Canon IS binocs/Nikon Superior E/Fuji 16x70.

I am interested in folks experiences with Canon IS
binocs and in particular the Canon IS 15x50. I currently
have a pair of Nikon Superior E 10x42 and i love these
binocs. They are easy for hand holding. In fact the
10x42 E's are the most comfortable pair of binocs i have
ever used. I have read as many reviews as i can find on them.

I recently tried the Canon IS 15x50 in NY at B&H and
i was not that impressed. For a start i could not get
them to focus. I tried adjusting diopter and it still
would not focus 100%. Next up is wow these are one
large pair of binocs. Then there is the eyecups which
i think are way too big at least for me. Adjusting
the interpupil distance i found fairly akward as well.

I am interested in folks views with regard to the Canon
IS vs something larger like the Fuji 16x70 ? Clearly the
Fuji 16x70 need a mount but are folks so happy with IS that
they recommend this as the way to go ? I like the convenience
of binocs so the concept of a mount makes me think...get
the scope out.

I also tried a pair of Zeiss 10x40 and these amazed me. Very
comfortable to use and a nice feeling with the rubber armour.
I tried a pair of Leica Trinovid 8x42 BA and these did not impress.
Much prefer the 10x42 Superior E's.

My experience i guess very much demonstrates try before you buy because
even although everyone of these binoc's are top rated they did not
quite meet what i was looking for.

Cheers
David.

Ps The Nikon 10x42 really are a fine pair of binocs.

Hi David,

Since i either own or have owned some of the binos you mention i just
thought i'd add my observations. The Nikon 10x42 SE are my favorite handheld
astro glasses. Very comfortable, bright image, easy to fucus. I also have
the Leica 10x32 BN that are my favorite daytime glasses. The larger exit
pupil of the Nikons doesn't suit me during the daytime and i like the rugged
waterproof Leicas for outdoor use. I have owned the Canon 10x32 IS. (Or is
it 10x30?) I liked them okay. My pair were very sharp. However i didn't care
a lot for the image stabilization feature. It did work as advertised but i
didn't like holding the button down and i didn't like changing batteries. I
sold it and bought the Leicas. I guess i just perfer manual binos. I also
have the Fujinon 16x70 that i use with a UniMount. Very nice.

-Florian