Image stabilized binoculars

JamesTXSD · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 8:14 pm Post subject: Image stabilized binoculars

Who uses image stabilized binoculars onboard? I have never had the opportunity to try these except in a store. Worth the bucks? When things get sloppy, I can see where these might make a difference in being able to see the next daymark or buoy. What model/magnification are you using?

I have several pair of the old standbys, my favorites being an old Tasco 7x50 with a built in compass (good for getting a bearing). May be time to upgrade before we head out again.

Wild Blue is back at our dock again. We picked her up late this afternoon from getting her bottom painted. I was going to wait until tomorrow to put her back in, but Joan said, "Come on you lightweight. It'll be easier to load and decorate at the dock." It makes me hot when talks like that. Wink

The Lighted Boat Parade is tomorrow night... also our anniversary. If we get her decorated and Mother Nature cooperates, we'll be honkin' and wavin' instead of having to dress like grown-ups for a night out.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

Hunkydory · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 9:00 pm Post subject:

Jim,

Approximately 5 years ago when I came to the conclusion I'd rather look than shoot, I bought a Canon 15 power with image stabilization. Very expensive for our income level. Absolutely no regrets. Have used them on horseback without having to dismount, when riding double with Jo-Lee on a ATV, when exploring on the RIB and on the c-dory. Tried the 18 power, they had to small field of view. They are a little heavy packing around on foot. Just right in the boat.

Actually they are great for hunting too. At the time of purchase I was considering buying a new rifle. Decided to put the money into the binoculars instead. Feel its one of my better decisions.

With 8X or below image stabilization wouldn't be worth the added expense. With 12X or above it definitely is.

Jay

CatyMae n Steve · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 9:32 pm Post subject:

About 6 years ago I bought Canon 10 x 30 image stabilizer binoculars ... they are always on the boat ... Steve hates to use them, but I told him "That's what they're for!" They take the bumps out of the water, for sure -- I'm guessing as much time as you folks spend on the water, you wouldn't regret purchasing a pair Smile

Caty

oldgrowth · Last edited by oldgrowth on Wed Mar 05, 2008 10:38 am; edited 1 time in total

Sawdust · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 10:14 pm Post subject:

I use the Canon 15x50 stabilized - great.

Dusty

JamesTXSD · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 10:43 pm Post subject: Re: Image stabilized binoculars

starcrafttom · Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2006 11:39 pm Post subject:

Happy anniversary to all the happy couples. susan and I only have 4 years come april but have known other for 20. cant wait for 40 year. i will be 81 and still fishing, and she will still be shaking her head.

R-Matey · Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 10:04 am Post subject: Re: Image stabilized binoculars

Minnow · Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 10:25 am Post subject:

I use the Canon 10 X 30 stabilized. The optics are very good. The stabilization works well on land, but cannot compensate enough on a moving boat.

ORCA · Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 10:38 am Post subject: Conan 18x50IS

Hi

I use the canon 18x50IS they are absolutely fantastic. Thumbs Up

Regards Chris

thataway · Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 10:54 am Post subject:

We are also considering stabalized Binocs--mostly because of the higher speed we are traveling at in the TC 255 (had used 7-8 x in the past on slow boats with no problems).

I have used the Canon Stabalized lenses up to 12x and they definately help with fine shakeand allow a considerably lower shutter speed, for still objects.

We are considering both the Fujinon TechnoStabi and the Canon. In the Boat US test, they were about equal. I have seen some reports that the Fujinon had a more versatile stabalizing systen for boat--both slow wave type motion and hand shake type of fine motion.

Unfortunately few stores carry these in stock in our area, so I am waiting until I get to Calif. Where I know that there will be binocs I can compare side by side.

I would strongly consider center focus as well as nitrogen filled/water proof units.

Sea Skipper · Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 1:35 pm Post subject:

I have both the 10x30 Canon IS and Fuji 14x40 image stabilized binoculars. The Canon units are great, but the Fuji is fantastic. The Fuji units are water proof and float (with strap on) and most important, the stabilization system operates over a 5 degree range rather than Canon's 1 degree. The increased stabilization range is most useful in a rocking boat.

Bess-C · Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 9:03 pm Post subject:

I got Nikon StabilEyes 14x40 binoculars for Christmas last year. I think they are the same binocular as the Fujinon 14x40's. I have a hand tremor, and when the boat was rocking my standard binoculars were useless to me.

The Nikon 14x40's are amazing. They have a land setting and a marine setting. The land setting allows distant bird watching better than anything I've ever seen. However, using the marine setting on a boat is incredible. You can lock in on another moving boat and read the name and numbers at a great distance.

You can't really see the difference on the marine setting until you're on a boat, so checking them in the store won't allow you to see the real advantages. The stabilization also messes with your head a little, so it takes some practice before it feels normal. Shelley didn't like them at first because she thought that they were going to make her seasick. After a little practice, she also saw the advantages.

I think they are an addition that really adds to safety aboard a boat. I wouldn't want to go back to regular binoculars on board after using them.
Lyle

Sea Wolf · Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 9:18 pm Post subject:

I did hear from a retired Coast Guard member who was skippering a wildlife watching boat in Sitka that using stabilized binoculars for long periods could make you nauseaous because of the contrast between the stable image and the sensation of the rolling motion in your inner ears.

Guess everything has a down side!

Joe.

oldgrowth · Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 8:46 pm Post subject:

It looks like Canon makes the lowest priced image stabilized binoculars. Doing a quick Froogle search, their 8x25 starts at 164.00 and the 10x30 start at 269.00. Seeing, as I do not have a big boat, I thought I would get the 8x25’s. Any one used these and what are your thoughts?
_________
Dave