We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Technology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are Image-Stabilized Binoculars?

By Ken Black
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,236
Share

Image-stabilized binoculars are binoculars that have special technology incorporated in them to help keep the image seen through the eyepieces from shaking. They accomplish this task through tools such as electronic gyroscopes, electronic processors, and liquid-filled prisms. The binoculars have many of the same features that other more traditional models have, but may be slightly bulkier, especially around the eyepieces. The added bulk is to house all the additional technology that image-stabilized binoculars must have.

Electronic gyroscopes are one of the most common ways image-stabilized binoculars work to make sure images do not have much, if any, shake in them. The gyroscope is powered by a small internal motor, and can work even when the specialized binoculars are shaken strongly. The mechanism that causes the gyroscope to react can take some time to find its correct attitude. Therefore, the system may not be the best choice for those who are sporadically moving the binoculars; they are at their best when stabilizing the vibrations of riding in a moving vehicle, for example. Also, these usually require batteries, which can be problematic in cases of extended use in wilderness areas.

Manufacturers also use computer processors to help stabilize images in binoculars. These systems use sensors that are placed in various locations inside the image-stabilized binoculars, and transmit information to a central processor. That processor then works to control a prism, thus stopping the image from shaking. These tend to work much faster than electronic gyroscopes.

Another system manufacturers use is known as cardanic suspension. As the name suggests, this technique utilizes a liquid-filled prism that is suspended, which enables the prism to move on an X and Y axis. Therefore, the prism is able to move in any direction in which the binoculars may be turned. Furthermore, this type of system is very responsive and stable. Unlike electronic gyroscopes, these binoculars also do not need an outside power source in order to operate.

While all of these systems may have their advantages over traditional binoculars, they are also more expensive than the average pair of binoculars. Often, for the same magnification and quality, image-stabilized binoculars may be at least three times more expensive than a traditional pair. Depending on the technology and the brand, some may be even more expensive.

Another drawback to such binoculars has been the weight. With the additional components, the binoculars can be heavier than more traditional models, which can be a discomfort to a user who is holding them up for extended periods of time. Magnification strength and other materials used can also add to the overall weight of the models. As the technology advances however, the added weight has lower than it once was.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-image-stabilized-binoculars.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.