In case you’re wondering, ‘Techno-Stabi’ doesn’t refer to a new extreme genre of dance music. In this context, it’s a Japanese reference to image stabilization. And yes, while adding an anti-shake mechanism to binoculars usually bumps up the price and increases overall bulk and weight, experience has taught me that, for the most part, such compromises are worth it. Especially if I get a wobble-free image at a generous magnification, without needing to lug a tripod around. I want to concentrate on my subject more than fiddling with my gear. So, could this latest Fujifilm example deliver most of what we want – great results, but with compact and lightweight dimensions at a fair price – while minimizing any of these traditional compromises?
Compared with the existing Fujifilm Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS16x28WP, the Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS-L 1640 arrives with a bigger and potentially brighter 40mm lens, theoretically allowing for clearer visibility of far-off subjects. While omitting that waterproof indicative ‘WP’ suffix, its IPX7 rating still offers more than adequate resistance for stress-free outdoor use. I would not want to risk submerging these binos for prolonged periods, but I felt reassured when getting caught in the rain and by the odd splash of water.
