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Message: <blockquote data-quote="elkcub" data-source="post: 3307760" data-attributes="member: 14473">Kimmo,I believe the data used in the article were from times past, when coatings and transmissions were not as good as they are today, so the graph is really out of date.  But it is useful on a notional basis.  Fortunately, in 2011 Daniel Vukobratovich and Paul Yoder, Jr. authored the handy "Field Guide to Binoculars and Scopes," which is really worth getting if you don't have it.  The subject of handheld-binocular efficiency is presented in reorganized form, with direct comparisons made between tripod supported and handheld instruments.  Formulas are provided that should be quite useful.  There is also a section on Image Stabilization Techniques.  There they simply state that the techniques provide "... image quality comparable to that of the equivalent nonstabilized tripod-mounted instrument."    My extremely limited exposure to a stabilized Canon 10x42 gives me some pause for doubt, and apparently Chosun is also less than convinced by a 15x.  There seems to be more than just aided acuity involved, although that could be due, in part, to lack of familiarity with the instrument.    Ed</blockquote>