Fujifilm Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS-L 2040 binoculars review

When choosing any binoculars, I always weigh up size, price, and performance. My ideal is a large magnification to pull any far-off subject up close and personal, plus a big objective lens to gather sufficient light to ensure the crispest, sharpest image. Additionally, I’d like build quality to be robust, preferably with on-board stabilization to counteract any hand tremor, plus the device not to look or feel ‘cheap’ when handled. Unfortunately, to realize all this, the trade-off is often a large and bulky unit costing a king’s ransom.

Not so in the case of Fujifilm’s ‘Techno-Stabi’ binocular range, the name appearing less eccentric when you realise ‘Stabi’ is simply an abbreviation of ‘Stabilizer’. This series is impressively compact and priced fairly when compared to similarly premium-built Swarovski, Leica, and Zeiss products. Plus, in the case of the new 20x magnification Fujinon TS-L 2040 and its 16x Fujinon TS-L 1640 sibling, I’m getting a rather lovely, contemporary design that might warrant a similar TikTok frenzy to that of Fujifilm’s X100VI camera, if it weren’t for the fact that binoculars are even more niche.

I’m confident the focus on design, as much as performance, is deliberate here. This is a device that seems begging for an Instagram post as much as it is to be taken outdoors and pointed at a herd of deer or a sturdy-beaked tit. Ultimately, what I want to know is whether the Fujifilm Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS-L 2040 binoculars perform as well as their posh looks and price indicate they should, earning their place among the best image-stabilized binoculars, or if they are a classic case of style triumphing over substance.

Fujifilm Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS-L 2040: Specifications

Fujifilm Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS-L 2040: Price

Originally announced in Japan in January 2025, I had to wait a good few months for the Fujifilm Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS-L 2040 binoculars to land in the test lab. Now they've arrived in the rest of the world with a $1,499.95 / £1,149 / AU$2,099 asking price.

There is no getting away from the fact that this is a premium-priced piece of kit. Yes, I could save a little by going for the 16x TS-L 1640 instead, but the price differential is so modest it’s probably not worth opting for that lower-specced alternative on cost alone. Compared to other premium binos with class-leading optics from Leica, Zeiss, and Swarovski, this pair from Fujifilm, while not inexpensive, still seems like fair value overall.

Fujifilm Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS-L 2040: Design & Handling

With IPX7 rating waterproofing allowing it to be theoretically submerged a meter underwater for 30 minutes, the Fujifilm Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS-L 2040’s build is of the expected high quality that its price tag suggests. Usually, implementing an image stabilizer means a bulbous appearance, but by contrast, the TS-L 2040 is sleek and relatively slender, with a contemporary, almost minimalist design. While this may suggest it can be held in one hand, it still feels more comfortable and practical to grip the 853g unit with both hands, my two middle fingers resting on the slightly raised focus wheel, while the twist-up eyecups press against my eye sockets.

Despite the inclusion of gyro-sensor image stabilization, powered by two bog-standard AAA batteries for up to a class-leading 30 hours of continuous use, it’s perfectly possible to use the binocular without this feature activated and get a relatively wobble-free view, even at 20x magnification. That said, turn the dial just in front of the eyepieces to activate ‘IS’ and the difference is immediately noticeable. Subjects seem to glide rather than judder as I pan the binoculars through the scene in front of me. It's not too much of an issue if you forget to turn the feature off before placing the binoculars back in a bag or pocket, either, as an auto feature powers down the unit after 60 minutes.

The distance between the eyepieces is individually adjustable to better match your own facial features. Adjustment is quite stiff, which means it’s slow and deliberate, and I didn't feel at any point that I might accidentally nudge them from my preferred setting. The action of the focus wheel is similarly stiff, again allowing for careful, precise adjustment. Ergonomics aside, operation is as intuitive as one would expect, with no need to search online for a manual. You can pick these binoculars up and be zeroing in on visual quarry in a few seconds, which is exactly what I want out of such a device. At all times, the TS-L 2040 feels robust in the palm and feels like it will withstand years of regular use.

As with its TS-L 1640 sibling, Fujifilm supplies slide-on rubber covers for the eyepieces and a separate flat slip-on lens cover. However, I found the latter to be easily detachable, so much so that it slipped off a few times when retrieving the TS-L 2040 from my rucksack, and I can envisage it being quickly lost, which is disappointing. Introducing a small lug and thread with which to tether it would resolve such an issue.

Fujifilm Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS-L 2040: Performance

As with the simultaneously issued TS-L 1640 binoculars, when the image stabilization feature in the TS-L 2040 has been activated via a turn of the top plate dial, a small bulb between the eyepieces at the rear illuminates in green. But I never felt the need to check this, as the difference through the eyepieces is immediately visible anyway.

While I feel the additional magnification over the TS-L 1640 is useful – at 20x as opposed to 16x – be aware that the field of view provided is narrowed. For this reason, I found it most practical to try and locate a subject with my own eyes first, before raising the binoculars for a closer look.

I was also watching out for instances of chromatic aberration, such as purple fringing between areas of high contrast. Thankfully, I found such instances reassuringly hard to spot.

The performance here is very respectable for its class. Though the view didn’t totally wow me, it’s sufficiently three-dimensional and sharp to be able to pick up subtle details, which will be a boon for birders and nature lovers of all persuasions.

Fujifilm Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS-L 2040: Verdict

As with other Fujinon Techno-Stabi series binoculars I’ve handled, the construction of the high magnification TS-L 2040 feels immediately premium. Just as well, as these binoculars are priced at a premium.

Thankfully, the performance is equally of note, with the clarity of the image provided capable of satisfying the demands of keen enthusiasts. However impressive the performance is, I’m drawn back to the inspired design that makes the Fujifilm Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS-L 2040, along with its TS-L 1640 sibling, something of a contemporary classic. Unlike the latest TikTok trends, this one shouldn’t go out of fashion any time soon.

Alternatives

The immediately obvious alternative available here is the 16x magnification Fujifilm Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS-L 1640, which has identical dimensions and is built to the same high standards, only with a shorter 16x magnification and a marginally lower price tag.

The Canon 12x36 IS III combines a decent 12x magnification with a 36mm objective lens and highly effective stabilization, though it does feel a tad underpowered when compared to the 20x 40mm Fujifilm binos.