table of contents
- What is the latest Kenko vibration-proof binoculars "Cellarto" released in two models?
- Detailed review
- For the first time I felt it was cleaner and easier to see than the viewfinder on a camera.
- Is it 10 times? Is it 14 times? About
- Battery life is about three times higher than the previous model, but is auto power off a matter of preference?
- The sand green colour is also good, making it easy to see with glasses
- Summary: If you're serious about buying, vibration-proof binoculars with image stabilization are now essential
- Details and purchase of Kenko's "VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP"
What is the latest Kenko vibration-proof binoculars "Cellarto" released in two models?
The VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP features a sand-green body color. It is said that the optimum vibration-proof mode is automatically selected according to the type of vibration.
"Cellarto" series that automatically selects the optimum vibration-proof mode
On July 26, 2024, Kenko Tokinar released two new models of image stabilization, including image stabilization, for Kenko's "VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP" and "VC Smart 14x30 Cellarto." The actual price for the "VC Smart 10 x 30 Cellarto WP" is around 110,000 yen, and the "VC Smart 14 x 30 Cellarto" is around 99,000 yen, both including tax, and this is a research conducted independently in August.
Naturally, there are two models with different specifications, but the most notable feature of the common feature is that it has an "automatic vibration-proof mode selection function." It's normal that you don't know what you're saying or what's so amazing. The shaking (shaking) when looking through binoculars differs in the way that occurs, such as "large shaking" when chasing an object and panting deeply or shaking on a boat, or "fine shaking" that occurs when observing a stationary object, and it is said that there is an optimal vibration-proof mode that suits this.
In contrast, previous vibration-proof binoculars have had to manually switch modes even if one or more vibration-proof modes were installed. However, the Cellarto series, based on the Latin word "Celeritas" = "quickly select and switch", is said to detect the shaking of the binoculars itself, and automatically quickly switch to the optimal mode, making viewing and observation times more comfortable with higher definition. This is the "automatic vibration-proof mode selection function."
East Nupukausinupuri is famous for being able to observe the sea rabbit, one of Hokkaido's most cute animals. I actually did a test here.
I was surprised at the effects of anti-vibration binoculars in my previous article on this website, " [Anyone Who Loves Binoculars Try!] Vibration-proof Binoculars "Kenko VC Smart 10 x 30WP" with waterproof function and walked through the forests of Hokkaido in early spring ," but it seems like the newest new lineup has been added to these anti-vibration binoculars.
The VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP is a completely waterproof model for outdoor use with a 10x magnification, while the VC Smart 14x30 Cellarto is a model for concert use, with a 14x magnification, making it even lighter and more compact. Naturally, I chose the outdoors-friendly "Kenko VC Smart 14 x 30WP", and to see if I could feel the power of the image stabilization mechanism, I climbed East Nupukausinupuri in Hokkaido and observed the Naki rabbits for about half a day.
Recommended points
- It felt better than the viewfinder on the camera for the first time
- You can observe the subject comfortably for a stable, long period of time
- Completely waterproof to protect against sudden rain
- Approximately 3 times the previous model, with one AA alkaline dry battery running for approximately 28 hours continuously
- Sand green coloring to enhance the outdoor mood
- Made in Japan is a safe place to go
Points that interest me
- Screw-in battery lid that is likely to be lost outdoors
- It's mostly a matter of mood, but I want it to be below 500g
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Kenko VC Smart 10×30 Cellarto WP |
|---|---|
| magnification | 10 times |
| Effective diameter of objective lens | 30mm |
| coating | Full multi-coat, phase coat, high reflective coat |
| Real view | 5.2° |
| Hippo diameter | 3.0mm |
| Brightness | 9 |
| View 1000m away | 90.8m |
| Eye relief | 15.0mm |
| Eye width | 54-74mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 3.5m |
| Size (when eye width is maximum) | 147 x 51 x 124 mm |
| mass | 533g |
| Material | Body body: Polycarbonate resin / Body cover: ABS resin / Rubber for your own use: NBR / Roller rubber: ABS resin |
| Country of origin | Japan |
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |
| design | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease of viewing | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★☆ |
| Portability | ★★★★☆ |
| Cost Performance | ★★★☆☆ |
| Satisfaction | ★★★★★ |
Detailed review
For the first time I felt it was cleaner and easier to see than the viewfinder on a camera.
The VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP supports two patterns of shaking, but the function itself can be easily used by simply turning on the vibration-proof function.
This time I took the "VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP" to visit Higashi Nupukausinupuri, where there is a scuffle ground that is famous for being able to observe the sea rabbits in Hokkaido. However, it's not too boring to just "take binoculars" so I brought my usual equipment set (camera and super telephoto lens) and took a picture of the Naki rabbit.
And, as a sudden conclusion, I was observing the Naki rabbit with the VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP, and felt that "for the first time, binoculars were more beautiful and easier to see than the viewfinder of a camera and super telephoto lens." I was quite surprised by this.
Of course, my camera and super telephoto lens are a set that is reasonably priced. The camera itself and ultra-telephoto lens are generally cheap at around 400,000 to 500,000 yen. What's more, the ultra-telephoto lens also has a solid image stabilization mechanism, which is common these days. Furthermore, I have never felt that binoculars were more beautiful and easier to see, including the fact that I am more used to peering on the ultra-telephoto lens and camera.
Even when looking at the "VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP", you can observe in very high definition the movement of the beard, thinner than the camera's electronic viewfinder, making it easy to see and beautiful.
However, I was surprised by the "VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP." When using anti-vibration binoculars with image stabilization mechanisms, many people who previously used non-vibration binoculars look clear and high definition, as if nothing like a thin film is gone, but with the VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP, this is even more reinforced and gives the impression of seeing every detail clearly.
When observing the sea rabbits appearing from the gaps in the scuffed areas where rock trash is piled up, I can see not only their expression, but also the movement of the beard before it makes a cry. The fine shaking when observing a stationary rabbit is clearly corrected in the optimal mode. If you turn on the image stabilization mechanism, the binoculars themselves will do everything, so there's nothing I can do...
In my case, I use a mirrorless single-lens reflex camera, and the images in the viewfinder are displayed in an electronic viewfinder of approximately 3.7 million dots, but compared to the images I'm observing with the "VC Smart 10 x 30 Cellarto WP", I found it to be rough. This was a completely new experience. That's how well the visibility of the "VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP" is stable, delicate and clear.
Is it 10 times? Is it 14 times? About
The magnification of the "VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP" is 10 times. As shown in WP at the end of the model name, it is a waterproof model.
In the previous model, we were able to choose between the "VC Smart 14 x 30WP" and the "VC Smart 10 x 30WP", but in the latest model, the "Cellarto" series, the "VC Smart 10 x 30 Cellarto WP", is the 10x waterproof model, while the 14x waterproof "VC Smart 14 x 30 Cellarto" is a lightweight, compact model for indoor concerts and live concerts.
Regarding outdoor models, I think 10 times the magnification would be sufficient. It is often said that 10 times the binoculars actually look like they are 100m away, but for me, this is a bit difficult to imagine. Therefore, for me, who is used to using cameras on a regular basis, it is easier to imagine and intuitive to explain things like a telephoto lens equivalent to 500mm at 10x, and a telephoto lens equivalent to 700mm at 14x.
Also, although the ultra-telephoto lens that you usually use for shooting is around 500mm, once you get used to it, you can quickly put your target into your field of vision. However, when the target reaches a level of 500mm, it tends to be a little difficult to put the target in your field of vision, so about 10 times more likely to be easier to use.
I found it easier to use for me to quickly put a rabbit in a field of vision, which is 10 times more, or about 500mm, to quickly put a rabbit in its field of vision, even though it doesn't know which rock it will come out.
