Canon Binoculars for a starter

[stardotstar (Will)]

Hi guys, I know I have not searched extensively and this is not an ideal way to start on any forum - but - I am in a position where I have the opportunity to get a Canon IS Binocular from the range.

BTW I have read here:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=17825
so my question is really about the Canon range...

For a beginner who wants a quality optic that will last, serve for terrestrial observation as well as am astronomy how high up in the Canon range do you think I will need to go to make the cost worth while.

These are the ones I am considering...

8x25IS (affordable but probably underpowered?)
10x30IS (looks good bang for buck)
10x42IS WP (pretty much completely out of price range!)
12x36IS II (affordable but how much better than 10x30IS for what I need)
15x50IS (expensive at my level of price range justification)
18x50IS (pretty much completely out of price range!)

I am guessing that the 10x30 or 12x36 with image stab are very good mid range binocs that could do the job - jumping up to 10x42 and 15x or 18x 50 the price increase is significant (like double)

Sorry to hit you up with an unresearched question out of the blue but I am needing to do something that will help me get my wife and budding astronomer (4 yo!) into it without leading to an inquisition

Suggestions very much appreciated.

Sorry I can't publish the actual prices (I work for Canon but have a limited window of opportunity for numerous reasons).

Will

[erick (Eric)]

Hi Will

Anything less that 50mm objectives will leave you wishing for more light-grabbing power when you go looking for fainter galaxies and nebulae. My "workhorse" pair are 12x60 - usually on a tripod. Magnification is a tough call. 8x to 10x is easier to locate objects, but you'll often wish you had more. The Moon is initially WOW!, but then you'd love to get a bit closer to those mountains and craters. As I said, I use 12x - I wouldn't suggest less that 10x. 15x is on the edge of being quite difficult to locate your target.

I've never had IS, but I understand that you may want plenty of spare batteries in your back pocket?

Good luck. Others will have direct experience to share, I'm sure.

[stardotstar (Will)]

Thanks very much for that confirmation of what I am reading since posting!

Looks like I will have to go the 10x42mm... Gonna be a tough sell to the boss anyway.

[dannat (Daniel)]

Will, what do you want to use them for - astronomy?

on a US forum the 18x50 is not liked - , the 10x30 isn't popular either, the choice of the range is the 15x50 for astronomy, and 10x42 - the best allround i think for both terrestrial & night sky - if you want dual purpose

apparently the optics are excellent - and the IS works a treat (usually at 10x mag and above you need a tripod to keep binos steady)

[Mike21 (Michael)]

There are some loose-change (that's how much they cost) bino's for sale in the Andrew's chuck-out bin (used and surplus stock) found at the bottom of this link's page.

http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm

Michael.

[stardotstar (Will)]

Thanks very much for that reply Mike! Wow that is cheap - I will definitely do more research and study along competitor lines...

Very interesting feedback on the 18x50 and the 10x30 dannat.

In fact that seems to correspond with my budget and requirement - I want a quality optic that will last years with Image Stab and be suitable for terrestrial observation - matches, bird watching at the beach etc. as well as assisting me in finding my first objects in the sky for:

a) my first foray into photography - I have an EOS 40D with a solid tripod and remote shutter release
b) my rekindled interest in astronomy.

By way of introduction I should say that I used borrowed telescopes and binocs etc many years ago when at Uni.. When I camped I would stargaze and although it never became a hobby I invested any money in I always thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Once I didn't have access to the gear and I couldn't afford any my opportunity to stargaze with optics waned - although I never tire of stargazing when outback (who would!!??!)

Now, I work for Canon (well for over 14 years actually) and never purchased a pair of binocs.

It is good to hear that the 10x42 is a well respected glass but I fear that the magnification is not going to cut it long term.

I went to our tech guys in optics and looked through some of the units they had on hand and the image stab is absolutely jaw dropping. They offer an L series lense (from the Pro EOS range I understand) but it is way expensive and only available to me in the 10x32.

