Canon 10 x 30 Water-Resistant Binoculars with Image Stabilizer

Well worth the price for stable viewing

Strengths: easy to hold, excellent optics, wonderful stabilization system

Weakness: no protective caps for objective lenses, stabilizer drains batteries quickly

After years of using traditional binoculars, I finally got fed up at not being able to discern fine detail because my hands and arms weren't as stable as a tripod. And who is going to bring a tripod to a sporting event or a casual birdwatching outing? The Canon IS line of binoculars is simply amazing - simply press and hold the stabilizer button, and you can make out all those jittery details you...
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After years of using traditional binoculars, I finally got fed up at not being able to discern fine detail because my hands and arms weren't as stable as a tripod. And who is going to bring a tripod to a sporting event or a casual birdwatching outing?

The Canon IS line of binoculars is simply amazing - simply press and hold the stabilizer button, and you can make out all those jittery details you usually miss in a hand-held image. I can easily read license plates at 1/2 mile+ away now, the moons of Jupiter are clear, the orientation of the rings of Saturn is clearly discernible, and it is like being on the field at a sporting event.

My complaints with the binoculars are minimal compared to their performance - the batteries drain quickly when using the stabilizer (maybe 4-6 hours of stabilizer use on a set of normal AA alkalines), and the objectives can't be capped, because they don't protrude from the chassis. Otherwise, with a little TLC and careful handling, these are ideal binoculars for resolving fine detail without a tripod.

By raedward - Nov 19, 2008

Excellent image, but lack some useful features

Strengths: unbelievably clear, steady image

Weakness: not waterproof, no caps on objectives, IS button won't "stick" for 5-10 minutes

These are the least expensive IS binoculars in their class (not counting Russian binoculars). The image they produce is very, very good, however Canon puts a lot of restrictions on their use. According to Canon, you can't use them in high humidity, high/cold environments, etc. They are not water- or fog-proof. They come only with ocular caps and no objective caps, so you got to find a way to...
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These are the least expensive IS binoculars in their class (not counting Russian binoculars). The image they produce is very, very good, however Canon puts a lot of restrictions on their use. According to Canon, you can't use them in high humidity, high/cold environments, etc. They are not water- or fog-proof. They come only with ocular caps and no objective caps, so you got to find a way to protect them. The case is too thin and does not provide adequate protection either.

By sem99 - Jan 3, 2006

Amazing Binoculars for the $$$$

Strengths: Image clarity is incredible...

Weakness: Must hold button down for IS to work...

I ordered both of Canon IS models 8x25 and 10x30 after debating between size/cost and love both of them. If I only received the 8x25, I would also have been happy. Howevever, when you put them side by side, the 10x30 have better image quality and build quality....

Highly recommend

By atwnsw2 - Jan 14, 2007

Cannon 10 x 30 IS Binoculars

Strengths: Works as advertised. The stablizer adds a new deminsion. Well built and easy to use.

Weakness: None that I noted.

Works as advertised and the various write-ups. The stabilizer really works and is great for sporting events - i.e., football games. The binoculars are easy to use and had excellent clarity. The 10 x 30 really brought the action much closer and is a must have for anyone sitting in the stadium upper deck. A little expensive for the average person, but being a one time purchase it was a great value....
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Works as advertised and the various write-ups. The stabilizer really works and is great for sporting events - i.e., football games. The binoculars are easy to use and had excellent clarity. The 10 x 30 really brought the action much closer and is a must have for anyone sitting in the stadium upper deck. A little expensive for the average person, but being a one time purchase it was a great value. I highly recommend this model.

By rdbroci - Jan 22, 2007

Mine are around 10 years old and still work perfectly.

Strengths: The stabilization is incredible. With the push of a button you can discern small details. Reading writing on distant objects, which can be a headache, is a snap with them.

Weakness: Bulky for 10x30 but worth it for the IS. They aren't armored or waterproof, although with reasonable care it's never been a problem for me.

I bought them shortly after they came out and have traveled with them extensively. Alaska's climate never caused any problems, and for whale watching in Hawaii they're superb. Definitely try them before purchasing expensive standard binoculars because you may find, like me, that a slightly better image quality is useless when you can't make anything out of it due to movement. I have Nikon Premier...
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I bought them shortly after they came out and have traveled with them extensively. Alaska's climate never caused any problems, and for whale watching in Hawaii they're superb. Definitely try them before purchasing expensive standard binoculars because you may find, like me, that a slightly better image quality is useless when you can't make anything out of it due to movement. I have Nikon Premier LX's which are superior when low light is an issue, but I actually prefer the Canon IS for all around use.

By mcb0b - Apr 10, 2009