[If you don't like binoculars, try it!] 】Vibration-proof binoculars "Kenko VC Smart 14 x 30WP" with waterproof function and results of walking through the forests of Hokkaido in early spring
Written by Saito Titoce
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I'm not good at using binoculars for some reason when I take photos of wild animals and birds with super telephoto lenses. I was advised to say, "If you wear anti-vibration binoculars, it will be dramatically easier to see." So, will vibration-proof binoculars really make them easier to see? I'll try it with "VC Smart 14 x 30WP".
table of contents
- What is Kenko Vibration-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti
- Detailed review
- Summary: If you are considering high magnification binoculars over 10 times, consider image stabilization mechanisms.
- Details and purchase of Kenko's "VC Smart 14 x 30WP"
What is Kenko Vibration-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti-Anti
Kenko's "VC Smart 14 x 30W" is equipped with a vibration-proofing mechanism. I am amazed at the effect of binoculars' image stabilization function.
Anti-vibration binoculars, the flagship model of the Kenko brand
As I review and test lenses and cameras in Hokkaido, I often take pictures of wild animals and birds with ultra-telephoto lenses for cameras. I know that using binoculars together in such cases would be convenient, but I'm not good with binoculars.
After receiving such a consultation, I was advised to recommend using an intermediate model or higher rather than an entry model, and introduced a previous article about how I actually tried out the intermediate model Kenko's "Ultra View EX Compact 8x32" in a lightweight, high-performance intermediate model Kenko, which is amazing at how different optical performance from the entry model, the Ultra View EX Compact 8x32" But perhaps it's because I'm not used to seeing it on a regular basis? When I asked if I was worried about the slightest shaking and shaking of the image when I was using binoculars, I was concerned about the smallest shaking and shaking of the image, and the answer was, "Have you ever tried vibration-proof binoculars with image stabilization mechanisms?"
Telephoto lenses for cameras are as popular as power steering in cars, and the image stabilization mechanism has already begun to forget that they are already exploiting the benefits of this. For camera lenses, we will describe the effects, such as "○ steps", but about 5 steps is a given, and there are also lenses with effect, such as 7 or 8 steps. Thanks to this, recently, it has been possible to take photos with an ultra-telephoto lens of around 1000mm without a tripod.
However, it is true that I have never used binoculars equipped with image stabilization mechanisms. I was quite skeptical about whether binoculars would really work, but that's how I got the opportunity to test the flagship model Kenko vibration-resistant binocular binoculars "VC Smart 14 x 30W" (actual price: around 87,000 yen), a flagship model of the vibration-resistant telescope that Kenko vibration-resistant binoculars handled by Kenko Tokiner.
What kind of binoculars are the VC Smart 14 x 30WP? It is a waterproof binocular with an image stabilization mechanism that supports magnification of 14 times and vibration-proofing angle of ±3°. As you can see from the name, the effective diameter of the objective lens is 30mm.
In addition, it is fully multicoated (high-transmitting multi-layer film) that maximizes light transmission on all lenses and prism-transmitting surfaces, making it suitable for the flagship model. The flat design body is also designed to be easy to grip even for women and small hands, with a maximum eye width of approximately 147 x 51 x 124 mm and weighs approximately 535 g, making it a compact and lightweight body.
This is a small, compact, waterproof telescope with a high magnification of 14 times, and a vibration-proof mechanism. I actually tried out the "VC Smart 14 x 30WP" on my favorite walking course, where you can observe terrain moths, lily squirrels, and whitetail eagles.
Recommended points
- Vibration-proof angle of ±3° can handle large blurring
- Observation of the object can be observed larger with a magnification of 14 times.
- One AA alkaline battery runs continuously for approximately 10 hours
- Equipped with 10 minutes power-off and light-blocking slide shutter
- Waterproof design allows for outdoor live performances in sudden rain or rainy weather
Points that interest me
- It gives you a sense of security when you know the remaining battery level
- I'd be happy if the focus ring is a little smoother
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Kenko VC Smart 14 x 30W |
|---|---|
| magnification | 14x |
| Effective diameter of objective lens | 30mm |
| coating | Full multi-coat |
| Real view | 4.4° |
| Hippo diameter | 2.1mm |
| Brightness | 4.4 |
| View 1000m away | 76.8m |
| Eye relief | 14.0mm |
| Eye width | 53.5-75mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 3.5m |
| Size (when eye width is maximum) | 147 x 51 x 124 mm |
| mass | 535g |
| Material | Body body: Polycarbonate resin / Body cover: ABS resin / Rubber for your own use: NBR / Roller rubber: ABS resin |
| accessories | Pouch, strap |
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |
| design | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ease of viewing | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★☆ |
| Portability | ★★★★☆ |
| Cost Performance | ★★★★☆ |
| Satisfaction | ★★★★★ |
Detailed review
I'm impressed by the image stabilization that is so impressive that it's amazing
A slide switch to turn the image stabilization mechanism on and off. It also has a 10-minute auto-off function, so you don't have to worry if you forget to turn it off.
