Fujinon 14x40 Stabilized Binoculars....
- Thread starter Casey
- Start date
That wasn't the case this time Joe. I was at Cabelas and both were in stock. I was considering getting the Fugi model but my cheapness was winning out. The 'sending in for yearly calibration' comment plus using more Cabelas points, pushed me towards the Cannon. The Cannons are good but the Fugi would have been much better considering I boat mostly on the ocean under rougher conditions most of the time. Live and learn.
This annual calibration thing is not true. I first got ahold of a pair of these in 2005. They have yet to be calibrated.
They come well protected in a pelican case, and are phenomenally rugged.
Get some UV filters for the lenses, you will worry a lot less, and have an easier time cleaning them up after some salt spray.
They come well protected in a pelican case, and are phenomenally rugged.
Get some UV filters for the lenses, you will worry a lot less, and have an easier time cleaning them up after some salt spray.
Time Stamp 2014, Nov 30
Bringing this back around for another run. Currently, West Marine has the Fuji 14 x 40 in their Christmas (sorry JOY) Holiday 2014 catalog. These are not cheap even with my bonus points they are close to $1K. From what I have read here, and other places, the Fuji's seem to be the more practical for use on a boat, and better customer service if needed.
Any new news here, following updates etc would be helpful. If you got them, would you do the same again? If not, why not?
Thanks,
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
Bringing this back around for another run. Currently, West Marine has the Fuji 14 x 40 in their Christmas (sorry JOY) Holiday 2014 catalog. These are not cheap even with my bonus points they are close to $1K. From what I have read here, and other places, the Fuji's seem to be the more practical for use on a boat, and better customer service if needed.
Any new news here, following updates etc would be helpful. If you got them, would you do the same again? If not, why not?
Thanks,
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
Just found these:
Fujinon 14x40 TS1440 Techno-Stabi Image Stabilized Binocular at B&H
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/2 ... Image.html
Comments? Good bad or other?
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Fujinon 14x40 TS1440 Techno-Stabi Image Stabilized Binocular at B&H
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/2 ... Image.html
Comments? Good bad or other?
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Harvey-
We had a thread on these before:
Image stabilized binoculars
$1000 is a good price. They usually sell for $1100-$1200 at the discount camera stores. I bought mine used for $625 in the Bay Area, and have never had a problem with them.
(Craig's List find.) Be sure to personally examine a used pair before buying. Repair is not cheap! (They have to be sent back to Japan.)
Joe. :shock: :thup
We had a thread on these before:
Image stabilized binoculars
$1000 is a good price. They usually sell for $1100-$1200 at the discount camera stores. I bought mine used for $625 in the Bay Area, and have never had a problem with them.
(Craig's List find.) Be sure to personally examine a used pair before buying. Repair is not cheap! (They have to be sent back to Japan.)
Joe. :shock: :thup
Hi Joe,
Yes and thanks. I brought the newer thread back. Looking for newer feedback and maybe someone will find a better price than I did. Thanks for your input on the Canon and Fuji. Those were the only 2 I had considered, and Cannon has had some serious flaws in their customer service. Things have changed some since I imported my first AE-1, before we could buy them stateside.
I have been pretty brand loyal for a long time but, education helps.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Yes and thanks. I brought the newer thread back. Looking for newer feedback and maybe someone will find a better price than I did. Thanks for your input on the Canon and Fuji. Those were the only 2 I had considered, and Cannon has had some serious flaws in their customer service. Things have changed some since I imported my first AE-1, before we could buy them stateside.
I have been pretty brand loyal for a long time but, education helps.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Harvey-
OK, didn't see the first of the two recent posts!
The only thing I will add right now is that these Fujinon 10x40's are best for dedicated boat or other use where their power and stabilization excel and are needed.
If one wanted a multi-use binocular to also use for bird watching and other general purpose use, they would be rather heavy and bulky to carry around a lot.
For that type of use, I keep a pair of 10x30 Canon stabilized in my backpack, as they are about half the weight and size of the Fujinons. (46 oz. vs. 22 oz.)
Did we reference Ken Rockwell's glowing review and comparison for the Fuji and Canon products before?
