Canon 15x50 IS-AW


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Brand and Model:Canon 15x50 IS-AW
Price ($USD):$1099.00
Attributes:checked Waterproof checked Armored
Objective Lens Size:50 mm
Magnification:15 x
Prism Type:Roof
Coatings:Multi-Coated
Field of View:4.5 degrees
Eye Relief:0 mm
Near Focus:0 ft
Weight (lbs):1200g
Dimensions (w/h/d):152x193x81mm
Description:The 15x50 IS AW (Image Stabilized All Weather) is unique among the finest high-magnification binoculars because they incorporate Canon's remarkable Optical Image Stabilizer technology. This revolutionary system employs a novel Vari-Angle Prism that instantly and continuously makes adjustments to maintain a steady image.



Image Stabilization System compensates for hand shaking as well as minute vibrations at the touch of a button. High Magnification Optics, 15x, accommodate wide-ranging activities. Wide, Extra-Bright Field of View from large-diameter 50mm objective lens. Multi-Coated Ultra-Low Dispersion (UD) Objective Elements add contrast, clarity and color fidelity. Long 15mm Eye Relief for easy viewing.

Shock-and-Water-Resistant Construction with non-slip rubberized coating.

Vote Highlights Vote
Canon 15x50 IS-AW
I am astounded by the excellent performance of these binoculars. I have used (use) Swarovski, Zeiss, Leica and Nikon (E series) binoculars, which are known to have some of the finest optics/mechanics in the world. I would now add the Canon AW IS series to this elite group. I have hesitated to buy any binocular with greater than 10 x magnification before because of weight and the desire to always hand-hold my binocs. I took a "chance" on the Canon 15X50 IS because of a growing interest in Astronomy and the hope that I could now use a hand-held high power binoc for birding. The Canons are simply superb. Bright, tack-sharp, high contrast images with snap-to-focus rival some of the best binocs out there and the image stabilization has to be tried to be believed. They are also virtually "colorless" on objects as bright as the moon in night-time viewing. I even like the ergonomics, which has been criticised in other reviews. True, the eyecups could be more comfortable but I really like the heft and shape of the binboculars, which fit very well and comfortably cupped in my hands. This might be a bit more problematic for someone with small hands. If you are in the market for a quality pair of high powered binoculars that are simply a joy to use - try out these Canon 15 x 50s. The image stabilization has changed the way I now use binoculars for the better. With the prices dropping in recent months (~$800 street with 3-year Canon USA warranty) and the current Canon rebate, now is a great time to check them out.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:9
Weight: 7 (Veritable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=96314


Canon 15x50 IS-AW
I've been using the Canon 15x50 IS for nearly two years now. In spite of the glowing reviews I'd read online, I was skeptical that a bino with such a small exit pupil would be a good performer on the night sky. And the high cost made me hesitant to take the plunge. Well, my fears were unfounded. I now use this instrument more than any other. This bino now sits on the cabinet next to the back door, ready for instant use in the backyard. And it gets a LOT of use. recently, it's been giving me excellent views of Comet Holmes. And it's perfect for framing the Pleiades. Under a dark sky, the Double Cluster is gorgeous. The dense star fields in the Milky Way are hypnotic. M31 and M42 make you glad that you spent the money.

The stabilization system makes it a joy to use. The optics are extremely sharp and it holds focus better than any other bino I've owned. And that's a fairly long list.

On the downside, these are bulky and heavy compared to anything with comparable aperture. Get yourself a wide, padded neckstrap and it won't be a concern.

Enthusiastically recommended.

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:10 Value:7
Weight: 5 (Veritable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=573022


