wadesam's Full Review: Canon Binocular 10x30 Is Uk (2897A002)
The key to happiness with this binocular is to make sure, in advance, that its limitations do not interfere with your intended use.
GENERAL: The Canon 10x30IS provides magnification of 10 power with objective lenses of 30 millimeters. This results in an exit pupil of 3.0 (30/10=3.0) and a twilight factor of 17.3 (10x30=300, the square root of which is 17.3). The unit weighs 21 oz. without the two AA batteries and does not have (or need) a tripod mount. The lenses are multi-coated, but the binocular is NOT guaranteed to be waterproof--which is interesting as it is commonly marketed as the perfect binocular for boating.
CORRECTION TO EPINIONS DATA: Always double-check any technical data provided by the Epinions.com website--it is often incorrect. The specifications page here says that the eye relief provided is .6mm; it is actually 14.5mm. The Field of View (FOV) is listed at 114.7 feet at 100yards. FOV is the left to right distance you can see without physically traversing the binocular. This glass provides a FOV of 315 feet at 1000 yards. (The Canon website says it's 6 degrees so I multiplied 6 by 52.5, which is the number of feet per degree that you can see at 1000 yards). Epinions also says that the exit pupil is .1mm instead of 3.0 and that this model DOES NOT provide image stabilization, which it does.
PROS: This binocular is actually pretty cool. I don't own it, but had the opportunity to use it for a day. In normal outdoor light, the image produced was quite clear and bright. Focusing is accomplished by adjusting a single knob located between the two barrels. Once you're in focus you can engage the image stabilization feature by pressing a button on the top of the unit. At that point, vertical and horizontal gyros detect any motion in any direction. Any shaking is counteracted by the vari-angle prism and the tilt mechanism. The light's refraction is altered so the image appears steady to the user's eye. The result is a very steady image which allows the user to identify much more detail in the image viewed.
Reading something at a distance through binoculars is usually a tough task without bracing yourself good, but with the Canon 10x30IS, I could read anything I wanted without effort or frustration. One can readily see how this binocular would be a welcome addition to a boat or a tour bus.
The image produced was very consistent from edge to edge and did not blur noticeably at the edge. After 25 minutes of continuous use I felt some eyestrain, but not more than I would expect from a binocular in this price range.
CONS: It isn't guaranteed waterproof. If you get it wet and it leaks, too bad. Canon does not promise to do a thing for you. So if you do take it out on your boat, be careful!
The user is additionally instructed not to use this binocular in humidity exceeding 90%. I suggest that you follow this guideline given the fact you have no recourse if it gets moisture inside. Humidity over 90% is not terribly uncommon, and that means more days that you have to leave this binocular at home.
The rated temperature for use is between 14 and 112 degrees. So if you live somewhere very cold and were hoping to take this binocular along hunting, or to an outdoor football game--forget it. It might lock up on you. I know from my own experience, I have used binoculars in temperatures less than 14 degrees several times. Basically, the 10x30IS is not a winter binocular. I have never seen such a limitation before.
You must have batteries to use the Image Stabilization. I guess certain features come at a price, but in this case it means packing spare batteries with you if you want to make use of the benefits you paid for.
While the weight of the binocular is about what you would expect for a 10x30 glass, the shape is a little bulkier. I found my self treating it more like a camera than a binocular. The general "feel" of the binocular was just a little weird for me.
CONCLUSION I am little leery about this thing. I liked using it, but still...I just wonder. Moving parts, internal electronics, battery power, no waterproof warranty--it seems like a recipe for disaster. However, in the right environment, it might be great.
Check your almanac, and if you live in a region where you don't have humidity in the summer nor extreme cold in the winter, go ahead and buy it. Just don't get it wet and take spare batteries with you. If you live in Minnesota and own a boat, I predict you'd have to leave this binocular at home 280+ days per year. But during the other 85 days it will be just perfect for you! I'm going to recommend it, but with many reservations. Buyer beware.
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Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
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