Any one ever use or have a opinion on the
Canon 10X30 IS Image Stabilized Binoculars???

I was really disappointed in them. After only a pint of Yukon Jack I found the 10x30 image became destabilized. Then I was totally dismayed when after a fifth of Tanqueray I found out they wouldn't float. POS in my opinion. :p

Beezer

I have used a friend's pair a couple of times. I thought they were great, but spendy. Shop carefully.

Great if you want or need image stabilization, which is especially helpful with 10 power binoculars (which most people do not really need). Bear in mind that although the image stabilization works very well, it also adds significantly to the size, weight and price of the optic and does not address the issues of overall brightness, eye relief or inherent optical quality. There is no free lunch as they say. Another good option would be to drop down in power, forget the IS and move up to a bigger objective and/or higher optical quality available at around the same size and price. If you look at binoculars as a lifetime investment, something worth not just using but passing on to future generations, you might want to forgo the work-around and invest in time tested optics. I can personally attest to Leica, Zeiss and Steiner brands but could also recommend Swarowski in this class. However, if you're really sure that you need the extra power then the Canon IS is a very good alternative. Good luck.

My Mom has a pair. They're not bad but don't seem very substanstial. I'd be hesistant to be packing them around much.

Personnally, I think you'd be much happier if you invested your $$ in a good pair of waterproof, rubber armored 8x42 Leupolds, Nikon, Pentax, Cabelas roof prism glasses. 10x42 are a little harder to hold steady.

If you have lots of extra $$ you could upgrade to Swarovski, Leica, or Zeiss.

I have a pair of Nikon StableEyes 14x40 gyro stablized binos that I bought at Outdoor Emporium. I love em. I mainly got them for marlin fishing but use them on the Sound quite a bit also. You can really see what the others are catching and even what they are using when a net goes up. I do not think I would buy them only for use on the Sound though, but they are great for spotting marlin, birds, and porpoise way down south.

Shop carefully as they are spendy !

Spud

Thanks guys I have some more investigation to do. Mainly these will be used by my Dad, while sitting in a lawn chair, watching boats go pass.

Does this use still dictate a higher qaulity pair?

Beezer

In my opinion, yes. You get what you pay for with optics.

In my Mom's situation, she stands in her window and watches the birds, odd orca, and ships passing by. The stabilized glasses are good for her and would, from your update, be probably be more useful for your Dad.

If you decide not to go with the image stabilization, a good tripod might negate the need for image stabilization. The higher the magnification, the harder to hold steady. 10x50 or even 12x50 might be more useful for the situation. Check out Cabelas or a local camera/sporting goods store for options and prices.

ps The larger the objective, the better the light gathering capabilities. A rough rule is to divide the objective diameter by the power of the binocular. 10x50= 5 10x42= 4.2 etc. The bigger the objective, the better the view early and late in the day.

LT,

Quality is always important but comfort, weight, eye relief and clarity will be the primary issues for the use you describe. A high quality 8 X42, or even 50, with "high eye relief" (15-18mm) will do the trick nicely here. These are easy on the eyes, exceptional performance for the dollar and they are very manageable in size and weight. They are easy to look through for extended periods of time and they generally have a wide viewing area as well. The Leica 8X42mm Trinovid is probably the optical reference standard here but most every quality brand makes a decent performer in this range, many are lighter and most are cheaper. The Zeiss and Swarowski are gorgeous too but overpriced for most. Steiner has just introduced some new high performance birding binoculars in this range that look very impressive and are reasonably priced. Their Merlin 8X50 is about the same size and weight as a typical 8X42. Pentax DCF, Brunton and Fujinon (hard to find) are also respected glass. The Canon, Nikon, Minolta, Leupold and Bushnell are quite common, but MOR performers IMO. For good information and aggressive pricing you might want to check out Anacortes Telescope at buytelescopes.com. These guys really know their glass.

Beezer, I like your feed back!

...and if your Dad is going to sit in an easy chair, you might want to consider a good spotting scope on a tripod rather than binoculars.

Thanks for the help guys

Wow, binocs are expensive!!!!!

Lead,
If your dad is using these in a fairly gentle manner, I would look at high quality porro prism glass (the ones with the eyeholes that are NOT in a straight line with the objective).
These are going to offer higher quality at much lower cost than roof prism 'nocs.
You can get Leupold, Nikon, Steiner and others at much better prices.
The downside is a little more bulk and a little less weather resistance.
For armchairs or window sills, the better choice.
If you don't buy local, try riflescopes.com.