Canon 15x50 Image Stabilization All Weather Binoculars w/Case, Neck Strap & Batteries Reviews

• Stellar Performance

  
  By A27V7D5HS5LNK5 on 2003-02-14
  These binoculars are spectacular. Point them at Jupiter and you see a bright dot wandering around in the field of view. Press the image stabilization switch and the planet and its moons instantly become visible. While they can't subtract all movement they do get rid of the little shakes that make hand held viewing so difficult. 15x is enough magnification that Saturn is obviously not round.

  A complaint about earier versions of the Canon IS line was that your finger went to sleep holding the IS switch down. Now you can press it briefly to turn on the IS circuitry which will automatically shut off in 5 minutes. If you press and hold the switch it shuts off as soon as you release it.

  I haven't had my pair long enough to comment on battery life but do see a problem changing them when they are mounted on a tripod. Unlike most binoculars where the tripod mounting is at the objective end where the two barrels rotate on the Canons it is at the bottom of the binocular near the center of the tubes which don't rotate. And the battery compartment is just in front of it so you can't get to it if the binoculars are on a tripod of have a quick release plate attached.

  Since the lens barrels don't rotate intra-ocular distance is adjusted by actually moving the oculars. They are kind of stiff but that is good because they stay in place once you get them set.

  The tripod mount is lower than the highest part of the lens barrels so if you have a big quick release plate like that of the Manfrotto (Bogen) 410 geared head (highly recommended) it presses against the bottom of the barrels and not the flat between them.

  For some reason Canon doesn't seem to fell that the objective lenses need any protection as they don't ship lens covers for them. They do provide lens covers for the oculars but they pop off a lot because the eye cups are so soft. It looks like you need something like 69mm lens caps. They don't tell you in the manual but Canon sales says they are threaded to accept 58mm filters so you can buy solar filters for them.

  I can use the binoculars with my glasses on due to the 15 mm eye relief but it is really easier to use them without the glasses.

  They are heavy, ~2,5#, but if you support them on the heels of your hands very stable.
  
  

• Outstanding. Amazing. Terrific. Any questions?

  
  By A3982LDQXU1N73 on 2004-07-29
  I've had these binocs (Canon 15x50 IS) for two weeks now and am regretting my purchase . . . . regretting that I didn't buy them years ago, that is!
  
  So far I have put them to work for aircraft spotting, watching hawks soar high overhead, looking at the moon, and general observation of distant terrain. These are by far the best optical instrument I've ever had the pleasure to use. The Image Stabilizer feature is truly outstanding. It allows you to really reach in on astounding views, and enjoy them with rock solid stability.
  
  For example, to focus in on a Boeing 747 that is still 5 miles out on final appoach, and clearly watch it extend its landing gear in all its glory of doors opening, wheels articulating, and doors closing . . . then enjoy watching it float through the air until WHOOOOOOSH it's upon you, is awe-inspiring! And fun!
  
  Another pleasant surprise. The binocs came with two years of extended warranty from Canon free -- three years in total. I wasn't expecting that, but it was in the box when it arrived. Cheers to them!
  
  Prior to buying, I compared the Nikon 14x40 Stabileyes and Canon 15x50 and 18x50 IS binocs and tried them extensively, back to back to back, indoors and out. The Canon's seemed a bit brighter than the Nikon's (as they should be at 15x50 vs. 14x40), sharper, they are more compact although perhaps a bit less robust, and thanks to more heavy discounting and the rebates, they cost about $350 less. The Canons are more highly regarded in the various enthusiast sites as well (both the birders and the astroheads love 'em). The Canon 18's cost $200 more than the 15's, and seemed just a bit "jitteryier" (is that a word?). I am planning to use these for daytime aircraft spotting as well as the night sky, so the 18's just seemed a "bit much" for my needs. The 15's seemed perfect.
  
  Great price from Amazon . . . . $799, before a $100 mail in Canon rebate and a free $50 Amazon gift card. Net cost of $650 is a great deal -- enough so that I justified overnight shipping!
  
  Cheers to Canon for a job well done!
  
  
  
  
  

• Great for learning basic astronomy

  
  By A3DIGL3SBHMUFN on 2003-07-17
  I bought these binoculars (along with "The Backyard Astronomer's Guide", "Touring the Universe Through Binoculars," and Starry Night software) to learn some basic astronomy. This has turned out to be a winning combination.

  While these binoculars weigh 2.6 pounds, they have a very natural, comfortable fit in the hands and are easy to handle.

  The image stabilization is amazing and really improves my ability to resolve stellar objects and surface details of the moon.

  It does seem a little odd that Canon did not include front lens caps. However the 15x50s are threaded for 58 mm filters, so one can easily purchase standard lens caps. I bought a pair of 58 mm Canon lens caps which fit, although the heavy rubber armor leaves minimal clearance to operate the lens cap release buttons. With filters installed the lens caps fit exactly as they would on a camera lens with plenty of clearance to remove, even if wearing gloves.
  
