LAS VEGAS (PMA, BOOTH # E11), Feb. 9, 2004 –From birders and other naturalists to hikers, hunters, sailors and sideline-sports fans, Canon’s new 7x42 AWP Binoculars and the newly redesigned Canon 12x36 IS II binoculars expand Canon’s lineup of high-quality binoculars to eight distinctive models, and expand Canon’s ability to support this ever increasing and discerning group of consumers.

“Whether tracking a grackle in distant brush, scanning the horizon from a rolling deck, stalking wildlife from a wooded blind, or following a flying pigskin from the quarterback’s quick hands to the receiver’s extended arms, Canon’s two newest models of binoculars offer action aficionados and outdoors enthusiasts specific solutions for their respective image magnifying needs,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ).

7x42 AWP Binoculars

A first for Canon, this new 7x42 AWP model is a very bright, moderate-power (7xmagnification) binocular with a slim, “roof prism” design, created especially for hunters, birders, sportsmen and boaters.  Its all-weather design is water-resistant enough to withstand total immersion for several minutes at depths up to one meter, although the binoculars are not intended for use underwater. The 7x42 AWP binoculars are designed with an upper surface tailored to fit snugly into a user’s fingers, providing a safe and secure grip even with wet hands.

By far the brightest binoculars ever made by Canon, the model 7x42 AWP’s sleek and slim exterior belies its wide field of view and the vast light gathering ability of its 42mm objective (front) lens.  What’s more, its 6mm “exit pupil” (the bright circle in the center of the eyepiece) and “relative brightness” rating of 36 make it well suited for night and low light viewing

Canon’s world-renowned reputation for lens design and construction – including the use of lead-free glass – contributes to the optical system quality of the multi-coated, four element, three group objective lens and the corresponding four element, three group eyepiece lens.  Aspherical elements in the eyepiece lens preserve center-to-edge sharpness with superb low-distortion imaging performance.  The 7x42 AWP binoculars have a close focusing ability to 13.1 feet.

The binoculars’ roof prism design – in line positioning of the objective lens and the eyepiece lens elements – contribute to the model’s streamlined yet hand-fitting feel.  Though not ultra-compact, the Canon 7x42 AWP binoculars measure 5 x 6 x 2 inches and weigh only 1.6 lbs.  Available in camera and sporting goods stores this April, the Canon 7x42 AWP binoculars include a dedicated soft case, strap and eyepiece lens caps and carry an estimated selling price of $249

“These two pairs of Canon binoculars – though dramatically different in design from each other – reinforce Canon’s commitment to marrying the world’s finest optics with the most innovative technology in order to produce not simply the right solution to consumers’ needs, but the best solution,” added Hashimoto

12x36 IS II Binoculars

The successor to the enormously popular Canon 12x36 IS binoculars, these extraordinary image stabilized binoculars have been redesigned to make them slimmer, lighter and more comfortable without sacrificing Canon’s renown optical quality and IS technology.  Designed for “on-the-go” situations where the binoculars’ high, 12x magnification might otherwise create an unacceptably shaky view, Canon’s original Image Stabilizer technology helps provide a steady image that’s sharp, clear and easy on the eyes.

Drawing on technological advances Canon made in the design of the popular 10x30 IS binoculars, this new 12x36 IS II model utilizes a lighter Porro II prism (offset) optical design and a simplified Image Stabilizer design that is lighter, smaller and contains fewer moving parts.  The 36mm diameter Super Spectra-coated objective lens is composed of two elements in one group; the Canon designed “Doublet field flattener lens” eyepiece is composed of five elements in four groups and provides excellent evenness of illumination and sharp center to corner viewing.  The closest focusing distance of the 12x36 IS II binoculars is 19.7 feet. 

Powered by two AA-size alkaline batteries, for continuous operation of up to four hours (compared with only 1.5 hours on the predecessor model), the 12x35 IS II binoculars’ Image Stabilizer system features two shake gyro sensors that monitor yaw and pitch and utilizes a Vari-Angle Prism for Optical correction.  The IS system is controlled by a simple, centrally located on/off push-button switch.

Measuring 5.0 x 6.9 x 2.8 inches and weighing in at a mere 1.4 lbs. (without batteries), these new Canon 12x36 IS II binoculars are 26 percent lighter and 10 percent thinner than the previous model.  Size and weight are not the only slimmed down features of this new model.  With an estimated selling price of $649*, the 12x36 IS II is also substantially lower in price than other comparable image stabilized binoculars presently on the market.

 The Canon 12x36 IS II binoculars will include batteries, a dedicated soft case, a strap and eyepiece lens caps, and will be available in camera and sporting goods stores beginning this April.