Stabilizing Binoculars

Image-stabilizing binoculars are fine for terrestrial use and
moon-watching. They have small exit pupils, so using them for general
star-gazing is not very good.

For the huge price premium you pay for the stabilization, you'd be
better off to get a decent pair of large binoculars and a compact
monopod.

Mike, have you ever tried the Sovietsky Collection stabilized binos?

#

No batteries, 16*50, work at any angle, long eye relief but they dont mention
weight..

See you at the WSP, if you are coming..

Herm

On 25 Dec 1999 03:07:30 GMT, (MHarveyWW1) wrote:

I've had my Canon 15 X 45 stabilized binocs for about a year now. When I
first got them I was annoyed by the recurrent vibrations in the stabilizing
prisms that cause star images to slightly blur every few seconds. In time I
came to realize that I was being overly critical - as the benefits of these
binoculars far outweigh any shortcomings in this area!
I have a shelf full of 'traditional' Nikon and Fujinon binoculars that are
now collecting dust since I acquired the Canons. I also sold my 16 X 70 Fujinon
FMT-SX's (which had heretofore been my all-time favorite astronomical
binoculars). The stabilizing effect of the Canons give them performance that
far exceeds what is normal for such an aperture. It's like having the
performance of a 70mm in a hand-held package!
Aside from the stabilizer... the optical quality of the Canons is just short
of the Fujinons and superior to most other top-of the-line models that I've
owned or used.
I use my dailyand that is the best endoresement I can think of.
PS - the battery 'problem' is not as severe as some have suggested. Use the
NIMH re-chargeables and you'll get several weeks of normal use before
recharging.
Mike Harvey

1. They are like regular binoculars until you press the
stabilizaiton button. Then your shaky grip becomes less apparent.
2. The sales person did mention that although they stabilize
the battery life is not long so carry a pocket full of batteries if you
intend to use the stabilizaiton feature.

I bought regular binos and put them opn a tripod, eventually I graduated
to the trapezoidal mount so you can raise and lower them to suit your
comfrot level, and that of incidental observers. Frankly I think if I
was going to put in 400-600 bucks, I would go with some larger diameter
binos and resign myself to using a tripod.

Warren
--
email address:

Check Todd Gross's site for a review (#).

Check around before buying, the price varys a lot. I just bought a pair of
10x30's for my dad, the prices quoted ranged from $340 - $550.

Jim