Whether you are buying your binoculars for hunting, birding, sightseeing, navigation, research, or something else, you want to invest in a high-quality set.
"Quality" is definitely a word that accurately describes the Canon 18x50 Image Stabilization All-Weather Binoculars.
If you're looking for a pair of binoculars that's just on a different level than most other sets, these are great. But, there is always cons with every set.
These binoculars are high quality, have a great zoom, and can handle all sorts of weather conditions. They are not ultra impact-resistant so they can't take as much abuse as other pairs, but overall still good.
Let's dive in.
Main Usage
As the name suggests, the main usage of these binoculars is for image stabilization. As you're probably aware, the more you magnify, the more your slight hand motions are magnified, making it more difficult to spot/discern objects at distance.
To initiate the image stabilization on these Canon Binoculars, simply press the button. When you are done using it, press it again. It's convenient you don't have to press and hold the button to use it, but it could limit battery life if you forget to turn it off.
The Canon 18x50 IS binoculars can actually be used in for a ton of different outdoors activities. If you've already been using 18x magnification binoculars, then these are perfect and will improve your experience.
If you've been using lower magnification binos, then these are great too to up your game because using image stabilizing binoculars will on improve your experience.
So, we would rate these great for hunting, navigation, hiking, etc. They will work for other uses as well, of course, but might be a bit more than needed for birding, unless you plan on trekking deep into the woods to do it.
Many people think that image stabilizing technology doesn't work well or that it's just a passing fad. Those people probably haven't ever used IS binoculars because the image stabilization is amazing!
Additionally, they are all-weather, so they are well suited for long trips in the wilderness.
If you’re out hunting and you’ve spotted some prey that gets spooked, following the prey across a field is made easier. his 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 actually really like image stabilizing binoculars. When you’re looking up at the stars or moon for a long period of time, the tremors in your arms and hands will increase as you become more fatigued.
These Canon image stabilization binoculars are great for marine use as well. So, if you were holidaying on a cruise ship and looking at the port you’re entering, the image stabilization would be very handy.
Canon 18x50 Image Stabilization (IS) Specifications
| Canon 18×50 IS | Canon 12×36 IS Ultra Compact | Canon 10×42 L IS WP |
|---|---|---|
Size18 x 50 | Size12 x 36 | Size10 x 42 |
Eye Relief15mm | Eye Relief14.5mm | Eye Relief16mm |
Field of View212 feet | Field of View262 feet | Field of View341 feet |
Exit Pupil2.8 mm | Exit Pupil3 mm | Exit Pupil4.2 mm |
LensSuper Spectra Coating | LensSuper Spectra Coating | LensSuper Spectra Coating |
Weight41.6 oz | Weight23 oz | Weight2.3lbs |
Dimensions6.0 x 7.6 x 3.2 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 |
Canon 18x50 IS Video Review - Watch Below
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How The Canon Image Stabilization Binoculars Work
The Canon 18x50 IS 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.
Glass/Lens
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 this 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 18x50 IS binoculars and all their image stabilizing binoculars.
Magnification
The Canon 18x50 Image Stabilization Binoculars offer 18 times magnification. The combination of the 18x magnification and the extremely high quality lenses produces a clear image across the entire field of view (which is quite wide).
This is great for sitting in a large outdoor sports stadium, hunting, or scanning the horizon.
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 18x30 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. This improves the image and quality overall. If you're looking for a high-definition image from your binoculars, these ones fit the bill.
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 15mm eye relief.
This should be good for anyone with glasses or who needs more eye relief. 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. It's extremely important for binoculars with this magnification, as 18x is a bit higher than you can manually control for without built in technology or a stand.
At the end of the day for this quality pair of binoculars you’re getting some great value for money.
Cons
Overall, these are a heavy pair of binoculars. You expect that when you get into higher magnification ranges, but just pay attention to it as your arms will get tired.
Also, while being very rugged, the rubber coating is not impervious and it can get damaged. This will affect the binoculars weather-proof abilities. 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 18x50 size range.