Fujifilm Fujinon KF8x32H

I was trying to look for information regarding this pair of binoculars as part of my usual research before making a purchase. Unfortunately there is not much with a simple Google search. The Fujifilm website, as of this writing, doesn't have the KF line nor any roof prism binoculars, which seems odd. Fujifilm USA lists a KF line but it is the W version, which is the open bridge. The store I was at had on display a KF8x32H and KF8x32W. The W version is Philippine made while the H is from Japan.

I am sharing here what I have gathered and hopefully will help people who are interested in this pair.

Fujinon KF8x32H

Fujinon KF8x32H Top View

What is interesting is that this Fuji is similar to the Kenko 8x32 DH MS. I had a chance to examine both binoculars before purchasing. They have the exact same lens covers, same diopter adjustment ring design, same focus wheel design, and eye cups. I did a little more digging and it would look like they both kind of shared the same specifications.

Comparison table for both models (KF8x32H and 8x32 DH MS)

	Fujinon KF8x32H	Kenko 8x32 DH MS
Magnification	8x	8x
Objective Lens	32mm	32mm
FOV	7.5°	7.5°
Eye Relief	15mm	15.3mm
Shortest Focus Distance	2.5m	2.5m
Length	132mm	129mm
Width	117mm	116mm
Height	53mm	52.7mm
Weight	540g	560g
Made in	Japan	Japan
Body	Magnesium	Magnesium
Prism Coating	Phase Coating or “Retardation Correction Coating” Silver Coating	Phase Coating Silver Vapor Deposition Coat
Lens Coating	“Full Multi Coat”	“The lens group has a multi-coating on the entire surface”

Sources:

https://www.kenko-tokina.co.jp/optics/binoculars/highd/kenko01/4961607010983.html#cont2

https://www.kenko-tokina.co.jp/optics/binoculars/maker/fujinon/4547410344516.html#cont1

https://fujifilm.jp/personal/binocular/kf/kf8x32h/feature.html

For comparison, this is the Kenko and Fujinon model:

Kenko 8x32 DH MS. Photo from https://binoculars.ru/category/binokli-kenko/

Fujinon KF8x32H 

Aside from the similarities mentioned above, they have the strap anchors at about the same height, which is just below the Diopter Adjustment Ring. It would seem that Fujifilm sourced this Binocular model from Kenko. While it is common practice to source out models from other companies, Fujifilm should, at the very least, have different design details on things like the focus ring or diopter ring. They were doing so well with the rubber exterior design and then inexplicably stopped right there. To be honest, I am not a huge fan of the Fujinon's rugged facade as I do appreciate a simpler, minimalist form, but to be fair to them, they don't look like other binoculars out there. Personally, this KF8x32H looks like a science fiction alien ship.

Fujinon KF8x32H

Performance-wise, there are small Chromatic Aberrations at the center if you push the binoculars hard enough. Fortunately, it can be controlled by adjusting focus. The CA doesn't do away if you always look for it, but it disappears if you put your attention to the views it gives you.

  

Fujifilm Fujinon KF 8x32 H with "Phase Coated" markings at the focus ring

 Focusing is easy. It has resistance that makes you feel the quality of the mechanisms inside but at the same time, it is light and smooth enough that you can adjust focus with your fingertips.

Actually weighs as advertised

This Fuji model along with its KF10x32H brother are made in Japan. The longer 8KFx32W is made in the Philippines. I wonder why bridge designs spell the difference between country of origin. Fuji says that this was released officially in July 21, 2017.

Made in Japan.

The Eyecups are the twist-up kind, which sits nicely on my eye sockets. They felt loose to turn, that if it brushed against my shirt, it would turn. Often I would extend it out again.

There is nothing to write about with the included strap and case. It works, but it kind of diminishes the overall package presentation. If this is a way for Fuji to cut costs, then okay. But they are on thin ice.

One minor issue is the formation of moisture on the outside right Ocular Lens when I looked through it after transitioning from a cold room to outdoors. The haze goes away quickly as I put it away from my face. So far, it happened only once.

Despite that small issue, I enjoy using this Fujinon Binoculars. Hopefully it will last me decades.