Perhaps the 15x50 is really what I have to go for.

I will be keen to hear others thoughts and begin to study the art of photographing the sky!

Will

[stardotstar (Will)]

Hi all,

I am revisiting this thread because a situation has arisen that allows me to acquire a pair of Canon binocs that I otherwise will never have the chance to do.

It seems that for my 15years of service I can select one of the following:

1. A pair of the 18x50IS binocs
2. A pair of the 15x50IS binocs
3. A pair of the 10x42LIS binocs

Now, my profile has not much changed since this thread was active.
I am in a position where studying the moon, planets, satellites, constellations and so forth is very attractive and I am certainly going to get a good/solid tripod which all these binocs can be fitted to - despite having the IS feature I believe that using a tripod will assist with fatigue and control of the target area. I also will want to use them for terrestrial observation, matches, general observation and so forth.

I also see this as an opportunity to get as a service reward a product of a quality and type that I otherwise will never probably be able to...

This makes me carefully consider the 10x42 with the L series optics. I note that they were very favourably mentioned below for versatility. From what I have read the issues regarding the quality of the optics become very important when using for birding and astronomy and shere magnification is definitely only part of the equation.

The amount I can spend means that I have some significant change left over if I go with the 15x50s but the 18x50s and the 10x42s are the same value and max out my benefit.

It seems to me that the choice would be between the quality and versatility of the L series with 10x magnification knowing that whilst I won't see the extra detail of very distant objects the colour and optical integrity of all the viewing I do will be better; and the shear power in combination with the IS of the 18x.

I have tried the 10x42 and the 15x50 (I can't find an 18x to demo) and really don't have a problem finding and holding still or moving targets with either - although I can see that between 10 and 15 and 15 and 18 it is getting increasingly difficult to track moving targets.

The size and weight of the units is all much of a muchness and for serious viewing I guess I will have to either lie down and get used to handling them, or become comfortable with a tripod setup.

From what I read it is possible to see detail like the rings of saturn with the 18x and that on the 10x42L "Saturn definitely has "protrusions" and it is easy to see them as rings on the tiny target." - http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1625 (I hope this link is not in contravnention of a site rule - please let me know or delete it if it is) This reviewer also, praising the optic quality of the L series talks about the 10x42L as a perfect ""crossover" binocular supporting the various uses requiring good optics with a stabile view and portability".

But I am not convinced that given the unlikely possibility of ever being able to access gear of this price range and inate quality again getting the maximum magnification isn't the best option. Wider field of view can then be acquired with cheaper binocs at any time in the future, but the ability to get either an L or 18x50 Canon won't come around again. I am not likely to spend another 15 years I think!

To summarise the main spec differences:

18x50 IS

High magnification and image stabilizer

• 18 x 50 IS ALL WEATHER offer a high magnification of 18X
• Visible images are rock-steady, thanks to Canon's unique Vari-angle Prism Optical Image Stabilizer technology
• Light-touch IS button with one-touch IS on and off

Tough all weather construction

• Water resistant in all weather conditions, the 18 x 50 IS ALL WEATHER binoculars are suitable for use even in hard rain or at sea
• Full rubber skin provides shock resistance
• Dimpled surface provides a secure grip
• Large focusing and dioptric adjustment knobs provide excellent control, even with gloves

Outstanding optical performance

• Large 50mm objective lens provides a bright image with a wide field of view of 67 degrees
• UD glass elements provide high resolution images with excellent colour saturation
• Porro II prism design offers superior transparency and brightness
• Super Spectra coating reduces flare and ghosting
• Field flattener produces excellent image flatness for high edge sharpness
• 15mm eye relief enables use with glasses
• 100% lead-free construction - environmental responsibility

Great range of other features

• Accepts 58mm filters - eg. Polariser
• Tripod socket included
• Optional AE-B1 Anti-Fog Eyepiece available

