I used to think that a pair of binoculars was just a pair of binoculars. I thought that the more expensive models would give higher magnification and clearer images. I never really found that binoculars were very comfortable to use neither for observing wildlife nor for trying to spot the planets. This was before I discovered image stabilization technology. When I came to use a pair of image stabilized binoculars there was a bulky section in the centre which did not correspond with the old style binoculars I knew. This turned out to be the heart of the IS or Image Stabilization system. The result was obvious when I used the binoculars, clear focussed steady images, the binoculars were not at all tiring to use and were an absolute delight for the birdwatching I enjoy.
Of all the brands of optical instruments on the market one of the most prestigious is Canon. When I first read Canon IS Binoculars, I thought it was an advertising slogan like "Toys R Us".Canon is at the forefront of optical technology and never more so than with image stabilisation technology. The Canon IS Binocular range incorporates image stabilisation and this feature makes an enormous difference in use. This brand is my all time favorite for really good binoculars.
Image shake
When an optical device is hand-held it is impossible to avoid a certain amount of image shake. This problem is accentuated when the instrument is used in a moving vehicle, a boat or a plane. The normal solution is to mount the instrument on a tripod; this is fine for astronomical telescopes and in some circumstances for cameras. If the telescope or camera is not firmly fixed then the images seen or recorded will be out of focus.
Portability
One of the most important features of binoculars is that you can take them anywhere, they are great for observing sports events, wildlife as well as distant natural objects such as mountains, planets and stars. It is possible to tripod mount a pair of binoculars but it means that the ease of transport is reduced and the ease of rapid use as well. Anyone out hiking who wants to quickly observe some natural wildlife with as clearly focused a view as possible does not want to have to mount the binoculars on a tripod before getting a clear view.
In a moving vehicle or a boat the tripod is not a solution, the movement and vibration will be transmitted to the binoculars and you will get a blurred image. The more powerful the magnification the more noticeable will be the problem of shake. High powered binoculars are great for observing the Moon, and the stereoscopic effect of the binoculars will give a more realistic view than a telescope, however if the image is not sharp the observations will be less than satisfactory and tiring for the eyes.
The image stabilizer system
The image stabilizer system developed by Canon gets rid of these problems in quite an awesome way. It works marvellously whether you are observing the Moon or a humming-bird from a short distance.
Binoculars are small and portable because they contain a series of reflective prisms as well as the lenses which magnify the images. The Canon stabilisation system uses advanced electronic motion sensors which vary the angle of the prisms to compensate for any movement, a high-speed micro computer incorporated into the binoculars monitors the process continually and the result is a very reliable and stable image with fantastic definition. The system takes into account movement in any direction and means that whatever you are doing be it observing an elephant from a moving jeep, following the gold medal winner at the athletics track, following a soaring eagle in flight, or observing Saturn from the top of a mountain, the image is always absolutely sharp and in focus
Pietre O Donnell is a writer with an engineering background who is a keen hiker, birdwatcher and amateur astronomer. You can check out his latest website by clicking here He explains in clear language the features to look out for when buying binoculars, what the technical specifications mean and what is the background to his favorite brand Canon Binoculars their history and technological innovations and much more.
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