Fujinon 14x40 Techno-Stabi
And don't forget to review:
A Binoculars Buying Guide: What Do You Need and What Should.....
Sorry if this seems repetitive!
Sounds like you need a recommendation/endorsement to proceed with a purchase (?)
Go ahead, you'll be glad you did!
Merry Christmas!!! :xlol
Joe. :teeth :thup
OK, didn't see the first of the two recent posts!
The only thing I will add right now is that these Fujinon 10x40's are best for dedicated boat or other use where their power and stabilization excel and are needed.
If one wanted a multi-use binocular to also use for bird watching and other general purpose use, they would be rather heavy and bulky to carry around a lot.
For that type of use, I keep a pair of 10x30 Canon stabilized in my backpack, as they are about half the weight and size of the Fujinons. (46 oz. vs. 22 oz.)
Did we reference Ken Rockwell's glowing review and comparison for the Fuji and Canon products before?
Fujinon 14x40 Techno-Stabi
And don't forget to review:
A Binoculars Buying Guide: What Do You Need and What Should.....
Sorry if this seems repetitive!
Sounds like you need a recommendation/endorsement to proceed with a purchase (?)
Go ahead, you'll be glad you did!
Merry Christmas!!! :xlol
Joe. :teeth :thup
http://search.defender.com/?expression=fujinon&s=1
Defender has the 14X40's on sale for $985, $25.00 shipping.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N=10206833&InitialSearch=yes&sts=pi
B&H Photo has the 14X40's for $1000 with free shipping.
Both are on sale. the regular price is $1090.00 to $1199.00
I ordered from B&H. They should arrive on 12/04/14
Defender has the 14X40's on sale for $985, $25.00 shipping.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N=10206833&InitialSearch=yes&sts=pi
B&H Photo has the 14X40's for $1000 with free shipping.
Both are on sale. the regular price is $1090.00 to $1199.00
I ordered from B&H. They should arrive on 12/04/14
Brent:
Good purchase!
(And Price!)
Another thing I like about the Fujinons is the fact that they use 4 AA cells, not some exotic or hard to find photo battery!
My Canon 10x30 use just 2 AAs, but the 8x25s use a strange small internally stacked photo cell that is a devil to find, sometimes.
If any of you with these battery powered wonders plan on putting them on the shelf and not using them for 6 months or more,
remove the batteries for safety. No fun to find a leaky battery in your prized optical possession!
Also, I often use the stabilized binoculars when scanning w/o the stabilization on, turning it on when I need to study some detail. Saves battery life, of course.
Joe. :teeth :thup
Good purchase!
(And Price!)
Another thing I like about the Fujinons is the fact that they use 4 AA cells, not some exotic or hard to find photo battery!
My Canon 10x30 use just 2 AAs, but the 8x25s use a strange small internally stacked photo cell that is a devil to find, sometimes.
If any of you with these battery powered wonders plan on putting them on the shelf and not using them for 6 months or more,
remove the batteries for safety. No fun to find a leaky battery in your prized optical possession!
Also, I often use the stabilized binoculars when scanning w/o the stabilization on, turning it on when I need to study some detail. Saves battery life, of course.
Joe. :teeth :thup
Question for those who have the Fuji 14x40's. Do they have a tripod socket, or mount built in? Also, the filter size I read here earlier was 48mm. Are the lenses threaded to accept a standard 48mm UV filter, or are they some sort of specialized clip in that has to come from Fujinon?
Thanks for checking and your reply AYC.
I still have some time to pull the trigger on a "Cyber Monday" purchase, so that I can do my part to add to the shopping madness. AND do my part to support the economy. :roll: Aahhhh and who is supporting my economy now :?:
Oh yeah, that's me. I've been doing that for a long time. Wonder if Santa does retirement surprises :lol: :lol:
Joe, I love the pix. Thanks.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Thanks for checking and your reply AYC.
I still have some time to pull the trigger on a "Cyber Monday" purchase, so that I can do my part to add to the shopping madness. AND do my part to support the economy. :roll: Aahhhh and who is supporting my economy now :?:
Oh yeah, that's me. I've been doing that for a long time. Wonder if Santa does retirement surprises :lol: :lol: Joe, I love the pix. Thanks.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
kennharriet
Member
Thanks to all of you I was talked into another boating related purchase today. As much as I protested, 14x40's were ordered through Defender where they are presently on sale.
