Rocky Mountain
Ranches
Colorado Outfitter Reg. #2694
Image Stabilizing Binoculars - Stability Is Better
When you have binoculars with big magnification capabilities, you can be faced with a problem that the image becomes shaken with every little twitch of your hand. It’s also a big problem when you are on a boat or any other moving surface and trying to see through your binoculars. Shaky images can be annoying and it can even cause headaches.
But now there is a solution. That solution comes in the form of image stabilizing binoculars.
Image stabilizing binoculars do exactly what their name suggests—they stabilize the image.
How it's done . . . .
- A gyroscope is used to steady the prisms inside the binocular. While this method is effective, it requires power and makes the binocular heavier.
- You can use smaller gyros that feed data to a micro-processor which then activates a small motor which repositions the prisms automatically.
- They can use more advanced micro-processors that actually make a decision about weather the shaking was intentional or not, and adjust the prisms automatically. Some even have water filled flexible prisms.
There you have it. That’s the basics to image stabilization.
The military and the space program invented image stabilizing binoculars. They realized the problem that a shaky image posed to the military, and so they decided to do something about it.
While image stabilizing binoculars are a marvel in technology, they do have a few draw backs that need considering.
The two biggest problems . . . .
- They are heavier than regular binoculars. When you add extra parts, it’s only natural that the weight of the device will also increase. This can’t be helped no matter how advanced the technology becomes. But if you want a stable image, this is just a minor set back.
- More expensive. Again, extra parts equal extra money. The cheapest stabilizing binocular is around one hundred and fifty dollars. The upper echelon is around four thousand dollars. That’s a pretty hefty price tag. While they may be expensive, many people are willing to pay the price to have stable images.
Image stabilizing binoculars can come with all the extras that other types of binoculars come with. They can have accessories, range finders, have waterproofing, be rugged or even have night vision capabilities. Anything you want, you can have, but remember that everything that is added on top of the image stabilizers is going to cost you extra.
Many of the best hunting binoculars and marine binoculars come equipped with image stabilizing capabilities. Besides the military, these are probably the two fields that use this technology the most. For instance, you don’t really need stabilizers to view the stars.
Most of the big binocular companies like Zeiss, Bushnell, Nikon and Canon all have their own version of image stabilizing binoculars.
Like every other type of binocular, you should consider what you will be using your binoculars for, before sinking your hard earned money into buying an image stabilizing binocular. If you don’t need it, the extra weight and cost isn’t worth it.
Also, make sure that you understand the different types of stabilizing binoculars, and buy the best that you can afford. Read reviews and ask questions of the sales staff.
Don’t waste your money! Make sure you buy the best binoculars that you can afford and need.
About the Author
Scott Gray is a freelance author and web site publisher who provides useful information about the best binoculars, stabilized binoculars and high powered binoculars.
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Rocky Mountain Ranches
466 South 16th Avenue, Brighton, CO 80601
Tel: (303)655-0451
E-mail: elkfittermjb@q.com Colorado Lic #2694
Licensed, Bonded, and Insured. Colorado Big Game Outfitter Reg #2694.