Canon 18x50 IS, Weather Resistant Porro Prism Image Stabilized Binocular with 3.7 Degree Angle of View

2024-11-14T19:00:00

The binoculars functions are outstanding. Good clear resolution and easy to use. The clarity is especially impressive at low light levels. This is my second pair, which brings up my reason for the lower level on my review. My first pair broke fairly quickly due to the engineering and quality of the battery door. This unit goes through batteries fairly quickly, so there is a need to replace batteries often. The design and durability of the door is poor and cheaply made for a product that is relatively expensive. Otherwise it is a full 5 stars.

BenR

Originally posted at

2023-06-27T10:15:08

Best binoculars I have ever owned, just wish lens caps attached to neck band or to binoculars themselves like my diamondback pair

MICHELE W.

2023-01-30T19:00:00

I've had these binoculars for a couple of years now and absolutely love them! If all of my observation equipment, I use these more than anything else. I can easily take them anywhere and I frequently use them to identify objects to look at later with a telescope. The image stabilization feature is fantastic and word very well so that I can easily get away with the 18x magnification. The glass is clear without any aberration providing a crisp clear view. Love them!

Shaman

Originally posted at

2022-03-20T09:32:42

Wonderful binoculars. I've spent more time with these than my Swarovski binoculars because of the image stabilizer.

HOUSTON A.

2022-03-14T13:05:52

product is everything that is advertised .I am very pleased with them

ERIC R.

2021-08-17T12:45:51

The weight is understandably higher than conventional binoculars, but not much considering the much higher magnification and necessary image stabilization feature. The image stabilization is sweet. On the less than positive side, the included case is a joke, no rear lens caps are included, and the diopter adjustment is awkward compared to adjustments on more conventional binoculars. Small hands might find them somewhat awkward to handle. I can't complain too much about the high price, since they're the best in their class.

Bruce T.

2020-10-07T20:00:00

Though these refurbished binoculars look and work like New, they sure don’t cost less than new ones. Not sure why but I certainly can attest to their quality.

Dan W.

Originally posted at

2020-08-20T20:00:00

The best binoculars I’ve ever used. All I can say is, if you want the best, these 18x 50 will not disappoint.

Nathaniel D.

Originally posted at

2019-12-26T19:00:00

Excellent product! Exactly what I need for my upcoming mountain goat hunt.

millertb

Originally posted at

2018-01-17T19:00:00

I have had my 18x50 IS binoculars for four years. They chew through batteries fairly quickly but I am happy to pay that price for the performance. What I'm not happy about is the phenomenon called 'melting'. Part of the rubber coating deteriorates to a sticky goo which now requires a hand washing after each use. My understanding is that this is a known and reasonably widespread problem and Canon are either not interested in addressing it or are doing the duck and cover. For that reason alone I can't recommend the product and will not go to Canon again.

Michael R.

Originally posted at

2016-02-05T19:00:00

I use my 18*50s for star gazing. I own a meade 8" Schmidt cas and these binocs are my joy when under the stars. Don't let the weight scare you. Clear perfect views..... You bet. Comfortable to hold. Would not be happy without them.

Auger

Originally posted at

2015-09-30T20:00:00

The 18x50 binocular is a powerful and portable instrument. When coupled with the image-stabilization capability I was able to see galaxies, double stars and so much more than I had expected. It has been my main observing tool for several years. It continues to amaze me with it's power and portability.

Berky

Originally posted at

2013-12-17T19:00:00

I bought these Binoculars for a trip that we took to the Grand Canyon. I was standing next to a guy with "regular" high power (read shaky) binoculars. He commented that he could see an eagles nest "down there". I looked in the same direction with my Canon IS and said, "yea, but can you see the three eaglets too?". WHAT?! I let him borrow my Canons...his last words were, "I'm going to have to get some of those". I couldn't have said it better...

wizard

2013-10-10T20:00:00

These binoculars are outstanding. They would get a 5-star across the board from me if it were not for the cheap-cheap-cheap case and strap included with the binoculars as well as the lack of a cover for the lenses, necessitating the purchase of UV protector filters. For an item of this cost, I do expect better quality in the extras that come with the product. Aside from the filters that I had to purchase, I will have to buy a decent strap and probably sew a fully protective case. All that said, the binoculars themselves are marvelous. We use them for stargazing, bird watching, and freighter watching here on the Great Lakes. The image stabilization is well worth the cost. We have two other Canon binoculars as well as Canon camera lenses with the same feature, and we would not do without it.

slvivace

Originally posted at

2013-05-13T21:00:00

I am an avid wildlife and bird photographer. I use these for spotting my subjects and then photographing them. This was a replacement for a lost pair of the same Manufacturer and type of binoculars. Having had Canon IS Binoculars for the past 1o years or more, I would buy no other. On buying these I chose to upgrade in power from my previous pair and while they weigh a little more, I did not really feel the difference in weight and the IS worked just as well.