Nothing worse than your wife forcing you to buy boating accessories. : )
Nothing worse than your wife forcing you to buy boating accessories. : )
Harvey,
No tripod socket---but a tripod is antithesis of what the stabilization system does--and on a boat, that would be of little help. I have a 20 to 50X Minolta spotting scope, and that is always mounted on a very sturdy tripod, but it is for terrestrial use only!
Filters: The issue of inferior glass (mostly the coatings) over good lenses--again, not something I do. I have some good Canon and Ziess lenses, which may have an expensive UV filter if I am in dusty or salt spray conditions, and on occasion I use a circular polarizing filter. T I normally do not use filters, especially on the digital lenses. The coatings on the lens is part of the process and the best result with a lens if there is no glass in front of it. Even glass which is 20 to 30 years old has no scratches. I use bulb blower, a special lens brush (always kept in a case) for stubborn areas, occasionally use lens cleaning solution and special cloths. So in this case, I do not remember ever wanting to use filters over binocular lenses.
I have never seen specific filters for the Fuji binocs, and I have read that normal 48 mm filters may not work. (I did measure the diameter of the filter and inside of the threads was slightly under 48 mm.) I do not have any 48 mm filters or lens caps.
Do you use UV filters on other binoculars?
No tripod socket---but a tripod is antithesis of what the stabilization system does--and on a boat, that would be of little help. I have a 20 to 50X Minolta spotting scope, and that is always mounted on a very sturdy tripod, but it is for terrestrial use only!
Filters: The issue of inferior glass (mostly the coatings) over good lenses--again, not something I do. I have some good Canon and Ziess lenses, which may have an expensive UV filter if I am in dusty or salt spray conditions, and on occasion I use a circular polarizing filter. T I normally do not use filters, especially on the digital lenses. The coatings on the lens is part of the process and the best result with a lens if there is no glass in front of it. Even glass which is 20 to 30 years old has no scratches. I use bulb blower, a special lens brush (always kept in a case) for stubborn areas, occasionally use lens cleaning solution and special cloths. So in this case, I do not remember ever wanting to use filters over binocular lenses.
I have never seen specific filters for the Fuji binocs, and I have read that normal 48 mm filters may not work. (I did measure the diameter of the filter and inside of the threads was slightly under 48 mm.) I do not have any 48 mm filters or lens caps.
Do you use UV filters on other binoculars?
Bob's post is spot-on.
I have 48 mm UV filters, but the image is degraded when they are used, and they don't fit well.
No tripod attachment, but not needed, nor desirable.
They apparently offer a 12v adapter that fits where the battery compartment usually does, attaching to a 12v source, but I've never seen one.*
Would be useful if you scanned for hours every day, but most of us will never do this.
* I base this on the writing on the battery compartment, which says:
"Warning:
-Keep battery compartment locked to maintain water tight seal.
-Unlock only when changing batteries or power source. "
I do know the military version of these ("Stabiscope") operates off of a converter for use in military vehicles.
Joe. :teeth :thup
I have 48 mm UV filters, but the image is degraded when they are used, and they don't fit well.
No tripod attachment, but not needed, nor desirable.
They apparently offer a 12v adapter that fits where the battery compartment usually does, attaching to a 12v source, but I've never seen one.*
Would be useful if you scanned for hours every day, but most of us will never do this.
* I base this on the writing on the battery compartment, which says:
"Warning:
-Keep battery compartment locked to maintain water tight seal.
-Unlock only when changing batteries or power source. "
I do know the military version of these ("Stabiscope") operates off of a converter for use in military vehicles.
Joe. :teeth :thup
First, the tripod socket. Yes it would defeat the purpose of the Image Stabilization, however, that is only functional when turned on. There are times when that function could be bypassed such as some wildlife watching, or astronomical observing for instance. These are big and heavy binocs and for some users that could be a deterrent. For most use, I agree, and on the boat, a tripod would not be the way to go.
