Hi. I have been birding for quite a while, and through all that time I have basically used the same pair of binoculars-the Canon 10x30 Image Stabilized. After all these years, these binoculars have become quite worn and even occasionally go a little out of focus when the IS is engaged (and it can't be brought into focus until you release the IS button). So, I am planning to buy some new binoculars.
I am currently debating buying:
The same kind. They are the lightest of the bunch, and provide a good wide FOV. Not waterproof.
Canon 12x36 IS II. Second lightest, higher power, but lower FOV. Not waterproof.
Canon 10x42 L IS Big and bulky, but has the largest objective lens and FOV (a small plus, as I also like astronomy). Is waterproof.
Nikon 12x32 StabilEyes. Heaviest. Lowest FOV, and smaller objective lens then the Canon. Stuck in because I am not sure how the IS in these compare to Canon. Waterproof/fogproof.
Fujinon TechnoStabi 12x32. Basically same as nikon. I am not sure how the quality of the IS compares to canon.
I do a lot of birding, including competitions where I bird non stop for 24+ hours. Does anyone have any experience with any of these binoculars and can compare them? I am not sure whether to go with more power, more aperture, or stick with the same ones that have served me well for about 10 years.
As you can probably tell, I REALLY like the image stabilizer binoculars. I have tried other binoculars, but have always liked the clarity provided by a shake free image. I have yet to understand why there are so few available.
Feel free to recommend other binoculars, but keep in mind that image stabilization is STRONGLY preferred.
I am currently debating buying:
The same kind. They are the lightest of the bunch, and provide a good wide FOV. Not waterproof.
Canon 12x36 IS II. Second lightest, higher power, but lower FOV. Not waterproof.
Canon 10x42 L IS Big and bulky, but has the largest objective lens and FOV (a small plus, as I also like astronomy). Is waterproof.
Nikon 12x32 StabilEyes. Heaviest. Lowest FOV, and smaller objective lens then the Canon. Stuck in because I am not sure how the IS in these compare to Canon. Waterproof/fogproof.
Fujinon TechnoStabi 12x32. Basically same as nikon. I am not sure how the quality of the IS compares to canon.
I do a lot of birding, including competitions where I bird non stop for 24+ hours. Does anyone have any experience with any of these binoculars and can compare them? I am not sure whether to go with more power, more aperture, or stick with the same ones that have served me well for about 10 years.
As you can probably tell, I REALLY like the image stabilizer binoculars. I have tried other binoculars, but have always liked the clarity provided by a shake free image. I have yet to understand why there are so few available.
Feel free to recommend other binoculars, but keep in mind that image stabilization is STRONGLY preferred.
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