My first chance to try the 8x20 will likely be when I purchase one, since none of the local stores carry Canon IS binoculars with any regularity.
I currently own the 10x30IS II, 12x32 and 10x42WP and all are fantastic in their own ways.
I'm a wilderness hiker and like to get back to areas that are infrequently traveled. On a recent day hike, out here in the desert southwest, I covered 19 miles and 3800 feet of elevation gain, which means that I'm careful about the weight of my kit. A big part of the enjoyment for me, is the exploration, wildlife and scenery. It's because of this, I like to take binoculars. To me, they're usually worth the extra ounces because having them enriches the experience. Even though the terrain here is mountainous, the views are extraordinary and visibility often exceeds 50-70 miles.
For a long time I used a 8x32BN and still have them. They weren't light but they had an easy view and were reasonably compact compared to my larger models Swarovski and Zeiss 8x42FL at the time, which I used for hunting. One day I looked through the 8x32 Ultravid HD and between the wonderful image and weight savings I couldn't resist them. They were my hiking binocular for about 3-4 years and at the time there were no compact binoculars that impressed me enough that I cared to go smaller. Not long after the 8x25CL was introduced I was interested in them mainly to know if they could replace the 8x32UV as my hiking binocular, even if they weren't quite up to the optical standards of the Leica. After many visits at the store, while comparing them to the Ultravid HD, I did end up purchasing the 8x25CL, with the realization that the image quality, while behind the Ultravid was satisfactory and saved a good bit of weight. I eventually sold the Ultravid and kept the 8x32BN's because it was a sentimental thing. Also, I had more money tied up in the Ultravid, so it just made sense.
The 8x25CL has been a wonderful little hiking binocular, even if at times I feel the need to sit down and use a support or rest to gain a more steady view.
I have forgotten exactly when I purchased the 10x30IS II but it was the third and smallest Canon IS binocular I owned, 4th if I count owning the 10x42WP twice. I purchased it mainly as a sporting binocular for watching baseball, racing, or as a loaner binocular while bird watching with family or friends. The more I used the 10x30IS, the more I valued it's ability to give tremendously detailed, handheld images while being relatively compact and lightweight. One day I took it on a slightly longer hike and enjoyed the views so much, that I've carried its extra weight on just about every day hike since. The only times that I reverted to the 8x25CL for hiking were during a handful of high peaks over 12,600 feet in elevation. The 10x30IS has been a faithful friend and has performed far beyond it's price point. After all the switching around, wouldn't it be funny if the 8x20IS ended up replacing 10x30IS as my hiking binocular! I say it would be "funny" because I know that a traditional 8x20 couldn't replace my 10x30IS but I have a strong suspicion, that the Canon 8x20IS might be perfectly capable of of doing just that.
Like many of you, I continue to be amazed by the fact that such a small percentage of premium binocular users are actually aware of the massive benefits provided by IS and by Canon IS specifically. I think it's difficult for them to comprehend, that their 10x42SV comes in 2nd at resolving detail, even to a modestly priced model like the 10x30IS II, while viewing unsupported. From a tripod, it's a different story but how many of these premium users are doing that? Here in the states, about the only crowd that I know of, who regularly use a tripods with binoculars are Western hunters.
I've really enjoyed reading the thoughts and input about this new Canon, from Canip as well as other members. Thank you very much, for sharing!
It's the first model that works with my eyes, and it doesn't have the annoying artifacts the very first Canon IS binoculars had, many years ago.
