Birding Binoculars?

[popeyespappy]

I find image stabilization extremely valuable when using binoculars.

Image stabilization is probably going to put us over her budget. She would like to keep the price to around $300 to $400.

What I have on the list right now are:

1. Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 - $279
2. Bushnell Elite E2 8x42 - $276 Supposed to be better glass than the Ultra HD models and they normally cost $394 minus the 30% rebate. They weigh about 6 ounces more than either of the Nikon products though which could be a big deal.

If she is willing to spend a little more then the Nikon Monarch 7 8x42 which are highly reviewed on a couple of birding sites are available for $437. Similar products from Vortex and Leupold are currently in the high $400's for Vortex to mid $500's for Leupold.