Fujinon Binoculars | Fujifilm Optics

Blaser Primus 8x42 Binoculars

About Fujinon
Fujinon is actually a division of Fujifilm, who specialise in the production of optical lenses for photographic, medical, video, television as well as observation uses.

Fuji Binoculars
The story of Fujinon binoculars goes right back to 1947, with the release of the 6x25 Meibo series which were loved by many observers of the day. These iconic instruments became the foundation for Fujinon's expansion as a general optical instrument maker and since then Fujinon binoculars have been highly praised by military personnel, professionals, and amateurs worldwide.

The Fuji Optical Devices Division is actually located in the US, in Wayne, NJ and they provide the Fujinon binoculars as well as other Fujinon optical lenses and I believe they also have some production workshops in Japan and China.

The Fujinon Binocular Range

Fujinon currently offer a fairly wide range of binoculars suitable for most of the common uses including travel, bird watching, wildlife observation, hiking and camping as well as hunting, sporting events.

However their most iconic ranges are primarily aimed at marine uses and astronomy. Indeed they also produce military binoculars and supply binoculars to the US Army as well as Marine binoculars for the US Coast Guard and Border Patrol.

Their lineup is grouped into a "Series" covering a wide range of price points and vary in the quality of their optics, coatings and build quality:

Popular Fuji Binoculars:

 

Fujinon TECHNO-STABI Image Stabilized Binoculars

FUJINON TECHNO-STABI TS-X 1440 Image Stabilized BinocularsWhilst as you can see from this page, Fujinon has a good and varied selection of binoculars, it is their range of Image Stabilized TECHNO-STABI binoculars that they are most well known and respected for, this is especially true in the marine world where these are often considered to be the finest available.

The Techno-Stabi has been around for a long time now, but has just recently been updated and whilst always good, they now have a number of added improvements that include improving the amount of image shake that they are able to reduce. For more: FUJINON TECHNO-STABI TS-X 1440 Image Stabilized Binoculars Review

How the Image Stabilization Works
The image-stabilizing function used on the Fujinon TECHNO-STABI binoculars uses the technology and knowledge in optics from their vast experience of producing digital cameras and interchangeable lenses. Techno-Stabi uses a gyro sensor that is able to accurately detect the smallest movements and vibrations and which then adjusts the prism inside the body to compensate for this movement.

Models

Main Highlights & Features

  • Up to 6° vibration correction - the most in the world
  • Fully Multi-Coated & Multi Coated Optics
  • Phase Corrected Prisms
  • Waterproof Seals on 14x40 Model

Cost & Where to Buy:

Fujinon Polaris FMT Binoculars

Fujinon Polaris 7x50 FMT BinocularsThe Fujinon Polaris FMT series contains six models that are primarily aimed at marine and astronomy uses, however their high quality optics and great low light capabilities also make them a fantastic choice for many other uses including general wildlife observation, birding and hunting.

Models

Field Flattener Lenses
A real highlight is that all Fujinon FMT binoculars contain field flattener lenses that offer an image that remains sharp from one edge of the view to the other. For all uses this is great, but for astronomy is a real advantage when viewing clusters or constellations as it ensures all stars in the view are perfectly sharp and in focus.

Fujinon Polaris 7x50 FMT BinocularsFujinon Polaris FMTRC Binoculars
Whilst some models within the Polaris series are geared more towards astronomy and some are for general as well as marine use, the Fujinon 7x50 FMTRC-SX-2 is the one that is most suited to marine use. However you could also very effectively use it for many other purposes including astronomy, birding and hunting, where they will be especially beneficial in poor light and at medium to close distances which you often encounter in thick forests or woods.

As you would expect, they are fully water proof and the rubber coating is designed to offer a better grip when wet.

As well as this they feature an integrated compass with a rangefinding reticle, which allows you to estimate distances or the size of objects. it is this model that most optimized for marine use. Although a strength is also their versatility as these binoculars are also great.

Fujinon 16x70 Polaris FMT-SX-2 Binoculars
Another really interesting model is the 16x70 Polaris, which has obviously been designed specifically with long distance terrestrial and astronomy use in mind. Indeed they have been designed to ensure eyepiece filters can easily be attached which are commonly used in astronomy.

The high power in combination with quality Japanese made optics ensures that you get great image detail and definition.

Main Features

  • 95% light transmission with the Fujinon ECB coating
  • Field flattener lens
  • O-ring sealed - fully water and fogproof
  • Rubber armor
  • FMTRC-SX model features a compass and rangefinding reticle

Cost & Where to Buy:

Fujinon KF Binoculars

Fujinon KF 10x25 BinocularsWith 6 models (2x25mm compacts, 2x32mm & 2x42mm), the KF is a budget friendly series which Fujinon advertises as being designed with "mobility" in mind.

