ant_man's Full Review: Canon AWP (7 x 42) Binocular
Why did I buy the Cannon 7X42 APW Binocular
I was looking for a pair of binoculars to use primarily for birding that would not be too heavy but had good optics and field-of-view and cost no more than $300.00
My initial impressions (pre purchase)
Summary:
These binoculars are a wide field-of-view waterproof low profile roof prism binocular with moderate magnification and solid construction.
1) Comparing this binocular to others in it's price range I found this binocular (the Cannon makes in general) to have superior optics to binoculars costing over $500 including many with porro prisms. It has a wide field-of-view with minimal distortion at the very edge of the FIELD-OF-VIEW. In this regard it was better than all but one binocular (cost ~$1600).
2) I also found that this particular binocular was one of the few I was able to adjust the diopter setting and get it to hold to my satisfaction. This is very important so I will elaborate a bit on this. Without a good setting the binocular image will not be sharp and eye fatigue will soon follow. Many binoculars do not hold a good diopter setting. When you focus the fixed lens and then adjust the diopter I found that most binoculars would lose some focus in the fixed lens. In many cases I could not get the binoculars properly adjusted. This Cannon however was easy to adjust and I attribute it to superior construction.
3) This binocular is sold as waterproof ... I haven't tested that assumption yet but when I do I will update this section.{see my third impressions}
4) I really liked the price/performance ratio but one serious shortcoming with this binocular is a lack of a front lens cap. I understand that this is apparently industry standard however it is really a drag to have to have to bring the carrying case everywhere I bring my binoculars because there is no lens cap.
My second impressions (post purchase)
1) After I purchased my binoculars I took them to a football game. I was impressed with how effective the wide FIELD-OF-VIEW was. I could see most of the action without having to pan very much.
2) This binocular (as is generally true with roof prism binoculars) does have some problems with vision at night in the presence of strong light sources. It shouldn't be a great problem however when looking at a helicopter flying over the stadium I noted that ghost images showed up when I got anywhere near the stadium lights.
3) I bought these binoculars largely for birding. These are on the larger side but quite portable. I will note however that the neck strap is a bit too thin for the weight of the binocular if you must carry it for any great distance.
My third impression (after three years)
1) I have actually gotten these binoculars wet; they have been splashed. So far so good.
2) The eye-cup screws out to aid in proper eye relief. It has not held up well. It still is functional, however it is loose between the fully deployed position and the closed position.
3) The diopter setting has held up pretty well. I do notice more focal drift in setting the diopter than when first purchased, however it is still quite good.
Overall
I like these binoculars and do not regret having purchased them. If you wish to do long hikes or view the stars you might want to keep shopping. This is an excellent birding/sports event binocular.
Why did I buy the Cannon 7X42 APW Binocular
I was looking for a pair of binoculars to use primarily for birding that would not be too heavy but had good optics and field-of-view and cost no more than $300.00
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