The September 2024 Cover of Astronomy Now.
Binoculars can be grab-and-go in a way no telescope can ever be. Just the observer and binoculars. Even the smallest scope requires numerous accessories including tripod and mount as well eyepieces. Sadly, even the individual blessed with the steadiest hands is no substitute for the stability of a tripod. Those tiny shakes and wobbles, even from the observers own heartbeat will hide some of the detail the instrument is capable of showing. Increase the magnification and problem is only “magnified.” Yet greater image scale and darker sky backgrounds from higher power are often what is exactly called for in astronomy to tease out the finest details.
Image stabilisation has been around for decades in optics using a variety of technologies to counter the shakes of the user. Canon themselves have been offering a variety of models since the mid-90s. which employ a “vari-angle” prism to keep the image stable in the eyepiece. In short, two optical windows sandwich an optical fluid which is sealed with flexible bellows. Horizontal and vertical actuators deform the prism to alter the angle of refraction which keeps the image stable in the field of view. The system can correct up to 1.4x diameter the full Moon.
I have put the 15x model through their paces since late winter and my review features in the September 2024 issue of Astronomy Now. Back issues of the magazine can be purchased here.
The business end of the Canon 15x50is binoculars.