25mm Compacts
Available in either 8x or 10x magnifications, the 25mm compacts are of a typical reverse porro prism design. The feature a rubber coated exterior, Multicoated optics, twist-up eyecups and a centrally located focus wheel.

These Fujinon KF binoculars make ideal travel companions and are a good option for activities like camping, hiking. Other ideal uses for these include outdoor sporting events or concerts.

Fujinon KF 10x32 BinocularsFujinon KF 32mm & 42mm Binoculars
Like the compacts, these sizes are available with either 8x or 10x magnifications. However unlike the compacts, these use roof prisms and feature fully multi-coated optics. The prisms are also phase corrected and rather interestingly, according to Fujinon, the chassis is fashioned from aluminium.

Apart from the size, a major difference between the 32mm and 42mm versions is that the mid-sized options come with and open bridge body design, whilst the full sized 42mm KF binoculars have a standard single bridge shape.

Main Features - 32mm and 42mm versions

  • Roof Prisms
  • Fully Multi-Coated Optics
  • BaK-4 Glass
  • Phase Correction Coatings
  • O-ring Sealed - Fully Waterproof
  • Nitrogen Purged (Fogproof)
  • Aluminium Housing

Cost & Where to Buy:

Fujinon HB Binoculars (No longer in production)

Fujinon HB BinocularsMade in Japan, the high end series of Fujinon HB binoculars main aim is to meet the needs of the discerning long-distance terrestrial observer, but which can also make a great option for hand-held astronomy and some security needs.

The series consists of just two 60mm offerings, which if you imagine them as windows are able to capture more light than smaller ones, which leads to a better quality and brighter image. But at the me time they are not so large as to make the overall dimensions and weight of the binocular to great, which would require you having to use a tripod all the time.

In terms of magnifications, you get a 12x or a very powerful 15x option.

Fujinon 12x60 HB Binoculars
As well as a relatively wide field of view, the 12x60 Fujinon HB binocular affords you a relatively large 5mm exit pupil, which means that they also provide you with good performance in low light.

So if you consider these main attributes, ideal uses will include general wildlife observation, hunting, and even bird watching in situations like at the coast or from a hide overlooking a lake where ranges are from medium to long and where a good low light performance is often required.

Fujinon HB 15x60 Binoculars
Whilst you get great reach and thus a more detailed view of your subject, the smaller exit pupil produced by the higher power makes this model less capable than the 12x60 version in low light. Note whilst this is a factor, this is not as important for astronomy as you are generally looking at bright shining objects (stars).

Also the high power means that whilst they are possible to hand hold, for the most stable views, you are best of fixing these to a tripod, which can easily be done using a standard tripod adapter.

Further Reading

Main Features

  • Fully Multi-Coated Optical System
  • BaK-4 Roof Prisms
  • Phase Correction Coatings
  • Aluminum Body
  • Twist-Up Eyecups with intermediate stops
  • Fully Waterproof
  • Nitrogen Purged (Fogproof)
  • Tripod Adaptable

Cost & Where to Buy:

 

Where to Buy Fujinon Binoculars:

 


Featured Fujinon Binoculars

Below are a few featured Fujinon Binoculars: View >> All Fujinon Binoculars reviewed


Fujinon Polaris 7x50 FMTRC-SX Binoculars Review

Designed to withstand the rigors of the professional marine and fishing industries, these 7x50 Fujinon Polaris binoculars also make excellent wide-field astronomy binoculars.

Highlights include a fully nitrogen purged and water proof all-metal chassis with a rubber coated exterior, a built-in compass and range-finding reticle, extremely wide field of view, field flattener lenses and Fujinon's EBC multi-coatings on every optical surface for a light transmission of more than 95%

Price: (5/6) High Value Binoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 8/10 80%
Outstanding
Body Stats: 7/10
Optical Quality: 9/10
Optical Stats: 8/10
Image Quality 9/10
Extras & Details: 7/10


Fujinon HC 8x42 Binoculars Review

Fujinon HC 8x42 binocular is outstanding and dare I say it, beautiful pair of optics that certainly stands out from the crowd.

I especially like the very wide field of view, which when combined with the excellent quality optics and resulting superb image quality means that you are presented with a view that is just about as good as it gets in both good and low light conditions.

Price: (5/6) High Value Binoculars
BBR Ratings:
Body Quality: 8/10 83%
Outstanding
Body Stats: 8/10
Optical Quality: 9/10
Optical Stats: 9/10
Image Quality 9/10
Extras & Details: 7/10

View >> All Fujinon Binoculars reviewed on The Best Binoculars & Reviews website.


 

Fujinon Contact Details

FUJIFILM Optical Devices Europe
Heesenstrasse 31
D-40549
Düsseldorf
Germany
Tel: +49 211 5089 0

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