John Ford puts Fujinon’s TS-L 2040 binoculars to the test — offering ultra-clear 20x magnification with image stabilisation, perfect for birdwatchers, stargazers and outdoor adventurers.
A lot of caravanning types are nature lovers, and many of us are keen bird watchers. So, when Fujifilm suggested we try a pair of its new Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS-L 2040 stabilised binoculars for a couple of weeks, I was keen to see what the latest technology delivered and how it compares to standard binoculars.
In a past life, I had a camera and imaging business and sold many binoculars. Canon was an early adaptor of image stabilising technology in cameras and lenses, and in 1996, it applied the knowledge to its range of binoculars. As part of the Japanese Fujifilm Group, Fujinon added image stabilisation to its line of binoculars in 2002 and established a high reputation for its products.
Once you get above 10x magnification in binoculars, keeping them still enough to view the scene isn’t easy. Magnification refers to the amount of enlargement of the viewed image. A 10x magnification will appear 10 times closer. Most people will find that 8x is the maximum they can keep still enough for a clear, steady image.
The new Fujinon binoculars provide 20x magnification power
Checking out the new Fujinon Techno-Stabi binoculars
The new Fujinon binoculars we reviewed provide 20x power, currently the maximum magnification available in mainstream binoculars. They utilise an electronically stabilised gimbal to support the internal lens prism. The company claims they can correct up to three degrees of movement, making them suitable for general use. Fujinon also offers the TSX range of lower magnification binoculars, featuring a six-degree correction, which is better suited for marine applications where a moving boat complicates keeping the image viewable.
Great for bird watchers and nature lovers
Fujifilm is recognised for quality components across its camera and binocular range and the extra-low dispersion glass lenses improve clarity and colour rendition in the new binoculars. The 40mm objective lenses up front add to the image brightness while allowing a relatively compact form.
The new TS-L 2040 binoculars have a sleek, modern look and a firm texture that falls naturally to hand. They include a hand strap and neck strap for easy one-handed operability as well as a lens covers that can tether to the body. Weight with the included case and a pair of AAA batteries is close to 900gm, so they might be for more general use rather than backpacking. Battery life is around 30 hours, and while many devices have rechargeable batteries, I like the simplicity of Alkaline versions. Rechargeable lithium AAAs are an option.
The new Fujinon binoculars are easy to carry
The water resistance rating is IPX7, meaning they can survive being underwater at a metre for 30 minutes, so they are well up to a stroll in the rain.
It didn’t take long to set up the binoculars to suit me. The rear elements swivelled to set the eye distance, and the eyepieces twisted smoothly for use without my glasses, which I prefer. Focusing is smooth and precise with the well-placed centre wheel. The difference between image stabilisation and not stabilised is dramatic when I turned on the IS switch, which powers off automatically to save battery life. The brightness of the image and the clarity edge-to-edge were very impressive. I could see fine detail in flowers and birds 50m away, so the Fujinons offer great versatility for birdwatching. The minimum focus distance is 5m. As well as for bushwalks, the binoculars would be great in many different situations such as concerts, sporting events and checking out the moon and planets.
How much the Fujinon binoculars cost and where to find them
Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS-L 2040 stabilised binoculars have a recommended retail price of $2149, but I noticed they are sold out already on the official Fujifilm site. The new Techno-Stabi line also includes a 16x40 set at RRP $1999. Find out more here.
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