Canon 12x36 Image Stabilization III Binoculars

Like many people interested in image stabilization binoculars, I did my due diligence. I investigated binoculars by Canon, Fujinon, Nikon, and multiple brands that were stratospherically price. The biggest concern of the biggest dilemma was deciding magnification and cost benefit to myself. I did fall in love with the 10 x 42 by Canon. Everyone was in love with the optics. Everyone felt the image stabilization was awesome. And, after reading multiple reviews from multiple sites, people who it owned the 12 x 36 Canon binoculars and the 10 x 42, were equally split among the benefits of each. Some people noted that having traded up to the 10 x 42, they wish they had maintained and kept the lighter weight ones which were more portable. Others clearly fell in love with the superior optics of the 10 x 42. From all my research, I could find no significant advantage of the Nikon or the Fujinon. Although the Fuji binoculars had much better image stabilization for the rough seas, there was no apparent benefit for simple general use such as outdoor birdwatching. The image stabilization in the Fujinon-was aimed for the rough seas and significant motion. Considering the weight, the Canon binoculars in the 10 x 42 size were both weighty and somewhat cumbersome. Additionally, the price was almost double that of the 12 x 36. I was looking for something that had a fairly high magnification and a decent field-of-view. I realize that the 10 x 42 does have a better field-of-view but I was certainly willing to live with the 12 x 36 Concerning the exit pupil and I relief, at 65 eyewear progressive lenses and have a slight astigmatism. I have no trouble with these glasses. I do fold the eye cups back in order to get a better field-of-view. However, even with the eye cups in their normal position, I can see through these binoculars easily. They focus without an issue and I have no trouble with the eye cups. The use of the stabilization button is intuitive and easy. The size is comfortable and the weight is excellent. Current pricing was approximately one half the price of the Canon 10 x 42. From my aspect, the choice of these binoculars was easy. I'm very pleased with my choice and do not regret it. If you're looking for lens covers for the end caps, I purchased these. A perfect fit Opticron Rubber Objective Lens Covers 50mm OG S Pair fits models with Outer Diameter 56~58mm

When I started looking for image stabilized binoculars I noticed many were expensive and also large and relatively heavy, making them cumbersome to use on a hike. Then I saw THESE binoculars. The Canon 12x36 IS III. Not only were they smaller than most and hundreds of dollars less expensive, but the reviews were EXCELLENT. I thought, was this too good to be true? I bought them to find out. Well, I can tell you that it's ALL true. The optics are sharp and the image stabilization is amazing. They feel good in your hands and I'm always amazed when I've focused in on a subject and push the button, how sudenly it's like the binoculars are on a tripod. The only negatives I can think of are that I wish the two caps for the eyepiece lenses were teathered to the binoculars as, knowing me, I'll probably lose one, and there are NO caps for the bigger objective lenses. Also, you DO have to hold down the button the entire time you're using the stabiliazation. It would have been nice to have them on a 30 second timer or something, but these are small netatives compared to the price and quality of these binoculars. If you're in the market for binoculars like these, unless you are made out of money or prefer the extra weight of other models, I can't think of why you wouldn't at least consider the Canon IS Stabilization III.

Purchased these for my wife. They are small/light enough for her to comfortably hold and easily focus. At 12x power, image stabilization is a game changer. It removes the shake that would otherwise make her dizzy. Battery life is great. We do remove the batteries when not in use to avoid a leaking corrosion disaster. I do worry some about the rubberized coating durability others have criticized, but these are holding up fine so far.

Good quality. Easy to adjust and use.