  

• nothing short of spectacular

  
  By A1951MC13SY97C on 2004-02-11
  This is one of the finest optical instruments i ever bought. The Image Stabilizer works so fantastic and flawless you just don't wanna let this bino out of your hand. It even works while you watch from a driving car. You can make out license plate numbers from about 400 ft away. I also bought protective lenses which I use during daytime. When stargazing I realized some mirror effects from the protective lens - so just let those off during nightime. This is the most useful and inexpensive tool for stargazing. Even better than some telescopes for the same price. The AA at 2100 mAh last for about 3-4 hrs. Even with the IS shut off the optics are awesome - but with the IS engaged it is breathtaking. It is definitely worth to spend the extra money to get this system over any other w/o IS.
  
  

• Just as I expected...

  
  By A2EPAYUAQ8P78W on 2006-01-02
  the earlier reviews for this item were dead-on - optics are great, the binoculars themselves are a little heavy, but not so much that they are cumbersome, and the lens caps are flimsy and more than a little disappointing.
  
  I got these binoculars for Christmas, and have been pointing them everywhere I see. The 5-minute timer for the IS system is much better than the earlier version on my father's set of Canon IS binoculars. This is my first set of "real" binoculars, as I don't count the el-cheapo set I've had for football games. I was very impressed with the amount of light these allow in, making the image very clear. The amount of detail you can see with the IS system truly is amazing - I'm not sure that going back to regular binoculars is a possibiliy now.
  
  The only cons I can think of are the lenscaps - for $900, you'd think that Canon could figure a way to make a more substantial cap that clips on the body - I am going to try to find an aftermarket solution, because these just don't cut it.
  
  A great set of binoculars for hunting, bird-watching, backyard astronomy, wildlife, etc.
  
  
• The best high powered binoculars for handheld use.
  By A3DMK9OFGHKA8U on 2007-02-08
  The Canon 15x50 IS binoculars are the best choice for high power handheld use because it has a wide 67.5° AFOV that is sharp to the edge of the wide 4.5° FOV. I also have the Canon 8x25 IS, 10x42L IS WP and 12x36 IS II's that are all the best in their class. The 15x50 IS is at the limit of the Canon IS system because the 18x50 with ±0.7° correction angle would make it alot harder to stay within that amount for the average person IMHO. I could track planes very easy with my 10x42L's but my 12x36's and 15x50's are too hard to stay within the correction angle while panning but for everything else they are great. For half the price of premium 15x binoculars the 15x50 IS's are a bargain and have wider FOV with a steady view to see detail that could not be seen in 15x non IS premium binoculars handheld.
  
  
  
• Excellent For Daytime And Astronomy
  By A2DVPGMT4IU827 on 2007-04-23
  This is my first image-stabilized product, and I'm very favorably impressed. Canon has long enjoyed a reputation for top-quality consumer optics, and this binocular certainly performs up to that standard. The image stabilization makes magnification over 10x practical for handheld viewing, and is very intuitive in use: one push of the IS button to activate, another to deactivate. I was somewhat skeptical that the 15x50 would perform well at night for stargazing. The 3.33mm exit pupil seemed to be too small for astronomy, but I didn't need to be concerned. The large 50mm objective lenses gather plenty of light. This, combined with the 15x magnification and very effective stabilization system, makes it a wonderful astronomy instrument. My backyard telescope has remained under wraps for months, because the Canon is so much handier to use, with zero set-up time.
  
  For daytime use, the images are bright, well defined, with no discernable chromatic aberration. For bird watchers, this bino may be a bit too bulky and heavy for comfort when hiking through the back country. I found that a larger padded neck strap goes a long way towards relieving that problem, though.
  
  
• Canon IS 15x50 Almost perfect........
  By A2RF5O2TI56OQZ on 2006-12-23
  Just recieved this pair of binocular. Replaced my 10x30 Canon IS that grew legs and walked.
  
  The bino's are a bit heavy. Unless proped up, there is some fatigue during long viewing sessions. The IS works great. A bit more jittery than the 10x30's but still a major improvement over regular 10x50's. There is just a hint on lateral color compared to the 10x30IS.
  
  The interpupilary distance is a bit lacking. When set to almost minimum, they tend to bite into the nose bridge due to the fact that the eye cups are larger than necessary. If you have narrowly set eyes, I would not recommend these. Also, the eye relieve could be better. To get a full field of view, the eye cups have to be folded down.. I would rate 'em better, but having to fold down the eyecups all the time is a bit
  annoying.. Especially since I use them without eyeglasses.
  
  Was it a good purchase?? I would say yes, with some reservations.
  
  
• IS makes a world of difference!
  By A2SEEDV7NNPIBG on 2007-01-07
  Without the IS system, I can only look through these things for a few minutes before my trembling hands have me nauseous. But the IS allows me to look through these as long as I can support them. Like another reviewer, I find I have to fold down the eye cups for a better view.
  
