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

[robby denning]

Matt just told me this final review is imminent. @Justin Crossley will get it posted asap after we get it.

Can't wait!!!

 

[Kelvin Wolther]

I've been reading every post I can find, watching all the videos.
I'm truly interested in the ATB spotter, but I'm still on the fence.

 

[Matt Cashell]

I've been reading every post I can find, watching all the videos.
I'm truly interested in the ATB spotter, but I'm still on the fence.

What specifically are you unsure about?

 

[wysongdog]

Can you rotate the at sideways for glassing out of a vehicle like the other angled spotters?

 

[Matt Cashell]

Can you rotate the at sideways for glassing out of a vehicle like the other angled spotters?

The AT balance does not have a rotating collar, so needs a ball head for that functionality.

However, it is a piece of cake to use it at any angle handheld. Use from a vehicle is one of the best use cases for stabilized spotters, IMO.

 

[Kelvin Wolther]

The balance concept is awesome!
I'm still digesting the warranty and the priority battery.
I watched a video where the spotter was purposely left outside in a cold truck overnight. In the morning, the battery was dead. I would be using it in camp for 2 weeks. We do have a generator to charge, but no way to keep the unit warm at night.
More research to do for me.

 

[passinggas33]

What does this weigh without the battery in it? Just wondering how it would compare to the regular once the battery dies and I just left it at base camp in the backcountry.

 

[Matt Cashell]

The balance concept is awesome!
I'm still digesting the warranty and the priority battery.
I watched a video where the spotter was purposely left outside in a cold truck overnight. In the morning, the battery was dead. I would be using it in camp for 2 weeks. We do have a generator to charge, but no way to keep the unit warm at night.
More research to do for me.

Interesting. I did not have battery issues, and the single battery I had lasted 6 days in backcountry condition and still had power when I recharged it. I turned the stabilization off when not using it.

I would be curious if the freeze test was with the stabilization on, and if they brought the battery temperature back up to temp.

Li-Ion batteries will often regain a useable charge after reheating.

 

[packgoatguy]

So, for the backpack hunters, counting every ounce... can someone educate me as to whether the Balance fits the mold?
When I'm on a hunt, I like to have Binos, Rangefinder, and Spotter capabilities. The last few years I've gravitated using the Sig Zulu6 HDX 10x30 OIS binos on my chest, a Razor 4000gb LRF, and a Swaro STC for the spotter. I have the benefit of using the 10x OIS binos for closer digiscoping needs, and the STC on my trekking pole tripod does the rest. Total optics weight, 63.oz. I can save another 5oz if I swap to my kowa 554, and another 3oz if I take my kilo4k LRF instead (so a total weight of 55oz). Wondering if a weight penalty of the Balance is worth the added performance.

Here are some rough numbers pulled from the web.

Swaro AT balance 18-45x65
51.9oz

STC 34.6oz

Kowa 66s, 53oz

NL pure 14x52, 36oz

Sig zulu6 10x30, 19.2oz

Bushnell 8x25, 8oz

Revic BR10, 32oz

Razor 4000hd LRF 10oz


Combo 1
Zulu6
STC
Razor LRF
63.8oz

Combo 2
AT balance
Revic Blr10b
83.9oz

Combo 3
AT balance
Nl pure
Razor LRF
97.9oz

 

[Matt Cashell]

What does this weigh without the battery in it? Just wondering how it would compare to the regular once the battery dies and I just left it at base camp in the backcountry.

On my kitchen scale the AT Balance checks in at 3 lbs. 5.5 ounces with both caps and AS plate, but battery removed.