Canon 15x50mm (image stabilized)

4th_point · May 18, 2024

Bought new in November of 2022. No issues with glass or function, just downsizing my optics collection and focusing more on compact optics for travel.

~~$800~~ FTF in Hillsboro area.

My impressions:

The Canon has a very flat and sharp field, that is usable nearly to the edges. Very useful when picking apart a mountainside or drainage, whether panning slowly or fixed looking for movement.
It has their premium "ultra-low dispersion (UD) glass elements", but not the dual element of the flagship 10x42.
I compared to the latest 15x56 SLC, both on tripods, and the Swaro had better contrast to my eyes, and was brighter (56mm), but I could see the same level of detail with the Canon using makeshift optical targets for resolution. The Swaro has a beautiful image, but the Canon is stabilized so it can be used handheld more effectively. Even on a tripod, the image stabilization can be helpful in windy conditions.
I also owned the original SIG 16x42 (grey) and the Canon were noticeably better to my eyes. I compared to the new SIG 16x42 HDX (tan), and again the Canon was noticeably better to me. Both SIGs have great stabilization, but the image is blurry at the edges with off-axis aberration. The Canon also has the threaded hole in the bottom, like a spotting scope, so mounting to a tripod is straight forward if desired.

I did trim the eyecups, which is somewhat common with owners of the 50mm Canons. The rubber cups were huge, and didn't work with eyeglasses or without. Trimming the cups fixed that for both cases. I will include the bino bandit eye shield, which works great for shading the oculars. Replacement eyecups are available, and I believe some aftermarket options exist.

Questions? Shoot me a message. Thanks.