I need some advice on binoculars. I want something for, broadly, coast-watching. Any recommendations?

I've got a pair of Nikon 10x25 binoculars, which are great for bird-watching, etc.; I wanted something a bit more ... marine, but I have no idea where to start.

Stabilized optics. Really takes the shake out, let's the rest of the lens quality shine.

I have Canon 10x30 IS stabilized binoculars, bought maybe a decade ago. Runs for many months on a battery, easy to hold and use.

Being stabilized allows you to choose a longer/higher maginification lens that would otherwise be too shakey when hand held.

I would expect a current generation model might be even better than what I have, which is already quite good.

Decent review/overview
http://garyseronik.com/review-canons-image-stabilized-binoculars/

Ditto. We have two sets of Canon IS binoculars here for bird watching, and they are extraordinary. The 12x36 are the largest for easy hand holding, but Canon do make heavier versions with more weather-proofing and more magnification too.

The reverse of conventional thinking applies here: lower magnification with image stabilization is oft way better than higher magnification without it!

Cheers

Will you be standing on land or on a boat when using these?

Land. Looking out to sea.

Right. So here you go then:

https://www.canon.co.uk/for_home/product_finder/binoculars/optical_image_stabilisation/10x42l_is_wp/

We have this smaller version 12x36. Better magnification, about half the weight, but poorer optics and no waterproofing.

Do they result in a more stable image than a stabilized Canon lens on a Canon DSLR ?

Our newest pair, the 12x36 (purchased this past spring) seem to be using the third gen Canon IS. The binoculars stabilize about the same as my Canon 70-20-IS f2.8, which has the second gen tech inside. I figure the lens manages to "keep up" because it is much heavier than the binoculars.

Regardless of comparisons, the binoculars give a very stable view of things. The difference in perceived resolution is very noticeable with/without one's finger on the "IS" button of the binoculars.

Cheers