New Fujinon TS-L 16x40 and TS-L 20x40 Image Stabilised Binoculars (2 Viewers)

[John A Roberts]

Fijifilm has just announced two higher magnification x40 IS binoculars,
per PetaPixel at: Fujifilm's New Binoculars Have Image Stabilized 16x and 20x Magnification




The press release can be found at: Fujifilm launches FUJINON BINOCULAR TECHNO-STABI TS-L 1640 / FUJINON BINOCULAR TECHNO-STABI TS-L 2040 | Fujifilm

The main points are:


As can be seen they incorporate ED glass, and at around 30 oz/ 855 g are significantly lighter than the current TS-X 14x40 at around 45 oz/ 1.3 kg!
Some basic specifications for each of the new models can be found by following the links at PetaPixel *

And Roger Vine’s recent review of the TS-X 14x40 can be found at: Fujinon 14x40 TS-X Review


John


* A catalogue including the new models can be found at: https://asset.fujifilm.com/www/us/f...3086ef7e9435f725/FUJINON_catalog_20250110.pdf
Thanks to ihf on the parallel thread about the new models at Cloudy Nights: https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/951472-fuji-ts-l-1640-and-2040/

The catalogue includes a spec sheet comparing the various TS models:

 

[Ignatius]

IPX7, AAA Ni-MH and under 900 g. Nice!

Although: "The design matches with the sophisticated and high quality "X Series" mirrorless digital cameras. Carrying these binoculars alongside the camera goes well together." The dreadful English syntax aside, this is so idiotic, it almost negates the good points above for me.

 

[DRodrigues]

I want a 20x version with >=56mm aperture...

 

[Hermann]

IPX7, AAA Ni-MH and under 900 g. Nice!

Although: "The design matches with the sophisticated and high quality "X Series" mirrorless digital cameras. Carrying these binoculars alongside the camera goes well together." The dreadful English syntax aside, this is so idiotic, it almost negates the good points above for me.

Download the catalogue. Interesting stuff.

Hermann

 

[tx2ad]

They look to be nicely thought out.
The glass isn't cut in the center.
They seem to have a nicely thought out hand strap.
They appear to be slim - but they are noticeably heavier than the Opticron/Kite/Sig of a similar design/size - do people think that means that there is better glass in these than the x42 of those other brands?

I'm very eager to hear opinions once people get these in hand. They look very tempting to me - I'm fully cold on IS benefits with my Sigs; and if these offer some improved optics that would be bery interesting to me.

 

[Hermann]

The glass isn't cut in the center.

Good point, and a definite plus of the Fujinons.

They appear to be slim - but they are noticeably heavier than the Opticron/Kite/Sig of a similar design/size - do people think that means that there is better glass in these than the x42 of those other brands?

No idea. I personally believe these are all made by Kamakura; they look too similar to be from different manufacturers. Maybe the Fujinons are just the next iteration of the design. And even if they are a bit heavier, I find <900 gr. is quite acceptable for an IS binocular with 40mm objective lenses.

I'm very eager to hear opinions once people get these in hand. They look very tempting to me - I'm fully cold on IS benefits with my Sigs; and if these offer some improved optics that would be bery interesting to me.

Same here.

Hermann

 

[John A Roberts]

Roger's recent review of the Fujinon TS-X 14x40 includes an image comparing it to the Swarovski NL 14x52,
from: Fujinon 14x40 TS-X Review :


(So presumedly there’ll soon be a review of the NL 14x52.)


This prompted me to think about two other visual comparisons.
Firstly, the TS-X and the new TS-L 16x40 and 20x40 models:



And then the TS-L models and the NL 14x52:



In terms of the published physical spec's:
TS-X x40: 180 x 165 x 81 mm and 1300 g (7.1 x 6.5 x 3.2” and 45.8 oz)

TL-L x40: 186 x 122 x 72 mm and 855 g (7.3 x 4.8 x 2.8” and 30 oz)

NL 14x52: 174 x 131 x 77 mm and 1020 g (6.9 x 5.2 x 3.0” and 36 oz)


a) Comparing the TS-L to the TS-X
Firstly, there's a massive 1/3 weight reduction! And secondly, there's also the significant reduction to the width of the main body,
which combined with the reduction in depth means that the TS-L will far more compact in use, both in hand and carried.
Presumedly the reductions indicate significant advances in miniaturising the electro-mechanical aspects of the design.
And looking at various sales sites it seems that with the introduction of the TS-L line, the TS-X has been discontinued.


b) Comparing the TS-L to the NL:
While in many ways an apples to oranges comparison (with among other things x40 verses x52 objectives),
for some a high quality image stabilised 16x40 may be preferable to an optically state-of-the-art but non-IS 14x52.


- - - -
Specifically in relation to the TS-L's eye relief . . .
Roger noted that while the TS-X has a listed ER of 13 mm, due to the eyepiece surround the effective ER is much less at around only 7 mm.
And while the TS-L's have a longer listed ER at around 15.5 mm, they likely still have the problem to some degree.

