Fujinon TechnoStabi TS-X 14x40
Image-stabilized binoculars constitute a quite narrow class of optical instruments and that segment has been dominated for many years by two producers, Canon and Fujifilm. Some might also add Nikon to that list because they feature such binoculars in their line-up as well but the truth is that Nikon binoculars have also been produced by Fuji.
Pros:
Cons:
For some time now Fujifilm have been refreshing their line of stabilized binoculars including the 14x40 model.
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When it comes to optics we are informed that all air-to-glass surfaces are covered by high quality EBC antireflection coatings and the prisms are made of BaK-4 glass.
Buyers get in the box with the binoculars: a solid case with a strap, caps for objectives and eyepieces, and a separate strap for the instrument itself. The Fujinon comes with a warranty period of 10 years for optics and mechanics, and 2 years for electronics.
Pictures
Manufacturer data
| Magnification | Lens diameter | Angular field of view | Prisms | Eye relief | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 40 | 70/1000(4o) | BaK-4/roof | 13 mm | 1300 g | 6749 PLN |
Results of the review
| Real front lens diameter |
Left: 40.02+/-
0.05 mm Right: 39.99+/- 0.05 mm |
8 / 8.0 pkt | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real magnification | 14.02+/- 0.05x | 3/3.0 | ||||
| Transmission | 73.5+/- 1% | 7/25.0 | ||||
| Chromatic aberration | Negiligible in the centre, a bit lower than medium on the edge. | 8.3/10.0 | ||||
| Astigmatism | Slight. | 8.5/10.0 | ||||
| Distortion | The distance of the first curved line from the filed centre compared to the field of vision radius: 90% ± 4% | 10/10.0 | ||||
| Coma | Appears in a distance of 75% of the field of view radius and is a tad lower than medium on the very edge. | 8.2/10.0 | ||||
| Blurring at the edge of the FOV | The blur occurs in a distance of 97% ± 2% from the field of view centre. | 10/10.0 | ||||
| Darkening at the edge the FOV | Very low. | 4.4/5.0 | ||||
| Whiteness of the image | Relatively flat transmission graph with a slight dip near 540 nm. Slightly yellowish colouring with some blue accents. | 4.3/5.0 | ||||
| Collimation | Perfect. | 5/5.0 | ||||
| Internal reflections |
|
4/5.0 | ||||
| Housing | Very big physical dimensions for the 40 mm class – the binoculars are very bulky. Good quality rubber armour that sticks to your hands. Eyepieces of ordinary size with stiff, rubberized eyecups with four detention stops. Produced in Japan. | 8/8.0 | ||||
| Focusing | Focusing wheel positioned on the right side of the binoculars' chassis. Its dimensions are moderate and it is covered by fine ribbing without any markings. Its working range amounts to 320-330 degrees. Dioptre correction situated on the right eyepiece; it moves the outer element. | 4.5/5.0 | ||||
| Tripod | No tripod exit. Image stabilized instrument. | 3/3.0 | ||||
| Interpupilary distance | from 55.2 to 73.5mm | 4/6.0 | ||||
| Closest focusing distance | 4.0 meters. | 2/2.0 | ||||
| Eyepieces FOV | Apparent field of view of eyepieces amounts to 55.5 degrees (simplified formula) and 51.7 degrees (tangent formula). | 7/20.0 | ||||
| Field of view | Measured by us amounted to 3.96 +/- 0.04 deg and was in accordance with official specifications within the margin of error. A typical field for this class of equipment. | 5.5/8.0 | ||||
| Quality of the interior of the barrels | Dark inner tubes but not everywhere as matt as they should be. A lot of apertures inside. The bottom is dark gray. Some specks of dust on the prisms. | 3.7/5.0 | ||||
| Vignetting |
|
4.5/8.0 | ||||
| Prisms quality | High quality BaK-4. | 8/8.0 | ||||
| Antireflection coatings | Green on objective lenses, green-yellow on prisms, green-purple on eyepieces. Medium intensity. | 4.5/5.0 | ||||
| Warranty [years] | 2 | 2/6.0 | ||||
| Final result | 72.3% | 137.4 / 190 pkt | ||||
| Econo result | 0pkt. |
Summary
Pros:
- low chromatic aberration,
- slight astigmatism,
- good coma correction,
- sharp image practically till the very edge of the field of view,
- negligible brightness loss on the edge of the field,
- sensible colour rendering,
- good quality BaK-4 glass prisms,
- dark areas near exit pupils,
- efficient image stabilization.
Cons:
- poor transmission,
- truncated exit pupils.
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As a kind of consolation you should add that, apart from excellent correction of the majority of basic optical aberration, the Fujinon also features very efficient image stabilization that really performs well. Its only flaw is an irritating, whinying sound when you activate and/or deactivate it. The sound is so loud and high that it might scare off objects you would like to spot, especially when you go out for some wildlife observations.
