Canon 8x20 IS binocular review

The Canon 8x20 IS binoculars may be one of the best image-stabilized binoculars we've tested and also sit within the best compact binoculars category, making them ideal for wildlife spotting. These are Canon's lightest image-stabilized binoculars, weighing in at only 14.82 oz (420 g) without the lithium-ion battery for the IS.

While we generally liked the design, with its curves and anthracite gray coloring, the rubber eyecups only provide two options for eye relief. However, they are comfortable around the eyes thanks to the rubber.

We used them for wide-field stargazing, star-hopping between constellations and image stabilization was great for steadying the view, though generally they are not considered an astronomy binocular due to their smaller magnification and narrow objective lenses. However, they are so small and compact that they are extremely adept at wildlife observing. We used them both on boats and ferries on fresh and salt water and in bird hides and found them easy to travel with and for steadying views even when waves were quite rough.

The stabilization has great effect on allowing the user to observe details on wildlife otherwise difficult to see due to hand shake. Sadly, though, one downfall is their lack of waterproofing but they are water resistant so they can perform well in light showers but not heavy rains.

Canon 8x20 IS binocular: Design

• Handy placement of strap holders
• Variation from black, coming in anthracite gray
• Porro prism design

One of the best things about the Canon 8x20 IS binoculars is the fact they are lightweight and compact. However, they look like they should feel heavier than they do and this is likely due to their porro prism design, as this can produce a bulkier bino. While they feel slightly bulkier, the length of the binoculars remains slender. The strap holders are handily placed on and just below the eyepiece sections, which is unusual, given that most competitors place these on the side of the binoculars.

There are a few areas that help with grip on these binoculars, such as the texture that surrounds the top, eyepiece sections and underneath the thumb grip. And, while the outer armor is made from hard plastic with a depressed, dotted texture, these binoculars are smooth. This smoothness caused us some issues when placing them down on flat rocks when out and about — we saw them sliding off. The addition of some rubber feet would solve this issue. Even better, a rubberized armor coating like that found on the Canon 15x50 or 18x50 IS would be welcome.

While most other binoculars come in standard black, these Canon's produce a bit of variety, coming in an anthracite gray. Plus, they have a speckled, metallic appearance which further adds some interest.

Canon 8x20 IS binocular: Performance

• Impressive image stabilization performance
• Compact and lightweight for days out in nature
• Some chromatic aberration around contrasted subjects

For nature enthusiasts, compact binoculars can be ideal. The 20mm objective lens allows these Canon binos to be compact and lightweight but you will have a slightly narrower field of view compared to larger objective lenses. However, with the added bonus of image stabilization, this feature, along with their compact nature, push them up the list of must-haves for wildlife spotting.

We were impressed with the image stabilization as it felt like we had them mounted to a tripod once we'd turned it on. The limitation for wildlife and bird spotting comes in the fact that they are only 8x magnification, which for any regular pair of compact binoculars would make it trickier to see details. But actually, with the image stabilization, views were so steady that we could pick out the details without the extra reach. Although the perspective is slightly more distant than a pair with 10x magnification, we could see the striped feathers and sharp little talons of even the smaller songbirds as they flitted around trees because there was limited to no handshake.

As expected, there is some chromatic aberration around contrasted subjects, most noticeable when spotting birds in flight against bright skies or when looking up at them in trees. Purple and blue fringes are sometimes also seen around bright stars (like Vega and Arcturus) or around the moon when stargazing at night, but this mostly gets worse around the edges of the field of view with the center remaining sharp and clear.

Canon 8x20 IS binocular: Functionality

• IS is easy to engage
• Small battery adds to compactness
• Textured focus wheel for all-weather use

Due to their compact nature, you can operate these binos with one hand. All you need to do is set the diopter correctly before doing so. However, we found the diopter ring loose on our tester model but we'd hope a brand new pair would be stiffer. Although perhaps this is an indication that, with use, the diopter does become loose.

For eyeglasses wearers, the eyecups can only be adjusted into two positions (flap up or flap down). They are made from rubber and are comfortable around the eyes, being soft. Although comfortable, our personal preference is to have eyecups that can be adjusted in three or more increments through the twist function. However, others may prefer this simplicity.

We particularly liked the focus wheel on these binoculars. The texture provides more than adequate grip and this grip remained regardless of the weather. For example, we were able to turn the focus wheel with our bare hands but also while wearing gloves. This is ideal for nature enthusiasts who may be using them in all different temperatures.

The engagement of the image stabilization (IS) is super easy — you simply click the button on the top of the binoculars. One click turns it on and one click turns it off. To be sure it's on, there is a glowing green light. The light and IS stay on for five minutes before turning off to save battery. You can also keep the IS on by continuing to press the button, with the IS remaining on as long as you're pressing it. It will turn off as soon as the button is no longer depressed.

The IS is powered by a single CR123 battery that goes between the center of the binoculars, between the eyepieces. This small battery helps to keep the size of these binoculars down and reduces the weight. However, this type of battery may not be as easy to source as your standard AA or AAA batteries.

Should I buy the Canon 8x20 IS binoculars?

If Canon is your go-to brand for binoculars, these are a great investment. Lightweight and compact, the fact that these binoculars have image stabilization makes them a dream for nature enthusiasts who may spend long hours carrying binoculars around. They are good for general stargazing as well, provided the user finds wide-field observations of asterisms and constellations agreeable.

They are Canon's lightest image stabilized binoculars and are very close to being the lightest image stabilizing binoculars on the market (from our set of reviews, only the Nikon 12x25 IS binoculars that we have also tested are lighter), which they were for many years.

Optically good, built well and with a brand name you can trust for reliability these binoculars are a good entry into stabilized binoculars and we would recommend them to anyone keen on stargazing or wildlife observation, just don't expect to lay them flat on uneven surfaces without some slipping.

If this product isn't for you

If weight isn't an issue for you, we would recommend upgrading through Canon's image stabilized binocular line-up to the Canon 18x50 IS UD all-weather binoculars. Much more powerful magnification and more than double-the-size objective lenses get you close to subjects and drink in the available light. They are also sharper and clearer than the 8x20s reviewed here. However, they are more expensive and are not water- or fogproof (despite the 'all-weather' naming convention).

Need a compact binocular with image stabilization but aren't sure Canon is the right brand for you? We'd recommend you take a look at the Nikon 12x25 S image stabilized binoculars which are slightly smaller and lighter than the Canon 8x20 and still give impressive optical clarity. Though, views through these are a touch dimmer so twilight and night-time stargazing will suffer ever so slightly.