I'm sure anyone who likes cameras and photography will understand, but for camera lenses, image stabilization is already a common feature, and is already a common feature. It's so everyday that you can't help but think, "Is this lens image stabilization?" and even if you're conscious of it, you might be wondering, "How many levels of image stabilization does this lens have?", you might wonder, "How many image stabilization does this lens have?" So, is it really that different when it comes to image stabilization for binoculars? That was my honest feeling.
However, when I actually used it, I was surprised to find that it was different depending on the image stabilization being turned on and off.
On Kenko Tokinar's official website, the catchphrase for "VC Smart 14 x 30WP" is "When the hand shake disappears, you'll feel emotion!", but until I actually tried it, I thought it was quite exaggerated. However, when I actually try turning on and off image stabilization with the VC Smart 14 x 30WP, I am impressed that it is really so different.
The image stabilization of the VC Smart 14 x 30WP can be easily turned on and off using the slide switch, but when turned on, when it is off, the image being observed through binoculars is shaking in small detail, and I am observing the slightly vibration-like image, which is tiring, but as soon as I turn on the image stabilization, this small shaking suddenly disappears. The big shaking also becomes slower.
The image stabilization mechanism of the VC Smart 14 x 30WP, which runs continuously for approximately 10 hours with just one AA alkaline battery. It's convenient to use easy-to-obtain AA alkaline batteries.
This gives you the time to observe in detail the objects you are looking at through binoculars. Until then, wild birds would have looked at the entirety of the bird, but with the VC Smart 14x30WP, you can observe the details, such as their expressions and small gestures. Furthermore, when looking at a clock in the distance with binoculars, you can check the time even with binoculars without image stabilization, but I often don't have time to check the details of the clock's dial or the movement of the second hand, but with image stabilization, you can check these in detail.
Incidentally, the image stabilization of the VC Smart 14 x 30WP can be turned on and off using the slide switch, but it has a 10-minute auto-off function, which prevents battery drainage due to forgetting to turn it off. In addition, the image stabilization mechanism is also powered by AA alkaline batteries, so it can be easily obtained at convenience stores, and one unit can run for approximately 10 hours in a row, so you can use it for long periods of time. However, there is no battery level indicator, so if possible, it would be a good idea to prepare one spare battery. I'm also hoping that the battery level will be displayed.
The following is the official video of Kenko Tokinar that allows you to check the effect of image stabilization of "VC Smart 14 x 30WP" in the video. If you check this too, you will be able to feel the effect of image stabilization that impressed me even more.
Is it 14x magnification equivalent to about 700mm? But it's very easy to see
It uses a twist-up viewing port that can be stretched and retracted when twisted and rotated to adjust the eye points, making it easier to observe even with naked eyes or wearing glasses.
It may be just me, but the specs of binoculars magnification are not very clear. It is often said that when the magnification is 14x, a person 140m ahead appears to be 10m ahead, but I don't really get a sense of whether they're 10m ahead or 140m ahead of them.
Looking at some of the materials, I found that if the field of view that humans usually see is the angle of view of a 50mm lens, when viewed through binoculars that are 14 times the size, they are 14 times the size of lenses equivalent to 700mm. In the camera industry, there is already a question of how 50mm is the field of vision that humans usually see, so this is a bit of a nuance, but for me, it is more accurate to say it when converted to the focal length of this lens.
Equipped with a light-blocking slide shutter that hides the pilot lamp that lights up when the image stabilization mechanism is operating. The photo shows the pilot light hidden.
Considering this theory, the VC Smart 14 x 30WP is equivalent to a 700mm super telephoto lens, while the last "Ultraview EX Compact 8 x 32" is equivalent to a 400mm super telephoto lens. By the way, the brightness is 14x and the objective lens has an effective diameter of 30mm, so the brightness is 4.4, while the Ultra View EX Compact 8x32 has an effective diameter of 32mm, so the brightness is 16. The "Ultraview EX Compact 8x32" is said to be much brighter binoculars.
The brightness of binoculars is different and the telephoto magnification is different, but I am impressed that the VC Smart 14 x 30W, which has an image stabilization mechanism, can observe the subject very stably. On the other hand, if you were to be told that it's a 700mm-class, ultra-telephoto camera lens with no image stabilization, I'd be hesitant to worry about camera shake. Incidentally, unlike entry-level models, the Ultra View EX Compact 8x32 and VC Smart 14x30WP are fully multicoated (high-transmitting multilayer film) that maximizes light transmission across all lenses and prism transmission surfaces, which probably has a major impact on the ease of viewing.