Also, even if you pan to put the subject in your field of vision, it feels good that the large shaking is fully compensated for. However, in some cases, the correction was too effective and sometimes the screen would move a little too hard and cause a rocking back.
The effective diameter of the objective lens is the same as the VC Smart 10 x 30 Cellarto WP and the VC Smart 14 x 30 Cellarto, so the brightness of the high magnification "VC Smart 14 x 30 Cellarto" is 4.4, while the brightness of the VC Smart 10 x 30 Cellarto WP is 9. As a result, the VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP has the advantage when it comes to observing wildlife in dimly lit areas.
If you consider that it is completely waterproof and safe for sudden rain, then it is recommended to use the VC Smart 10x30WP outdoors. Incidentally, I'm not the only one who feels that the VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP is made in Japan.
Battery life is about three times higher than the previous model, but is auto power off a matter of preference?
As shown in the photo, the lid of the case part of the AA alkaline battery is screw-in and separates from the binoculars body. You will need to be careful not to lose it in outdoor fields.
A major feature of Kenko's vibration-proof binoculars VC Smart series, including the previous model, is that its vibration-proof function can be operated using AA alkaline batteries that can be easily obtained at convenience stores, not only in Japan but also when traveling abroad. This is a very advantage in outdoor fields where there are often no specialist electronics stores nearby. The VC Smart 14x30 Cellarto, a type of concert use, can also be easily obtained at convenience stores near the concert hall.
Moreover, in this "Cellarto" series, the previous model was powered by one AA alkaline battery for 10 hours, while it was able to operate for about three times as much as 28 hours. It is a slightly surprising advance that it has been equipped with an "automatic vibration-proof mode selection function" and while its functionality has been significantly improved, it has almost tripled the operating time.
Perhaps because the operating time increased by nearly three times and it exceeded a full day, the previous model had an auto power-off that automatically turns off the vibration-proof function in 10 minutes, but this feature has been discontinued in the latest Cellarto series. Since one AA alkaline battery can run for more than 24 hours, it is likely that auto power-off, which automatically stops the vibration-proof function during long continuous observations, has a greater disadvantage than an advantage.
A scree field where you can observe the sea rabbits, which can arrive in about an hour from the trailhead. As shown in the photo, a sea rabbit appears from between rocks of various sizes.
Certainly, for users like Naki Rabbit, who go to outdoor fields or to favorite concerts on a specific day, this benefit is great as if they replace the battery with a new one before going out, even if they keep it on for more than a whole day, there is no need to worry about the power going out. Conversely, for people who go to nearby parks like walking every day and do short bird watching, auto power-off may be more advantageous, even if they forget to turn off the power, which reduces battery drainage. This is also a big issue of preference.
What I personally found interesting was the lid of this AA alkaline battery case. There are probably some parts that cannot be helped because it is waterproof, but the small screw-in lid is designed to detach from the binoculars itself. If you drop the battery at a scree field where you are observing a sea rabbit like this one, it will roll into the gap in the rock and lose it. If it is intended for use in outdoor fields, I felt that the lid of this battery had room for improvement.
The sand green colour is also good, making it easy to see with glasses
The VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP is equipped with an image stabilization mechanism, but is not too thick. It's easy to grip even for authors with small hands.
We arrived at the scree area at East Nupukausinupuri after 9am, and took photos from there until after 3pm, observing the Naki rabbits on the VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP. Perhaps it was a temperature issue or the noise from some kind of exercise, the rabbits were not produced on this day, and we were able to see them about 6 to 7 times, about once an hour.
During that time, I was looking at and picking up the "VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP," but what I liked more than I thought was the green body color. According to the manufacturer, it is a sand green coloring. The more expensive models, the more you choose from black binoculars, and the earthy green color would be perfect for outdoor use. You might also want to choose from khaki, which is the same earth color.
