Canon 12x36 Image Stabilization II Weather Resistant Porro Prism Binocular with 5.0 Degree Angle of View

2025-01-29T19:00:00

These binoculars are excellent quality with clear and bright resolution. They surprisingly lightweight (23 oz) for their size and function. Once you use image stabilization - you will not want to go back to regular binoculars!

Scott H.

Originally posted at

2024-07-21T20:00:00

I love these things. These have gone with me on every vacation trip, concert and sporting event since they arrived. My grown kids borrow them for the events they are attending. I have shared use with complete strangers at events and alway get that " WOW" reaction while they are using them. My pair are from the generation before I believe so they are about 6 years old. The battery compartment cover did fall off once but was easily DYI repaired with a little super glue. I have contemplated getting a bigger pair for viewing wildlife at longer distances but these serve well 99% of the time. Do yourself a favor and get these.

Landshark

Originally posted at

2024-01-22T19:00:00

I don't normally do reviews, but noticed the poor reviews for these binos and had to comment. I have owned these binoculars for 3 years, and, without a doubt, they are the most useful optics that I own. Competing high end models may be sharper, more contrasty, and have less CA, but, with IS, I can see more detail and better identify what I'm looking at than any binoculars that don't have IS. I do not find that the IS button is a hindrance, and those that have problems with the armoring are probably leaving their binoculars in the sun. I am very careful about using them in damp conditions. This is an electronic device that is not waterproofed, so is not something I would use on a boat or in rainy or misty conditions. Also, I wear eyeglasses, and, even though the ER is listed as 14.5 mm, I have no problem using these.

StephenG

Originally posted at

2023-11-26T19:00:00

I have owned Canon 18 X 50 IS binoculars for several years. The stabilization continues, if the button is pressed once, and does not need to be held down. I wanted lighter binoculars for travel and purchased the 12 X 36 IS binoculars. I was very disappointed that the image stabilizer on the 12 X 36 binoculars will only stay on when the button on top of the unit is continuously depressed. I find that, by having to continuously depress the button in that location, the binoculars are unstable and the stabilizer does not fully correct this.

RENS

Originally posted at

2022-06-25T20:00:00

It turns on automatically and vibrates without reason, Canon didn?t allow my original review but still they don?t honor warranty

RCQ

Originally posted at

2022-05-03T20:00:00

Was hoping for more. I got them for Christmas and have used them in different settings, hoping that they would improve as I got used to them, but they didn't. I have come to the conclusion that they are not good binoculars. The ability to get a sharp focus is rare, most of the time it's always out of focus. I don't know if it's a quality control problem with the lens, or what. I bought my wife the 10 x 30 IS II, and they are much better. I would find it difficult to recommend them to a friend. I hope the newer models are an improvement over this one, I probably would've asked Santa for an updated model over this one if I knew then what I know now.

Nugrape

Originally posted at

2021-11-28T19:00:00

Been using the 12x35 IS ii version for astronomy for about 10 years. Usually from a recliner under Bortle 5 or Bortle 3 skies. They?ve been excellent in all respects. Don?t be put off by the size of the objectives. No problems with the case coating but I wash hands with plain soap and water before use.

Bino f.

Originally posted at

2021-07-29T20:00:00

I have had the binocs for 5 years and they are just as good as when I first purchased them. I use them for Astronomy mostly, great for meteor showers and locating constellations. The next size up are too much weight and these are the best size!!

J 4.

Originally posted at

2021-07-02T20:00:00

rubber coating is very sticky and coming off can not use anymore

dpitt

Originally posted at

2021-04-17T20:00:00

The rubber turns sticky and Canon won?t do anything about it.

Ironman

Originally posted at

2021-03-30T20:00:00

Very happy with the 12x36 IS III, love them, replacing all my other standard binoculars, with this one.

Rdef

Originally posted at

2021-02-16T12:42:50

My wife loves to be nosey and see what’s jumping in the hood. We upgraded from a pair of non-stabilized Bushnell binoculars which worked great and I mailed to my sons. But these are on a whole new level for us! They cost 8X more - but damn, they are 10 times better. Just press the Magic stabilization button and it’s on! They’ll be great for our next vacation too.

KERRY R.

2020-09-14T20:00:00

I am a camera store owner in Washington DC. Have over time used several Canon IS binoculars and loved every one except for the bulk or weight at times.

Go F.

Originally posted at

2019-04-25T20:00:00

Looking forward to taking them on an Alaskan cruise next month!

Jdwilson1971

Originally posted at

2018-11-03T20:00:00

I bought the 12x36 IS III for my wife (and me, I guess before we went to Hawaii (6th trip in 4 years). We were able to see everything much better. I really added to the trip. Seeing the surf boarders up close ... great wipeouts. Bird were great. So glad I got them. Someone had a great idea about pushing the button twice for prolonged (a couple of minutes) viewing. It would make their use even easier. Great product. I haven't used the other Canon IS binocular so I can't compare. They are all very good I would imagine. Check out internet sites and pay through PayPal so you got some kind of insurance you're not going to be 'you know what' over. Also as you know, their digital cameras are great.

AK C.

Originally posted at

2018-05-29T09:43:03

we are in the outfitting business, i have good optics, the image stabilizer canons are a worthwhile purchase to spotting the big ones

robert j.

2017-09-27T20:00:00

I have had a pair of the second generation used for birding, Serengeti and central Australian safaris and all purpose landscape viewing . Brilliant quick and comfortable. Super quality bright images and the IS functions is a dream for bird and animal detail. They got stolen. So upgrade the the 111 , the current model. Even better . 12x is ideal

Tigereye

Originally posted at

2017-02-10T19:00:00

I have had them for a couple weeks and really like them. Complaints: 1. The eye covers should be one piece instead of 2 and they should be captive. 2. The image stabilization push button should be push and hold for stabilization until it is released AND 2 quick pushes to turn them on for a couple minutes then turn off automatically. This is a very easy software modification.

