Swarovski AT Balance 18-45x65 Stabilized Spotting Scope Tested and Reviewed

[Matt Cashell]

Got to look at these at the expo and wow. Hand holding was awesome. I’ve always been a straight spotting scope guy. Now trying to decide if I can retrain myself for the AT since it has the higher magnification and bigger objective. Or go with the lower powered ST since I am used to it. Thoughts?

I like straight stabilized spotters for general use better due to the ease of getting on target.

However, the angled is easier for handheld digiscoping because you can see the screen while cradling the scope.

 

[wysongdog]

Yeah that’s why I’ve always ran straights because I can’t convince my brain to look differently lol. What are your thoughts on the lower power and smaller objective?

 

[Matt Cashell]

Yeah that’s why I’ve always ran straights because I can’t convince my brain to look differently lol. What are your thoughts on the lower power and smaller objective?

My thoughts are I wish both configurations were available in both straight and angled. I prefer the bigger objective and higher magnification of the ATB.

 

[wysongdog]

Agreed 100%. Guess I might have to see if I can retrain my dumb brain lol

 

[Gpw]

I just picked up the at balance from camera land ny for 3799 no tax and free shipping. I can’t wait for it to arrive!

 

[wysongdog]

I just picked up the at balance from camera land ny for 3799 no tax and free shipping. I can’t wait for it to arrive!

Congrats buddy let us know whatcha think. Are you already angled spotting scope guy?

 

[Gpw]

Wysongdog yes I have always been an angled spotter guy. Plus the straight one was only 50mm. I’m coming down from the atx 95.

 

[wysongdog]

Wysongdog yes I have always been an angled spotter guy. Plus the straight one was only 50mm. I’m coming down from the atx 95.

Thanks agreed the 65mm obj is a definite plus.

 

[Gpw]

One thing I haven’t seen is a stay on cover for this spotter from Swarovski. Looks like there is an after market one for the non stabilized version. I have always had a stay on cover for my spotters. So I hope they will be coming out with one.

 

[YodaSends]

would there be a way to get reticle and WMLRF on this to make it a super rangefinder too?

 

[Matt Cashell]

would there be a way to get reticle and WMLRF on this to make it a super rangefinder too?

Where there’s a will there’s a way … but the cost may be prohibitive.

We certainly aren’t done seeing innovations in electro-optics.

 

[Gpw]

At balance arrive yesterday. I played with it a bit. Very windy where I live. Looked through the spotter with the balance off and then turned it on. Very impressive. I was also holding the spotter. No tripod. Very crisp as you would expect from a Swarovski product. Very good first impressions!

 

[MountainBuck200]

Torn between going all in on the new technology with the ATB or buying the ATC and shaving a little weight. Never know the future of new products and the pros and cons that may come out about them with time under tension in the backcountry.

 

[NDGuy]

When are they coming out with Binos?! I would guess they'd use the EL glass to help with savings.

NL Pures with stabilization would be $4500-5k lol

 

[SikaSeeker]

From reports on the ATB I would say NL level. Theres not a lot between NL /EL binos mostly field of view.

 

[wyosteve]

Had a chance to check an AT out yesterday at Scheels. Boy, it's huge compared to my ATC/STC! Lol.

 

[wysongdog]

Had a chance to check an AT out yesterday at Scheels. Boy, it's huge compared to my ATC/STC! Lol.

Anyone had a chance to compare one on a tripod in the Wyoming breeze against a a tradition atx?

 

[SLDMTN]

Anyone had a chance to compare one on a tripod in the Wyoming breeze against a a tradition atx?

I’m headed down to the Alaska peninsula to guide a brown bear hunt in May and the wind is notoriously awful more often than not. The client is one of my favorite and he’ll have his ATX65 with him. Should make for a great head to head comparison.

I’ll have the AT on a RRS tripod, if it’ll conquer the wind that has frustrated me for years….oh man, fingers crossed.

 

[YodaSends]

I’m headed down to the Alaska peninsula to guide a brown bear hunt in May and the wind is notoriously awful more often than not. The client is one of my favorite and he’ll have his ATX65 with him. Should make for a great head to head comparison.

I’ll have the AT on a RRS tripod, if it’ll conquer the wind that has frustrated me for years….oh man, fingers crossed.

Look forward to a good field test in AK.

 

[Svivian]

I’m headed down to the Alaska peninsula to guide a brown bear hunt in May and the wind is notoriously awful more often than not. The client is one of my favorite and he’ll have his ATX65 with him. Should make for a great head to head comparison.

I’ll have the AT on a RRS tripod, if it’ll conquer the wind that has frustrated me for years….oh man, fingers crossed.

Good to see you posting and doing a review!