Swarovski AT Balance 18-45x65 Angled Spotting Scope

Designed for handheld stability at high magnification, the Swarovski AT Balance 18-45x65 Angled Spotting Scope uses an internal moving lens and fast-response motor system to hold the view steady the moment you lift it. In the field, it feels immediate, requiring no tripod, no settling time, just a clear, shake-free image while you track wildlife or scan distant ridges. Its impressive optical performance keeps detail clean across the entire zoom range.

Swarovski AT Balance 18-45x65 Angled Spotting Scope Key Features:

• Stabilised 18-45x65 spotting scope built for handheld observation
• Motor-driven lens movement counters shake with natural, steady viewing
• Gyroscope sensor measures motion and drives fast adjustments
• Low-latency stabilisation reduces floating artefacts
• Ensures distortion-free images with maximum colour fidelity
• Automatic lens lock protects optics during falls or power loss
• 65mm objective maintains clarity across the zoom range
• 20mm eye relief provides comfortable long sessions
• 3.4 m close focus supports detailed near-subject viewing
• Approximate 12-hour battery life with auto time-out mode
• Supports digiscoping with the VPA 2 smartphone adapter
• 1,470g weight balances well for handheld scanning

Stabilisation that feels natural in the hand

When used out in the field the AT Balance settles almost instantly. The stabilisation works by shifting an internal lens element with a fast voice-coil motor, guided by a gyroscope that reads movement as it happens. There is no visible drift or “float”, so the view feels grounded rather than electronically corrected. When you track a bird moving across a hillside or scan a distant ridge at 45x, the image stays locked without needing a brace point or tripod.

Optical clarity across the zoom range

With a 65mm objective and the company’s familiar optical precision, the AT Balance keeps detail clean from 18x up to 45x. Contrast stays consistent as you zoom in, and colour separation holds up well in bright light, where shimmer can make distant features hard to read. At close to medium distances, the 3.4-metre minimum focus also lets you study smaller subjects without stepping back or losing fine texture.

Practical protection built into the mechanism

Inside the housing, the moving lens is automatically locked if the scope takes a sudden hit or power is interrupted. You do not hear or feel anything; the lens simply centres itself to protect alignment. For everyday use, this means you can sling the scope into a bag, carry it through scrub or climb with it clipped to a shoulder strap without worrying about the internal element drifting or resting off-centre.

Field-ready power and handling

A full charge comfortably covers a day’s work, with about 12 hours of stabilised viewing depending on temperature. If you pause for more than a few minutes, the scope slips into a low-power state to conserve energy, and a tiny movement reactivates it immediately. The 1,470g weight feels surprisingly balanced for handheld scanning. For recording, the VPA 2 adapter pairs neatly with a smartphone, making it straightforward to capture a steady frame when the view demands it.

What’s in the box?

FAQs:

How effective is the stabilisation when handholding at higher magnifications?

The stabilisation compensates for small, fast movements, so the image remains steady even at 45x. The system uses a gyroscope and a voice-coil motor to adjust a floating lens element in real time, keeping the view stable without the drifting effect that some powered systems introduce. In practice, you can track birds or distant animals without needing to brace against a tree or carry a tripod.

How long does the AT Balance 18-45x65 Spotting Scope’s battery last during regular field use?

Expect around 12 hours of constant stabilisation, though colder temperatures can shorten this. The scope enters a time-out mode after 5 minutes of inactivity to conserve power. A light tilt or adjustment wakes it instantly, so you rarely think about the battery during the day. Spare batteries are available if you’re planning multi-day trips.

Can I use the AT Balance with a phone for digiscoping?

Yes. While it doesn’t accept the TLS APO adapter, it works well with the optional VPA 2 variable phone adapter. With a good smartphone camera, you can capture stable images or short clips, and the stabilisation makes framing much easier than with a traditional scope.

Is the view comfortable for glasses wearers?

Yes. With 20mm of eye relief and a wide field maintained through the zoom range, the scope is easy to use with glasses. You can hold a natural viewing position without losing the field edges, even during extended sessions.