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Canon 18x50 Binoculars

I am fortunate enough to own both the Canon 10×30 IS Binoculars and the Canon 18×50 IS Binoculars. I have also had a lot of use with the other 8×25, 12×36, 10×42, and 15×50 models as well. I would like to point out a few things you should know when selecting a pair of Canon image stabilizing binoculars.

Your paying for the image stabilizer

While this is not a bad thing - its something you need to understand. For example, the Canon 10×30 IS is the most popular model in the series. Priced under 400 dollars, they are at a pretty serious price point for a binocular - but for 400 dollars, there are binoculars without image stabilization with optical quality better than the Canon’s.

Is the Image Stabilizer Worth It?

I have purchased two of them - So I guess I am a pretty big fan of the Canon’s. In many ways, I think the image stability is worth the small sacrifice in optics. Having an image that can be watched with so much comfort is really worth it.

A tough call - Choosing between 15×50 and 18×50

This is a question I hear a lot. Not sure if you want the 15x or the 18x model? The choice here is power vs. brightness and field of view. With the 18×50, you get that bonus magnification but will have a dimmer, smaller field of view. And technically, not as steady of an image as you would with the 15x. The added magnification will make for a less stabilized image although this difference should not be a decision maker.

Being that both the 15x and the 18x share the same 50mm objective lens size, the 15x will have a brighter image with its exit pupil of 3.33mm where the 18x has an exit pupil of 2.77mm. This difference will be noticeable. Your field of view will also be shorter in the 18×50 at 66.6 degrees, with the 15x at 67.5 degrees. In my opinion, the field of view difference is not as much of a decision maker because you have image stabilization. With image stabilization, you can easily scan area’s moving the binocular and keep that nice steady image. The real decision comes down to magnification and image brightness. I chose the 18x model for myself because the additional magnification. That was the reason I wanted them - to have a pair of ultra-high power binoculars. I can’t say I have never wished I had gotten the 15x model, but those times are pretty rare - usually I am glad I am a little closer to what I am observing.

8×25 / 10×30 / 12×36 Choices?

I think the answer on this was is much easier. In my opinion, we can eliminate one of them very easily. I don’t think Canon should have ever offered the 8×25 model. I just don’t think an image stabilizer at 8x is really going to make a large enough impact to justify the price of it. I have tried them, enjoyed them, but would not have paid for them.

The 12×36 decision again comes down to value. The price jump from the 10×30 model is just not worth it. A little extra magnification and a larger objective lens to keep that exit pupil at 3.0mm for both models really doesn’t justify the additional cost. I think this is why the 10×30 is hands-down the best seller in the series.

The new Canon 10×42 L IS WP Binocular

Canon added the 10×42 model and made it waterproof. An amazing binocular with a great image. But for over 1100 dollars - I would put my money on a high end 10×42 roof prism binocular and sacrifice the image stabilization.

The Canon Image stabilizers are AMAZING for astronomy use!

I love pointing my Canon 18×50 up to the sky at night. You would be surprised what you can really see with a binocular. Jupiter and its moons are visible - and in the winter, the Great Orion Nebula is also visible in the Canon binoculars. You see so many more stars viewing through binoculars and the image stabilizer makes them great for observing for long amounts of time.

If you do decide on investing in a Canon image stabilized binocular, you won’t regret it. I have enjoyed them for years and would do it all over again.