Fujifilm was one of the first manufacturers to produce binoculars with optical image stabilisers for the mass market. What started out as exotic high technology in the 1990s is now found in countless digital cameras. Fujinon's entry-level binoculars from the Techno-Stabi series are available from 700 euros. These lenses have a lens diameter of 28 millimetres and 12x or 16x magnification. Both models weigh around 500 grams and fit comfortably in the hand. Externally, they differ only in the dimensions of the eyepieces, with the larger version of the 16x28 lens being more comfortable.
With the stabilisation switched off, it is already difficult to keep the relatively high magnifications wobble-free on land. When the electronics are activated, this changes fundamentally and works impressively well with both 12 and 16 mm lenses. However, the electrically moved prisms can only compensate for fluctuations of three degrees. In heavy seas, the lenses therefore reach their limits, although there was no recognisable difference between the 12x and 16x magnification.
In practice on board, we liked the 16 mm binoculars best. It offers greater magnification and is easier to use thanks to the larger eyepieces. It costs around 800 euros. However, the differences are small, which is why we award both binoculars four out of five stars.
Hauke Schmidt
Test & Technology editor
