No tripod. No setup. Just instant clarity.
A New Era of Steady Observation
Swarovski Optik has introduced the AT Balance 18-45x65 (angled) and ST Balance 14-35x50 (straight) spotting scopes, bringing advanced Swarobalance image stabilisation into a compact, handheld form. These scopes are designed to eliminate shake - even at high magnifications - so you can observe without relying on a tripod.
This innovation reflects Swarovski’s commitment to optical precision: you get their renowned glass quality, brilliant contrast, and distortion-free edge-to-edge clarity, even when your hand isn’t rock-steady.
Why It Matters - for Birds and Beyond
- Birdwatching: Imagine quietly tracking a warbler in flight or zooming in on a distant hawk - all with minimal vibration. The stabilisation means you can spend more time studying their movement, or even behaviour, without constantly re-acquiring your target.
- Wildlife on the ridge: Whether you’re glassing stags on the hill or scanning for deer in undulating terrain, the Balance scopes let you hold the view rock-solid as animals shift or as you adjust your stance.
- On-the-go clarity: Their lightweight, compact design (1,300 g for ST, 1,470 g for AT) and long battery life (up to 12 hours) mean you’re not tethered to a tripod - you can easily pick up the scope, lift to your eye, and get a steady image instantly.
Technical Details:
| Specification | ST Balance 14–35×50 | AT Balance 18–45×65 |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | 14–35× | 18–45× |
| Effective Objective Lens Diameter | 50 mm | 65 mm |
| Eye Relief | 20 mm | 20 mm |
| Shortest Focusing Distance | 3.4 m | 3.4 m |
| Diopter Correction at ∞ | > 5 dpt | > 5 dpt |
| Light Transmission (total product) | 88% | 88% |
| Effective Objective Lens Diameter (listed again) | 50 mm | 65 mm |
| Exit Pupil Diameter | 3.6–1.4 mm | 3.6–1.4 mm |
| Field of View (m/1000 m) | 70–39 m | 55–30 m |
| Field of View (degrees) | 4.00–2.20° | 3.16–1.74° |
| Apparent Field of View | 57–71° | 57–71° |
Why It’s So Good
- Stability meets portability: Never before has Swarovski combined ultra-steady views with such a mobile, tripod-free design.
- True optical excellence: These scopes retain Swarovski’s sharp, colour-true images even under motion.
- Practical innovation: In the field, whether you’re watching a distant bird or a stag on the hill, the Balance scopes let you react instantly without sacrificing view quality.
Summary: Swarovski’s AT/ST Balance scopes offer a remarkable synthesis of stabilised viewing and premium optics - perfect for birdwatchers, wildlife spotters, or anyone who demands clarity in motion.
The two “balance” models offer an image-stabilisation upgrade from their current STC 17-40x56 and ATC 17-40x56 handheld spotting scopes.
