size have a lot of weight on my scale of preferences (FOV, close focus and other considerations having less), so I'm not sure I would be tempted. Although, knowing that they have...

www.birdforum.net

I can't remember how much I paid, but I'm sure it was not 50 % of the new 10x30 price. I just can't remember how much I paid, but maybe more like 150 € or so. Maybe it's worth checking with Wim from De Kijkerspecialist. I discovered that repair service asking here in Birdforum, and I've used it previously with another model also with a good experience.

As for the new 10x32, I simply see no reason to pay way more for a binocular that, even if it's better in some areas (CA control remains an issue, as has been exposed here)... but Canon simply hasn't addressed the main issues of the 10x30, like waterproofing, CA... and then the new 10x32 is heavier and bigger!! In may case, the answer is a clear "No, thank you".


Edit: I also happen to have the Kowa TS 501 and can also recommend it wholeheartedly. As long as you are aware of its limitations (size, lack of ED glass, etc.) I think it's a small little gem that quite simply doesn't seem to stop impressing me.

 

[jb b]

Thank you very much for your contributions @Hermann and @Binastro .

Thanks to you @yarrellii , there is indeed a possible link between headaches and collimation (without stabilisation problems).
I've already had pain after a week of intense use this spring in Brittany, by the sea. So the same thing, but worse this summer. Perhaps there was already a problem before the binoculars fell out. When I'm at the seaside, I'm observing all day and my eyes are under a lot of strain (perhaps too much?).

Yesterday I received stabilised Canon 10x30 ISII binoculars. I was able to do a few tests and make a comparison. It appears that the stabilisation of these new binoculars is the same as my old ones. So I don't have a stabilisation problem.
This confirms a collimation problem. I'm going to continue with some observations, being very careful.
I'm annoyed by the focusing wheel, which is far too fluid. There's very little resistance when you turn it and it feels like it's floating. Perhaps it's a question of habit.

I'm not sure I'll be keeping these new binoculars.
I'll look into the cost of collimation (Canon after-sales service probably? I don't know if it's practical to send a pair of binoculars to the Netherlands from France).

At the same time, I'm a bit disappointed to have made a purchase that's no better than the previous one (that's normal here, it's the same equipment).I think I want my image to improve. Maybe that's why I was questioning the stabilisation, even though it works well. (The stabilisation of the 10x30 II is very good but not perfect).

As for the spotting scope, it's a very good idea that you've suggested. To be continued.

Thanks again to everyone for reading and helping me.

(Sorry for my English, I used the help of a translator.)

 

[etudiant]

I've no experience with Canon service in Europe, but here in the US in 2018 Canon asked a stiff fee ($500 iirc in my case with a 10x42) simply for service inspection, with the payment applicable to the cost of the repair. While the repair was eventually successful, at a somewhat higher price, it was clear that Canon groups these binoculars in the same category as their consumer cameras, items that are replaced rather than repaired