  I fail to understand why Canon can't include a cover for the objective lenses, particularly at this price tag. Aside from that, the only complaint worth mentioning is that they are rather heavy, and you won't be pointing these at the sky for too long without a tripod or something supporting your elbows.
  
  If you can afford them and don't mind a little weight, you will be pleased.
  
  
• Overrated
  By ANULQGVN63906 on 2006-09-12
  The reviews must have been written by Cannon representatives. The stabilizer works on land. However, do not buy these if you expect to use them on a boat, that is not in dock, and expect significant stabilization.
  
  
• canon binoculars 15x50
  By A13BAQIJ9AOYBJ on 2006-11-03
  A wonderful pair of binoculars!! Optics are extremely clear.....image stabilization works great.....they are however a little heavy especially when birding for several hours.
  
  
• Excellent
  By A1TY1X2U7WBJP8 on 2007-02-17
  Absolutely excellent in virtually every respect. As commented elsewhere, the eyepiece caps are useless.
  
  
• Amazing performance - a few nagging issues
  By A2WIZ1Y6F8OATR on 2008-02-14
  I purchased these binoculars for my dad for Christmas. I was replacing a garbage pair of 8x36 binoculars that had to be at least 20 years old. Before purchasing, I went to Cabella's to check them out in person. If you're nervous about dropping this much money on binoculars without testing them, head to a local Cabella's store. A note, Cabellas wanted $1299 for these binoculars. I paid $850 on Amazon.
  
  When I tested the binoculars in the store, I was blown away by the quality of how sharp the images were. It's impossible to describe the effect that pressing the stabilizing button has. It's amazing and makes the binoculars instantly more usable. You can still detect some minor shake but the stabilizing does a tremendous job eliminating it. In using the binoculars, like the other reviewers have said, they are a bit heavy, so I find its best to rest your arms on something when you try to use them.
  
  My dad was totally surprised with the gift. When I took him outside, I had him look through the binoculars and he was amazed at the sharp image quality. Then I pressed the stabilizing button. "What happened to the shake?" he asked. "These are image stabilizing binoculars." I replied. "These are amazing!" he explained.
  
  Later that day we went for a drive to test them out and he kept shaking his head and exclaiming that the binoculars were amazing. We marvelled at how great the binoculars were at low light conditions. At dusk, I used his old garbage pair and I could see a tepee out in a field that some kids had made. Through the old set, it looked like a dark triangle. With the Canon's, you could still count the individual sticks.
  
  I even showed him the moon, and he remarked that he'd never seen the full moon so close and clear. Since my dad also wears glasses, he likes the deep eye cups. It's the first set of binoculars that he's been able to use without having to take off his glasses. My dad recently told me, that out of a 7 day week, he probably uses the binoculars 5 days a week.
  
  There are a couple of downsides to the binoculars. For about 3 weeks afterwards, I got a call from my dad almost every day telling me what he looked at that day through them. The binoculars are a bit heavy, but this is solved by resting your arms on something. The eye caps are extremely cheap for something of this price, and they fall off easily, especially when putting in and taking out the binoculars from the supplied carrying case.
  
  One more recommendation I have is to make sure you get some 58mm UV filters. I got some Hoya UV filters for the binoculars from Adorama, and put them on the binoculars as soon as I got them and before I gave them to my dad. They work well at cutting down the glare, and are good at protecting the lenses on the end. My dad has already scratched one of the filters, but at least we only have to pay $20 for a new filter instead of ruining an $850 pair of binoculars.
  
  Bottom line, that although these binoculars have a couple of minor annoyances, the performance is spectacular. You won't be disappointed!
  
  
  
• Glad I Bought Them
  By A1KWISNURBH70V on 2008-02-25
  My main interest is in astronomy. I have had the Canon 10X30 IS Binocs for awhile and have been very happy. So I decided to take the (substantially more expensive) plunge and get either the 15x50 or 18x50 IS. After reviewing some info on various forums I decided on the 15x50 version.
  
  They are outstanding! Sharp, clear optics. Of course the IS sytem works extremely well. As with all such systems, they eliminate the "jiggle" that ruins the view with binocs of about 10x or greater, but there is still some residual, slow "wander" because of larger scale movements that the user makes, but they stop everything more than enough to give a beautiful view. This "wander" is no more noticeable than with the 10x30s.
  
  I don't want to overstate the "wander" business. If you have used IS optics you know what I am talking about. It's just that the IS system can't compensate for major movements. You wouldn't want it to try because you move the binocs to frame the subject. They completely eliminate the "shakes" though.
  
  I recommend them highly.
  
  
  
• Great binoculars
  By A2WO7QGMTYCUGA on 2007-11-15
  As an avid boater (owned 24) this binocular is the best I have owned. Admittedly they are also the most expensive that I have purchased. So if they hold up I will stay very satisfied.
  
  

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