Canon 12x36 Image Stabilization II Binoculars w/Case, Neck Strap & Batteries
Description Canon's 12x36 Image Stabilization II binoculars incorporate an optical image stabilizer for shake-free viewing with minimal eye fatigue. This technology was first developed for Canon video camcorders and is now available in many of Canon's binoculars. The system employs a Vari-Angle Prism, dual transparent plates, independent vertical and horizontal sensors, and a dedicated microprocessor to continuously adjust the prism to maintain a steady image.
These 12x36 Image Stabilization II binoculars feature a water-resistant rubber coating for nonslip holding. If you get caught in light rain, you don't have to worry about the optics fogging up or getting ruined. These binoculars deliver high magnification, long eye relief, and wide-field viewing. Controls for focusing and image stabilization are centrally located and are accessible by both hands.
Improvements to the objective lens assembly have resulted in the binoculars being approximately 26% lighter and 10% smaller than the previous 12x36 IS model they replace. And reductions in power consumption mean a massive 270% increase in battery life of up to four hours using two AA-size alkaline batteries.
Image Stabilization and More
With any high magnification binoculars, most users will experience frustrating image shake. Unless fixed to a tripod, image shake can render high magnification binoculars useless. Canon's IS technology is remarkably effective at eliminating this problem and is widely used by the television industry with Canon's professional broadcast quality video recording equipment. A special VAP (Vari-Angle Prism) corrective IS system sits between the objective lens group and the porro prism on each side of the binoculars. Within thousandths of a second of the binoculars being moved from their optical axis by vibrations, a detection system activates the IS mechanism. The VAP shape alters to refract or 'bend' the light path by precisely the right amount, thus fully compensating for the vibration. It is this essentially immediate response that effectively suppresses image shake. The binoculars' compact design is based on Canon's popular 10x30 IS model. Curved surfaces mean easy handling, while nature lovers will appreciate the low-reflectance exterior and low gloss front covers, which help to avoid disturbing birds and other
What do the numbers mean?
15x50? 8x25? The two numbers used to describe any pair of binoculars are their magnification — 8x, 12x, 15x and so on — and the diameter of their objective lenses — 25mm, 36mm, 50mm, and so on. The larger the first number is, the larger the object will appear to be in the objective lens. For instance, if you use a 10x lens and look at an object that is 100 yards away, it appears to be the same size as an object located just 10 yards away. The second number, the size of the objective lens, is important because the larger the objective lens, the more light it can admit for brighter, more detailed images, and the better suited they will be for lowlight situations.
Product Features
- Light and compact Image Stabilizer binoculars featuring Canon's Vari-Angle Prism
- High magnification (12x), long-eye relief and wide-field viewing optics with wide, extra-bright field-of-view
- Multi-Coated Canon optics including Doublet Field-Flattener for excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and contrast
- Power-saving design allows for up to 4 hours of continuous use
- Water-resistant non-slip rubber coating
Technical Details
- Model: 9332A002
- Rangefinder: None
- Weight: 2.50 pounds
This review is from: Canon 12x36 Image Stabilization II Binoculars w/Case, Neck Strap & Batteries
Great binoculars, January 16, 2012 By
gatorhiker (FL, USA)
I bought these before a trip to Yellowstone and they were worth every cent. We had other binoculars with us but after using these no one wanted to use the others. Very clear, very stable, and very easy to use even for my 6 and 9 year old children. We will definitely be buying a 2nd pair before our next family trip.
Five years old, no problems, December 9, 2011 By
Hobby Chef (Greenville, SC USA)
I've had these 12x36 binoculars for 5 years and I've used them regularly without any problems at all. I've changed the batteries once. no complaints, only praise for this product.
Outstanding binoculars, November 9, 2011 By
Angie K. (Saint Paul, MN)
These are really great binoculars for birding. The images are bright and sharp. My only suggestion for improvement would be for Canon to include lens caps for the lenses; caps are included for the eyepieces.
Great binoculars for my father, October 28, 2011 By P.
Breakfield IV "Tom Steele" (Greenville, SC United States)
(REAL NAME)
My dad is in his late sixties and he and my mother live in Florida with a large backyard that borders on a large pond with a small island. They have a regular series of visitors throughout the year; an alligator who lays eggs on the island every year, some otters who spend time each spring and of course Herons, Anhingas, Ibis, Ducks and a host of other water birds from time to time.
