Canon 12×36 IS III - Review 2023

Overview

As the name implies, these binoculars are the third version of Canon’s 12×36 ISBs. Since the introduction of the first model, they have received major enhancements to produce accurate and clear images, and optimize their IS function.

Image-stabilization (IS) technology is engineered to compensate for the slightest movements. All you have to do is press a button on your binoculars and it activates almost instantaneously. With its capabilities, you can lock in your targets in the wild and follow your favorite athletes in an action-packed arena.

The Canon 12 x 36 IS III’s IS system is powered by two AA alkaline batteries. Roughly, these batteries can last for up to nine hours. Alternatively, you may also use two AA NiMh batteries if you prefer rechargeable options. You will find the IS button easy to use because it is quite huge and placed right in front of the focus wheel.

With a Porro II prism system, these binoculars have neither mirror nor phase-correction coatings. Adjusting the whole eyepiece will adjust the interpupillary distance. It offers minimal light loss and contributes to true color reproduction. They also have dependable edge-to-edge clarity, thanks to their doublet field-flattener lenses.

Perfect for prolonged hours of use, the Canon 12 x 36 IS III is lightweight and easy to carry. One-handed operation is even possible. With its chassis coated with rubber armor, it has a firm grip that gives you the confidence you need in any terrain.

As we dive in, we will learn more about these specs and what makes these binoculars an excellent choice for activities like hunting. Let’s begin!

Image Quality

The Canon 12 x 36 IS III is known for offering a stable, high magnification view without any tripod support, thanks to Canon’s advanced IS technology. It is integrated with a superb microcomputer that uses cutting-edge algorithms that optimize IS performance. As a result, it delivers a stable and low-maintenance field of view, which comes in handy when hunting and watching sports events from a significant distance.

These binoculars’ IS technology is quite user-friendly, too. Thanks to VAPs, even the slightest movements are corrected quickly for smoother panning regardless of the speed. You can engage it almost instantly because the IS button is aptly large and conveniently placed on the barrel, right in front of the focus knob.

With a 12x magnification, it is easier to catch the tiniest details with the Canon 12 x 36 IS III. So great for spotting slow-moving, highly-camouflaged animals. Its exceptional optical system guarantees impeccable image quality in close-up views. Meanwhile, its objective lens diameter of 36 mm offers dependable brightness all day long.

The eyepieces and front lenses of these binoculars are made of convex-shaped glass, so they are engineered with Porro II prism. This prism system is necessary to reverse the inverted image that would normally appear, given the design of the eyepieces and front lenses. With this system, mirror and phase-correction coatings are unnecessary. As such, these binoculars provide reliable brightness and clarity, and as little light loss as possible.

Like many Canon ISBs, the Canon 12 x 36 IS III eyepieces come with doublet field-flattener lenses. These lenses correct field curvatures, addressing blurring around the edges. The result is a wide field of view with fine clarity and sharpness.

Construction Quality

All glass optical components of these binoculars are made of lead-free materials. They are environment-friendly, so you can confidently use them without worrying about posing a threat to the planet.

With an anti-reflective external design, the Canon 12 x 36 IS III can perform in any environment. This design helps in situations where you need to stay as inconspicuous as possible, especially when observing wildlife.

These binoculars’ IS system is significantly more energy-efficient than those of their predecessors. It is powered by either two AA alkaline batteries or two NiMh batteries, lasting up to nine hours before you need to replace or recharge them.

While not completely fogproof and waterproof, the Canon 12 x 36 IS III is resistant enough to moisture and water. It can serve you well in light rains without disrupting your viewing experience.

Ergonomics and Comfort

The rubber armor on these binoculars’ chassis provides a secure grip. You can handle them confidently in any terrain, with little to no possibility of dropping them. More importantly, they are light for ISBs. Carrying them around for hours is less likely to cause any strain. Operating them using one hand is also possible.

The Canon 12 x 36 IS III has a pretty decent eye relief of 14.5 mm. It is relatively comfortable to use for hours, allowing you to see the entire field of view without obstructions.

