Canon Image Stabilized binoculars question:12X36 IS II or 10x42 L IS ?

Question

I have to decide between the 12X36 IS II and the 10x42 L IS WP but cannot find a single review or comment from anyone who has owned or tried both and has been able to compare them.

The "L" is almost double the price, but I am eager to know if it is really twice as good as the 12x and also whether or not it is also worth the extra weight.

If anyone out there has experience of both these binoculars, I would be happy to hear your comments.

Thanks!

Answer 1

If you go to binoculars.com you will find write ups by people who have purchased the IS binouclars. Here is the link.

http://www.binoculars.com/products/canon-10x42l-is-wp-image-stabilizers-waterproof-new-model-33630.html

Good luck on your decission.

Answer 2

I've had a pair of 8X30 binoculars for 25 years.
Then, 10 years ago I bought a pair of Nikon 10X50s.
Now I never use the 8X30s any more.
It is hard to steady the 10X50s but I live with it.

I would go with the 12X36 for two reasons:
1. Higher power is better than lower power especially since
holding steady is not an issue.
2. The difference in objective lens area is not that much.

Hope this helps :-)

Answer 3

Hi. No experience with these two but in general if you plan to use them for astronomy, the larger objective lens (42) will give brighter images. The difference between 10 power and 12 power is not substantial and I would go with 10x42.

Answer 4

I would go for the "L" the ten times magnification factor is very good and you will have less trouble maintaining a steady image and the 42 mm objective will gather more light. There should not be much difference in the weight.