Pictkr

2013-04-11T21:00:00

If you have never looked thru Canons image stabilized binocs, you have to at least once in your lifetime. Powerful binoculars tend to just about make you seasick while you look at objects moving up and down. It is impossible to hold them truelly steady. When you push the button on these binocs, everything becomes rock solid - it is incredible. Yes, they are expensive and heavy but you can see Jupiter's moons with them and looking at the earth's moon is amazing. The technology will really blow your mind. Excellent solid super quality lens binoculars. You can read signs at 1/4 mile or more. Just keep in mind that the 15x50 and 18x50 are heavy and not something you want to hang around your neck for a long hike.

ROBERT L.

2013-04-01T20:00:00

I do not mine spending the $$ for a good piece of gear, whether camera or binoculars. When I got these Binoculars, I took a chance based on reviews. I figured if the binoculars worked half as good as a camera lens stagilizer, I would be ahead of the game. I WAS WRONG, these Bino's are UNBELIEVABLE PERFORMANCE PHENOMINAL producing results that will astound you! First trip we took them to Alaska, in Denali Park on one of the excursions into the back country on the tour bus, I spotted a Blond Grizzly Bear through my camera with a 600mm zoom lens, about 1500 yards away from us. My better half with the Bino’s spotted the two cubs with the Grizzly(a Mom. Even our guide was skeptical, he thought we were giving him a hard time, until he saw the digital pictures; his initial question was how did I know it was a Grizzly? I told him, I shot one back when I was younger, you don’t forget what they look like. Without these glasses I would not have seen the cubs and I had unbelievably expensive cameras and lenses. I finally got the picture after looking to see where I had to shoot! Earlier in the trip we spotted Humpback whales, Orca’s, Eagles, iceberg’s forming and more. The 2nd trip was to the West Indies, again, just too good to believe! The Moon, Jupiter and land sights we saw when others just asked to see what we were seeing, their bino’s could not see what we were seeing. Recently we have seen the Moons around Jupiter (5 at one time!), the Rings of Saturn (ROUGHLY 750 MILLION MILES FROM EARTH) and the Space Station as it passes! After seeing the real results with Cannons 18x50 Binoculars, I searched for a better pair; I have not found anything to even come close. What is missing is the adaptor to my camera body using these Binoculars! A couple of other points, when looking at Saturn or Jupiter, use a mono pod while seated in a comfortable chair! You are not going to see that far without Cannon Stabilization on and a relatively stable surface, in other world you have got to steady yourself. A sea captain friend of mine tried them and immediately put this Cannon Binocular on his wish list to his better half, he now owns a set and we have a blast talking and watching the stars. Heavy, not really, wife is a petite woman and I cannot pry them away from her on trips. RESPONSE IS USUALLY; “Get Your Own!” The lugging (love) of these are worth the weight in “sights to be seen!” Who knows, maybe the Aliens will take me and end my Cannon Stabilizer Binocular needs!

Worldvr

Originally posted at

2012-10-07T21:00:00

For the price, the Canon 18x50 IS should include lens caps; they don't. Buy a pair of Tamron 58mm lens caps, they work perfectly! Love the binoculars, I bought mine from Adorama nearly two years ago. I am now going to buy a pair of Hoya 58mm UV Haze "high density" i.e. extra strong 4x more tensile strength, filters to protect the front optics. Still haven't got the eye cups to where I am satisfied with comfort and light blocking. I may end up just trimming the rubber with a knife so my nose fits between them. I attached a surplus Canon EOS Digital camera neck strap through the draw strings of the soft case and this works beautifully for carrying the binoculars in the case all day long. See you at Aquaduct and Belmont!!!

Edward B.

2011-10-26T21:00:00

I have owned a pair of these binoculars for the past ten years.I have had no bad results while using on my hunting trips. I just replaced the old ones with a identical pair only because my grand son wanted to use my 10 year old pair on every hunting trip. For the money invested you can't go wrong.In fact they have gone down in price since my first purchase. I recommed buy and enjoy. YOU WANT BE SORRY YOU DID

one k.

2011-10-09T21:00:00

I sold this because not very sharp , then i turned to my old canon 10x30 , i am looking for 10x48 or 8x50 from better brand. the plastic casing so soft it can signs from first uses

Sultan A.

2011-09-27T21:00:00

I have owned Canon 10X30 IS for years and have had great service from them but I wanted to get closer images particularly for long distance ocean shots and space launches. My first upgrade was to the Canon 10X42. Great binoculars but I missed the target and then decided to buy either the 18X50 or the 15X50. I decided if I was going to spend that much, I might as well get the 18's. These 18X50 binoculars will not disappoint you. I fairly researched this to death and suffered the guilt of spending this much on something that was really a "want" and not a "need". Well, I am so happy that I bought these that I feel like a kid at Christmas. Spend a little extra and buy some good filters to protect the objective glass. I did and added a couple of soft hoods. I'm very particular about performance and quality. These 18X50's are expected to provide years of enjoyment.

Wave C.