The Good

Of course, what we love the most about these binoculars is their advanced and intuitive IS system. They are perfect for activities in which subjects move fast, such as hunting and watching sports events. Thanks to this powerful IS system, you can enjoy a stable glassing experience with a low-maintenance field of view without using a tripod. The VAPs help correct the slightest movements smoothly and almost instantaneously.

This IS technology is useless without a user-friendly IS button. The good news is that the Canon 12 x 36 IS III has a huge IS button placed conveniently right in front of the focus wheel. While it takes a few seconds to engage the IS system, you would not have difficulties locating and pressing the button.

The combination of a 12x magnification and a 36-mm objective lens diameter delivers outstanding brightness and clarity. The naked eye may miss the tiniest details, but not when using these binoculars. Additionally, the Porro II prism system requires no coatings. It ensures minimal light loss, further optimizing image quality. With doublet field-flattener lenses, you would not encounter the typical issue of rendered images blurring around the edges. You can rely on these binoculars no matter the environmental and lighting challenges.

When hunting and observing wildlife, remaining stealth is crucial. The slightest movements and noises can drive your subjects away. With the Canon 12 x 36 IS III anti-reflective exterior, you can go about your day as inconspicuously as possible. On top of that, it is also lightweight. It is easy to handle, allowing you to move calmly and freely without being obtrusive. It is suitable for prolonged hours of use and less likely to cause strain.

The IS function of these binoculars is powered by either long-lasting AA alkaline batteries or rechargeable AA NiMh batteries. When used continuously, it can last for up to nine hours. This battery life is pretty decent enough for all-day glassing. In any case, it is wise to always bring a few extra batteries. Since these binoculars are lightweight, bringing extra batteries would not be any trouble.

Surprisingly, the Canon 12 x 36 IS III is an excellent companion during stargazing. The doublet field-flattener lenses and stabilization capabilities make it possible to see the night sky and observe the stars. If you are looking for budget-friendly optics with good magnification–for occasional stargazing, for example–it is definitely perfect for you.

What We Didn’t Like

Eyeglass wearers require at least 16 mm of eye relief to use binoculars comfortably, especially during prolonged hours. Unfortunately, these binoculars only have an eye relief of 14.5 mm. If you are wearing eyeglasses, you might have difficulties using these binoculars for prolonged periods of time and eventually find the need to take them off. It compromises the viewing experience, either way.

Unlike most binoculars today, the Canon 12 x 36 IS III is not purged with gases or sealed to become fogproof and waterproof. It can resist little moisture and water, but it requires extra care in extreme conditions.

Regrettably, chromatic aberration is not totally eliminated in these binoculars. Since they are relatively cheaper models, they suffer from minimal fringing around the edges, especially when the subjects have high contrast. The chromatic aberrations become a bit worse when the IS function is active.

About the Company

Canon pioneered IS technology in binoculars, but its feats go beyond the sports optics industry. Since its establishment in 1955, it has always been committed to product development in imaging technology. It is famous for Kyosei, its guiding corporate philosophy that centers on social responsibility.

Over the years, Canon has won many awards for its significant contributions to the industry. In 2020, it received the Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award from the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2020 ENERGY STAR. FORTUNE named it one of the World’s Most Admired Companies in 2019, while Ethisphere named it one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2018. These are just some recognitions that reiterate the company’s prowess and leadership.

While it is renowned for its binoculars and cameras, Canon has many businesses. Product categories include calculators, digital radiography, eye care, fax machines, printers, projectors, scanners, among others.

Generally, the predecessors of the Canon 12 x 36 IS III were noisy and slow. These issues have been addressed, with it offering a subtle yet reliable IS function and having an anti-reflective exterior. Its IS system activates almost instantaneously, making it suitable for hunting and watching sports events.

In terms of image quality, it produces bright and clear images. The chromatic aberration is minimal and hardly noticeable. It may not be suitable for bird watching, but it is an excellent stargazing companion for beginners who have no access to telescopes. Just be cautious if you are wearing eyeglasses because you may not be comfortable using it for a long period.

Spotting game in dense forest or birds in thick canopy at a distance is surprisingly easier with this set over a pair of binoculars with lower magnification. Perhaps with a tripod the Monarch 5 12×42 would give these a run for their money. Perhaps not.