Great for astronomical use. My two telescopes are gathering dust in the attic thanks to these binoculars. While they are easy to use, they are a bit bulky from most binoculars. However, for what you receive from this product you can't really complain. The ISB is fantastic. Great all around product.

The Canon IS Binoculars are a real winner! They have met my expectations for a versatile/flexible instrument that can be used as a pair of binoculars and/or a low-power spotting scope (w/o having to carry a tripod). It has the optical quality to easily discern the details required in my visual resources survey work (in which a pair of wide field 8x Nikon Premier Lx binos are also carried) as well as the flexibility for birding and astronomical use. Purchased the 15x over the 18x because of the wider FOV and the greater relative effect of the vari-angle prisms (presumably the same used in both binos) upon the stability of the lower-power image.

The binoculars are somewhat heavy, but a good two-inch neoprene strap (OpTech "Super Classic") helps greatly when carrying them for lengthy periods of time. Couldn't find a reasonable carrying case so the included Canon case was modified by sewing on a (detachable) carrying strap with a pad for comfort. Use lithium batteries if you're using the stabilization feature for extended periods of time though battery life hasn't been too bad with alkaline batteries.

By medinabrit from medina ohio on 2/12/2007

These are probably the most usable binocular on the market.
Exellent optics .Hand holdable ,no tripod needed .
Its like having a spotting scope & binocular in one instrument.

By KJ from Chadds Ford, PA on 2/12/2007

The IS system works very well.
Dyed in the wool birders refuse to acknowledge that IS helps so you get some dirty looks when out with other birders. But when alone I love these binocs. The image is sharp but not quite as crisp as Swarovski (my other binocs) or Zeiss. Also closer focusing would be helpful.

By NMDeepSky from New Mexico on 2/5/2007

The ISB makes these binoculars truly "handheld." I sold my tack sharp 12x80s and 10x50s after purchasing these. My birding friends with expensive German glass had buyer's remorse after looking through my Canon ISBs. My use is primarily astronomical. I chose the 15x over the 18x because of the FOV. The 15x will take in all of Orion's belt. Birders might consider the 18x.