Best handheld binocs for the power

Author's Rating:

Pros: Stable image for the super power, rugged for outdoors, good low light optics

Cons: Too big and heavy for small hands, eats batteries, IS image can drift

The Bottom Line: 
Unrivalled powerful stable image, just needs strong hands to hold for long periods. Can't be beat for tripod free viewing of moving subjects.

Author's Review
I've been using these for over five years. I wanted super strong binocs for wildlife observation without the need for a tripod. These are very powerful with bright optics, good low light gathering, but the important thing is the IS (image stabilization). It's almost impossible to hold these big boys steady without turning it on unless the subject is quite close. It does a great job of smoothing out hand jitters and gentle boat rocking (although too much looking in a moving boat would make me seasick anyway). My wife finds them too bulky and heavy for her small hands, and it does pull on your neck with the strap; I'd advise a broader strap for serious wearing. Sometimes the IS gives the image a slightly drifty, slightly hard to focus look. Some don't notice it, but I do. The IS eats up AA  batteries, pack a recharger or carry extras; I'd estimate about an hour of life/battery. There are bigger binoc/scopes, but all require a tripod which is a huge pain. I've even held my digital camera against it as a super telephoto with decent results. Value wise these are pricey items, but it's Canon, and they are a super product.