On a semi-related note, I bought a set of Canon IS binoculars last year. http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/p...zer/10_x_30_is

Got those on eBay too, for I think close to the same price. (Less than $300 anyway) I will say that one good long look through those, and you're all done with non-stabilized binocs for life, I don't care if they're a pair of $1,200 Carl Zeiss 'nocs.

You'd think 10x30 would be on the low end of binoc specs, but A) we're talking Canon glass here, and B) they're steady even while driving. I've had buddies use them while we're out in the Jeep, while off-roading. Having them on a 'virtual tripod' while hand-holding them, and you can see well in dim lighting too. I've studied bird feathers on birds IN FLIGHT with those babies. The image 'shifts' to catch up as you pan something moving as the gyros compensate.