The lighter the lighter the better, but easier to use than expected "VC Smart 14 x 30WP"
This is a walking course that takes about two hours to walk, with lots of wild animals and birds that I love. I was not concerned about the weight of the "VC Smart 14 x 30WP".
The "VC Smart 14 x 30WP" weighs approximately 147 x 51 x 124 mm with maximum eye width and weighs approximately 535 g. Considering that the "Ultraview EX Compact 8x32" used last time is not equipped with an image stabilization mechanism, and although it has a low magnification, it does not have an image stabilization mechanism, and the last one does not have an image stabilization mechanism, weighing approximately 108.5x49.5x124mm and weighing approximately 375g, it still gives a slightly larger and heavy impression. However, the large difference in size is the overall length, and the width and thickness are almost the same.
Therefore, even when you hold the binoculars in person when you actually use them, the feeling of holding them in the binoculars remains almost the same, and as an adult man like me, even small hands and women can use them without much realizing that it has an image stabilization mechanism installed. There is a difference of about 160g in weight, so it's not to be bothered, but considering the threatening effect of image stabilization, it's probably within the acceptable range. However, whether you set it up or carry it around, it's not a problem, so if you really want lighter vibration-proof binoculars, you might want to consider a similar VC Smart Series, "VC Smart Compact Black 12x21".
The words "WATERPROOF" are arranged largely in the center of the "VC Smart 14 x 30WP". Waterproofing is a big advantage when it comes to outdoor use.
In my case, I usually spend an hour or two on my favorite walking course where I can meet wildlife and birds, but I didn't feel particularly heavy as binoculars, whether I was hanging around my neck or standing there. Also, when walking outdoors, you'll notice sudden rain or water droplets falling from branches after the rain, but these are also waterproof, so you won't be bothered. This is a huge advantage.
Summary: If you are considering high magnification binoculars over 10 times, consider image stabilization mechanisms.
There are price issues, but we highly recommend anti-vibration binoculars that are overwhelmingly easy to see.
Looking at Char's rates in the sales rankings on Kakaku.com, the Kenko VC Smart series boasts a fairly high share rate as a vibration-proof telescope with an image stabilization mechanism, but this time I tried its flagship model, the VC Smart 14 x 30WP.
My honest impression is, "Vibration-proof binoculars with image stabilization mechanisms are so amazing!" I'm used to using ultra-telephoto lenses for cameras with image stabilization mechanisms on a regular basis, but is there a huge difference just by having an image stabilization mechanism? That's why I was so used to using it that I was skeptical of its effect.
However, when you turn the effect on the VC Smart 14 x 30WP, you will be amazed at how the subject you are observing is surprisingly clear and can be observed in every detail, just without any small shaking. I'm surprised I've never been aware of this shaking so much while looking through my binoculars.
The actual price is around 87,000 yen, but for me, who is used to the prices of optical equipment such as camera lenses, it doesn't seem like a very expensive lens when you consider it to be a lens with an image stabilization mechanism equivalent to 700mm, or an optical accessory used when shooting telephoto photos. In a sense, it seems to be legitimate when compared to the state without the image stabilization mechanism.
For me, the VC Smart 14 x 30WP, which allows you to observe the target with a stable image quality equivalent to 700mm, seems to be a reliable companion for ultra-telephoto photography of wild animals and birds, and I've basically been praised for it, but there is one thing that caught my eye. It's focus ring. Compared to the Ultra View EX Compact 8x32, the diameter is smaller and the rotational motion is slightly sloppy. I hope that if this was improved, I would be able to like the VC Smart 14 x 30WP even more.
In my conclusion, image stabilization mechanisms and vibration-proofing mechanisms are also extremely effective in binoculars, so if you have the chance to try them out in stores, please give them a try. Binoculars with a high magnification of over 10 times are extremely effective in observing the object down to the smallest detail, so we recommend that you experience the effects alone.
Details and purchase of Kenko's "VC Smart 14 x 30WP"
For more information about the product, please visit the official Kenko Tokinar website
Saito Titoce
Former monthly camera magazine editor. While pursuing the spectacular views of Hokkaido and the wildlife, I was completely hooked on the outdoor life of camper vans and sleeping in my car. While traveling the entire country with his 2-year-old son and wife, he is a photographer writer who photographs and writes everything he has experienced, not only cameras and lenses, but also outdoor camping, child-rearing, PC gadgets, cooking, and dieting. OUTDOOR GEARZINE plans to write a variety of articles, focusing on the QOCL (Quality of Camping Life) Improvement Committee, which will improve the quality of life in camping and camper vans.
