Image-Stabilized Binoculars

Photographs by the authors

The matte black finish on the Canon 10x30 IS II binoculars eliminates reflections that would spook wildlife.

Audrey and I like to watch wildlife and marine traffic from our boats, and usually carry a pair of binoculars with us. Unfortunately, our more compact pair does not have a sharp image or a satisfactory magnification; our other pair has good optics but is bulky and very heavy. A few years back, our son visited and brought his new Canon 10x30 Image Stabilization II binoculars, and we agreed that they were impressive, so we bought a pair.The Canon binoculars are compact and lightweight. They measure 5.9″ x 5″ x 2.8″ and weigh 1.33 lbs. Two AA batteries power the image-stabilization function, and last for up to 9 hours at 77°F. Battery life decreases as temperatures drop; the manufacture’s literature lists an hour of operating at 14°F, but I doubt we’ll ever test that in Florida.