New Binoculars for the Great Outdoors

Recently upgraded my Binoculars. I've had a few pair over the years. I have some smaller ones that pack well for hiking or hunting, but didn't really have the magnification or range I was looking for. My older pair of large binoculars is over 40 years old now. Still functional, but large, heavy and definitely seen some wear.

I recently upgraded to some new tech and glass. These are the newer Canon 18x50 with Image Stabilization. While image stabilization is generally not needed on lower magnification 8x or so, the higher power binoculars are almost unusable without a steady elbow rest or tripod due to the shakes that are magnified at that level.

One of my concerns was that the binoculars would not be usable without the batteries. No worries, these function just like normal binoculars if the battery dies. The battery is used only when the image stabilization is on. If hunting or other extended trip, I would still pack an extra battery, just because the image stabilization works so well, it's easy to get spoiled using it.

I also got a clip on phone adapter to take pictures through the binoculars. This works, but is pretty finicky to setup and use without a tripod. I was constantly having to re-adjust and micro-tune the phone to keep the camera aligned. Not really functional for real-world use of photography like I was hoping. Would be amazing if they had built a camera into the binoculars themselves (maybe next upgrade).

Here's some pictures of the phone adapter connected.

As you can see, I got one from Celestron. It may perform better if I later remove the eyecups, but I'm not sure I'll spend the time on that given the limitations, I'll just go back to my real camera for pictures. The binoculars are great for viewing without the adapter though.

The phone just easily clamps into this holder, and then can use the twist knobs to adjust it up, down, left, right and in, out to align the camera with the eyepiece.

It's not as solid as it looks. In real life the slightest movement or bump would take it out of adjustment. It was also difficult to hold steady with one hand and push the button on the phone to take a picture. The adapter did come with a remote shutter trigger, but I didn't try using it in this set.

Here's some sample pics. Please keep in mind the shaky pics don't come close to doing the binoculars justice due to the shaky one-hand holding and picture taking. The raw view using them as just binoculars is MUCH better.

Here are two waterbirds in a pond from my cell phone at 2x which is pretty close to what it looks like bare eyes.

Now here is view through the binoculars.

Here's a different spot with cellphone at 2x. See the white bird way back in the Center?

Here it is through the binoculars.

Here's an even better view below. Several birds out on the fountain housing. Again at 2x through smartphone.

Here's a video attempt, remember more shaky with my one hand photo hold. Real use is much more stable and clear.

Here's one of the bird splashing about.

When holding the binoculars normally two handed without the phone adapter, it's easy to keep them much more stable than shown in these videos. If you're curious, there are plenty other better comparison videos out there on the web.

They came with a case, and lens caps for the two smaller lenses, but no lens caps for the larger lenses. Also the case does not have a strap, nor a place to easily attach a strap which seems strange. Luckily there was a strap to connect to the binoculars, but strange the case is without.

Overall, I give the binoculars a double thumbs up (except for the case). The image stabilization works wonders. If you've ever used high power binoculars without it, you will certainly appreciate the difference.

They are great for birdwatching, hunting, target range, other wildlife, and even some stargazing. The Moon views through it are great, although I'll have to figure out better connection for the phone adapter and/or use tripod to get a decent photo through them I think. I may try that when it warms up a bit.

Bottom line if it's pics you want, stay with a good camera and zoom lens. But these are great for spotting, and all the other uses highlighted above.