As to the filters. I understand the image degradation of poor optics. I have spent years using high grade photo optics, (Canon and Hassy as in Carl Zeiss) and in most cases have used high end polarizing filters for much of my work. The effect was the image enhancement I was looking for, and they were a stage of front element protection, that was less expensive than lens replacement. Bob, in answer to the filters on other binocs, No, but my other binocs didn't come in a Pelican case, or have these same attributes.
For the Fujinon 14x40 binocs, I am not photographing through them, but using them for observation, channel markers, boat ID, or wildlife viewing, and this would be in a saltwater environment. A reasonable UV filter would not be as much of an image degradation issue as much as it may be a lens preservative, saving from cleaning salt spray or salty mist from the highly coated front elements.
If the image is degraded to the point that the binocs don't do the job, I would say the filters are of a pretty lousy quality. It goes to the "you get what you pay for and you pay for what you get" theory.
Joe thanks ofpor the info on the t-mount and the filter fitting.
I pulled the trigger on the Fuji's and will wait until I have them in hand to see about a filter arrangement. OHOH, now I'm in trouble. I've been good all year, and now Santa says I get a lump of coal. Too bad, now I'll be able to see him before he sees me :lol: :xnaughty
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
As to the filters. I understand the image degradation of poor optics. I have spent years using high grade photo optics, (Canon and Hassy as in Carl Zeiss) and in most cases have used high end polarizing filters for much of my work. The effect was the image enhancement I was looking for, and they were a stage of front element protection, that was less expensive than lens replacement. Bob, in answer to the filters on other binocs, No, but my other binocs didn't come in a Pelican case, or have these same attributes.
For the Fujinon 14x40 binocs, I am not photographing through them, but using them for observation, channel markers, boat ID, or wildlife viewing, and this would be in a saltwater environment. A reasonable UV filter would not be as much of an image degradation issue as much as it may be a lens preservative, saving from cleaning salt spray or salty mist from the highly coated front elements.
If the image is degraded to the point that the binocs don't do the job, I would say the filters are of a pretty lousy quality. It goes to the "you get what you pay for and you pay for what you get" theory.
Joe thanks ofpor the info on the t-mount and the filter fitting.
I pulled the trigger on the Fuji's and will wait until I have them in hand to see about a filter arrangement. OHOH, now I'm in trouble. I've been good all year, and now Santa says I get a lump of coal. Too bad, now I'll be able to see him before he sees me :lol: :xnaughty
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Harvey-
Go on ya'! Enjoy the Christmas gift!
I don't know what exactly happens with the UV filters, but I did notice that there was a significant degrading of the image with them on.
Apparently, even though they may absorb most of the UV, they may somehow rearrange some of the rest of the spectrum to interfere with the workings of the coatings on the lenses.
As Yellowstone John pointed out a year or two ago in another thread in reference to binoculars, there have been great advances in binocular design and function in the past 20-30 years due to improvements in optical coatings.
I tested them by going out on a clear, dark, cold night and looking at a very faint star, with and without the filters, and the difference was very significant!
Incidentally, if you're ever buying a used pair of binoculars and want to see if their still in collimation, do exactly that.
Looking at terrestrial objects during the day, you can't see minor errors in collimation, but by looking at a very small, faint, pin-point object at night against a dark background, small problems become much more apparent.
(Problems with collimation are one of the biggest bugga-boo issues with buying used, and make it a risky business unless you can test them out first or have an iron-clad free return policy.)
Yes, around salt spray and heavy rain, putting up with the image degradation of the filters is well worth it!
Joe :teeth :thup
Go on ya'! Enjoy the Christmas gift!
I don't know what exactly happens with the UV filters, but I did notice that there was a significant degrading of the image with them on.
Apparently, even though they may absorb most of the UV, they may somehow rearrange some of the rest of the spectrum to interfere with the workings of the coatings on the lenses.
As Yellowstone John pointed out a year or two ago in another thread in reference to binoculars, there have been great advances in binocular design and function in the past 20-30 years due to improvements in optical coatings.
I tested them by going out on a clear, dark, cold night and looking at a very faint star, with and without the filters, and the difference was very significant!
