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

[tipsntails7]

I may be the minority but I think image stabilizing in sport optics at least in the hunting context is one of the biggest gimmicks going right now.

You can make a case for it in a pair of bino's that you plan on using free hand way more than on a tripod but to me thats about it.

This is just going to make glass more expensive, heavier, and probably worse picture quality and light transmission wise.

ibis or ois, or whatever tech is utilized to create the stabilization was ground breaking in photography because you are capturing a moment of time, where either setting up a tripod wasn't convenient or feasible, or lack of light forced you to push your speeds down, thats not the goal in glassing and it generally doesn't suffer from the same limitations.

It also introduces even more complex mechanical parts, which will either need to be serviced or can malfunction or break. Ask any photographer you know thats been doing it a while and I can guarantee they have had a body or lens thats needed the stabilization serviced.

The straight eye piece would make more sense, to be used as a spotting monocle of sorts I guess, but a 14-35 zoom for 4k is a bit outrageous as well. I could see it being for guys wanting the absolute lightest possible setup and dropping the tripod, but it's literally 2 ounces off of being 3 pounds.


I am sure they will sell, and I am sure there are niche cases where they will see use, but I feel like the hype and practical use is far over blown, especially for the price of entry here.

 

[MaybeLostNeverStuck]

How does this compare with the sig IS spotter ? Is the the glass quality commensurate with the significantly higher price ?

I see the value in these in the ultralight context.....I can save weight on a tripod (wiser quick stx w 3rd leg) ...but still pick apart mule deer country at distance.

 

[CodeMonkey]

I want the straight version so I can leave the tripod at home and just talk like a pirate whenever I'm glassing

 

[thegoosano]

How does this compare with the sig IS spotter ? Is the the glass quality commensurate with the significantly higher price ?

I see the value in these in the ultralight context.....I can save weight on a tripod (wiser quick stx w 3rd leg) ...but still pick apart mule deer country at distance.

Bee thinking about this too. If the sky were the limit now that IS is really stepping onto the scene with alpha glass, what’s my perfect setup if I could check all the boxes and could get away with no tripod or some crazy light tripod that maybe isn’t the most stable but that doesn’t matter anymore now that the optics are stabilized.

Was thinking a 10x42 chest swaro with IS and at least like 320ft + FOV, and this IS swaro spotter probably the angled. I could maybe ditch my NL 14x52 and the heavier tripod saving 3.5-4lbs


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