TS-X (from Roger) verses TS-L (a stock image):


. . .


John

 

[jackjack]

yeah It's weight matters highly



16x28 / 16x40 / 14x40

 

[Hermann]

jackjack:

If you do a comparison review on the Korean forum, I'd really like to see it here as well! Very much so.

Hermann

 

[Hermann]

a) Comparing the TS-L to the TS-X
Firstly, there's a massive 1/3 weight reduction! And secondly, there's also the significant reduction to the width of the main body,
which combined with the reduction in depth means that the TS-L will far more compact in use, both in hand and carried.
Presumedly the reductions indicate significant advances in miniaturising the electro-mechanical aspects of the design.
And looking at various sales sites it seems that with the introduction of the TS-L line, the TS-X has been discontinued.

I think the TS-L uses a totally different kind of stabilization than the TS-X.

Hermann

 

[jackjack]

jackjack:

If you do a comparison review on the Korean forum, I'd really like to see it here as well! Very much so.

Hermann

can I post videos on BF too?

I haven't post any IS bino reviews here because I have to show the stabilization result by video.

 

[jackjack]

I think the TS-L uses a totally different kind of stabilization than the TS-X.

Hermann

yes. it's lot different with TS-X

TS-X have stonger stabilization, but TS-L's stabilization is enough to give high satisfaction.
Significantly better stabilization then old canon and TS 28mm

 

[edwincjones]

I have had the TSX for several years and am happy with it, other than the small FOV.
If I were trading in I would get the 16x40 for the lighter weight, higher mag, and slightly larger FOV.
No way would I get the 20x40 due to even smaller FOV, the extra mag is not worth it - to me.

edj

 

[Hieroglyph]

I got my TS L-20x40 a week ago and although not having any prior hands-on or any meaningful reviews online, I took a chance - not least motivated by the retailer having a 0% 36 month deal in UK.

I own some smaller Leica Trinovid and love them; I also love Swaros and originally had the 15x56 top of my list, but the extra Mag and stabilising of the Fujinons and less weight and the fact I can still have my purchase fund in tact for the Swaros if disappointed convinced me.

No Night sky yet, but for open countryside and high flying aircraft and garden activity, then I have some observations:

Ergonomics are fine and you get used to the focus wheel being slightly forward, in fact you hold the binos differently to conventional double barrels and it helps further stabilise anyway.

Plenty of options for eye relief even though is in preset increments.

Optical performance is just WOW! You really do see so much more detail and although the lesser field of view is the pay-off, you don't care when you see your target.

The one thing that astonished me is the close focus range - is better than any other Binos I have and being able to watch birds on the bird table less than 7' away with 20x, great light gathering AND stabilisation is like looking at Hi Res images in a Book - Blue T*ts the size of Pigeons! The Stabilisation really does give you scope steadiness - in your hands!

Often stepping up in magnification doesn't translate linearly, but from 10x25 to 20x40 is it pretty much 200% more image detail and size.

I am not a plane spotter, but high altitude aircraft which are usually a dot with a wispy white trail are now identifiable by airline colour/livery and in one instance an exec jet in a holding pattern was identifiable by the reg on the engine cowl with ease.

I haven''t notice intrusions of aberrations or colour fringing in my viewings so far.

Two gripes:

The focus is extremely sensitive and being in or out of focus is the literally 1 or 2 of the knurls on the wheel.

The neckstrap secures with the cheaper plastic 8 buckle arrangement relying upon you getting the double threading pattern correct - a dedicated manufactured clip would be better.

So for £30 a month these are an incredible acquisition for my daily walks and viewing in the garden and when the weather permits, hours-long sweeps of the night sky.

UPDATE: Just spotted a 'Wake' of 7 Buzzards circling in the overcast sky over a mile away - whilst seated from my dining room!

 

[adhoc]

It seems to me these are a significant step forward in bird watching, observation, and study.

• Michael Bulbenko gives an excellent description, technical explanation, and demonstration, in the video by Fujifilm USA linked here (it can be sped up 2x with no loss of clarity).

• There's a useful (apparently sponsored) brief video review by David Stowe here.

• Thank you, Hieroglyph.

 

[sydneybirding]

I got my TS L-20x40 a week ago

I think you just sold them to me.

I have Canon 15x50 and a major gripe is they shipped without lens caps for the objective lenses! Also, the lens caps for the eye pieces could not be attached to the unit - so had to put in my pocket while using and I lost them on my first outing. When I read the "what's in the box" for the TX-L series, it doesn't say anything about lens covers. Can you please confirm either way?

 

[sydneybirding]

I got my TS L-20x40 a week ago

I think you just sold them to me.

I have Canon 15x50 and a major gripe is they shipped without lens caps for the objective lenses! Also, the lens caps for the eye pieces could not be attached to the unit - so had to put in my pocket while using and I lost them on my first outing. When I read the "what's in the box" for the TX-L series, it doesn't say anything about lens covers. Can you please confirm either way?

 

[Bentley03]

I think you just sold them to me.

