KITE 18x50 APC Stabilized ED Binoculars vs Fujinon Techno-stabi TS-L 2040

Kite APC Image Stabilized Binoculars

Hello Stephen, firstly, I would like to say right off the bat: the new KITE 50mm APC Stabilized ED Binoculars are an improvement on the 16x42 version that you have. Whilst still a really good set of IS binoculars, Kite Optics has made progress since the 16x42 was released, and on top of that, I personally think that as a high-powered binocular, the larger 50mm lenses make much more sense than the 42mm ones.

Fujinon Techno-stabi TS-L 2040

As for comparing them to the Fujinon Techno-stabi TS-L 2040, it is tough call for me to be 100% sure, as I don’t have them both with me to compare side-by-side, and on top of this, I have only had the chance to use the Fujis briefly at a show in an indoor environment.

18x50 vs 20x40

I do, however, prefer the 18x50 configuration of the Kite binocular over the 20x40 of the Fuji. I say this because if both their optics are at the same level, I would still expect the Kite to be brighter, especially in sub-optimal light conditions.

This is due to the fact that the Fuji only has a 2mm exit pupil, which is very small. At 2.8mm, the 18x50mm Kite is not a massive amount larger, but this will make a difference.

It would be great to do a side-by-side comparison of these two – I will contact Fujinon and see if I can get them to send me a set, but even if they agree, this will take time. Sorry about that.

Related & Further Reading

• Image-Stabilized Binoculars Main Hub Page – Reviews & Guides
• Exit Pupil – The Complete Guide
• Kite Optics on BBR – All Kite Binocular Reviews on BBR
• Fujinon Binoculars on BBR