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Are you looking for better binoculars?
Get the best high quality image-stabilized binoculars at moderate cost
See field marks you have been missing on distant birds
Kite Optics Features
- Very High Magnification: 16X
- Image Stabilization: 2°
Corrects for up to 2° of vibration
CLICK HERE for a short video explanation. - Angular Power Control (APC)
Automatic Power Shutoff when not actively observing: extends battery life - Power: 2 AA alkaline batteries
Not included - Battery Storage
Space for 2 extra AA batteries - Battery Life: 120 hours
Including 2 extra batteries
Much better than competing brands - Light weight: 783 g
with 2 batteries - Gas Filled
Reduces internal fogging when temperature changes - Field of View: 3.9°
- Close Focus Distance: 4.0 m
- Good Temperature Range: -20 C to +55 C
Purchase Details
- Prepaid Price: CAD $1775 (tax included)
note: most companies list prices before taxes - Optional Silicon Jacket available for $65 extra (tax included)
Shock absorbing property helps reduce collision damage if dropped - Optional Kite Shoulder Harness available for $45 extra (tax included)
- Pick up in Saskatoon or shipped to your local Canada post office
- Bonus: 10% Discount on future Saskatoon Custom 1 day bird tours
- Ordering information: Send name and contact phone number to birdtours@sasktel.net
Our Opinion
For the past 3 decades, our bird tour leader Stan Shadick has been using high quality Swarovski brand 10X42 binoculars. Although I paid much less, their current tax included price at a Saskatoon big box store is over $4000!
Earlier this summer, I learned about the Kite Optics 16X42 IS binoculars, which appeared to be much superior. On a recent birding tour, my two clients each had a pair of these image-stabilized binoculars. I was impressed to discover that their binoculars could pick out fine ID details on the bills of a distant flock of gulls on the far side of the river when my current 10X42 binoculars failed.
If you are interested in upgrading your binoculars to a high quality image-stabilized pair, CLICK HERE for a link to an independent review. A Canadian mini-review is available HERE.
In my opinion, the Kite Optics 16×42 IS binoculars has many advantages over the competing Canon 18X50 IS binoculars including significantly lighter weight (783 g versus 1228 g), better close focus distance (4 m versus 6 m), much better stabilization (2° versus 1°), better winter operating temperature range plus longer battery life due to its automatic battery shutoff whenever binoculars hang down from your neck. I also suspect it to be superior and much cheaper than their next version of Kite Optics 18×50 binoculars coming out in January.
Currently our local camera store will order you a pair of Kite Optics 16×42 IS binoculars for $1931 (tax included). Because I wanted a lower price, I contacted the Canadian distributor. They offered me a better deal to sell to current clients of Saskatoon Custom Bird Tours. I can offer our current clients a price of $1775 tax included if paid in advance of ordering.
Furthermore, if requested, I will offer purchasers a special 10% discount off any future Saskatoon Custom Bird Tour lasting 1 day or less provided it is booked at the time of ordering your binoculars. This special offer cannot be combined with any other offer.
If you are interested, email your contact phone number to birdtours@sasktel.net
I will phone you back to discuss details about this offer. I plan to place an order soon.
You are also welcome to briefly test these binoculars during any of our upcoming birding tours.