Each brand is slightly different on signs that the image stabilizer is operating normally. Some brands have indicator lights to show operation. With other brands, the image stabilizer makes motorized noise during use, cluing you in that it is operational. One sure-fire way to verify that your binoculars are working is to hold them up to your face and pan from left to right. If the image stabilization system is powered and online, the image you are seeing should “drag” slightly behind your movements. This is the image stabilization trying to compensate for your movements. If the system is not powered on or functioning incorrectly, the image in your sight picture should be moving at the exact same speed as your movements from side to side.