The previous model, the VC Smart 10 x 30WP, weighed 147 x 51 x 124mm and weighed 535g, while the VC Smart 10 x 30 Cellarto WP, weighed exactly the same as 147 x 51 x 124mm, but for some reason it weighed about 2g. I thought it was arbitrary that if I were going to do it, I could just cut down about 30g and cut down to under 500g.
By the way, the VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP weighs over 500g, but perhaps because the front side does not become heavy when holding binoculars, it doesn't feel very heavy even after looking at it for a long time. Also, as an adult man, I have small hands, but perhaps because the battery box is placed on the side, the thickness is reduced to about 5cm, so I don't feel it is large and difficult to hold. I feel that the designs around this area have been refined over the series.
It uses a twist-up viewing port that allows you to adjust the length of the viewing port simply by twisting it, making it convenient to easily adjust the eyepoints.
Regarding the ease of viewing of binoculars, I have quite poor vision, so when taking photos with cameras, I often wonder whether to match the diopter with glasses or without glasses. However, when taking a photo of a Naki rabbit, you will be able to check the appearance while wearing glasses, observe them with binoculars or take photos with cameras, so you will need to adjust the diopter with glasses. Even in such cases, a twist-up viewing rim is used, making it easy to adjust the eye points. In addition, the eye relief, which is the limit point that allows you to look over the entire field of vision, is 15mm, 1mm longer than the previous model, and if you call it a high-eye point from about 15mm, it also has the specifications of the high-eye point model. Thanks to this, it's quite easy to see even when wearing glasses.
Please note that the scree field at East Nupukausinupuri requires you to go further from the summit, but the entrance to this path has become quite difficult to find, so please be aware.
Summary: If you're serious about buying, vibration-proof binoculars with image stabilization are now essential
The "Automatic Vibration-Anti-Vibration Mode Selection Function" that corrects the shaking properties is really good
A focus ring from the "VC Smart 10 x 30 Cellarto WP" located near the tip. Personally, I felt it worked more smoothly than the previous model.
As someone who has been addicted to digital cameras since the last century and the 20th century, I find it more questionable that optical products over 500mm do not have image stabilization. In camera-related products, image stabilization with interchangeable lenses over the past quarter of a century, and image stabilization with image sensing elements on the camera itself, have become the norm. This has been integrated into interchangeable lenses and camera bodies.
Furthermore, the multiple types of shaking problems that have become available with the "automatic vibration-proof mode selection function" installed in the Cellarto series have become a problem in the world of cameras, and have been solved. As a result of these problems, this is probably why I felt that the VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP was more refined and easier to read than the electronic viewfinder display of a camera and lens totaling nearly 500,000 yen. However, I feel that there is a limit to the number of dots displayed on the camera's electronic viewfinder.
It is safe to say that nowadays, telephoto lenses are attached to digital cameras, and the image stabilization, or vibration-proofing, rarely does not function. Twenty years ago, it was said that the image quality would deteriorate if it was installed, but it is only natural that it is now. In terms of cars, it can be said that it is widely used in the same way as power steering and ABS.
Probably a young individual, a young pine rabbit. Looking at the Naki Rabbit on the "VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP" makes me feel lighter.
The image stabilization function of binoculars, which is likely to be an overwhelming effect, is sure to become an essential function in the future. In particular, the Cellarto series, which automatically responds to large and small shaking when observing an object with binoculars, will become a position that can be considered the standard for the future. It is true that it is still expensive compared to the average binoculars price, but if you are serious about purchasing binoculars for your hobby, you should definitely try the latest model, the Cellarto series of vibration-proof binoculars.
By the way, Kenko Tokina's website also an online service before purchasing, so you might want to start by trying out vibration-proof binoculars such as the VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP.
Details and purchase of Kenko's "VC Smart 10x30 Cellarto WP"
For more information about the product, please visit the official Kenko Tokinar website
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