
When you make the switch from standard binoculars to image stabilization binoculars you really notice the difference straight away.
When it comes to image stabilizing binoculars you can’t go past the Canon 10×30 IS Ultra Compact Binoculars. It’s really amazing that Canon could fit their superior image stabilizing technology into such a compact pair of binoculars.
No more shaking or tremors when viewing a bird or deer in the distance. Even when you’re on a boat the up and down motion from the waves is reduced.
Click here for more reviews of Canon IS Binoculars
If you’re up in a light plane or helicopter looking down at the ground, the image stabilization will really clear up the viewing image.
Image stabilization in binoculars is fairly new, although the technology had previously existed in cameras and camcorders. This same technology was eventually ported to binoculars and Canon is the leader in this field.
Canon 10×30 IS Ultra Compact Video Review – Watch Below

Canon IS Binoculars Specifications
Canon 10×30 IS Ultra Compact | Canon 12×36 IS Ultra Compact | Canon 10×42 L IS WP |
---|---|---|
Size10 x 30 | Size12 x 36 | Size10 x 42 |
Eye Relief14.5mm | Eye Relief14.5mm | Eye Relief16mm |
Field of View314 feet | Field of View262 feet | Field of View341 feet |
Exit Pupil3 mm | Exit Pupil3 mm | Exit Pupil4.2 mm |
LensSuper Spectra Coating | LensSuper Spectra Coating | LensSuper Spectra Coating |
Weight22 oz | Weight23 oz | Weight2.3lbs |
Dimensions5.0 x 5.9 x 2.8 Inches | Dimensions5.0 x 6.9 x 2.8 Inches | Dimensions5.4 x 6.9 x 3.4 inches |
READ REVIEWS | READ REVIEWS | READ REVIEWS |
How The Canon Image Stabilizing Binoculars Work
The Canon 10×30 IS compact binoculars and in fact, all of their image stabilizing binoculars use the same technology for image stabilization. Inside the binoculars are multiple sensors and a small computer/microprocessor.
If the sensors detect movement the computer knows to make adjustments to the image. Due to their being an electronic computer built into the Canon image stabilizing it means they require two double “AA” batteries to operate.
Download My FULL Excel Sheet with over 200 Binoculars
I’ve compiled an Excel spreadsheet with all the binoculars that Amazon stock. I’m happy to share it with you. As it’s Excel you can slice and dice the data however you choose.
Click HERE to download the Excel file.
Main Usage For These Binoculars
The Canon 10×30 IS binoculars can actually be used in a variety of different activities, we’ve already mentioned a few above. Essentially if you’ve already been using standard binoculars with a 10x magnification, then using image stabilizing binoculars will on improve your experience.
Many people think that image stabilizing technology doesn’t really work or that it’s just a fad that will pass. These people probably don’t own or have not even tested image stabilizing binoculars.
If you’re out hunting and you’ve spotted some prey that gets spooked, following the prey across a field is made easier. This is because when you’re using image stabilizing binoculars and panning left or right to follow prey, the image still doesn’t shake. This is obviously the same case when you’re out birding.
Amateur astronomers are actually very fond of image stabilizing binoculars. When you’re looking up at the stars for a long period of time, your arms will become tired and your tremors and shaking will increase.
We already mentioned image stabilization binoculars are great for marine use and some of the Canon models are even waterproof. If you were holidaying on a cruise ship and looking at the port you’re entering, the image stabilization would be very handy.
Lens Quality
With the fantastic image stabilization technology, you would think the lenses in these binoculars wouldn’t be that great. Canon decided to use high-end glass for there is a range of binoculars.
The result of the lenses being coated with Canon’s Super Spectra multicoating and also their unique Doublet Field Flattener is images of amazing quality, super sharp and of course shake free.
A field flattened lens lowers the distortion of the image and also improves the sharpness of the edges. So you get a high-quality image from center to the edges. Lenses like this are mainly used in high-end binoculars.
Canon uses the world’s first double field flatten lens in the Canon 10×30 IS binoculars and all their image stabilizing binoculars.
Magnification
The Canon 10×30 IS Ultra Compact binoculars offer 10 times magnification. The combination of the 10x magnification and the super high quality lenses produces a crystal clear image across the entire field of view.
This is great for sitting in a large outdoor sports stadium watching a football game and keeping up with the players.
The Canon Image Stabilizing range come in magnification sizes of 8x, 10x, 12x, 15x and 18x.
Image quality
If you just had the lenses from the Canon 10×30 IS binoculars in a standard set of binoculars you would be very happy. The fact that the image stabilizing technology is also included just takes these binoculars to another level.
The lenses are coated with Canon’s Super Spectra multi-coating which should improve the overall quality of the image. The viewing image quality would be regarded as High Definition.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is always an important factor when you’re shopping around for a new pair of binoculars. Canon have not skimmed on these eye cups which offers you 14.5mm eye relief.
This should be adequate for anyone with glasses. The rubber based eye cups are also very comfortable, so you using the binoculars for the long period of time should be find.
Pros
Obviously the image stabilizing technology is the best feature these binoculars offer. Most people wouldn’t highly rate this feature, but once you try it out and notice the difference you get addicted to using it.
The binoculars are also surprisingly lightweight and compact, which makes it good to carry into a ball game.
At the end of the day for this quality pair of binoculars you’re getting some great value for money.
Cons
There isn’t really too many negative points in relation to these binoculars. You will need to provide batteries for the image stabilizing functionality to work.
But the batteries aren’t always engaged, it’s only when you press the button on the top of the binoculars to stabilize the image.

The Final Word
If you are looking for the best in image stabilizing binoculars then the Canon IS series is what you want.
Even when you aren’t using the stabilizing feature these binoculars provide a brilliant image that is comparable to any in the 10×30 size range.