2011-03-19T20:00:00

I have used my 18x50s primarily for hunting since I purchased them ( six years ago I think). They are too heavy to carry when on foot but I found them an excellant replacement for a spotting scope. While they do not have the magnification of many spotting scopes the ability to use both eyes greatly reduces eye strain and the stabilization more than makes up for lower power. I carry them on horseback and they are suprisingly tough. They are very useful for spotting game long range and in heavy timber. There are a couple of improvements that could be made and the number one is the eye cups are too stiff and would be much better if molded with shields on the side for light blocking and better fit to your eye. I have cut mine and it greatly improved them for fit and reflections. I am on my second pair of eye cups and was hoping they were improved but are not. The battery life is short and the use of larger batteries would not hurt the product and produce longer viewing. Overall a great buy and I am very happy with them.

cingin

Originally posted at

2011-01-11T19:00:00

I purchased these for my wife because she enjoys looking at wildlife on our mountains. These binoculars are incredible. The images are very bright and clear. The IS works perfectly. It's amazing to just push the button and watch the image go completely stable. I don't have any complaints about the battery life. You will want to purchase some filters for protecting the lenses. I bought polarizing filters and they work great. We have used these for watching elk and deer up on our mountain, birds at the bird feeder, a cow moose in a beaver pond up our canyon, the moon (incredible), Jupiter at night (could see 5 moons. We could see 6 moons with our telescope on the same night, so this was a nice surprise), and have taken them from a warm room into 5 degree temperatures with no fogging, etc. We have several other binoculars, including a nice 12X, and I'm sorry I waited so long to buy the Canon 18X IS. Kind of a funny story: my wife saw a man break into a vacant home just above us and the 12X were handy but she couldn't get the license number with them because of shake. She ran downstairs and got the Canon and got the license number no problem. The police found him later and arrested him. I have seen some reviews mention the weight, but we don't find it a problem at all - and my wife is small. They really don't seem any heavier than our 12X. If you're on the fence, wondering whether you should spend the $, remember that Canon quality and the great memories you'll create make it very worthwhile.

Diver

Originally posted at

2010-01-11T19:00:00

I purchased these binoculars espcially for astronomy. They have great light-gathering capability. The image is crystal-clear and going from a warm house to below-freezing temperatures outside does not create fog on the lenses at all. The image-stabilizer is an excellent feature and a necessary one at this magnification. The tripod adaptor works like a dream and is essential in my astronomical observations. I am also an avid bird watcher and these binoculars are the best I have ever owned. I have 7x50 Bausch & Lomb, 10x70 Nikon,8x30 Zeiss, and 8x30 Leitz binoculars and my 18x50 Canon IS binoculars are far superior to those for astronomy or bird watching. I highly recommend them.

Tomassini

2009-12-18T19:00:00

I use these binoculars for home inspections, particularly for very large homes where roof access is not practical. I am able to clearly see details in the granular surface of shingles, the degree of splitting, decay and algae in wood shakes. For masonry chimneys I can easily see loose mortar, hairline cracks, loose and separated flashings as well as any spalling in the bricks. The image stabilization is excellent regardless of the distance. For my applications these glasses have exceeded my expectations. I've also used them in Alaska where distances are vast - phenomenal!

mwcINSPECT

Originally posted at

2009-10-12T20:00:00

Image Stabilization causes minor chromatic aberration, (turning IS off eliminates CA) which can be an issue when trying to identify subtle color markings on birds for example. Battery life is not wonderful, but I carry a pair of AAs for backup. The view is incredible. I can identify birds my Swarovsky brethren can't even find. The high power, stable field means I can study carefully what they can't see.

Paul

Originally posted at

2009-09-01T21:00:00

I shoppedd carefully for several months and decided on IS binoculars as I had many uses in mind. I was more than satisfied when I used these on the Bullet Train and was able to view mountain top features with nearly no wobble or shake. They really do work. The views in low light applications are also impressive and even under low artificial light I can make out facial features at over 1000 yards.

John K.

2008-11-16T19:00:00

I bought a little Meade telescope for planet gazing, but the setup took so long I hardly ever used it. So I sold it and bought the 18X50 IS binos...and they're superb. Just point, press the button, and the image is rock solid. I've seen 4 moons around Jupiter, the rings of Saturn. I also use them for wild life watching - and they're just marvellous. A couple of small minuses: 1 I think (and I could be imagining it) images have a faint yellow cast 2) Against some backgrounds (eg birds against cloud), I can see a yellow edge to dark objects. But overall, the convenience, simplicity and quality have made me totally happy with these.

Nigel

Originally posted at

2008-01-20T19:00:00

Canon at its best

Sam

2007-02-04T19:00:00

The Canon 18x50 IS, which I originally bought to provide a portable solution for astronomy, since their purchase have also proven to be an equally portable substitute for a lower-powered spotting scope, wonderful for driving around a nature preserve, and viewing wildfowl and the like. The image stabilization REALLY works, either while viewing the heavens from a chaise lounge, or across a mudflat picking out shorebirds. They aren't light, but can readily be carried with just a neckstrap. They aren't cheap, but they are versatile enough to make them probably my best ever purchase[...]

ALAN B.