image stabilised binoculars

[raymo]

If Canon [and, I suppose, others], can produce inexpensive stabilised kit
lenses such as their 55-250mm, why can't somebody produce reasonably
priced stabilised binoculars, or are there some out there that I haven't
found?
raymo

[Paul Haese]

Canon do have image stabilised binoculars. They make several sizes. I have the mid range size of the 12 x 36. These are very good and great for some casual astronomy viewing.

[Camelopardalis]

I have the Canon 15x50 IS and love them. But they were far from inexpensive when I bought them many years ago, and never seem to have hot cheaper.

[raymo]

Thanks for the replies esteemed members; my daughter has a pair too,
from memory I think they are 40mm, and indeed not inexpensive. I am
waiting to see if any member knows of a half decent IS binocular for under
say a $1000.
raymo

[anj026]

I have never tried them myself Ray but the Canon 10x30 is in budget and gets good reviews.

http://scopeviews.co.uk/Canon10x30IS.htm

https://www.leedervillecameras.com.au/canon-10x30-is-ii-image-stabilized-binoculars/

I don't have anything connection to Canon or Leederville Camera House.

An alternative to image stabilisation is to go for low power, wide angle such as the Kowa BD 6.5 x 32. These are light and easier to get clearer views simply by being lower magnification. Nice wide field.

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/749706-a-first-look-at-the-kowa-bd-ii-65x32/

They are available online for under $700 aud.

Andy

[raymo]

Thanks Andy, I didn't realise that Canon do a cheaper non ED range. Ill have to check them out. I'm surprised that the Chinese haven't produced any.
raymo

[tempestwizz]

FWIW, I too purchased some Canon 15 x50 is binos around 10 years ago. I’m quite happy with them from an optical perspective.
In my case, the rubberised finish turned gooey about 5 years ago, but I cleaned it off with alcohol : so cosmetically not so nice. Also they eat batteries. Hard to find good AA cells that last for any time when using for extended periods. Usually plan to replace batteries before each session.

[raymo]

Jaycar sell rechargeable AAs for about $7 each, that can be charged about 30 times; I use them in my Nano Tracker.
raymo

[Camelopardalis]

I use the lithium cells in mine. They cost a (fair) bit more, but they last a lot longer.