Type
Prism binoculars


Magnification
15x (15x50IS)
18x (18x50IS)


Objective Lens
Effective Diameter: 50mm
Filter Threads: 58mm (P=0.75)


Real Field of View
15x50IS: 4.5 degrees (Field of View at 1000m: 79m)
18x50IS: (Field of View at 1000m: 65m)



Optical Construction

Objective Lens
4 elements in 3 groups (including protective glass. G3 uses UD glass)


Eyepiece Lens
7 elements in 5 groups


Exit pupil diameter
15x50IS: 3.3mm
18x50IS: 2.8mm


Eye Relief
15mm


Prism Type
Porro II prism


Pupil Distance Adjustment Range
58mm-76mm



Focusing and Dioptric correction

Focusing System
Objective Lens (G2-G4) movement


Focusing Method
Manual focusing by turning the focusing knob


L-R dioptic correction method
Adjustable with the right eyepiece lens


L-R dioptric correction range
+-3.0 diopters


Closest Focusing Distance
6m (19.7ft)


Dimensions & Weight
152x193x81mm (1180g body only)

10x42L IS

Image Stabilizer Function for steady viewing

• Canon unique Vari-Angle Prism Image Stabilizer detecting and correcting handheld shake for ultra stable viewing
• Image Stabilizer is activated by pressing the Image Stabilizer button on top and continues to operate once released. Switches off automatically after 5 minutes.
• Uses 2 AA-size batteries allowing up to 4 hours viewing with Image Stabilizer

Waterproof capability

• Special adhesives used to seal even the tiniest gaps making the binoculars waterproof
• Special metallic coating on exterior surfaces preventing fogging on the lens surfaces

Modern and Robust Design

• Smoothly curved contours discouraging the built-up of water, salt or sand
• Durable rubber body ensuring firm and secure grip
• Thick protective rubber layer around objective lens providing excellent shock protection
• Tripod mounting socket available for use with a tripod

Outstanding Optical Performance

• Ultra large 42mm lens diameter offering breathtakingly bright field of view
• 2 ultra-low dispersion lens elements providing crystal clear imaging performance
• Super Spectra coating to suppress flare and ghosting, giving bright, high-contrast images
• Environmentally friendly lead-free glass used in optical system

GENERAL

Magnification
10x


Objective lens diameter
Effective 42mm


Real field of view
6.5° (Field of view at 1000m: 114m)



OPTICAL CONSTRUCTION

Lens construction
Objective lens: 4 elements in 3 groups
Eyepiece lens: 7 elements in 5 groups


Exit pupil diameter
4.2mm


Eye relief
16mm


Prism type
Porro II prism


Pupil-distance adjustment range
57mm-75mm



FOCUSSING AND DIOPTRIC CORRECTION

Focusing system
Objective lens movement

Focusing method
Manual focusing by turning the focusing ring


L-R dioptric correction method
Adjustable with the dioptric correction ring


L-R dioptric correction range
±3.0 dioptres


Closest focusing distance
2.5m

IMAGE STABILIZER

Image Stabilizer system
Optical correction with Vari-Angle Prism


Correction angle
±0.8°


Shake detection system
Two gyro sensors


Image Stabilizer continuous operation time
+25°C: approx. 4 hours (using AA-size alkaline batteries)



GENERAL

Dimensions (WxDxH)
137 x 175.8 x 85.4mm


Weight
1030g (body only)


Operating environment
10°C to 45°C; 90% humidity

Standard accessories
Dedicated soft case, strap, objective lens cap, eyepiece lens cap


Power source
2x AA batteries

and the 15x50 IS

High magnification and image stabilizer

• 15 x 50 IS ALL WEATHER offer a high magnification of 15X
• Visible images are rock-steady, thanks to Canon's unique Vari-angle Prism Optical Image Stabilizer technology
• Light-touch IS button with one-touch IS on and off

