Canon’s 12x36 Image Stabilization Binocular
Fujinon’s Techno-Stabi 12x28 Compact Binocular
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A key to using binoculars is being able to hold your equipment steady. If you have trouble holding your binoculars steady, there are some impressive “image-stabilized” models for you. These specialized binoculars really help to keep your subject sharp with a built-in image stabilization mechanism, even when you’re on a boat, ship or in a running auto or truck. If you wish to get more magnification from binoculars, image stabilization (IS) provides a much-improved option at magnifications of 12x, 14x and even 18x, without having to use a tripod.
Two companies have specialized in image-stabilized binoculars – Canon and Fujinon. Let’s take a closer look!
When you try image stabilization binoculars for the first time, you will notice they feel and respond very differently from traditional models. They tend to feel bulky at first, the magnification tends to be greater and the field of view tends to be smaller, but you immediately see the shake-free, vibration-free view. Image stabilization binoculars lock in on the subject to create a stabilized field of vision.
An important point is that you really need to try IS binoculars in hand. Another important point is that you will need to get familiar with them; like anything, we often need to get used to using image stabilization binoculars. They are in some ways a different animal, and that’s the attraction for some people – they are another option to use in certain conditions.
Canon has offered IS binoculars for decades and now markets 10 image-stabilization models for you to choose from. Some models are reasonably priced, some are expensive; so the good news is that there is a range of good options. Magnification ranges from 8x to 18x in the variety of Canon IS models, with prices increasing with greater magnification. The best news is that the Canon IS models are highly rated by users.
For a look at all the Canon Image Stabilization Binoculars, see https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/list/binoculars/is-binoculars
To view an illustrated video, see
The other player in the image-stabilization market is Fujinon, who offers two models in their Techno-Stabi (TS) Series Binoculars, a 12x20 and a 14x20 TS model. Fujinon also provides two models in their Stabi-Scope series, namely the 12x40 and 16x40 models. Fujinon even offers a new image-stabilization compact model, the TS 12x28 Compact Binoculars!
For more information about Fujinon’s Techno-Stabi Binoculars, see https://www.fujifilmusa.com/products/binoculars/technostabi/index.html
Fujinon also provides a helpful video that describes the TS 12x28 Compact Binocular at https://www.fujifilmusa.com/products/binoculars/technostabi/index.html#video1
Image stabilization binoculars are certainly worth checking into, as a primary binocular or a secondary option. Are IS binoculars an option for you?