New Swarovski Optik AT And ST Spotting Scopes Reviewed.

Colin Hockley says that the new Swarovski Optik AT and ST Spotting Scopes, most Ornithologists’ Go-To equipment, now has state-of-the-art Image Stabilisation.

You can always guarantee a Swarovski Optik product launch is going to be something special and the latest offering from the renowned luxury Austrian brand does not disappoint.

First out of the bag are the latest alliteration of the ornithologist’s number one ‘go to’ piece of equipment, the spotting scope. Up to now the main disadvantage of this piece of kit is the need for a sturdy tripod to prevent vibration and shake while out in the field, particularly at high levels of magnification.

That’s all ancient history now.

Swarovski now offers two Premium Range scopes with its own state-of-the-art image stabilisation, Swarobalance, the first time this level of technology has been seen in a top-level scope. The two options are the angled AT Balance 65 with18-45 magnification, or the straight ST Balance 50 with 14-35 magnification.

Benefits of the innovative Swarobalance image stabilisation system is particularly appreciated in the higher power AT Balance 65. With a single touch of a button, I could watch an iconic red kite wheeling and swooping over the Hampshire countryside, as if I was anchored securely by the sturdiest of tripods. Even at a 45x magnification, the stabilisation allowed me to easily and comfortably follow the kite across the sky. At times, seeing this iconic bird filling the frame literally took my breath away.

While there is obviously a crossover, both optics serve a different purpose and give birders and wildlife lovers in general a newfound freedom when using a spotting scope. While the ST Balance’s straight design is more suited to hunting a target down, the angled AT Balance is ideal for enjoying more static, slower moving wildlife.

Zooming in and out is smooth and easy and the eye caps screw down to a comfortable fit if you are wearing glasses.

Without getting too technical, I think it’s fair to give a mention to what the boffins at Swarovski’s alpine factory have achieved with the new Swarobalance technology. In simple terms the system employs extremely sensitive sensors to detect minimal movements which then processes more than 1,000 measurements per second.

The slightest twitch of a hand or a gust of wind and the lens is corrected without hesitation. And, as with any of Swarovski’s scopes or binoculars, the optical quality is of the highest standard that you have come to expect from Swarovski Optik – with brilliant colours, maximum detail resolution, and excellent edge sharpness.

Either of these scopes can also be combined with Swarovski’s VPA 2 (variable phone adapter) optional extra, to take razor-sharp photos and videos.

Both the scopes do come with an ARCA tripod adapter in case you are feeling lazy and want to make use of a tripod while you have some lunch or other refreshment. Battery connection is via a USB-C-compatible charger with a cable, and a 1,860mAh rechargeable battery that aims to give around 11 hours

New Swarovski Optik CL Companion Binoculars

TripReporter recently announced Swarovski Optik’s impending new range of compact binoculars, and so I was delighted to see the second product revealed at this launch day was the new generation of its most popular binoculars for travellers and outdoor enthusiasts, the new Swarovski CL Companion 8×30 and 10×30 CL Companion range.

Swarovski Optik is as well known for its attention to design as it is for the performance and quality of its products. However, until now, I would not have imagined binoculars appealing to a style-conscious buyer, but the new CL Companion range changes that.

These sleek binoculars are available in three colour coded options, adding a fashionable edge to their compact, travel-friendly design. The only problem being ideally I would need all three to maintain my self-proclaimed title of fashionista.

But let us be honest: while design is a welcome bonus, performance matters more. As expected, both the CL Companion 8×30 and 10x 30 boast a bright crystal-clear pin sharp image and natural colours. My preferred specification in this category is the 8×30, which offers a wide field of view and excellent depth, with less need to refocus when following a moving subject.

However, the 10 x30 has that extra punch in magnification for those who want greater detail. Swarovski Optik have also kept the weight down so that the 10×30 is much easier to hold steady, even with the extra magnification.

As with the spotting scopes you can photograph or film directly what you see via your smartphone with the optionally available VPA (with CA-B ring)

Once again Swarovski Optik innovation sets the bar for high end enthusiasts. Those go-to Ornithologists will be so excited.