The Canon 18x50 IS Binocular delivers truly outstanding optical performance and a well-stabilized, high-magnification view. Whether upon the water's edge enjoying a boat race or high in a stadium's uppermost deck, the 18x50 IS puts you right in the middle of the action with extreme intimacy. The 18x50 IS binocular's great for big game hunters, spectators of extremely distant sports such as surfing or extreme skiing, or anyone hunkering for incredible pulling power that can actually be enjoyed without the use of a tripod. It is a water resistant design and also has a tripod socket, as extended periods of observation are best enjoyed with some form of support.
The 18x50 IS was not designed to be habitually worn around the neck, but if you prefer to carry your optic in this manner then consider a thick neoprene strap instead of the supplied flat woven strap. If you'll be using the binocular in cold weather, it is highly recommended to use lithium batteries instead of alkaline.
The 18x50 IS is threaded to accept 58mm filters, which is convenient for using polarizers around water, but it also means that during extremely bright or humid conditions you can use a pair of 58mm lens hoods to help shield the objective lenses from dew and stray light (and thus improve contrast).
| Prism Type | Porro |
| Magnification | 18x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 50 mm |
| Angle of View | 3.7° |
| Field-of-View | 194' @ 1000 yd / 64.41 m @ 1000 m |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 19.7' / 6.00 m |
| Exit Pupil Diameter | 2.8 mm |
| Eye Relief | 15 mm |
| Interpupillary Adjustment | 58 - 76 mm / 2.28 - 2.99" |
| Dioptric Correction | ±3 |
| Focus Type | Center |
| Tripod Mount | Yes (Adapter Optional) |
| Dimensions | 6.0 x 3.2 x 7.6" / 15.24 x 8.13 x 19.30 cm |
| Weight | 2.60 lb / 1180 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Outstanding for birdwatching
I've been birdwatching for four decades and the Canon 18x50 IS is the best I've ever used. And I've used Leica, Zeiss and Swarovski.
The stunning amount of detail in a tremblefree ima...Read complete review
I've been birdwatching for four decades and the Canon 18x50 IS is the best I've ever used. And I've used Leica, Zeiss and Swarovski.
The stunning amount of detail in a tremblefree image is something that must be experienced in the field to appreciate the IS feature. There's simply no alternative, unless you choose to haul a scope on a tripod around with you. This binocular goes in a rucksack, or, as I prefer, around the neck. It's the only binocular I use, other binoculars stay at home. I gladly put up with the weight (1220 grams, batteries included) because I know beforehand I can identify birds at all distances, where other binoculars - even the most expensive ones - struggle or fail.
I wish I had discovered these binoculars decades ago, I'm so pleased with them since I bought them a year ago.
They are rugged and waterproof. I've used them in rain, drizzle, snow, on salt spray seawatches with tons of fine sand blown over them, and they are virtually immune. Excellent!
The weight is the only downside, as far as I can see; I take a small stool with me, so for more comfort I can sit and use them, resting my elbows on my knees.
I can recommend these binoculars to anyone who wants to see birds up close, as they are on the pictures in the fieldguide.
Best regards, Ronald Sinoo
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Poor image stabilization /eye relief
I wanted to use for astronomy,but the short eye relief made it a very bad choice for glasses users - only the center of the field of view is visible.I have other binoculars with ...Read complete review
I wanted to use for astronomy,but the short eye relief made it a very bad choice for glasses users - only the center of the field of view is visible.I have other binoculars with 16mm of eye relief that are not so bad.
And the image stabilization is poor,to me the Canon 10x30IS that I have seems much more stable.
Resume :If you wear glasses and want a good stabilization ,it's not for you....
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 23 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
Fantastic binoculars. Hesitated before making the investment, but glad I did. Great for city scapes as well as outdoor activities.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
A lot is online about these so if you will spend some time looking you will be able to judge for yourself. I will keep mine, but I really dislike the eyecups, even having been forewarned. They are awful. The ones on my 12x36 are 1000x better. Come on Canon!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
As a casual astronomy buff, the Canon 18x50 image-stabilized binocs are incredible. Looking at the stars is such a pleasure - great Canon optics. But it's the stabilization feature that stands out - I find something interesting (jittering away) then hit the IS "on" button and a solid "click" as the motors spin up and lock the image rock-solid. The binocs get heavy and I find I put them down to rest my arms just about as the 5-minute run time expires (just press the on button again for another session). Single-use lithium-ion batteries work well...light weight, very long-lasting and able to keep up with the high current demands of active image stabilization. I bought the 18x50 IS binocs when they first came out - so owned them for ten years+ with no issues.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
Great IS. Very well done construction.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
Great for bird & animal watching so as not to disturb them.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
I planned to uses this binos for general purpose. On the sail boat for long distance viewing, star gazing, birds or whatever.
