Fujifilm Fujinon Techno-Stabi 12x28 WP binocular

Fujifilm will no doubt be a name familiar to most birders and one which is largely associated with the manufacture of photographic film, a product the business built its foundations on from its inception in 1934. Since then, the company has grown and diversified, producing photographic equipment and optics among a number of other technology-related commodities.

Its first binoculars went into production in 1947 and its earliest image-stabilised binocular was developed back in 1980, giving rise to the gyroscopic stabilisation of the current 'Stabiscope' series. Earlier this year, Fujifilm added two compact 28-mm image-stabilised binoculars to its latest gimbal-based Techno-Stabi range: the TS 12x28 WP and a higher-magnification model, the TS 16x28 WP.

For its higher exit pupil of 2.3 (objective diameter divided by magnification) set to provide a brighter image (all other things being equal) and practical, all-round use, I opted to trial the lower of the two magnifications on offer.

The overall design of the body follows the current 'norm' for image-stabilised binoculars insomuch as its dimensions are fixed and the eyepieces are moved simultaneously in order to adjust the interpupillary distance for individual users.  

Weighing only 485 g and lacking the bulk so frequently associated with this type of binocular – both characteristics resulting from the small objective diameter – it is easy to hold for long periods of observation.

Stylish design

In terms of external appearance and style, Fujifilm has added a neat 'retro' touch by shrouding the polycarbonate body in textured black leather, which of course increases grip, while the rims around the objective lenses are silver. The compact design works well for comfortable holding, with shallow recesses either side of the focusing wheel accommodating three fingers and the flat area behind the battery compartment acting as perfect thumb rests. 

The latter is situated on the underside of the binocular and sits proud of the chassis. In this respect, it is not ergonomic as it acts as a single point of contact, rubbing and rolling against the user's torso, and it could prove uncomfortable when thin clothing is worn. Fujifilm is by no means the only manufacturer to adopt this design.

The finely milled, rubber-covered focusing wheel accommodates approximately one-and-a-half fingers' width and, while it turns smoothly, it offers a little resistance during operation. It runs through approximately 2.25 clockwise turns to take the image from close focus to infinity and approximately one third of a turn from 10 m to long distance. 

While the manufacturer's specification lists the close-focusing distance as 3.5 m, I was pleasantly surprised to find the image still sharp at 2.5 m.
The supple, rubber-covered eyecups twist out to three loosely locking positions above the base setting and the whole field of view is visible when the eyecups are fully extended, the image remaining sharp to the edges, although a slight curvature of field is detectable.

An on/off ring-switch, built into the chassis above the eyecups, controls the engagement of the image-stabilisation system, its notched design increasing ease of use. When the system is switched on, a green light appears to the right of the switch and after 10 minutes of non-use the system automatically turns off to save power. Powered by a CR2 lithium battery, this binocular offers up to 30 hours of use on one cell. If the system is switched off, the Techno-Stabi operates as a normal binocular.

So, drilling down into the field use of this binocular throws up some interesting performance characteristics. With the image stabilisation switched on, the delivery of the image to the eye plays 'catch up'; in other words, there is a very minor time lag if scanning fast left or right and up or down, although this is not evident during slow, steady scanning. This takes some getting used to and may prove to be a source of irritation to some users. Otherwise, in use from a moving vehicle or in windy conditions, or when holding the binocular steady for long periods is difficult, the Techno-Stabi achieves its objective and does what it says on the tin.

Magnification benefits

When comparing it to an 8x magnification binocular, or even one of 10x, the higher magnification value delivered is a boon and quite evident in the image. However, it is swings and roundabouts in terms of its sacrificing field of view, with this being restricted to only 73 m at 1,000 m. I found that this, combined with the time lag referred to above, translated to a little difficulty in latching on to fast-flying birds at short and medium distances. 

As far as image quality is concerned, the colour rendition is neutral and an element of chromatic aberration is evident across the whole of the field of view, but rather less so in the middle than in the outer thirds.

Otherwise, colours are nicely natural and the image brightness is surprisingly high, given the specification of the binocular (12x magnification with only a 28-mm objective). Fujifilm has used its EBC (Electronic Beam Coating) multi-coating on the lenses and phase-coated prisms within the optical system to enhance light transmission.

All in all, the 12x28 WP is well into the category of being low priced, compact and light in weight for an image-stabilised binocular. It is nitrogen gas-filled, waterproof and immersible to a depth of 1 m for up to 30 minutes. It is supplied with a comfortable neck strap, soft case, eyepiece cap and CR2 battery.

Further info

• Price: £649
• Size: 148 x 109 x 74 mm 
• Weight: 485 g 
• Field of view: 73 m at 1,000 m 
• Light transmission: not disclosed
• Close focus: 3.5 m 
• Gas-filled: yes
• Waterproof: yes 
• Battery life: up to 30 hours 
• Guarantee: 1 year

Verdict

+ Image is bright
+ Lightweight build
- Slight lag if scanning quickly

• This review first appeared in the December 2024 edition of Birdwatch. To be the first to read the magazine each month, take out a subscription to Birdwatch, or get the magazine alongside your bird news by subscribing to either Bird News Ultimate (paper magazine) or Bird News Ultimate Plus (digital access).