The IS on the Kite 16x42 APC Stabilizer works very fast so I have no problem with IDs on fast birds. The IS works fine on horizontal movement and for a 16x with a 3.9 degree FOV birds are about as easy to locate as you would expect with that high of a magnification although it is not as easy as a lower magnification of course but once you do locate the bird you see much more detail than even a normal 16x binocular. I found the Kites to be better than all the different Canons I tried, as far as, stabilization and optics except for the Canon 10x42 IS-L which are a little better optically due to the HD glass and bigger AFOV. The Fujinon 14x40 TSX had a little better stabilization than the Kite and it too has excellent optics but it has a smaller AFOV than the Kite and it is a huge, heavy binocular at over 46 oz. which is more suited to static use on a boat for fishing. For long distance birding and wildlife observation where you are going to do any hiking at all I found the Kite 16x42 APC Stabilizer the best choice.
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Is IS for the birds? (1 Viewer)
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edwincjones
Well-known member
thank Dennis
edj
edj
I have to add even though the Kite 14x42 APC stabilized binocular was a good performer I did have trouble with the stabilizer, so I could have gotten a lemon, but it does make me question their reliability especially, as far as, the stabilization. I think the automatic on and off IS system could introduce some complexity into the system that could be prone to malfunctions. That is just my theory with no basis in fact.
Having tried IS binoculars, the concern is not their optical performance or superior ability to resolve detail, but rather, concerns about long term durability and reliability. A geriatric day-birder will prefer powered IS binoculars. The backpacker or hunter stuck in -10C weather for a week won't. Good binoculars last decades with little fuss. IS technology has advanced a lot in the 15 years since the Canon 10x42L was introduced. 15 years old optics are modern. 15 year old electronics are dinosaurs.
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YuShan
Well-known member
I might be interested in a small, lightweight IS monocular with ~15x magnification to complement my 8.5x42 binoculars. I don't have or want a spotting scope because it is too much to carry, but every now and then one comes across something too far away to identify and then it would be nice to have something in my pocket to deal with that. If anybody has a suggestion I would be happy to hear it.
PeterPS
Well-Known Member
Something like this?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bresser-Monocular-Optical-Image-Stabilizer/dp/B00X3S3Z6M
They weigh only 315g, and the reviews are not too bad.
That monocular looks pretty nice!
bockos
Well-known member
Благодаря. Вярно ли е, че новият Fujinon има най-добрите IS ... години експлоатация. Да, тежък е, но стабилизацията и оптиката са добри за 14x .... Какво мислите, защото сте работили с новия Fujinon 14x40?
YuShan
Well-known member
Yes, that looks like something worth trying out
It is a little pricey though being a Bresser at $500.
It must be a Kamakura clone or made by Kamakura. It looks similar to the Bresser in ways. Less expensive though. At APM only $350. So much of this stuff by the time you see it it is discontinued!
Opticron MMS 160 - Image stabilized handheld scope
Just saw the demo video on Facebook/YouTube. https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=5JI-mvRPgyI
www.birdforum.net
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You have a good point and their durability and reliability problems are a big turnoff with IS binoculars for a lot of birders. I don't think they will ever be a large share of the market for that reason.
Hermann
Well-known member
OTOH the IS in camera lenses is pretty durable and reliable, even in budget lenses. I also haven't heard of many problems with the Canon IS binoculars. Not really surprising as Canon have got a lot of experience with IS systems in their camera lenses. Sure, binoculars without IS are inherently more reliable - provided they are well made - but the advantages IS offers are to great to ignore them.
Hermann
IS is nice, but it would be great if they could integrate the IS system into a more normal looking binocular that wasn't so heavy. The Canon IS binoculars are probably the most reliable IS binoculars but why do they have to be so strange looking? I think if they had the ergonomics of a normal binocular more people would buy them.
I know especially with 10x. The Canon IS 10x42 are great optically and a great bargain. I won't say they are heavy anymore since I am carrying a Fujinon FMTR-SX 10x50 that weighs a little more even than the Canons!They grew on me, Dennis. When I take non-IS binos 'into the field ' now, I notice the tremors (and not because I'm ageing!). If I go out without a scope, I always use my Canon IS 10x42.
How are you liking those Canon 8x20 IS? Do you still use them?They grew on me, Dennis. When I take non-IS binos 'into the field ' now, I notice the tremors (and not because I'm ageing!
Nearly every day! My 'go-to' bino for lockdown walks up the local headland or down by the coast. Remarkably fast and stable IS system. Lightweight and pocketable in a bellows pocket. Locating the IS button while they're held to the eyes takes some getting used to, but that's a,minor quibble. Lovely binos, thank you for the recommendation!
The Canons work good. I just wish they would make them look more like a normal binocular. The Canon 8x20 looks like a toy. The Canon 10x42 IS-L has superb optics, but I wish it wasn't so brick shaped.