Image clarity is excellent. I had hoped that the image stabilization would have removed more of the jitter. When they are turned on, it does stabilize the display, but not as much as I hoped, so you still have to hold it steady.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
After a lifetime of dragging around a tripod and/or having to find something on which to prop my elbows, these binoculars solved the "jitters" completely. I'd still recommend a tripod because they're heavy and will tire you out fairly quickly.
I get a fairly pronounced kidney bean effect in that stars tend to smear out a bit. However, the image is tack-sharp for the moon. In fact, the IS allows you to clearly note changes in viewing due to the atmosphere from hour to hour or day to day. The IS allows you to clearly see many of the Meisser objects as faint, fuzzy patches. However, don't expect IS to solve the problems of light pollution or bad "seeing."
I've had problems changing the eyepiece separation distance, and the right eyepiece diopter is a bear to turn. Also, the center focus is incredibly touchy and very easily goes out of focus. I find myself constantly fiddling with it, which detracts from the observing experience.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
Powerful and amazingly stable image. Great for the day or at night. From spotting license plates on a moving automobile to awesome star gazing, these binoculars are pleasure to use. Actually saw the moons of Jupiter and the Orion nebula with this baby. As good as any telescope for a fraction of the cost.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
Great image stabalisation I do not find them too heavy. Work better with the rubber eye sleaves pealed back. Cannot believe they come without lens covers for the price!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
I wanted to use for astronomy,but the short eye relief made it a very bad choice for glasses users - only the center of the field of view is visible.I have other binoculars with 16mm of eye relief that are not so bad.
And the image stabilization is poor,to me the Canon 10x30IS that I have seems much more stable.
Resume :If you wear glasses and want a good stabilization ,it's not for you....
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
Great optics and good image stabilization for 18x(not perfect, however, since some vibrations remain) .
Excellent for observations of furtive small birds and to see details in great distances; reasonable minimum focus distance (6m).
Objectives dangerously exposed, thus frontal caps must be part of the package (not provided by Canon; it is a shame, since this is a high priced bino). I will buy sets of two 58mm hoods, caps and UV filters to protect this expensive optics.
4.5 stars really, not 5 because absence of frontal caps and price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
I use these for astronomy, birding and general nature viewing on both land and water. This is my second pair, replacing a 10 yr old 15x50 IS set that died from hard use. I researched most of the IS binoculars on the market and came back to these for a second round. Difference between the 15x and 18x is minor in terms of magnification or jitter from the narrower field of view.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
I've been birdwatching for four decades and the Canon 18x50 IS is the best I've ever used. And I've used Leica, Zeiss and Swarovski.
The stunning amount of detail in a tremblefree image is something that must be experienced in the field to appreciate the IS feature. There's simply no alternative, unless you choose to haul a scope on a tripod around with you. This binocular goes in a rucksack, or, as I prefer, around the neck. It's the only binocular I use, other binoculars stay at home. I gladly put up with the weight (1220 grams, batteries included) because I know beforehand I can identify birds at all distances, where other binoculars - even the most expensive ones - struggle or fail.
I wish I had discovered these binoculars decades ago, I'm so pleased with them since I bought them a year ago.
They are rugged and waterproof. I've used them in rain, drizzle, snow, on salt spray seawatches with tons of fine sand blown over them, and they are virtually immune. Excellent!
The weight is the only downside, as far as I can see; I take a small stool with me, so for more comfort I can sit and use them, resting my elbows on my knees.
I can recommend these binoculars to anyone who wants to see birds up close, as they are on the pictures in the fieldguide.
Best regards, Ronald Sinoo
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
This pair of binos have been with me on a sailboat for 4 years now without the best of care. It's been left in the cockpit during storms and packed along dusty hiking trails to no end. Be prepared, they aren't light weight.
