|
Optical
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization feature built-in optical
binoculars and scopes became demanding by consumers and professionals
within last decades due to technology advancements and opening of the
military market. It greatly improves hand held observation capability
providing the user with still image without adding support with tripods,
or by any other means. It eliminates effect of hand tremor and vibrations,
allows to use optical devices from moving carriers like land vehicle,
aircraft, or boat, and provide the additional convenience for user to
easily re-point the device or follow the moving object smoothly without
loosing control. It seems that for many practical applications the image
stabilization is the most advanced improvement of the optical observation
devices available on open market. There are few
makers of the Image Stabilized Binoculars on the market today. Depending on
the manufacture the technology may vary offering to the user different options
and advancements. Image stabilization technology currently offers
three different types of
binoculars which allows still image observation by eliminating or reducing effects of
hand shaking, platform vibration, and platform/user movement to some degree.
Stabilization angle is usually within the range 2 to 8 deg.
depending on the system capabilities.
Gyro-Stabilized System.
The image remains stable due to built-in high-speed motor driven gyroscope,
which controls the position of the prism assembly inside binocular or
scope. Due to highest 6-8 deg. stabilization angle Gyro-Stabilized systems allow to keep image stable by not only
compensating for hand tremor but also by eliminating the effect of strong platform
vibration and fast platform or object movement. It is widely used by military,
and for civilian professional applications for observation from moving vehicles, air plains, helicopters, ships,
as well as from stationary positions for following moving objects.
Because Gyro Stabilized Binoculars are relatively heavy they are not so
great for traveling, walking, or hiking with them and more suitable for
deployment in certain place for prolonged period of time. They may operate
from batteries with option to use external power source connected with the
cable. Using external power source is not a big obstacle while it deployed
in a permanent place where the power is available. In fact, it eliminates
the annoying need to manage battery charging.
Start-up time to speed up the
motor is about 20-40 sec. For some applications anti-fog, water drop
protection or full waterproofing is important, but it is not always the
case. Since the price may be greatly affected by demanding options
application should be carefully reviewed and necessary features selected
before to go on the market to hunt the item.
Waterproof Gyro Stabilized
binoculars are expensive and western brands offerings are in the range from
$3,000 to $15,000. As a result of Eastern block military industry
conversion there are few models within the range
$1,200 - $2,500 available from Eastern countries at this time, but the prices
increases due to currency fluctuations and growing demand within their own
market.
Sardonic Suspension Stabilization.
Incorporate mechanically suspended prism system balanced with powerful magnets. Perfectly protects from
shaking and panning within 2-3 degrees angle deviation. Much lighter than Gyro
and with instant start-up. The only type that do not require batteries.
Suitable for professional applications as well as for the regular consumer
use. Developed and offered by German Zeiss and by few Russian manufactures.
Vary-Angle Prismatic
Stabilizers.
Prisms controlled by microprocessor which receives signals from the
sensors. Protected from shaking and panning within 2-3 degrees. Lighter
than Gyro and allow instant start-up, but still require 6 AA batteries,
which should be replaced or recharged after use, or storage. Offered by
Canon for consumer applications.
Russian
Image Stabilized Optical Equipment
|
