Canon vs Kite stabilized binoculars (1 Viewer)

[DRodrigues]

...
The resolution of a good 14x IS binocular is probably double that of a hand held 12x50 non IS binocular in the real world.
...

Being used 15x56 binoculars since many years, recently I purchased a Canon 18x50: - didn't bought the 15x50 since the 18x could be relevant to increase the reach of reading nasal saddles of my marked ducks but also to "justify" the purchase of another binocular...
Having used it few times until now, it already gained it's place: - it proved my expectations reading duck codes within a study area but it changed already my way of birding. Never will forget a moment when an Elanus caeruleus was hovering at a close distance from a hide and I could see all details of the bird, including it closing and opening the toes - those details would be impossible to notice with the 15x56 binoculars hand-held - and it looks like I was seeing a 4K film in a big TV but with all immersion that only true optics allow!...

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[kabsetz]

David,

Welcome to the club. You will have many more moments such as the one with the Elanus C.
I have been using Eneloops on my Canon for years, and don't think there is any drawbacks to them. Lithium batteries are even better, but a more expensive option. Its best to charge your batteries before they are at risk of running down, but even that is not often, maybe every two weeks or so even with pretty heavy birding.

 

[etudiant]

Can you please elaborate this?
My 18x50 came with alkaline batteries and I'm using rechargeable batteries since nowadays I don't think it makes sense using disposable batteries...
I just read the manual and doesn't mention rechargeable batteries...

The stabilization went out after the rechargeables (decent ones, Eneloop 2400s) ran out of power. while in use.
I speculate that the reduced voltage may have been the issue, although it may have been simple coincidence and the batteries blameless.
In any event, I switched to lithium AAs and have had no further problems.
However, I believe Canon does not recommend lithium batteries in some of the newer offerings, so it is worth checking for each model..

 

[kabsetz]

I have often had rechargeables run out while viewing, with no consequences except being left with a muggle binocular for a while

 

[DRodrigues]

...
I have been using Eneloops on my Canon for years, and don't think there is any drawbacks to them. Lithium batteries are even better, but a more expensive option. Its best to charge your batteries before they are at risk of running down, ...

Thanks Kimmo
I've being using camera traps since several years so I have all set of rechargeable AA batteries and chargers. Before I go to field (not so frequently as some years ago and as I wish...), I always check photo camera batteries and now I already recharge batteries for the Canon, including a spare pair...

 

[Tyrolean]

I have just ordered a Kite APC 12x30 and could compare it to my old Canon IS II 12x36. I was disappointed by the Kite's optical performance in comparison. It was clearly less sharp either with the IS on or mounted on a tripod without IS. There was less contrast as well. The fact that the focus wheel is much more fiddly with the Kite was also a negative point, but one you could have got used to if the optics had been as good as the Canon's. Of course, being water proof and having longer battery life would have been great features, but they do not outweigh worse optical performance (for me, at least). So, unfortunately, I had to send them back.

 

[Hermann]

I have just ordered a Kite APC 12x30 and could compare it to my old Canon IS II 12x36. I was disappointed by the Kite's optical performance in comparison. It was clearly less sharp either with the IS on or mounted on a tripod without IS. There was less contrast as well. The fact that the focus wheel is much more fiddly with the Kite was also a negative point, but one you could have got used to if the optics had been as good as the Canon's.

Kite (or rather Kamakura) still don't seem to have sorted out their IS binoculars. To be honest, it shouldn't be too difficult to design a binocular that equals the optical performance of the Canon 12x36 IS II. After all, the Canon isn't a premium product in Canon's line up. But maybe the problem lies in the design of the stabilizer. Maybe it's difficult (or even impossible?) to make an optically decent binocular with a stabilizer based on a gimbal. But that's pure speculation.

Of course, being water proof and having longer battery life would have been great features, but they do not outweigh worse optical performance (for me, at least). So, unfortunately, I had to send them back.

Unterstandable. I personally would love to see a (reasonably) light and waterproof 10x30 or 10x40 IS. The big Canon (10x42 L IS) is of course waterproof, but the weight ... 👹

Thanks for the report. Very useful, I now don't think I need to look at the APS 12x30.

Hermann

 

[Montereyman]

I bought the Sig Sauer 16x42 HDX last summer and still using the original AA battery. At 22 ounces they are not a heavy binocular and I like that there is a normal or target mode with the latter used for a stationary subject and increases image stabilization by another 50%. The Sig Sauer have IPX7 waterproof and fog-proof rating which is to be expected as their primary market is hunters who want them for glassing the field and identifying distant subjects.

 

[Paultricounty]

Kite (or rather Kamakura) still don't seem to have sorted out their IS binoculars. To be honest, it shouldn't be too difficult to design a binocular that equals the optical performance of the Canon 12x36 IS II. After all, the Canon isn't a premium product in Canon's line up. But maybe the problem lies in the design of the stabilizer. Maybe it's difficult (or even impossible?) to make an optically decent binocular with a stabilizer based on a gimbal. But that's pure speculation.

Unterstandable. I personally would love to see a (reasonably) light and waterproof 10x30 or 10x40 IS. The big Canon (10x42 L IS) is of course waterproof, but the weight ... 👹

Definitely heavy and feels like a brick in the hands, but it is well balanced. That being said the 10x42 L IS is on another level optically , a clear step up from the other Canons or any of the Kites. Imo.

Thanks for the report. Very useful, I now don't think I need to look at the APS 12x30.

Hermann