Canon 15x50 IS-AW
Just rec'd and have now had a chance to give it a try on both celestial & terrestrial objects and it is really not bad...resolution and sharpness of detail are v good, as is "lack of color", focus is extremely quick, it's bright, contrasty and handles and balances well....the IS works very well but the focus when you hit the button needs to be spot-on. Some of the reviews I've seen say the image is much better with the IS on than off, but I really haven't seen that....tried it on a very stout tripod with it on and off and noticed some difference but nothing glaring....I wonder if when the IS is switched off the prism angles return to precisely a neutral position or whether they just stop where they are...that could explain it. The image seems to have minor variance with the IS off (sometimes sharper than others). Now, I do have a couple of gripes....the eyecups...when up you don't get the full field unless you just mash them up against yr face....if down using w/o glasses you can easily get the "kidney bean" blackout unless you hold it just so....with glasses again you have to really press to see the field stops. If Canon could redesign them so there was a variable position, instead of just all up or all down, that wd help the non-eyeglass wearers (for folks that need the specs all the time....just nn an increase in relief). The other beef is the difficulty in adj the IP distance...the one I have is v stiff (hopefully it will become a little easier when it's "broken in"). Overall I'm pleased with the Canon....I've always thought that overall, they had the best full line of camera lenses...maybe an invidual one from Nikon, Hasselblad, Zeiss-Ikon,etc, may be slightly better for a given focal length, but as a full line, they seem to be the tops (and real trendsetters as well)...the optics in the IS don't disappoint.

Overall Rating: 8
Optics:9 Value:7
Weight: 5 (Veritable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=217895


Canon 15x50 IS-AW
I honestly don't have alot to compare these to, but I am pretty blown away by the performance. If you are reasonably steady on a star cluster, say, you push the button once (don't have to hold it down) and in a second or two it stabilizes and stars pop into view that you couldn't see otherwise. My scope is coming out less now too. The stabilisation without the hassle of a mount is fantastic. The focuser is extremely smooth and images really snap into focus. Can't say enough about these. For value you can only really compare to equivalent bino's with mount and tripod, and even then the hassle factor must be considered.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:10
Weight: 4 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=53969


Canon 15x50 IS-AW
Purchased mine March 2001 for $975. Use exclusively for
variable star estimation. My scopes have sat in the corner
since I got these, I like them that much. Views are Clear
to edge. The IS becomes addictive. Two minor quibbles: 1)eyepiece
cups are uncomfortable, and take getting used to. 2) Get yourself
some rechargeable batteries if you use them often. 3-4 hours
on a charge.

Overall Rating: 9
Weight: 4 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=41977


Canon 15x50 IS-AW
These were purchased new Dec. 2000 for $1010 US. The binoculars are extraordinarily sharp across right across the FOV. They are excellent for Astronomy. In daylight however the optics show a little spurious colour, yellow/green or blue/violet when viewing a sharp edge against a high contrast background. They do not have the absolute neutral colour of the best high end glasses. Also the Canon's are not as bright as (for example) my Nikon 8x32 SE's. These factors matter for bird watching but less so or not at all for astronomy. The Canons are very fine glasses but I will be selling mine and buying either Nikon 12 x50 SE's or Zeiss 15x60's to get better colour correction and higher contrast.

Overall Rating: 8
Weight: 4 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=41976


Canon 15x50 IS-AW
Excellent Optic,sharp to edge.little bit heavy but acceptable,bit brighter than 30X120 kowa Binocular.The best thing was Image Stabalizer.I can viewing everythings without using tripod at 15X.I have been using at ferry,steady as rock,I used it everyday.Highly recommend.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 4 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=41975


Canon 15x50 IS-AW
The Image Stabilation works very well for small jittery movement (caused by hand holding), but will not get rid of everything. They are really designed for land use, not for rocking around in a moving boat

Overall Rating: 9
Weight: 2 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=200742


Canon 15x50 IS-AW
I've been using the 15x50 IS for a little over a month now. Their optical performance is even better than I'd expected. Being somewhat old-fashioned, I'd thought that a binocular with an exit pupil of less than 5mm would have limited usefulness for astronomy. But the brightness afforded by the 50mm objectives is very good. Very minimal CA on any objects, including the moon and planets. Very sharp image on-axis and very little degradation towards the edges.

As for the image stabilization, it works very well and greatly increases my enjoyment of the night sky. The one downside is that after using these, my excellent 10x50s now seem WAY too shaky for hand-held use. Beware being "spoiled" by this excellent instrument.

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:9 Value:9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=497076


Canon 15x50 IS-AW
Overall a superb optical instrument. What I found interesting was the fact that if you use these binocs with the IS OFF, the optics appear only fair, but when you switch it on, the optics take a quantum leap upward. You can actually see many more stars with the IS on than you could with it off. My only criticisms are the weight and the eye relief(only 15mm), but these minor inconveniences are greatly outweighed by the spectacular optics.

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:9 Value:8
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=120040

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