Every time I pick it up I'm amazed at the clarity and image the IS provides. I've had zero issues and the batteries seem to really last.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
The IS binoculars by Canon excellent - easy to use with great images.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
Well made, seems to be sturdy, heavy but I knew that when I bought, use a tripod most of the time
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
Used for sports, wildlife, scanning for shots prior to using my 300mm lens
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
The impressive magnification paired with IS offers astounding new perspectives of wildlife, birdwatching, mountains or distant events. For some it may be on the heavy side during hikes, No real disadvantage considering all the fascination it provides.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
This is my second pair. The first pair was stolen in a home burglary last month. I live on the 7th floor of a condo on the beach. The image stabilizer allows full use of the 18x binoculars while being hand held. I am able to see detail of sea birds, fish feeding frenzies and boats at distances that 35x binoculars would only see objects and all of this without a tripod. I reordered these binoculars only a week after my burglary. There is not a day that goes by that I don't use them. I do not carry them when hiking because they are too heavy to carry along with all of my camera equipment.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
Great binoculars, IS is really working great,
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Outstanding for birdwatching
I've been birdwatching for four decades and the Canon 18x50 IS is the best I've ever used. And I've used Leica, Zeiss and Swarovski.
The stunning amount of detail in a tremblefree ima...Read complete review
I've been birdwatching for four decades and the Canon 18x50 IS is the best I've ever used. And I've used Leica, Zeiss and Swarovski.
The stunning amount of detail in a tremblefree image is something that must be experienced in the field to appreciate the IS feature. There's simply no alternative, unless you choose to haul a scope on a tripod around with you. This binocular goes in a rucksack, or, as I prefer, around the neck. It's the only binocular I use, other binoculars stay at home. I gladly put up with the weight (1220 grams, batteries included) because I know beforehand I can identify birds at all distances, where other binoculars - even the most expensive ones - struggle or fail.
I wish I had discovered these binoculars decades ago, I'm so pleased with them since I bought them a year ago.
They are rugged and waterproof. I've used them in rain, drizzle, snow, on salt spray seawatches with tons of fine sand blown over them, and they are virtually immune. Excellent!
The weight is the only downside, as far as I can see; I take a small stool with me, so for more comfort I can sit and use them, resting my elbows on my knees.
I can recommend these binoculars to anyone who wants to see birds up close, as they are on the pictures in the fieldguide.
Best regards, Ronald Sinoo
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Poor image stabilization /eye relief
I wanted to use for astronomy,but the short eye relief made it a very bad choice for glasses users - only the center of the field of view is visible.I have other binoculars with ...Read complete review
I wanted to use for astronomy,but the short eye relief made it a very bad choice for glasses users - only the center of the field of view is visible.I have other binoculars with 16mm of eye relief that are not so bad.
And the image stabilization is poor,to me the Canon 10x30IS that I have seems much more stable.
Resume :If you wear glasses and want a good stabilization ,it's not for you....
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 23 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
Fantastic binoculars. Hesitated before making the investment, but glad I did. Great for city scapes as well as outdoor activities.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
A lot is online about these so if you will spend some time looking you will be able to judge for yourself. I will keep mine, but I really dislike the eyecups, even having been forewarned. They are awful. The ones on my 12x36 are 1000x better. Come on Canon!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
As a casual astronomy buff, the Canon 18x50 image-stabilized binocs are incredible. Looking at the stars is such a pleasure - great Canon optics. But it's the stabilization feature that stands out - I find something interesting (jittering away) then hit the IS "on" button and a solid "click" as the motors spin up and lock the image rock-solid. The binocs get heavy and I find I put them down to rest my arms just about as the 5-minute run time expires (just press the on button again for another session). Single-use lithium-ion batteries work well...light weight, very long-lasting and able to keep up with the high current demands of active image stabilization. I bought the 18x50 IS binocs when they first came out - so owned them for ten years+ with no issues.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
Great IS. Very well done construction.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
Great for bird & animal watching so as not to disturb them.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
I planned to uses this binos for general purpose. On the sail boat for long distance viewing, star gazing, birds or whatever.
Image clarity is excellent. I had hoped that the image stabilization would have removed more of the jitter. When they are turned on, it does stabilize the display, but not as much as I hoped, so you still have to hold it steady.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
After a lifetime of dragging around a tripod and/or having to find something on which to prop my elbows, these binoculars solved the "jitters" completely. I'd still recommend a tripod because they're heavy and will tire you out fairly quickly.
