FUJIFILM TS 12×28
R10,100
TECHNO-STABI Series
Additional information
| Weight | 485 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.7 × 14.8 × 7.4 cm |
| Magnification | 12x |
| Objective diameter (mm) | 28 |
| Eye relief (mm) | 16.5 |
| Field of view | 4.2 Degrees |
| Field of view at 1,000m (m) | 73 |
| Exit pupil (mm) | 2.3 |
| Twilight factor | 5.4 |
| Minimum focus (m) | 3.5 |
| Range for interpupillary distance (mm) | 56-70 |
| Stabilisation freedom | +/1 3 Degrees |
| Power supply | CR2 x 1 |
Fujifilm South Africa –
For a full review on this and the other Binoculars in the Fujifilm Range, have a look at a review from Etienne Marais over here:
Fujifilm Binocular Review by Etienne Marais
Etienne Marais –
Fujinon TS 12×28 Techno-Stabi
A someone odd and narrow looking porro prism design in a 12 X 28 configuration, this new model is among the smallest image stabilized binoculars available. Fujinon states that it is compact and lightweight with a stabilization correction of ±3 degrees – somewhat less than its big brother the TS-X 1440.
The small objective (28mm) makes the field of view small – so these are not binoculars for scanning, forest work or for trying to pick up rare swifts in the sky! As with the larger TS-X 1440 I was somewhat sceptical at first of the value of these for birding. One easily engages the stabilization with the turn of a lever and the result is a stabilized 12X image which is incredibly sharp and clear – certainly better than a premium 10X binocular – due to the fact that the image is so stable, the eyes can better use and process the optical data.
One negative is that the eye-caps are a little flimsy and a little unstable, other than that the binoculars are a solid package with a durable feel -and hard plastic coating that is comfortable and non-slip. These binoculars also use a less common CR2 battery which may not be readily available in remote areas. I was not able to test the battery life.
The biggest plus for these binoculars is the sheer optical quality in a small package. The image is just so sharp and stable that you can see whatever you are looking at better than with the absolute best non-stabilized binoculars. The small field of view will be a challenge in locating the target, but as an experienced user I did not find it a big issue.
I would not carry them as my standard field binoculars since the process of image stabilization is too awkward for fast birding, but a number of different applications for birding came to mind as I tried them in different settings.
Because the TS12×28 are so light and handy they can easily be used with one hand. The narrow shape further facilitates use in one hand. Normally when you use binoculars with one hand, the lack of stability makes for a poorer image. But here you have a set of binoculars weighing in at only 500g that sits comfortably in one hand, and provides superior optical performance due to the image stabilization!
So why would you want to use binoculars with one hand? I have seen many birders who are primarily photographic birders almost dispense with binocular use, rather relying on looking through the camera. Many also use a smaller pair of binoculars in order to see the birds before photographing them. But when one is saddled with heavy equipment, both hands are often not available to look with binoculars.
Personally, I usually carry a scope on solid sturdy tripods on the majority of my birding outings, and one often wants to look quickly at a moving bird or something that has caught your eye. In this case, a one-handed device actually makes a lot of sense.
On one birding excursion, I was accompanied by a birder who had recently had a shoulder operation and was essentially one-handed. He found the small Techno Stabi ideal for observing some distant ibises that were engaged in nest building.
As with the much bigger TS-X 1440 the stable 12X magnification is great for long distance work where you need that extra optical clarity, including large wetlands, look-outs or when looking at distant birds in the sky. The smaller field of view makes them a less than ideal scanning binocular (compared to the TS-X 1440). That said, they are much lighter and more handy – the sort of pair I would love to keep in a backpack when hiking without a scope or doing a bird count on a large wetland. They would work well for disabled birders with the use of one hand or at a static observation post like a lodge deck with a long view over wetlands!
Summary – Fujinon TS 12×28 Techno-Stabi
• Among the smallest image stabilized binoculars available.
• Stabilized 12X image which is incredibly sharp and clear, better than a premium 10X binocular.
• Can easily be used with one hand.
• Binoculars are a solid package with a durable feel.
• Stable 12X magnification is great for long distance work where extra optical clarity is needed.