Tough all weather construction

• Water resistant in all weather conditions, the 15 x 50 IS ALL WEATHER binoculars are suitable for use even in hard rain or at sea
• Full rubber skin provides shock resistance
• Dimpled surface provides a secure grip
• Large focusing and dioptric adjustment knobs provide excellent control, even with gloves

Outstanding optical performance

• Large 50mm objective lens provides a bright image with a wide field of view of 67 degrees
• UD glass elements provide high resolution images with excellent colour saturation
• Porro II prism design offers superior transparency and brightness
• Super Spectra coating reduces flare and ghosting
• Field flattener produces excellent image flatness for high edge sharpness
• 15mm eye relief enables use with glasses
• 100% lead-free construction - environmental responsibility

Great range of other features

• Accepts 58mm filters - eg. Polariser
• Tripod socket included
• Optional AE-B1 Anti-Fog Eyepiece available

Type
Prism binoculars
... otherwise same as 18x50IS

I have done a lot of reading and research and still am not sure what will be the best decision. Ultimately only I can make that decision and then live with it - since there will be no returning them - as I read from a member of a us astronomy site who got the 18s because he had to go to the top of the line and then traded them for the 15s...

The only thing I can ask here is what peoples impressions are of the different magnifications, the importance of the optical quality of the L lens and some thoughts and ideas of "if I were you" suggestions.

Thanks for reading guys and for the advice so far - I am glad I didn't just jump in and buy but have continued to study the options and now have a marvelous opportunity to get something in return for the years I spent at Canon.

BTW I already have HD camcorder and EOS DSLR so binocs is what I have determined I want to get with this service reward.

Will

[casstony]

My 2 cents: Lightweight 8x42 regular binoculars for moving objects/daytime, Canon 15x50IS for astronomy, and if you want higher magnification for the rings of Saturn there is always a telescope.

[Wavytone]

Choose max aperture and lowest magnification - the pair of 15 x 50's.
If you don't want them tell me where and how much

[stardotstar (Will)]

Thanks guys,

Gee its a frustrating and difficult decision.
I spent part of the weekend using the loan/trial 10x42L-IS and although there is no doubt that the optics are fantastic - even with my limited knowledge, I found myself wanting more magnification.

The weight is a major factor and I can see how fatiguing the use of them is for anything that takes much inclination.

The moon was great viewing this weekend and I had clear skies to view it with. I could get the sense of how much I'd be able to see with the extra magnification.

My gut feeling right now is that something of this value for no payment I might as well go the whole hog. If I find I need to get some smaller 8x they won't break the bank and i'll always have a big set on hand.

The only thing I am thinking could be good is to get the 15x as you mention very helpfully "max aperture and lowest magnification" Wavytone (Thankyou!) and tip the remaining value into another lens for my EOS40D... Must do some searching on that now.

It would be good to be able to photograph what I am able to see with the Binocs.

Thanks again guys, those short but clarifying comments have helped a great deal!

Will

[stardotstar (Will)]

Well its done!
In the end I have pushed the button on two items:
1 x 18x50IS Binocs
1 x EF75-300 EF 75-300MM F4-5.6 - lens for my EOS 40D

I did have to tip in a few dollars - but it feels like getting two great pieces of kit for $60 instead of one awesome thing for nothing.

Hopefully this will get me on the road to viewing the sky and then photographing what I am seeing!

I will also invest in a really solid tripod and then get on with the learning, playing and experimenting.

Thanks again for the advice - I'll be sure to post back when it comes through.

WRT the "max aperture and lowest magnification" which you both strongly recommending I figured that if I need lower mag glasses I will be able to afford that but I may never again get the chance to go to the max of the range. Looking at the specs the difference between 15 and 18x when it comes to field of view will be miniml for someone with no experience and by the time I want more versatility I'll be ready for a telescope and a non-Canon brand of Binocs.

Thanks again

Will