Canon 8x20 IS are world's lightest image stabilized binoculars

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Canon shrinks its shake-busting binoculars with the launch of two pairs of new IS models

Canon 8x20 IS binoculars
(Image credit: Canon)

Canon has introduced what it is claiming are the world's lightest image-stabilized binoculars. Its new 8x20 IS binos weigh just 420g.

Canon has the market of image stabilized binoculars practically to itself, having invented optical stabilization system that is used some 20 years ago, but the shrinking effect is still impressive. Canon's previous world smallest IS pair was the 8x25 IS model which weighs 70g more at 490g.

Cutaway diagram of Canon 8x20 IS binoculars

Cutaway diagram of Canon 8x20 IS binoculars (Image credit: Canon)

The binoculars are designed, we are told, to be comfortable enough to hold for enough time - and the shake-busting stabilization is simply engaged by holding down a button when required, as with other Canon IS models. The IS is powered by a single CRA123A lithium ion battery. 

The porro-prism design has a close focusing distance of 2m, and field of view of 6.6°. There is built-in dioptric adjustment of ±5.9 diopters. 

Launched at the same time are a pair of 10x20 IS binoculars, which offer slightly more magnification, and which will weigh just slight more at 430g. These offer a field of view of 5.3°, and also have a minimum focus distance of 2m.

Price 

Canon 10x20 IS binoculars

Canon 10x20 IS binoculars (Image credit: Canon)

The Canon 8x20 IS binoculars will retail for $500, whilst the Canon 10x20 IS binos will be $550; both are expected to go on sale in November.

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Chris George
Chris George

Chris George has worked on Digital Camera World since its launch in 2017. He has been writing about photography, mobile phones, video making and technology for over 30 years – and has edited numerous magazines including PhotoPlus, N-Photo, Digital Camera, Video Camera, and Professional Photography. 

His first serious camera was the iconic Olympus OM10, with which he won the title of Young Photographer of the Year - long before the advent of autofocus and memory cards. Today he uses a Nikon D800, a Fujifilm X-T1, a Sony A7, and his iPhone 15 Pro Max.

He has written about technology for countless publications and websites including The Sunday Times Magazine, The Daily Telegraph, Dorling Kindersley, What Cellphone, T3 and Techradar.