I have Canon 15x50 and a major gripe is they shipped without lens caps for the objective lenses! Also, the lens caps for the eye pieces could not be attached to the unit - so had to put in my pocket while using and I lost them on my first outing. When I read the "what's in the box" for the TX-L series, it doesn't say anything about lens covers. Can you please confirm either way?

The TS-L 1640 and 2040 have a one piece objective cap which pushes into the objective recesses and holds firm. It is not tethered, it's either attached or not. The ocular guard is also a one piece and has the necessary loop to be attached to the strap.

I have in my possession a 2040 for testing/evaluating. Nothing much to report yet, I haven't even loaded the batteries, but despite being unavoidably plasticky, they do feel well made and of good quality. I find they're easy to hold (and hold steady), eye relief for use without glasses is very comfortable (for me) and despite the tiny exit pupil, I'm able to let my eyes roam around the FOV without blackouts. Just the position of the (rather stiff, which is a pet peeve of mine) focus wheel feels a bit alien. For anyone who's bothered, focus wheel turns anticlockwise to infinity, which is not my preference.

I confess I'm IS reluctant and my experiences with some of the offerings from Canon and Kite (in particular) is that they are somewhat awkward and clunky (and that has rather put me off pursuing a pair), my initial feeling about these is that I'm definitely going to be able to work with them.

More to follow once I've properly got to grips with them...

 

[chibbert]

The TS-L 1640 and 2040 have a one piece objective cap which pushes into the objective recesses and holds firm. It is not tethered, it's either attached or not. The ocular guard is also a one piece and has the necessary loop to be attached to the strap.

I have in my possession a 2040 for testing/evaluating. Nothing much to report yet, I haven't even loaded the batteries, but despite being unavoidably plasticky, they do feel well made and of good quality. I find they're easy to hold (and hold steady), eye relief for use without glasses is very comfortable (for me) and despite the tiny exit pupil, I'm able to let my eyes roam around the FOV without blackouts. Just the position of the (rather stiff, which is a pet peeve of mine) focus wheel feels a bit alien. For anyone who's bothered, focus wheel turns anticlockwise to infinity, which is not my preference.

I confess I'm IS reluctant and my experiences with some of the offerings from Canon and Kite (in particular) is that they are somewhat awkward and clunky (and that has rather put me off pursuing a pair), my initial feeling about these is that I'm definitely going to be able to work with them.

More to follow once I've properly got to grips with them...

Very interested to hear how you get on. If you get a chance to cast them up to the night sky, I'd especially appreciate your thoughts.

I've recently trialled some of the Canon IS binoculars, and have settled on the 10x42L's however if the TS-L 2040 any good then I'll have to see if I can try a pair out.

For me they'd have a mixed life of:
-Garden wildlife
-Star/moon gazing
-Nature holidays

 

[chibbert]

I got my TS L-20x40 a week ago and although not having any prior hands-on or any meaningful reviews online, I took a chance - not least motivated by the retailer having a 0% 36 month deal in UK.

I own some smaller Leica Trinovid and love them; I also love Swaros and originally had the 15x56 top of my list, but the extra Mag and stabilising of the Fujinons and less weight and the fact I can still have my purchase fund in tact for the Swaros if disappointed convinced me.

No Night sky yet, but for open countryside and high flying aircraft and garden activity, then I have some observations:

Ergonomics are fine and you get used to the focus wheel being slightly forward, in fact you hold the binos differently to conventional double barrels and it helps further stabilise anyway.

Plenty of options for eye relief even though is in preset increments.

Optical performance is just WOW! You really do see so much more detail and although the lesser field of view is the pay-off, you don't care when you see your target.

The one thing that astonished me is the close focus range - is better than any other Binos I have and being able to watch birds on the bird table less than 7' away with 20x, great light gathering AND stabilisation is like looking at Hi Res images in a Book - Blue T*ts the size of Pigeons! The Stabilisation really does give you scope steadiness - in your hands!

Often stepping up in magnification doesn't translate linearly, but from 10x25 to 20x40 is it pretty much 200% more image detail and size.

I am not a plane spotter, but high altitude aircraft which are usually a dot with a wispy white trail are now identifiable by airline colour/livery and in one instance an exec jet in a holding pattern was identifiable by the reg on the engine cowl with ease.

I haven''t notice intrusions of aberrations or colour fringing in my viewings so far.

Two gripes:

The focus is extremely sensitive and being in or out of focus is the literally 1 or 2 of the knurls on the wheel.

The neckstrap secures with the cheaper plastic 8 buckle arrangement relying upon you getting the double threading pattern correct - a dedicated manufactured clip would be better.

So for £30 a month these are an incredible acquisition for my daily walks and viewing in the garden and when the weather permits, hours-long sweeps of the night sky.

UPDATE: Just spotted a 'Wake' of 7 Buzzards circling in the overcast sky over a mile away - whilst seated from my dining room!

Have you had a chance to turn these to the night sky yet? We've had some fantastically clear skies for the moon recently, so hope you got some good observing done. Very interested to hear your impressions of these.