Canon 10x30 Image Stabilization II Binoculars

I hope to offer some points I don't see in other reviews. I bought the Canon 10x30 IS II after using Orion 10x50 Ultraviews for over 20 years. The Canons are game-changers. Here's why:1. OPTICS. The Canons have sharp, ghosting-free optics and a six-degree field. The quality of the optics is crucial because these binoculars will be brought to sharper focus than non-stabilized binos.2. STABILIZATION. The experience of image stabilization was a "wow experience" from the start. After a little more experience, I realized how the stabilization helps me to see more detail. With non-stabilized binos you may perceive that you have achieved focus, but you haven't. With the Canons, you can focus before activating the stabilization, then engage the stabilization and see that even sharper focusing is possible. (Focus can be adjusted with the stabilization on). Thus, stabilization helps to see more in two ways) a. By removing shake and b. By achieving sharper focus.3. BETTER THAN A TRIPOD. A tripod can hold binocs steady, but is only practical in a limited range without straining the viewer's neck - and a tripod can't really pan with fast-moving targets. The Canons give you a stable image at any angle and you can pan and focus with stabilization engaged.4. MECHANICAL. These are light, ergonomic and easy to hold for long periods. The focuser is very smooth and fine. The eyecups are too deep for me so I keep them rolled back all the time. The strap is good and the padded case is very nice. The lack of dust caps for the objective lenses is hard to understand, but I just keep them in their case.I thought $500 was a lot of money for binoculars, but I am now hooked. Recommended.

Like many people interested in image stabilization binoculars, I did my due diligence.I investigated binoculars by Canon, Fujinon, Nikon, and multiple brands that were stratospherically price.The biggest concern of the biggest dilemma was deciding magnification and cost benefit to myself. I did fall in love with the 10 x 42 by Canon. Everyone was in love with the optics. Everyone felt the image stabilization was awesome. And, after reading multiple reviews from multiple sites, people who it owned the 12 x 36 Canon binoculars and the 10 x 42, were equally split among the benefits of each. Some people noted that having traded up to the 10 x 42, they wish they had maintained and kept the lighter weight ones which were more portable. Others clearly fell in love with the superior optics of the 10 x 42.From all my research, I could find no significant advantage of the Nikon or the Fujinon. Although the Fuji binoculars had much better image stabilization for the rough seas, there was no apparent benefit for simple general use such as outdoor birdwatching. The image stabilization in the Fujinon-was aimed for the rough seas and significant motion.Considering the weight, the Canon binoculars in the 10 x 42 size were both weighty and somewhat cumbersome. Additionally, the price was almost double that of the 12 x 36.I was looking for something that had a fairly high magnification and a decent field-of-view. I realize that the 10 x 42 does have a better field-of-view but I was certainly willing to live with the 12 x 36Concerning the exit pupil and I relief, at 65 eyewear progressive lenses and have a slight astigmatism. I have no trouble with these glasses. I do fold the eye cups back in order to get a better field-of-view. However, even with the eye cups in their normal position, I can see through these binoculars easily. They focus without an issue and I have no trouble with the eye cups.The use of the stabilization button is intuitive and easy.The size is comfortable and the weight is excellent.Current pricing was approximately one half the price of the Canon 10 x 42. From my aspect, the choice of these binoculars was easy.I'm very pleased with my choice and do not regret it.If you're looking for lens covers for the end caps, I purchased these. A perfect fitOpticron Rubber Objective Lens Covers 50mm OG S Pair fits models with Outer Diameter 56~58mm

A truly "Wow!" product. I know that image stabilization binoculars aren't new, but they are new to me. Looking through them for the first time, and then pressing that image stabilization button, it's like there's a wizard inside there. The image becomes more still, sharper, it's like magic. Truly amazing. While I'm sure the much more expensive Canon IS 10 x 42 L is even better, it's hard to imagine how much better they could be than the 10 x 30's. I had read a lot of good things about the image stabilization ability of the Canon binoculars, but seeing is believing. It really is a very impressive feature. I'll never buy another pair of non image stabilization binoculars again.Pros: The image stabilization feature is great! I like the way the lenses adjust for different users. Feels like a quality build. The IS button is perfectly located and very easy to push and hold. I was worried that having to hold the button down would be a problem. It isn't. Comes with a nice carrying case. Great value for the money. A nice balance of weight, price, quality optics, and power for the casual birder/wildlife observer. One of the people who uses it in our family can only use their right hand and so can't hold the binoculars with two hands. The image stabilization feature works out great for them and makes wildlife viewing and bird watching so much more rewarding.Cons: Attaching the carrying strap to the binoculars new out of the box was a tedious endeavor. It seemed way harder than it ought to of been. I was afraid I was going to scratch the binocular casing trying to get the straps started through the eyelets on the binoculars. I finally did it, though. Just a minor quibble. Also, there are no lens caps for one end of the binoculars! None at all. The other end has lens caps. That's just silly in my opinion.August 5th, 2024: These image stabilization binoculars have worked flawlessly since I bought them in 2017. However, I pulled them out of their case the other day and the battery door was open and the metal plate that is on the battery door was missing! So, the image stabilization feature no longer worked because the batteries wouldn’t function without the metal piece on the battery door. So, I ordered a replacement battery door for $49 off of e….Bay. With a pair of needle nose pliers and a very pointy “punch” tool was able to replace the battery door and all works well now. Still a terrific pair of binoculars that I would buy again in a minute.