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Message: <blockquote data-quote="KorHaan" data-source="post: 1723386" data-attributes="member: 49910">Hi Sancho,Well, I'd be pompous and arrogant if I were to say "I'm not surprised at all by the outcome of your test!" <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink    ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" />In fact, I AM a bit surprised by the outcome, but I think it shows that some of us are more prone to handshake than others. In which case a stabilized image will simply draw more detail, even in a field test with such very fine contenders. No doubt the optics of your 4 non-IS bins are better than those of the Canon 10x30 IS's. The one thing IS-bins do, is make you think your bins are tripod-mounted.I've just recently switched back to the 10x30 IS's, for no particular reason, but it's fun to be able to alternate between two bins so the 18x50 IS's stay home more often. Next spring will certainly bring them out again. After months of using the 18x50's it's a delight to see how good these 10x30's really are. It's not that the 18x50's are bad, but the 10x30's are sharper, I can see that now I use them again. I saw a Stock Dove in a field, and through my 10x30's I could ID it with IS switched off, as it was lacking the white neck spot of Wood Pigeon, but then, as I "froze the frame", the black markings on the wing got visible. IS off, and they were gone. The bird was at a considerable distance from where I was standing, and I had to struggle a bit, but I saw those markings. With my 18x50's I'd seen all details in a split second, so these are easier if you really want to be close up to the bird.Still, I must say the 10x30's are a joy to carry and to use.If you choose the 18x's, remember what I said before: they are heavy! Most ideal would be to try them against a pair of 15x50 IS's, for me the 18x's were the better buy, but you might feel differently.I'm a bit curious: did you sell your 12x36 IS II's and kept the 10x30's? And what are you going to use for close up woodland birding? The Swarovisions, I suppose? Not gonna sell those, are you? <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink    ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" />During the cold spells here I used the 10x30's and 18x50's without any problems whatsoever, focus kept smooth on both and no fogging up inside, and perfectly useable with thick gloves on. The only thing I'm still after is an outstanding pair of low light/owling bins,but for daytime birding the two Canons cannot be beaten. Best regards and please let us know what you've decided,Ronald</blockquote>

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