I get a fairly pronounced kidney bean effect in that stars tend to smear out a bit. However, the image is tack-sharp for the moon. In fact, the IS allows you to clearly note changes in viewing due to the atmosphere from hour to hour or day to day. The IS allows you to clearly see many of the Meisser objects as faint, fuzzy patches. However, don't expect IS to solve the problems of light pollution or bad "seeing."
I've had problems changing the eyepiece separation distance, and the right eyepiece diopter is a bear to turn. Also, the center focus is incredibly touchy and very easily goes out of focus. I find myself constantly fiddling with it, which detracts from the observing experience.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
Powerful and amazingly stable image. Great for the day or at night. From spotting license plates on a moving automobile to awesome star gazing, these binoculars are pleasure to use. Actually saw the moons of Jupiter and the Orion nebula with this baby. As good as any telescope for a fraction of the cost.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
Great image stabalisation I do not find them too heavy. Work better with the rubber eye sleaves pealed back. Cannot believe they come without lens covers for the price!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
I wanted to use for astronomy,but the short eye relief made it a very bad choice for glasses users - only the center of the field of view is visible.I have other binoculars with 16mm of eye relief that are not so bad.
And the image stabilization is poor,to me the Canon 10x30IS that I have seems much more stable.
Resume :If you wear glasses and want a good stabilization ,it's not for you....
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
Great optics and good image stabilization for 18x(not perfect, however, since some vibrations remain) .
Excellent for observations of furtive small birds and to see details in great distances; reasonable minimum focus distance (6m).
Objectives dangerously exposed, thus frontal caps must be part of the package (not provided by Canon; it is a shame, since this is a high priced bino). I will buy sets of two 58mm hoods, caps and UV filters to protect this expensive optics.
4.5 stars really, not 5 because absence of frontal caps and price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
I use these for astronomy, birding and general nature viewing on both land and water. This is my second pair, replacing a 10 yr old 15x50 IS set that died from hard use. I researched most of the IS binoculars on the market and came back to these for a second round. Difference between the 15x and 18x is minor in terms of magnification or jitter from the narrower field of view.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
I've been birdwatching for four decades and the Canon 18x50 IS is the best I've ever used. And I've used Leica, Zeiss and Swarovski.
The stunning amount of detail in a tremblefree image is something that must be experienced in the field to appreciate the IS feature. There's simply no alternative, unless you choose to haul a scope on a tripod around with you. This binocular goes in a rucksack, or, as I prefer, around the neck. It's the only binocular I use, other binoculars stay at home. I gladly put up with the weight (1220 grams, batteries included) because I know beforehand I can identify birds at all distances, where other binoculars - even the most expensive ones - struggle or fail.
I wish I had discovered these binoculars decades ago, I'm so pleased with them since I bought them a year ago.
They are rugged and waterproof. I've used them in rain, drizzle, snow, on salt spray seawatches with tons of fine sand blown over them, and they are virtually immune. Excellent!
The weight is the only downside, as far as I can see; I take a small stool with me, so for more comfort I can sit and use them, resting my elbows on my knees.
I can recommend these binoculars to anyone who wants to see birds up close, as they are on the pictures in the fieldguide.
Best regards, Ronald Sinoo
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
This pair of binos have been with me on a sailboat for 4 years now without the best of care. It's been left in the cockpit during storms and packed along dusty hiking trails to no end. Be prepared, they aren't light weight.
Every time I pick it up I'm amazed at the clarity and image the IS provides. I've had zero issues and the batteries seem to really last.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
The IS binoculars by Canon excellent - easy to use with great images.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
Well made, seems to be sturdy, heavy but I knew that when I bought, use a tripod most of the time
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
Used for sports, wildlife, scanning for shots prior to using my 300mm lens
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
The impressive magnification paired with IS offers astounding new perspectives of wildlife, birdwatching, mountains or distant events. For some it may be on the heavy side during hikes, No real disadvantage considering all the fascination it provides.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
This is my second pair. The first pair was stolen in a home burglary last month. I live on the 7th floor of a condo on the beach. The image stabilizer allows full use of the 18x binoculars while being hand held. I am able to see detail of sea birds, fish feeding frenzies and boats at distances that 35x binoculars would only see objects and all of this without a tripod. I reordered these binoculars only a week after my burglary. There is not a day that goes by that I don't use them. I do not carry them when hiking because they are too heavy to carry along with all of my camera equipment.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon 18x50 IS Image Stabilized Binocular:
Great binoculars, IS is really working great,