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Pro birder: Defining an era of spotting scopes - The Swarovski Optik ATX / STX / BTX family

1 October 2023
Sponsored Feature By Alex James

It's a question we found ourselves asking recently. Like many a famous sports team dynasty, or a film franchise for the ages - has Swarovski Optik defined an era in birding with their ATX / STX and BTX family of spotting scopes?

The elegant, modular design of the 'X' system has offered and continues to offer previously unimagined flexibility for the observer. You are free to choose the perfect solution as the situation dictates so that nothing escapes your attention.

If you have your eyes trained on a flock of dunlins, but you catch something at the edge of the picture. A rarity? No problem. Thanks to their wide field of view, the ATX / STX telescopes provide you with a broad platform across various lens sizes. This includes the largest on the market, the exciting 115-mm objective module which brings 45% more light to the eye of the observer!  Couple this with a high zoom range, the new X generation of scopes allows you to achieve optimum magnification and detail recognition and also makes it extremely easy for you to search for and find birds, especially if they are in motion.

In collaboration with experts, Swarovski have developed digiscoping adapters that open up a new realm of ways in which to observe and share the most beautiful moments. Perfectly designed down to the smallest detail, you will be equipped for any situation.

Size and weight is the name of the game for all those who like to travel or spend long days in the field. The ATX and STX series means that bulky spotting scopes that are difficult to pack and heavy to carry are a thing of the past. The modular design enables you to store the objective and eyepiece modules separately and the smaller dimensions also mean that you can easily and safely store individual modules in your luggage.

And finally, when every second counts, the new position of the zoom ring, which is now directly behind the focusing ring, makes it easier to handle. It means that you can zoom and focus with one hand, while steering the spotting scopes direction with the other. 

This completely new ergonomic design offers a crucial benefit for digiscopers in particular. They can now use the camera quickly, easily and accurately with one hand, while the other concentrates on zoom and focus.

There are many great spotting scopes available on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Some factors to consider when choosing a spotting scope include:
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  1. Magnification: The magnification of the spotting scope is an important consideration, as it will determine how close and clear your view of distant objects will be.
  2. Objective Lens Size: The size of the objective lens will also impact the quality of your viewing experience. A larger objective lens will allow more light to enter the scope, resulting in a brighter, clearer image.
  3. Build Quality: The build quality of the spotting scope is also important, as it will affect its durability and overall performance in various weather conditions.
  4. Price: Spotting scopes can range in price from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds, so it's important to set a budget before making a purchase.

The three different eyepieces (ATX / STX / BTX) can be combined with four different objective lenses (65 / 85 / 95 / 115mm) and for more information on the family, head over to the Swarovski Optik website to learn more.
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