Carl D.

Originally posted at

2015-10-13T20:00:00

I love this pair of binoculars. I use it mostly for watching ships at sea. The IS is great to ID the ship and its condition. The case unfortunately is not as great. I am sending it to Canon repair to have it checked out. I hope they can turn around it quickly!

sfvet

Originally posted at

2015-03-17T20:00:00

I use these for everything.They are light weight and fit comfortably around my neck. They are the only binoculars I use, or even need. I've had them for about 6 years and I've had no problems with them at all.The easy focus is right where you need it.I watch birds and squirrels in my back yard and they absolutely stop the image from bouncing around.

redriderr

Originally posted at

2014-07-07T20:00:00

I've had mine for almost 6 yrs. They are the primary binoculars on board, we cruise full time and they see use EVERY day! They are light, comfortable, sharp focus, and the stabilization is a must for use on a boat. The only problem I have is the rubberized coating on the exterior is turning into a sticky goo. It sticks to hands, the case, anything it contacts. I am sending them to Canon's factory service to see if they can remedy the problem, since I want to keep using them. Despite the problem, I'd still recommend them. I'd love for Canon to address the problem, even though these are 6 yrs. old, they're stored and used primarily inside; they shouldn't be having this problem. They're designed to be used and should hold up better.

Capt S.

Originally posted at

2014-05-23T20:00:00

I have been using these binocs for several years and the IS is perfect and I depend on it. It is particularly beneficial for star-gazing - keeps your view steady while trying to see details and faint objects. For birdwatching it helps to stabilize your view so that the 12x magnification is not a drawback. I will never birdwatch or stargaze without these binocs!!

KxBirds

Originally posted at

2014-04-29T21:00:00

The stable image they provide allows greater detail to be seen. Not too big and heavy. 12x is really nice. Using mostly for birding. There is a small amount of CA under certain high contrast conditions. There will be a very small number of people who will get dizzy from the IS effect. Try before you buy.

Big S.

2014-01-13T19:00:00

I bought the Canon 12x36 IS II binoculars for my wife. She spends hours looking at birds and deer with my 10x42 European-made binoculars that are three times the cost of the Canons. They also weigh over thirty ounces and are difficult to hold steadily after a short time. The Canons at 22 ounces are easier to hold, and with the IS on, the image is almost totally stable even though they have 12x magnification. I was surprised and very impressed. They do not have the low-light capability of my fluorite-glass binoculars, but the trade-off is a good one. My wife loves them and I use them often - and am repeatedly surprised when I use them in a moving vehicle - something that is absolutely not possible with my non-IS binoculars

Steve K.

2013-06-18T21:00:00

As an amateur astronomer for the last 35 years i would highly recommend those binoculars for stargazing, its magnification ( 12 *) gives it sufficient resolving power for basic identification of most Messier . dark and bright nebula in the milky way ! I wish they would just be more luminous though, i would have to go for the 50mm model and loose the very light aspect of them !! One thing is i found negative though, the lack ok lens cap provided by Canon ? could be included for the price !

starproxima

2013-05-20T21:00:00

Bought these binoculars instead of an entry level telescope to share my daughter's astronomy bug. The IS makes all the difference - could see that Saturn 'has ears' and saw Jupiter's Galilean moons. And the binoculars have been used constantly since purchase for birds and sports, while a telescope would probably be relegated to a closet by now...

JIM W.

2013-02-22T19:00:00

The binoculars are a brilliant piece of optics and technology, second to none. They lack not a thing, are extremely dependable & a sturdy well-built, water-resistant, sealed & coated to perfection. There are no others, on the market, that can stabilize, that are as light and yet durable enough to compare to what Canon has created. They serve for a number of uses, most of which have to do with aviation. I also use them to track many type of animals, before capturing wildlife, with my Canon 5D MkII. The binoculars are a wonderful investment, which gives back, over and over and over again.

Digitalshooter

Originally posted at

2012-12-12T19:00:00

When I traveled with anyone else in the past I often had difficulty seeing what they saw through binoculars because my hands shake badly. Now, with the image stabilization on these binoculars, I am thrilled at what I can see! I feel that I am so much better able to participate in the viewing experience now.

Bluejeangal

2012-06-13T21:00:00

To compensate for the lack of objective caps, I installed a pair of flip-up rifle scope caps. They just press-fit on and it eliminates the chance of losing them.

PHIL

2012-05-09T21:00:00

The 12x Canon IS binoculars have a bit more bulk than some 12x binoculars, but they are not heavy at all. They are not armored, so they do not feel as solid as other makes, but overall construction seems to feel very good, and not cheap at all. Glass has excellent sharpness and contrast, and is as good as other famous makes that don't even have IS. The two controls are very easy to use, and the focus knob moves smoothly and easily. It also focuses very quickly too. I knew the IS would be great, but I am still in amazement at how good it actually is. I thought I could hold a set of binos fairly still, but hitting the IS button makes a world of difference. It is quite something to see such a greatly magnified view, while having less movement than you would get using 8x or even 6x binos. They work as advertised, and IMO the performance is worth the price. I think I will be getting rid of my 10x binos now, as these Canons work so well, and the extra 2x magnification makes more of a noticeable difference over the very good 8x binos that we also own. I'm not so sure that IS would make a big difference at 8x, but I know it will at anything above that level. And certainly if you need 12x or more, don't put your money into HD or ED glass, but instead put it into IS, which will make more of a useable difference. Now I have to figure out how to come up with the coin to purchase the 18x version......

Phil