Canon 15x50 IS : Review

Posted to Binoculars 2009-10-12

Canon 15 x 50 IS review:

Resembling the eyes of a Disney character from a recent Hollywood blockbuster (Wall-e), the The Canon 15 x 50 IS All Weather binoculars provide built in one touch image stabilization technology to account for using the unit whilst on the move. These professional binoculars can be used in high seas or for star gazing in your own backyard, so expect a price tag to match there high-end capabilities.

High magnification of 15x means that the Canon 15x50 IS unit will give you a good look at just about anything you need to see closer up. Key features of this unit include the image stabilization technology that accounts for binocular movement during usage, effectively steadying the unit from any outside influences. Also key to this design is the all weather capability that is provided by the use of a full rubber skin for shock resistance in conjunction with the waterproofing, allowing for use in hard rain or at sea.

Rating:

3.8 out of 5

Features

There is a socket for tripod mounting in the 15x50 IS all-weather binoculars and the addition for an AE-B1 Anti Fog eyepiece. The Porro II prisms feature in the unit offer superior lens quality and the super spectra coating that is placed on them gives a reduction in flare and ghosting that can sometimes occur. The handgrips have a dimpled surface that ensures a secure grip and the large focusing knob gives easy to access adjustments when they are needed.

Performance

Any binoculars that can double for use in high seas and also as a unit for a backyard stargazer should provide performance worthy of note. The extra large 50mm diameter lenses means that there is a significant increase in field of view performance and image clarity in the Canon IS All-weather models. Image stabilization is available via the proprietary Canon Vari-angle prism design to make visible images appear as steady as possible, removing the effect that user movement could have upon the binoculars.

Summary

Canon have managed to deliver a professional set of binoculars in this 15x50 IS All-weather unit that can be used in multiple different environments. Image stabilization gives an added assurance that clear quality images will always be visible. Worthy of purchase for professionals looking for an all in one solution, novice users may find more value for money in other models.

Pros

Professional Binoculars
High Quality Lens
All weather
Image stabilized binoculars

Cons

Too many features for novices