[Geoff Brown]

One or two people have been bringing and using Canon image stabilising binoculars to the "Full Monty" aren't bird brilliant watchpoint at RSPB Frampton Marsh and I've had a look through them when I get the chance. It is amazing to see the wobbling field of view snap into a very sharp still image when you press the button to activate. The downside is that the large magnification models are quite heavy and you would not want to hold them up to your face for very long. Most owners also say they tend to eat up batteries. I tried the 10X 30 model at the Birdfair on Friday and it didn't seem too heavy or bulky. As above, when the button was pressed the image instantly became quite still and smooth so it shows how shaky my hand holding has become ( old age creeping in!). The weather was deteriorating as well but the view was still quite bright through them.
The outcome has been that when I got home I wrote to Ace Optics of Bath to order the 10 X 30 version and enclosed my Birdfair ticket for a refund because during August only they are refunding Birdfair ticket admission charge on any purchase from them over £99. You can't have too many bins!!

[Elizabeth Bigg]

I agonised for ages over the choice between 12X and 15X, went for the 15X and still wondered if I should have settled for the other! However, the first time I went to Pagham I was pleased that I chose the 15X. They are a bit heavy - just had them on the kitchen scales (1.12kg, 2lb 7½oz), but I'm still very pleased with them after more than 5 years. An elderly uncle sent me £1000, and told me to treat myself - so I did as I was told!!!

I don't have a problem with the batteries - I use NiMH rechargeables.

[Geoff Brown]

Originally Posted by Elizabeth Bigg

I agonised for ages over the choice between 12X and 15X, went for the 15X and still wondered if I should have settled for the other! However, the first time I went to Pagham I was pleased that I chose the 15X. They are a bit heavy - just had them on the kitchen scales (1.12kg, 2lb 7½oz), but I'm still very pleased with them after more than 5 years. An elderly uncle sent me £1000, and told me to treat myself - so I did as I was told!!!

I don't have a problem with the batteries - I use NiMH rechargeables.

Good Idea Elizabeth. I'll have to ransack the house now to find my very old battery charger. When I suddenly require something like that again I can never lay my hands on the item. Bet I don't find it!