He has become quite the birdwatching enthusiast as a result of all this and he had been using a pair of 1970's era Sears binoculars. I surprised him with these at Christmas and I don't think he fully understood what they were. He just thanked me for the new binoculars and set them aside.
Later, when we finally made it outside to do some viewing, I explained about the Image Stabilization and showed him how to use it. But trust me, it didn't take the Image Stabilization to "Wow" him (or me! The optics of these binoculars are astonishing to begin with, even without using the IS. The are just amazing to look through, and then on top of that, you press the IS button and all the shake goes away. It is truly incredible.
As you can imagine, he has been thrilled with the binoculars and uses them regularly. With his age, his eyes aren't what they used to be and his grip isn't as steady as it once was - but he doesn't miss a thing with these binoculars. They aren't cheap, but if you have the money to spend these are amazing binoculars. Highly recommended and no regrets at all with these!
Image Stabilized Binoculars, October 1, 2011 By
Jim (Vienna, Vatican City State (Holy See))
(REAL NAME)
On a recent cruise, a pair of Canon Image Stabilized bionoculars was included among the amenities in our stateroom. We had never used this type of bionocular before and were amazed at the difference it made. As usual when we are looking for something more on the unique side, we always visit the Amazon website to investigate the different types of binoculars available, including user reviews. After studying the different types, prices and pros/cons of the various offerings, we selected the Canon 12x36 model. We couldn't be happier with our selection. We are not "birders", who seem to be the most likely to purchase image-stabilized binoculars, but we do enjoy bringing distant views closer to home, especially in the mountains or while on a cruise. These glasses offered the best optics vs price of all the options we considered. The Canon 12x36 model is sturdy without being either too large or heavy. The quality of the optics is exceptional and offers exactly the power and clarity we were looking for and expected from an optics company like Canon. You can spend more or less; you can get more power or less; you can get larger or smaller; but we feel these glasses are an excellent choice for people such as us who just want a quality binocular with exceptional magnification and stability and aren't trying to identify whether that bird flying in the distance has the tell-tale blue dot on the underside of the left wing. Well done Canon. We highly recommend this product.
Great Product!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, May 31, 2011 By
Mikev
Being an avid birder, this pair of Binoculars is brilliant. The slight shake one has when viewing a bird, which is a distance away is totally eliminated.
Went for the 12 x 36 due to the lighter weight compared to the 15 x 50, and 18 x 50 models. Have been a Canon Camera fan for a number of years, am now a Canon Binocular fan as well!!!
Image steady, even on rocking ship, March 7, 2011 By
Amanda Lundie (Saratoga, CA)
(REAL NAME)
I ordered these binoculars for a trip to Antarctica because we were going to be on a cruise ship and zodiacs so the image stabilization was a desired feature. They were even better than I expected. They are light weight so easy to have around your neck, the fold-back cups on the lenses were great for my husband, who wears glasses, and the image stabilization was magic! The image held steady even in the bumpy conditions we had in the Drake's passage, which made them perfect for bird and wildlife watching.
Cannon stabilized binoculars, February 13, 2011 By
Stuart Phillips (New Orleans LA)
(REAL NAME)
I already had a pair of the 10 power image stabilization binoculars that was about 10 years old. My wife is interested in birdwatching also. So we bought the new ones. They both function very well. The stabilization feature has gotten better in the last 10 years. When you look at the to binoculars side-by-side. There's definitely a improvement in image quality in the new binoculars. Both of them function flawlessly. I've had no problems with the original 10 power binoculars for 10 years.
They were delivered on time and in good condition.
Well worth the price, January 5, 2011 By
hummingbird206 "hummingbird206" (Seattle, WA)
These binocs aren't cheap, but they are well worth the price. I love the image stab. feature. They work equally well for bird watching and star gazing!
canon 12x36 image stabilization binos, November 23, 2010 By
pacnwhunter
Excellent binoculars for wildlife viewing. Image stabilization works amazing for dialing in on far away objects without having to use a tripod or bipod.
Compared (am and pm)side by side with another high-end pair of standard binoculars and could not tell the difference in overall brightness of image between these 12x36's and those 10x42's. These Canon's are exceptionally bright and clear.
Definitely worth the price.
