I'm a bit of an optics junky and own the Canon 15X50 IS model. They are
very nice...but the optics on my far less expensive Fujinon's are a bit
nicer. My feeling is that a good pair of Fujinon's will serve MOST
people perfectly well.
Here are some things to consider:

1) Unless you buy the larger 50mm size Canon's you'll still need a
larger standard objective binocular for use in failing/low light. Even
Canon's 10X42's are not as bright as a good pair of 8X50's.
2) Many folks can hold a 10X50 binocular very steady on board. I know I
can with both hands. But with the Canon's you can almost hold them
one-handed and keep the image steady. Impressive.
3) Avoid the non waterproof versions of the Canon's.
4) Anything smaller than the 10X42's will be less effective in failing
light. The few people I know who owned the smaller models traded them
back.

You can go nuts with all of the high end optics out there. But the
truth is that high quality optical manufacture has trickled down to the
low end. 150 dollar binoculars, such as the rebadged Boat US model I
bought a year ago, are at least as good as my Fujinon's (cuz that's
what they are!). As for the Steiner's....I don't like them.
In the end the Canon IS 10X42 or 15X50 are very nice gadgets if you
want/need them. But NO ONE can give you the final word on this because
everyone's eyes are different. Try them for yourself.

Good luck,


Robert B
Beneteau 35s5
NY