Both B&H Photo (opens in new tab) and Amazon (opens in new tab) are going head to head, offering the Canon 8×20 IS binoculars at a 10% discount. However, B&H Photo sweetens the deal by throwing in a Vortex Binocular Harness strap worth $21.99 (opens in new tab) as well.
The Canon 8×20 IS image stabilized binoculars are the smallest and lightest (420g) in the Canon IS range. Canon claims they are the lightest image-stabilized binoculars in the world. Although typically larger when compared to a standard compact binocular (as they have to accommodate a CRA123A lithium-ion battery), they are high-quality binoculars that are suited to everyday use, with an ergonomic design and a rounded grip for added comfort.
The unique selling point of these particular binoculars is the image stabilization to reduce image shake, effectively self-correcting involuntary movements that occur during handheld viewing. They incorporate a continually adjusting vibration gyro mechanism to steady the lens vertically and horizontally. You could be forgiven for thinking this type of technology is reserved for much higher-powered binoculars, but there are reasons Canon has included it in the 8×20 and 10×20 models.
Not everyone is blessed with a rock-steady hand, and those with shaky hands can find the resulting images frustrating, not to mention fatigue-inducing, even at low magnification. This may be especially true for older persons or children.
The image stabilization, activated at the touch of a button, will help users achieve a clear, steady and sharp view much easier than without, even with this relatively low magnification. It’s also a ‘good to have’ if you don’t want to use a tripod when observing, and because the minimum focusing distance is just 2m, these would be good to keep out on your windowsill at home for backyard observations.
Glasses wearers may be more comfortable removing their glasses and using the diopter correction to focus. The diopter correction of +/5 means you can adjust the optics to suit a broad range of varying visual acuity.
As with the Celestron Nature DX 10×56 deal we posted about yesterday, these aren’t going to be much use for skywatchers. For that you’d need a pair which are much better in low light or night conditions, such as The Celestron SkyMaster 15×70 (on sale for just $81 (opens in new tab)) or the Canon 10x42L.Â
That said, the picture quality is excellent for daytime terrestrial viewing, as you would expect from Canon. The views are sharp from edge to edge thanks to the field flattening lens element, with only very slight chromatic aberration towards the edges. The image stabilization is remarkably good at canceling out any vibration and shakes. It will help you examine the detail of objects, birds and wildlife, even from a moving safari vehicle, without worrying about the wobble.
Watch this space for our hands-on field review of the Canon IS range. If you’re looking for more binoculars to consider, check out our best binoculars guide for skywatching and more, and you can see our best binoculars deals for an idea of what else is in on sale. Don’t miss our best telescopes guide and best telescope deals  if you’re looking for something larger for your skywatching sessions.
You can also check out more Amazon Prime Day Early Access deals (opens in new tab) to fit your needs during the event.
