Fujinon FMT-SX 10x70

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Brand and Model:Fujinon FMT-SX 10x70
Price ($USD):$670.95
Attributes:checked Waterproof un-checked Armored
Objective Lens Size:70 mm
Magnification:10 x
Prism Type:BAK4 Porro
Coatings:Fully Multi-Coated
Field of View:5.1 degrees
Eye Relief:23 mm
Near Focus:0 ft
Weight (lbs):4.76 lbs.
Dimensions (w/h/d):28.5 x 24.4 cm
Description:The three models make this particularly clear: with their Flat Field Technology (F), they dissolve every bit of peripheral defocusing.

And because we can't expect you to hold them by hand without support for long periods Fujinon offers a tripod adapter for both models which can be screwed on quickly and easily to the front part of the binoculars and attached to all conventional tripods.

Fujinon Binoculars

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Fujinon FMT-SX 10x70
These binoculars offer the best "bang" for the buck if you appreciate good optical performance and mechanical quality.

Mechanically, they offer larger eyepieces than the competition (the $1,100 Takahashi 22x60's don't have such nice EPs) and are of excellent quality.

Optically, they are sharp considering that they don't incorporate ED glass or fluorite elements. There is some limited chromatic aberration around the limb of the moon and on the brighter planets. Also, flaring is obvious when viewing the major planets or brighter stars. However, there's little reason to use 10X binos on the planets anyway. These binos excel when viewing star fields. A slight, yet noticeable coma exists within 25% of the edge of field. However, compare these to Celestron or Swift 80 mm aperture binos and you'll immediatey realize how great the Fujinon binos are in optical performance. All optic shortcomings are very minor, unlike some other binocular manufacturers. You do get a visual 3D effect with the Fujinons.

These binos offer a very large exit pupil so you can move your eyes left/right, up/down and still see the entire image. This is nice when using a tripod while viewing near the zenith, as eye position is not so critical to achieve a full field of view. The generous 20 mm eye relief is great for those who wear glasses and reduces annoying vibration caused by involuntary "eyebrow impacts" against the EPs. Also, the long eye relief really helps minimize the number of times that you need to clean the eyepieces.

All in all, if you plan to use these to gulp up the ancient glows of the milky way, you'll be very happy with these binos. Definitely worth every penny of their retail price and only topped by a few others costing at least twice as much.

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:9 Value:10
Weight: 22 (Notable Vote)
Date:
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Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=132731

Fujinon FMT-SX 10x70
I've got an older pair of these binocs, on a parallelogram-type mount. With the exception of a military 15X80 "battleship binocular" that I'm still kicking myself for parting with, the Fuji's are the nicest Milky Way and deep sky glass I've ever had. Their clarity and brightness rival those of the Zeiss 10X40's and 8X30's that I use for birding; the only advantage going to the Zeiss's is that of a wider field of view. (Of course, the Fuji is heavier than the Zeiss's, too, but I believe that any glass of these specifications really should have a mount, anyway.) Images are sharp virtually across the field, with minimal distortion only at the outer edges. False color, while hinted at on the Moon, is suppressed well enough to be a real non-issue, especially since a glass like this is, to me at any rate, just begging to be applied to Milky Way star fields, open clusters and faint fuzzies like gaseous nebulae and galaxies. Eye relief is good, probably sufficient for eyeglass wearers (but check with somebody who knows, since I can't tell you for certain-- I don't wear glasses while observing). Fujinon's are high quality, top shelf equipment, and not cheap, but if you're one of those whose astronomical agenda includes cruising the depths of the Summer Triangle, hunting down Messier objects, or bagging open clusters along the winter Milky Way, you won't regret the purchase of this glass.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 11 (Trustworthy Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=41668

Fujinon FMT-SX 10x70
I originally bought these binoculars as one of our prizes for the Deep South Regional Stargaze. As soon as I saw them and looked thru them I knew I had to have them so I went and ordered another pair. I echo the same positive comments of other reviewers, they merit a 10. The only additional comment would be it is a shame that Fujinon does not give us the option of a quick interchange between the 10x and 16x eyepieces on the 70mm binos. I guess they figure that some of us will buy both complete binoculars!

Barry Simon

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 10 (Trustworthy Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=41664

Fujinon FMT-SX 10x70
Absolutely superb definition and freedom from distortion. The coatings work exceptionally well in my very light-polluted local environment. The alignment is perfect -- viewing is relaxed, with no eyestrain. The interocular adjustment goes beyond the specified 74mm to about 77mm, which is very useful for users whose interpupillary distance is over 74mm. The only 10x binoculars I've seen that are optically as good are the Leica 10x50 BN's, although the Fujinons seem to be better than the Leicas at night (not too surprising, given the doubling of objective area from 50mm to 70mm). My one nit is that they are individual focus, but that's a tiny thing compared to the exemplary optical performance. The supplied neckstrap is first-rate, too.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 9 (Veritable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=41666

Fujinon FMT-SX 10x70
I've had the Miyauchi 20x77's and the Celestron 20x80's and in terms of
value/$$ the Fuji's easily out-class them. Simply the best in their
price range. There is a little color on bright objects and the field
edge isn't as good as some, but the views are sharp, bright and pleasing.
The waterproof milspec design means no worries about dew on damp nights.
Individual eye focus is a must for astro-viewing. I recently had a chance
view through the Nikon 10x70 astrolux and in my opinion, there wasn't enough difference to warrant spending the extra money on them. I love my Fuji's!

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 6 (Veritable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=41665

Fujinon FMT-SX 10x70
I've had my 10x70 FMT-SX Fujis for years, and their value has actually gone up relative to what I paid! I use mine exclusively for viewing the night sky from a suburban location, where magnitude 4 is about the best I can do with the naked-eye. They are too heavy to comfortably hold for long, so plan on getting and using a decent tripod and mount. The case is sturdy, and the lens caps stay affixed when not in use. The views are utterly spectacular - bright and sharp across the entire field. Their 5.18-degree field of view will be a real treat if you are accustomed to more traditional binos with a 7 or 7.5-degree FOV, yet 5.18 is still wide enough to make navigating around the sky pretty easy. I never tire of hearing the gasps of awe when I show kids and adults the moon, the Pleiades, and Orion's Sword with my Fujis - my reaction was exactly the same!

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:9
Weight: 5 (Veritable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=570290

Fujinon FMT-SX 10x70
Built like a tank. Extremely sharp and bright. A fantastic pair of binoculars. I find these Fujinons absolutely perfect for scanning the dark country skies where I live. I love the way the eyepieces stay at their settings (compared to the center-focusing ones I've used that constantly go out of adjustment from pressing against them...hence intermittently turning on a flashlight to readjust them). I am very impressed with the workmanship and all-around design of this fantastic optical instrument. Wish I had bought them sooner.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 5 (Veritable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=41655

Fujinon FMT-SX 10x70
Fine, but heavy. I've had mine since 1992 and have never been dissatisfied. Sharp to edge, contrasty, just plain fun (with a tripod).

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 4 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=41672

Fujinon FMT-SX 10x70
Boy are these binoculars something. I have a very sturdy mount which has a parallelogram arrangement made from solid wood.

The Fujinon's view really well. Very sharp across more of the field than I'm used to. Eye relief is wonderful. I can wear glasses or sunglasses for daytime viewing. Contrast and optical quality is excellent.

Mechanically excellent too.

I now know why Fujinon's FMT series are so reverred.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 4 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=41670

Fujinon FMT-SX 10x70
Sharp optics, great coatings translating into bright views. Wonderful eyerelief for eyeglass wearers. Water proof. A great deal for the money.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 4 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=41661

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