These are amazing binoculars! Like many of you, I have been looking for a pair of binoculars with higher magnification than my 25 year old, still excellent, Celestron 7x35's, and considered a 10x50 or 10x42. But I wanted them suitable for occasional use by my wife, as well as me, and my hands are no longer as stable as they once were. That means that weight is an issue. And of course, with higher magnification, there's also the issue of image shake. Then I learned of these Canon 12x36 imaged stabilized binoculars. The reviews were good, so I took a chance. They check (almost) all of the boxes. The image is bright, with no distortion. If they are heavier than my old 7x35's, I can't tell the difference. And the Image Stabilization button works magic. Image bouncing vanishes when you push the button. I use these for terrestrial and astronomical viewing. Excellent, excellent. Just a couple of negative points: First, most importantly, the image stabilization works only while you hold down the IS button. The downside of Canon's approach is that you need to devote a finger to continuously press the IS button. If you're trying to press the IS button while looking through the binoculars, then you've effectively added to the physical strain of using the binoculars. This might well be a deal killer for my wife, and it's annoying to me. This is simply inexcusable. Canon no doubt does this to prolong the battery life, lest you forget and leave it on. But as an electronics engineer, I know that it would be cheap and easy for Canon to add a simple timer to the electronics so that the IS turns itself off after some preset time. As a work-around, you can duct tape a dime or a small washer over the IS button to hold it down. Just remember to remove it afterwards or you will run down the battery. For the price, these binoculars can't be beat. A couple of low cost additions by Canon would make these world beaters.

These are awesome. Stabilizing is so nice Good weight not to heavy. Clear and easy to adj

These are awesome. Well worth it. Super steady image stabilization that really works and makes a huge difference. Light weight. Long battery life. Love them.

Excellent optics and the stabilization is wonderful; don’t know how I got along without it! Nice size and weight. Easy to take along and light enough so your arms don’t get fatigued, and impressive light gathering. Front lens caps are not included but as another reviewer pointed out, the Vortex flip cap covers (size FC-7) work great. When I first got these, I noticed a bird about 150 feet away in the backyard. Of course the binoculars brought him 12 times closer, but when I pressed and held the image stabilization button, it was easy to see he was standing on one leg and I noticed the wind ruffling his feathers! While plane spotting, I thought I was looking at a Delta Airlines jet. Using the image stabilization, it was very easy to read British Airways. And while star gazing on a clear night, the stars around the Orion nebula seemed to leap into view when using the stabilization feature. So far no sign of the rubber turning gooey as others have experienced. Bottom line, I wish I would’ve had these years ago to enjoy!

J'ai testé mes jumelles et je suis satisfait de la stabilité de l'image et de sa clarté. La jumelle est plus noir que vert et ne sera pas réfléchissant réduisant la détection. Le fini est de qualité mais pour m'assurer de la dureté du revêtement je vais appliquer une fois par année du protecteur 303. Le sac inclus est pas trop convaincant et ne protège pas beaucoup contre les impacts d'un voyage internationale. J'espère pouvoir utiliser cette jumelle pour de nombreuse année

I’ve had “good” binoculars for years but views of planets, the moon and other objects were always jittery. When the IS is turned on in the Canon IS, the image stabilizes and is as steady as if the binocs are mounted on a tripod. The binoculars are surprisingly light at about 740 g which compares well with my Nikon 10x40 Monarchs at 665g. Images are bright and crisp and, slightly better resolution than with the Nikons. I use them primarily for seeing astronomical objects and the image stability makes viewing much more pleasant. I would not hesitate to recommend them to someone willing to spend the extra dollars on a good pair of binoculars that will provide a lifetime of viewing pleasure

I've used these 12x36 iii IS binos and found them to be great optically and the Image Stabilization works as advertised -they are real magic to these 60 year old shaky hands. I've mostly used for astronomy (although plan to take them on cruises and other holidays). Easy to use and light weight Stars look pinpoint across the FOV, I'm able to split fairly close doubles easily, and the image stability really helps see a whole bunch more stuff, including those white ghostly planetaries. The moon looks very sharp, with good definition of surface features throughout all the phases. However, what I like best about them is they are grab and go. If the sky clears, there is not need for fussy tripods, just plop down on a lounger and look up, and commune with the heavens.

Excellent physically small, portable pair of binoculars. A perfect compromise for both daytime hiking and nighttime astronomy. Very good Image quality and good image stabilization. At 12x magnification the IS is a necessity and it works well. Also even with only 36mm objective the image is bright and clear. Couple of negative comments. It would be better if one didn’t have to hold the IS button down to operate IS. Not difficult but annoying. After spending so much on an otherwise excellent product - why are there no objective lens covers for the binoculars? Come on Canon you can do better than that. Now I have to search for covers (2.25” by the way).

The only thing I dislike is the weight. Everything else is perfect. I definitely would buy again. The weight dissuades me from taking it as a carry-on. On a cruise it was very good.