I understand...channelling the plastic toy look! But the 8x20 is a marked improvement on the 'old' 8x25 IS. I think it's robust enough, and very light. The old 8x25 really did 'feel' as though it came out of a Lucky Bag. Although it had a 'jumpy' IS button, I really liked the optics. One thing I really love about canon IS binos (although it may seem counter-intuitive) is using them for close-up birding. Looking at birds on feeders in my tiny back yard, I can really study every fibre on every feather, with the IS engaged. The IS 8x20 is a purchase I'm very happy with.