Which ones did YOU take and love...or wished you had...leaving in 2 weeks.
Thanks, Max

I looked at several and it came down to the image stabilized Canon 10 x 30

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consum...zer/10_x_30_is

or the Nikon Monarch 8 x 42

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-7430-Mon.../dp/B00006AG6C

In the end I chose the Nikon as I didn't really see a lot of difference with the IS when I tested them side by side and the Canon was more expensive. I was absolutely delighted with the Nikon's highly recommend them. I also recommend purchasing a good quality neoprene strap - it makes it more comfortable on your neck

http://www.amazon.com/Optech-Comfort...6&sr=1-1-spell

Have a great time!

I also took the Nikon Monarch 8x42 and the EXACT same neoprene strap Elizabeth recommends on my recent trip to Tanzania. Loved both!

Thank you very much...

Somebody lent us two pairs of the Nikon Monarchs (not sure if we had the neoprene straps). We also borrowed some compact Steiner Safari Pros, which we loved as well.

I took Swarovski 8.5 x 42 - but they are very, very expensive.

I own/use the Canon 10x30 with IS. If you test them in a store environment, you will not notice any benefit from the Image Stabilization. The benefit from the IS comes when you are using the binocs to view things at the very outer limits of the binocs' capabilities. That's where even the slightest movement in your hand will result in a shaky image, and the IS does in fact do an amazing job of correcting that shake.