A Guide to Birding with Spotting Scopes
Representing the mid-sized option in their line of modular spotting scopes, the Swarovski Optik ATX/STX/BTX 85mm Objective Lens Module gets an updated tripod shoe that fits Arca-Swiss quick release plates, and will accept any of the three available eyepiece modules: straight (STX) or angled-viewing (ATX), or the binocular viewer (BTX). The bayonet mount for the eyepiece modules is backward compatible with the original ATX/STX modules, to make it easy for users to upgrade their objectives without needing a new eyepiece module. This larger objective versus the 65mm model draws in more light and produces a larger exit pupil to improve its low-light capabilities and make it an invaluable companion from dawn to dusk.
Optically, Swarovski combines the legendary image quality and world-class workmanship that nature enthusiasts, tactical professionals, and researchers have come to expect from the brand. The 85mm objective strikes a nice balance between light-gathering ability and portability, making it well suited for the hunter, outdoor enthusiast, or birder. Extra-low dispersion fluoride glass elements efficiently transmit all wavelengths of visible light, resulting in bright images that are color faithful, crisp, and rich with detail. An integrated field-flattener lens system corrects spherical aberrations to reveal crisp details at the edges of the view without distortion. SWARODUR and SWAROTOP coatings on all lenses and prisms minimize glare while maximizing contrast.
Complementing the optical performance and technologies is a lightweight and durable magnesium-alloy chassis that is wrapped in a protective rubber armor. Its optical tubes are nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed to be dustproof, waterproof and submersible, and resistant to internal fogging when moving through extreme temperature changes or environmental conditions. The tripod collar has a 1/4"-20 socket on the bottom of the Arca-Swiss-compatible shoe and a rotating collar to allow for precise eyepiece placement relative to the mounting system.
Optical Performance
Optional eyepiece module required: straight (STX) or angled (ATX) viewing and binocular viewer (BTX) available
Large 85mm objective lens draws in more light than the smaller module and produces a larger exit pupil for improved low-light performance
Extra-low dispersion fluoride HD glass limits chromatic aberrations to produce clearer and sharper views with little or no color fringing
Field-flattener lens system eliminates spherical aberrations to eliminate distortion at the edges of the field of view
Anti-reflection SWAROTOP lens coatings reduce glare and improve contrast, color rendition, and clarity
Scratch-resistant SWARODUR coatings protect exterior lens surfaces
Use and Handling
Large focusing collar is easy to manipulate even when wearing gloves
Rotating tripod mount allows for precise eyepiece placement
M87x0.75 objective lens filter thread
Tripod shoe is compatible with Arca-Swiss quick release plates; standard 1/4"-20 socket on bottom of shoe
Construction Details
Lightweight and impact-resistant magnesium-alloy housing
Rubber armor protects against impacts while providing a slip-resistant grip for more secure handling during setup and breakdown
SWAROCLEAN non-stick coating on exposed lens surfaces allows sap and oils to be easily cleaned for clearer views
Nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed to be dustproof, waterproof/submersible to 13', and resistant to internal fogging when moving through extreme temperature changes or environmental conditions
Broad -13 to 131°F operating temperature range
- Representing the mid-sized option in their line of modular spotting scopes, the Swarovski Optik ATX/STX/BTX 85mm Objective Lens Module gets an updated tripod shoe that fits Arca-Swiss quick release plates, and will accept any of the three available eyepiece modules: straight (STX) or angled-viewing (ATX), or the binocular viewer (BTX). The bayonet mount for the eyepiece modules is backward compatible with the original ATX/STX modules, to make it easy for users to upgrade their objectives without needing a new eyepiece module. This larger objective versus the 65mm model draws in more light and produces a larger exit pupil to improve its low-light capabilities and make it an invaluable companion from dawn to dusk.
Optically, Swarovski combines the legendary image quality and world-class workmanship that nature enthusiasts, tactical professionals, and researchers have come to expect from the brand. The 85mm objective strikes a nice balance between light-gathering ability and portability, making it well suited for the hunter, outdoor enthusiast, or birder. Extra-low dispersion fluoride glass elements efficiently transmit all wavelengths of visible light, resulting in bright images that are color faithful, crisp, and rich with detail. An integrated field-flattener lens system corrects spherical aberrations to reveal crisp details at the edges of the view without distortion. SWARODUR and SWAROTOP coatings on all lenses and prisms minimize glare while maximizing contrast.Complementing the optical performance and technologies is a lightweight and durable magnesium-alloy chassis that is wrapped in a protective rubber armor. Its optical tubes are nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed to be dustproof, waterproof and submersible, and resistant to internal fogging when moving through extreme temperature changes or environmental conditions. The tripod collar has a 1/4"-20 socket on the bottom of the Arca-Swiss-compatible shoe and a rotating collar to allow for precise eyepiece placement relative to the mounting system.