Customer reviews from usa.canon.com
Canon - 10x42L IS WP Waterproof Image Stabilizer Binoculars USA - Gray
Average customer rating
4.2
(22 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 22 reviews
5 Stars
16
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
2
1 Star
2
81%of customers recommend this product.
(
13 out of
16)
Customer Reviews for Canon - 10x42L IS WP Waterproof Image Stabilizer Binoculars USA - Gray
Customer Rating
5
SEE the Unseen!
on January 25, 2017
Posted by: Theo
from SE La
I own or have glassed with most of the Alpha offerings in the binocular world marketplace. Currently, I have several high end porros and top end roofs that offer superb FOV's with accurate color, detailed resolution, visual stereopsis and great build quality. They bring visual enjoyment of the world when I venture on bird or wildlife excursions. I use 7X to 12X optics (depending on venue) and prided myself on hand holding a steady image when using 10X to 12X binos.
My past positive experiences using the Canon DSLR IS L-Glass lenses always intrigued me and spiked my interest to try the Canon IS offerings in binoculars. With the current excellent 10x42L IS sale (and reading great reviews all over the net), I ordered from B&H and began my comparative evaluations.
I already understood the possible issues and positive features that the 10x42L was known for. Things like their bulkiness, heft, slow focus speed, lack of high-end ergonomics, quirky accessories and a short, non-transferable warranty period turn many off to the concept of these great optics. However IMHO, any of these possible turnoffs melted away as soon as I engaged their Image Stabilization Prowess...AMAZING! They possess excellent optics (very, very close to my venerable EL 10x50 SV's), and with their image stabilized feature turned on, the Detail, Resolution and Clarity of FOV makes even my glassing non IS steady hands Obsolete. I typically don't use any type of stabilization assist (mono, bi or tri pods) and with hand holding the 10x42L with IS engaged (convenient), I can easily view a superb, sharp and detailed point of interest as if I had my top end alpha pair of 10X on a tri-pod (inconvenient)!!
Great Optics, Solid Build, Quality accessories, Quick and Very effective IS function and as a Porro II design, wonderful 3D viewing. Battery life using fresh Lithium's is superb (15 hrs of IS continuous use & charge still at 1.74V)! These unconventional binos now have a permanent place in my excursion outdoor back pack!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Good for Astronomy & Marine use
on December 21, 2015
Posted by: TCampbell
from Dearborn, MI, United States
I picked up a pair of these a little over a year ago -- mostly for astronomy use, but I also use them for sailing.
Binoculars are excellent for large structure / bright objects in the night sky -- they work especially well on large open star clusters. It's both challenging and fatiguing to hold binoculars steady-enough to see detail in the night sky, but the image stabilization calms the shaking down and makes it much more enjoyable to use (resting in a patio lounger makes it even easier). I've also used this to observe planets (namely Jupiter and Saturn). While they do work, the 10x magnification is a bit small to see much detail. You can make out the cloud belts on Jupiter and the rings on Saturn -- but only just barely. I'd suggest a higher powered pair (or a telescope) for use on planets.
I also use these for sailing. Marine use was one reason why I opted for the fully waterproof binoculars vs. the weather-resistant alternatives. I've used other binoculars for marine use and once the binoculars exceed 7x magnification it becomes too difficult to hold steady (the higher the magnification, the more difficult it is to hold them steady enough). But once again, the image stabilization feature calms everything down and makes it easy to use 10x binoculars on a boat that's pitching and rolling with the waves.
I use rechargeable NiMH batteries (Panasonic Envelops) to power these. I avoid using single-use alkaline batteries and if you do, remove them before storing the binoculars. Alkaline batteries will leak when drained.
The eye-caps and lens covers are not attached to the binoculars themselves. They have a short lanyard designed to let you attach the lens covers and eye-cups (it covers both sides and is connect in the center) to the neck-strap. Some people prefer that the lens-caps be permanently attached but it really doesn't bother me. I do catch the lens covers sometimes falling off easily (but if attached to neck-strap with the lanyard as described in the instructions, you won't lose them.)
The diopter adjustment (to correct for eye prescription) is only adjustable on the right-side. The idea is that you cover the right eye and focus the binoculars only for the left eye. Once focused, cover the left eye, and then focus the right-eye using only the diopter adjustment. The adjustment ring clicks forward/back to lock/unlock. So really you're just adjusting for the difference in eye prescription between your eyes. There are index marks so if you share the binoculars with others, you can quickly return them to the setting that works best for you.
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Great except for rubber issue
on November 7, 2017
Posted by: Piemelon
from Los Angeles, CA, United States
I have had mine for about 4 years. They are truly the best binocs I’ve ever had...but, parts of the rubber cover are detirionating and the surface feels tacky. Also, any dust collects on those portions and seems impossible to remove. It seems to me that on equipment this expensive a better material should have been used. Will be calling tech support for advice, but it’s been my experience that once this process starts, it doesn’t quit.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
3
Faulty rubber coating.
on October 16, 2024
Posted by: AlanR
from California
Hesitant to buy again. My older model 12x36 IS II still works great optically. Unfortunately I agree with an earlier review here stating "rubber coating became sticky & started to melt off on your hands". What a mess.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Sci-Fi brought to life! Perfect all around glass!
on January 6, 2024
Posted by: falcon63
from New York City
My Canon 10 x 42 L IS WP binoculars are my perfect all around glass, I really like the design, the feel, the versatility this model offers, I think for my needs and liking which is close and long range birding, nature watching, stargazing, and with the option of screw in lens filters I can view the sun and its spots in full steady view now without the need of a tripod but still use one when I'm too tired. The IS feature really works!! AMAZING, Sci-Fi brought to life!, as for the image quality?, truly addictive!, I have a hard time putting these binoculars down, the images are just too beautiful, the colors and resolution of the sky and clouds near sunset with the birds flying in the backdrop is simply a breathtaking sight!, with a steadiness you can only get using a tripod, but the IS system does it with a push of a button, I've been using this awesome glass everyday for six months now and has become my absolute favorite binoculars over my other high end collection, I tell you get out and try a set for yourself, believe me I have been glassing as a hobby for over 45 years now and owned many many great optics and this Canon gem has got my full attention. AN EXCELLENT UNIT!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Full-Featured Binoculars
on February 26, 2023
Posted by: Swizz
from Phoenix, AZ
The image stabilization is a great feature if want to look at something quickly without setting up a tripod.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
BIG aid for folks with a tremor
on September 11, 2023
Posted by: SomeoneInTexas
I owned this binocular and gave it to a friend with severe hand tremors. He was amazed that now he can see steadily. Before he could not use binoculars at all. Another friend with head and had tremors bought a pair and it solved his problems. I DO recommend the 4 year extended coverage! I have dropped Canon with this coverage and had great results with repairs.
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Excellent, fast, image stabilization.
on June 7, 2024
Posted by: kmoses
I have only had my 10x42 L IS binocular for about 3 months and have not experienced any issues with the battery compartment or external rubber coating. The IS function snaps the view stable as soon as the top button is pressed. 1 click and the image is stabilized for 5 minutes. Very cool in comparison to requiring holding the button down as on my 12x36 IS bino.
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com