FOG HORN
March 2021 Twobirds Flying Publications
The Fujinon KF Series Copyright 2021, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
The Fujinon KF Series
The Fujinon KF Series - The best kept secret in the binoculars space.
By: Sal Palma
Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. was established by the Japanese Government in 1934 based on a government plan designed to establish a domestic photographic film manufacturing industry. Over the years, the company grew into Fujifilm Holdings Group and has a number of businesses under that organizational umbrella. In 1988, the company introduced the first digital camera in the world, and today, they offer some of the finest professional grade optical equipment available anywhere in the world. In this review, I’ll introduce some of the best roof prism binoculars you’ve never heard of.
2021
Unless you have a desire to pay anywhere from $2500 - $3200 USD for a pair of EU binos, you’ll want to give serious consideration to the Fujinon KF Series. My review centers on the KF10x32 offering.
Unlike the “value price” binoculars, the KF10 x 32 body is made of aluminum making them lightweight, coming in at a mere 20 ounces, without compromising ruggedness. These binoculars are also O-ring sealed nitrogen purged, and waterproof. Fujifilm demonstrates its expertise with some of the most impressive optical clarity you can find at any price point. In this 10x32 model, the company uses fully-multicoated lenses. The light transmission through these lenses is amazing; not to mention clarity, color fidelity and sharpness -superb overall optical performance.
Copyright 2021, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
The Fujinon KF Series I did a bit of digiscoping that I’ll share in this review to give you a feel for just how clear and sharp these binoculars are.
2021
with the $2,100 Leica 10x42 Ultravid HD-Plus Binoculars which has a field of view at 1000 meters of 112 meters.
The eyecups can also be adjusted in four steps to achieve a comfortable eye relief. Unlike some binoculars that require individual adjustment of the ocular lenses, the KF10x32 has one diopter adjustment ring located on the right side ocular and provides a ±4 adjustment.
This picture is of a storage facility approximately 2,800 yards from my observation point. The structure behind the blue tank is over 3,000 yards away. Notice the surface texture of the structure between the blue tank and the grain elevators. Now image an image 10 times better when viewed with your naked eye. Superb is the understatement of the year. The KF10x32 has an interpupillary adjustment range of 58mm to 72mm accommodating a wide range of face sizes. The angular field of view is very generous as well. At 1000 meters your field of view is 113.5 meters. Compare that
Setting the correct diopter for your vision is accomplished using a pretty simple procedure. 1. Close your right eye, and using only your left eye turn the focus ring to get a sharp image.
Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved
The Fujinon KF Series 2. Once you have a sharp image using your left eye, close it and open your right eye. 3. Rotate the diopter adjustment ring to focus your right eye. 4. Once diopter has been adjusted you’ll only need to use the focus ring to adjust for distance.
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Manufacturer Specifications
Magnification: 10x Objective Lens: 32mm Eye Relief: 14.5mm FOV @1000m: 113.5m Exit Pupil: 3.2mm Weight: 560g Coating: FMC, Phase and Sliver
In closing, the Fujinon KF10x32 is in my opinion the best binoculars no one ever told you about. It’s a light and compact package that is robust, waterproof and featuring optical clarity that rivals the very best EU offerings. You’re getting a superb product from a company with years of experience in film and optics and a limited lifetime warranty at a street price ranging from $99 to $79 USD. Pick up a pair and enjoy some of the best glassing available at any price. -SP
Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved