BEST IMAGE STABILIZED BINOCULARS? | Sig Zulu6 HDX vs Kite APC

In the Sig Sauer optics review and Kite Optics review we put the Sig Zulu6 HDX image stabilized binoculars next to the Kite Optics APC image stabilized binoculars to truly see what the differences are. If you are in the market for image stabilized binoculars, you will want to watch this video as we dive deep into the true differences between these based on our in-the-field use and testing.

Sig Sauer Optics and Kite Optics has been innovating with these image stabilized binoculars, and the Sig Zulu6 HDX and Kite APC each offer some very unique and impressive features that you will want to be aware of if you are considering purchasing image stabilized binoculars.

Sig Zulu6 HDX 10x30 vs Kite APC 10x30
Kite APC HDX 12x30
Sig Zulu6 HDX 12x42 vs Kite APC 12x42
Sig Zulu6 HDX 16x42 vs Kite APC 16x42

Sig also make the Zulu6 HDX in a 20x42, but this version was not available to us for this review.

Check out our other gear reviews:

00:00 Introduction
01:01 Differences between brands
06:06 Batteries/power functions
11:04 Eye relief
11:38 Optical performance differences
12:53 Eye box & focus wheel
14:04 Stabilization performance
17:00 Which is better?

[Patriot]

5:50 Actually, it's "just not the case" with the IS binoculars on your table. If you go to Canon's line and look, the 12x32 IS model will see a 5° FOV while the 14x32 IS will see a 4.3° FOV. Similarly a Canon 15x50 IS will see a 4.5° FOV while the 18x50 IS will see at 3.7° FOV. To put into perspective the significance of this statistic, the 18x Canon has about the same FOV as the 12x Sig HDX. The HDX is a compact 42mm IS binocular but optically, it just doesn't match the Canon. Hopefully this changes with later iterations of the ZULU6.

[Patriot]

4:27 When I hear this often repeated nonsense, I'm super curious when exactly you guys were beamed down to the planet. How did reduced FOV suddenly became associated with IS binoculars? Normal FOV, IS binoculars have existed since the mid 90's with Canon's release of the 12x36 IS and its 5° FOV (262' @ 1000yds) which is good-average for any 12x bins. If you want to take it back further, the Zeiss 20x60 IS had a 3.0° FOV back in 1990. Again, outstanding for 20X and on par with any 20x bins then or now. In 2004 or 2005 Canon introduced the 10X42 IS WP with 6.5 FOV (341' @ 1000yds)... on par or better than any 10x42 binocular of its time. They've updated these models as many as 3 generations now and I currently own 5 Canon models of various generation. They've introduced new models like the Canon 14x32 and 12x32 IS. The latter beats the ZULU6 12x HDX not only in FOV (5° vs 3.8°) but also in flat field correction, color rendition and control of chromatic aberration. More spectacularly, the small objective 12x32 Canon perform significantly better in low light than the Sig 12x42. How do I know this, because I personally own both models along with 6 other models of IS binocular. Ergonomically the Canon is a more comfortable binocular with the beautifully smooth focus wheel placed properly in the rear (where your index fingers naturally fall) and shaped like a normal roof prism wheel that you'd see on a Nikon, Leica, Zeiss or Swarovski. In fact all Canon models have a ergonomically superior rear focus wheel. Now it doesn't have the Sig's IP7 rating, or larger exit pupils, also the eye cups are better and high frequency vibrations are handled better by the Sig but none of these are deal breakers. Actually, unless I'm in a canoe or raft.... the Canon is a better hunting bin if not simply for the better low light performance and FOV. In any case, small FOV doesn't have to be associated with IS. It's the blueprint avenue that this particular design team and manufacturing firm have taken. From everything I've been able to gather, it's possible that the Kite and the Sig are produced either in the same factory or in separated sister factories. Sig's marketing has provided a strong presence in the hunting world all of a sudden but in the birding community the Canon models provide a significantly better image than anything coming from Sig or Kite. I haven't had the HDX Pro with it's 50mm objectives in my hand yet but I understand that the low light performance is much better with larger, edge blackened prisms (duh!) new coatings and a host of improvements in IS simplification. This was all much needed. I hope it doesn't disappoint as I plan to purchase the 16x50 model to compare with the Canon 15x50 IS.

[zacjones]

Right ear would love to join the conversation.

[jeanpaulceulemans]

Both are manufactured by the same company (Kamakura Japan) The differences are the result of each "brand" requesting their own individual specifications Not sure about the firmware though, whether it's developed by Kite and Sig themselves or Kamakura giving a list of options
The Kite is definitely better than the older non HDX Sig
I have the 16x models from both manufacturers Bought the Sig for the target node and lighter weight
Going to try out the new Kite 18x50 production model this weekend and compare it width my Sig 16x42 HDX. Six months ago I was already able to test a prototype of the 18x50
Resolution was a bit better than my Canon 18x50 and definitely better than my Kite 12x42 but not as good as my Canon 10x42
The stabilization didn't work satisfyingly imo, lots of vertical wobble but could be because it was a prototype specimen since the14x50 version didn't have that problem. Will report back next week, if it blows away the Sig and the Canon, I will order one

[shem]

SIG should implement button instead of flipping switch to change mode. Flip to turn on, push button to toggle between scan and target mode.

[christopherdavis]

Thanks for the comparison video! I hope you review Kite’s new APC 50 soon.

[coastrangecollective]

thought my headphones died at the start but your voice audio is only set to the left channel 😅

[HogDogKrohn]

I would love a review on the 50 mm objective Kite. It looks like it's just coming out now to a few stores. Interested if if the low light characteristics are much improved and if the IS is better as well. By any chance will you be reviewing this product?

[shem]

Hi. Not sure if you have a chance to do a FOV of SIG 10x30 vs 12x42. I have the 12x42 and find the FOV too narrow sometimes. The 10x30 is 5.2 degree vs 3.8 on the 12x42.
I want to get the 10x30 but because the EP is only 3, I'm afraid it will be hard to get perfect view without blackout. On the 42 I do experienced imperfect view and need frequent adjusting and on the 30 it may be worse? Any thoughts?

[colerichardson]

Which one would be better for a whitetail bow hunter

[redravenmarketing]

The battery life of the KITE APC 42's is 120 hours between 4 batteries, 60 hours for 2 batteries. Just a minor correction ;)

[hubbs]

I know you can't include every IS binocular but I would have liked the Kite 14x50 and 18x50 included

[w.vangelder]

Don't worry about battery consumption. I have used the Kite 16x42 every weekend for almost a year now and still use the same battery set. Next time, no spare batteries will be used (at least not in the first half of the year).

[francesco]

Hi best video!
The Sig HDX 16X42 in scan mode, stabilizes like the Kite always about?
Thank you

[Canoneosmiami]

Is Fujinon 12x28 Techno-Stabi Waterproof Image-Stabilized Binoculars better then these ?

[Blubirdmark]

Help me understand how a 200 FV @1000FT is better than 274FV @1000FT?

[jrnumex]

i have sig gen 2 20 x. up against different models i have luepold, vortex, fujinon some on tripod some not zulu is king.

[kevinmartin]

Sig has a 10 year on their electronics