Canon 12x36 Image Stabilization III Binoculars

My expectations were high and I am not disappointed. In the photos they look a bit heavy and ungainly but they are nothing of the kind. They are comfortable to hold and use and give the sharpest image of any binoculars I have ever owned, even before I press the stabilization button. The image stabilization works very well. Overall, a pleasure to use. Recommended.

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!

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.

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.

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.

It turns on automatically and vibrates without reason, Canon didn’t allow my original review but still they don’t honor warranty

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.

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.

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!!

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

The rubber turns sticky and Canon won’t do anything about it.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.