Image Stabilized Binoculars Explained

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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Choosing Binoculars For Stargazing - A Cheaper Alternative to Telescopes

I've been in the optics industry for a while now and have interacted with a good many clients who love gazing at the stars and moon at night. But they come to me, saying, 'I just want to appreciate the stars, and not have to fuss about setting up a telescope or figuring out how to polar align, locate objects'. So I tell them, in all honesty, there is really no wrong in that, and a simple solution might just be - binoculars! A pair of astronomy binoculars is a great way to save money, save space and is a great gear to pick up, put in the back of the trunk when you go camping. At night, when the sky is really dark, star-gazing with binoculars lets you view the stars a closer and fall in love with dark sky sites.

For the less technical, binoculars also eliminates the need to polar aligned your telescope or having to purchase filters and eyepieces for. They are also usually adaptable on a tripod and you probably want to get one with Astronomy Binoculars. I will explain a little bit more further down this article. For now, let's get to some basics.

The two important features you need to get comfortable with on Binoculars is their magnification and aperture. These are usually identified by the two numbers used to name the product. For example, the product named Saxon 25x100 Astronomy Binoculars features a magnification of 25 times, and an aperture of 100mm. The two numbers you always see in the product name of a binoculars almost always refers to magnification and aperture. Aperture also refers to the diameter of the lens (in millimetres)

For celestial viewing you need binoculars with a big aperture. The bigger the aperture, the more light is transmitted through the tube. You will notice most binoculars have an aperture ranging between 25 to 50mm. These binoculars usually fit easily into your hands and are great for general viewing. Astronomy binoculars, however, tend to be double or triple the size of normal binoculars because large aperture is required in such low light conditions to transmit more light. Look for something around the range of 80mm or 100mm in aperture, and you'll be fine.

Since these binoculars are going to be quite large and heavy (between 1.5 to 3kg), we recommend getting a pair that can sit on a tripod. Sometimes a tripod adapter needs to be purchase and other times it comes with it. It really depends on the brand and model you purchase. Because these binoculars are so heavy, get a tripod so that you can view with your hands free. A pair of binoculars fixed on a tripod also means your views are almost free of hand shake. Image trying to hold up a 2kg pair for a few hours - you are going to tire out eventually!

I hope these articles help you understand the most basic points about viewing the stars with Binoculars. Happy Stargazing!

To learn more about binoculars, check out our Binoculars Guide.

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