Canon 12x36 IS II Binoculars
This new 12x36 IS II model utilizes a lighter Porro II prism (offset) optical design and a simplified Image Stabilizer design that is lighter, smaller and contains fewer moving parts. The 36mm diameter Super Spectra-coated objective lens is composed of two elements in one group; the Canon designed "Doublet field flattener lens" eyepiece is composed of five elements in four groups and provides excellent evenness of illumination and sharp center to corner viewing. The closest focusing distance of the 12x36 IS II binoculars is 19.7 feet.
With any high magnification binoculars, most users will experience frustrating image shake. Unless fixed to a tripod, image shake can render high magnification binoculars useless. Canon's IS technology is remarkably effective at eliminating this problem and is widely used by the television industry with Canon's professional broadcast quality video recording equipment.
A special VAP (Vari-Angle Prism) corrective IS system sits between the objective lens group and the porro prism on each side of the binoculars. Within thousandths of a second of the binoculars being moved from their optical axis by vibrations, a detection system activates the IS mechanism. The VAP shape alters to refract or 'bend' the light path by precisely the right amount, thus fully compensating for the vibration. It is this essentially immediate response that effectively suppresses image shake.
The binoculars' compact design is based on Canon's popular 10x30 IS model. Curved surfaces mean easy handling, while nature lovers will appreciate the low-reflectance exterior and low gloss front covers, which help to avoid disturbing birds and other wildlife. The large IS button at the top and centre of the binoculars is easily accessible by a finger from either hand, while the large focusing dial also falls under the finger and rotates with a smooth action. Durable, large rubber covers over the entire objective lens assemblies provide improved impact resistance and the eyepieces have large rubber eyecups, making it easy to see through the eyepiece lens.
