Canon 10x30mm IS Image Stabilized Binoculars

Q1: Does the 10X30 IS model come with a case and a strap? Also, what is the exact weight of the binoculars?

A: Yes, all Canon Binoculars are shipped complete with Case and Neck Strap. These binoculars weigh 22 ounces.

Q2: When the binoculars are near vertical for star watching, does the image stabilizer still work well?

A: The image stabilization should work just fine no matter how you hold the binocular.

Q3: I am looking for the distance to bring things closer. Is this a good model for my wife who likes to look at boats, etc from far away? the numbers confuse me on the strength.

A: This is an excellent pair of binoculars for that type of use. Just to help you with magnification, etc ... The number before the X is the magnification or how many times the naked eye. The number after the X is the diameter in millimeters of the outside lens of the binocular. The stronger the magnification the shakier the image so for high magnifications (10,12,15,18 etc..) you will need a tripod unless the binocular has image stabilization like these do.

Q4: How long will the batteries last on the Canon 10x30 IS? Also, can I use rechargeable AA batteries?

A: The batteries will last approximately 20 hours but that will vary on the amount of usage and of course the colder it is the quicker they will run out of juice. Rechargeable batteries should be just fine.

Q5: Is this model suitable for nautical use?

A: Canon's 10x30 IS Image-Stabilized binocular does a great job of canceling out wave action in a boat. It is not waterproof, however. Hence for applications in which a binocular is likely to take a dunking, we'd recommend Canon's 10x42L IS WP waterproof binoculars.

Q6: I wear glasses for both long distance and reading, can I use the 10-30 IS without my glasses?

A: You can certainly use Canon 10x30 IS binoculars without wearing your glasses.

Q7: Do you have a binocular which has a range to view over 150 kilometers?

A: Unfortunately, there is no ground-based optical instrument that will allow one to see 150km. The curvature of the Earth blocks vision much beyond 32km. To see farther than that, you'd need to be well above the Earth's surface. Assuming you have access to an airplane, however, you'll still be able to see as far as the horizon with any binocular or telescope. What binoculars and telescopes do is magnify or enlarge objects, making them appear closer than they actually are. With 10X binoculars, everything will appear only one-tenth as far away as it actually is. That's 15km if the object is 150km distant. At 25X, an object will appear to be only 6km away. Telescopes and spotting scopes give higher magnification levels. A typical spotting scope gives up to 60X magnification, taking you to within 2.5km at 150 km distant. A 125mm Maksutov-cassegrain spotting scope can take you to within 600 meters.

Q8: Does the canon 10x30-IS have a separate focus adjustment for one eye to balance focus and, if so, is that adjustment indented. One of my eyes requires a different focal point than the other and the binoculars I now own do not have an indented adjustment

A: Canon 10x30 IS Image Stabilized Binoculars DO have a diopter adjustment to balance focus. It protrudes slightly less far than the eyecups.

Q9: Does this product have an international guarantee, and for how long?

A: Canon 10x30 IS Image Stabilized binoculars carry a 3-year warranty good in the USA.

Q10: Does the product have a distance measurement?

A: We're not quite sure what you mean by "distance measurement." However, if you're asking how far you can see with the binocular, you'll be able to see all the way to the horizon, however far that is in your area. It will also make distant objects appear to be 10 times as close as they actually are.

Q11: The Canon 12x36 IS binoculars are "IS II" what is the difference between this and standard "IS"?

A: Well, as you're probably already aware the original Canon IS is discontinued and no longer available. I've looked up the old specs for the binocular and (surprisingly) the originals specs had a little bit better features than the current models - but it wasn't a terribly drastic difference. The original IS had a slightly closer "Close focus" and a little bit wider field of view. But it's usually like any manufacturer. . .they get rid of the original and come out with a product that boasts a "Second generation" type of title that really is not much different than the original. 

Q12: What is the BaK rating on the Canon 10X30 IS binocular?

A: The Canon IS binoculars use a BAK4 prism.

Q13: I would like to get my Mom some birding binoculars. Will this be too much magnification for birding?

A: This is a great binocular for birding!  Generally, an 8x power binocular is prefered for birding - however with this binocular featuring image stabilization, it offers a very stable image that is fantastic for birding.  I would go as far to say this binocular is great for just about any use.

Q14: Does the Canon 10x30 IS have twist eye relief, roll down eye cups or some other way of addressing the needs of eye glass wearers?

A: All of the Canon image stablized binoculars feature roll-down eye cups to allow you to view with eye glasses.  The rubber is very good quality and can take being rolled up and down without any issues.  

Q15: Can you use the binoculars without the batteries. Do they just operate the Image Stabilizer?

A: Yes, the binoculars will work without the batteries - only without batteries, the image stabilizer function will not operate, making them perform like any standard binocular.

Q16: The case hasn't received rave reviews. Could you recommend a sturdy case that would fit these?

A: The case that's included with the Canon Image Stabilized Binoculars is a soft case - and for travel and basic protection it is very good.  However, we do offer other premium hard cases like the Vanguard Supreme Waterproof Hard Case.

Q17: Are the 10x30 IS water and shock proof?  Will they hold up in harsh conditions?

A: As great as these binoculars are, they are not waterproof - only water resistant. Many of the binoculars we offer are completely waterproof and shockproof, but this was not possible to do in the Canon image stabilized binoculars.  They could be caught in the rain, or mist, and should be quickly put into protection.  These binoculars are not shock-proof, but with simple responsible care of these binoculars they will be just fine.

Q18: For stargazing in light-polluted skies, will I get more benefit from increasing magnification or objective size?

A: What a great question!  I personally own both the Canon 10x30 IS binocular and the Canon 18x50 IS binocular, both are great binoculars for astronomy.  I will always say the 50mm model is better as it has more light gathering and larger magnification - but they are not in the same price catagory.  The 10x30IS binocular is great binocular for stargazing.

Q19: Do I have to always hold down the IS button, or is the button an "on/off" switch?

A: You have to hold down the IS button to activate the stabilization feature.