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 do
they do this? Well there are three main methods of
doing it, and here they are.
- 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. Here are the
two biggest problems with them.
- 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. |