Incidentally, if you're ever buying a used pair of binoculars and want to see if their still in collimation, do exactly that.
Looking at terrestrial objects during the day, you can't see minor errors in collimation, but by looking at a very small, faint, pin-point object at night against a dark background, small problems become much more apparent.
(Problems with collimation are one of the biggest bugga-boo issues with buying used, and make it a risky business unless you can test them out first or have an iron-clad free return policy.)
Yes, around salt spray and heavy rain, putting up with the image degradation of the filters is well worth it!
Joe :teeth :thup
riversun45
New member
I have the Fugi 14 x 40 and they ARE great. Buy them!!
Jon
Jon
Harvey, I just don't seem to have a salt spray/mist problem in the C Dory. I don't use them in the dinghy--where there might be some issue. I use them at times in the open Caracal--which is a fairly dry boat for an 18 footer. Again, no salt spray issue. Perhaps the way I use them is important--I keep them in the case, until I need them--use, and put back in the case. I do keep my 8 x 30 Steiners out all of the time--and those are the "normal" day binoculars.
I have cheap West Marine binoculars for guests and grandkids. If they use the stabilized binoculars, then I am supervising. I consider the higher priced binoculars part of our navigation system, and give them the respect I give Radar, GPS etc. Joe's point is very important. I learned the lesson way back that if someone drops a pair of binoculars, you might as well throw them out. I once gave a set which had been abused to a hermit on Vivorillo Cay Key in the Western Caribbean. His reaction was as if I had given him a million dollars. Also gave him a 5th of rum (consumed in one evening), a lb of coffee and a transistor radio with a bunch of batteries so he could listen to VOA. (In return we got many lobster, several wonderful meals and a friend for life.)
If I want high magnification I go with the spotting scope, and tripod.
You will love the Fuji. I am sure that Harvey, Joe and many of the photographers know that Fuji makes many of the high end video lenses, and makes some very good optics.
I have cheap West Marine binoculars for guests and grandkids. If they use the stabilized binoculars, then I am supervising. I consider the higher priced binoculars part of our navigation system, and give them the respect I give Radar, GPS etc. Joe's point is very important. I learned the lesson way back that if someone drops a pair of binoculars, you might as well throw them out. I once gave a set which had been abused to a hermit on Vivorillo Cay Key in the Western Caribbean. His reaction was as if I had given him a million dollars. Also gave him a 5th of rum (consumed in one evening), a lb of coffee and a transistor radio with a bunch of batteries so he could listen to VOA. (In return we got many lobster, several wonderful meals and a friend for life.)
If I want high magnification I go with the spotting scope, and tripod.
You will love the Fuji. I am sure that Harvey, Joe and many of the photographers know that Fuji makes many of the high end video lenses, and makes some very good optics.
Thanks Bob, Good advice. I generally am solo on the boat, but on occasion do have guests, and it's good to keep in mind that they do not appreciate the investment in some of these devices. They would generally be used from in the cabin, through open windows, or from the cockpit, with neck strap on. Looking forward to seeing them, and through them.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Greetings-all, I haven’t been on in a LONG timd ... and this was the fourth summer with NO boating %^$#@. Sometimes LIFE get in the ‘way.
Things are going very well. There is a new person in my LIfe. She’s a golfer, not a boater, but otherwise, Great!. (She’s not in to truck camping either!)
But the reason for my msg ... this morning I was trying to find the serial number on my Fujinon Techno-Stabil bino’s, and it seems to be hidden (at least I can’t find it). Where is it?? Ideas??
I’m giving some (reasonable) thought to putting “Dessert 1st” on the ‘market next Spring or summer. Thoughts?
Best,
Casey(and Cheri)
Things are going very well. There is a new person in my LIfe. She’s a golfer, not a boater, but otherwise, Great!. (She’s not in to truck camping either!)
But the reason for my msg ... this morning I was trying to find the serial number on my Fujinon Techno-Stabil bino’s, and it seems to be hidden (at least I can’t find it). Where is it?? Ideas??
I’m giving some (reasonable) thought to putting “Dessert 1st” on the ‘market next Spring or summer. Thoughts?
Best,
Casey(and Cheri)