Swarovski is joining Sig Sauer with an image-stabilized spotting scope that allows users to glass at distance without the hassle and weight of a tripod.
The Austrian optics giant has two versions of their Balance, which it released late last month. The AT (angled tube) model is what you’d define as a mid-sized spotter. Its 18-45x65 configuration is a bit heavier and a tad more expensive than the ST (straight tube) model, a 14-35x50 that fits the definition as a compact spotting scope. I spent time in the field with the ST Balance and can attest to its fine optics, its useful ergonomics, and its impressive image-stabilization talents.
From a granular perspective, both units are powered by a removable rechargeable battery that’s proprietary to Swarovski. In other words, unlike the Sig OSCAR6 which runs on standard AA batteries, the Swarovski requires a special charging port. Swarovski claims a 12-hour run time on this single battery, and has an auto shut-off mode to save batteries when the unit isn’t being handled. I got just under 12 hours of operation on a single charge, even in the cold of eastern Montana’s January. By comparison, the OSCAR6 boasts a 30-hour run time.
Power up the Balance by pushing a nicely tactile button on the belly of the optic, just aft of the tripod mount. A green light blinks and then stays steady to indicate the image-stabilization module is activated. Looking through the lens, you don’t need any confirmation. The image goes from being swimmy and incoherent to snapping into focus and stilling when the vibration-reduction technology fires.
INSIDE THE SWAROVSKI
Both versions of the balance share the optical and digital technology that achieves an excellent image-stabilization. The main focusing lens elements are adjusted more than a thousand times a second to adjust the lens positions in response to vibration, shaking, and movement, with the system compensating for specific direction and the velocity of the movement. The result is image stabilization with relatively low latency, which is the slight lag between movement and the image that can be distracting in other vibration-reduction (VR) optics.
This frequent firing of the stabilization sensors and motors may be responsible for the shorter battery life of the Swarovski. In my experience, I’ll happily trade a little shorter run time for the premium image stabilization.
Also in my experience over the past month, the ST Balance can easily be used without a tripod. I hand-held the spotter in the field on several occasions, viewing objects at all magnifications and distances. While the image-stabilization unit takes just a touch longer to stabilize far and highly magnified objects, I was still able to get sharp, resolved images at 35-power in all light conditions while holding the spotter in my hands.
The ability to pack the compact optic in a coat pocket and to deploy it in the field without the aid of a tripod is remarkable and will be disruptive to the optics industry.
The image is enhanced by Swarovski’s excellent glass. The Balance uses the same European gem-grade glass that the Austrian firm uses in its other high-end optics. The result is a crisp, vibrant, almost cinematic view of the world.
Ergonomically the Balance is, well, balanced. I was able to hold the 2.8-pound ST Balance easily in either one or two hands. Two-handed operation is by far the most effective, with the forward hand working the center-barrel focus ring and the rear hand working the magnification ring. For optics users who like to quickly riff from close to far focus with just a short turn of the focus knob, the Swarovski will take some adjustment. The focus is so finely geared that it took me nearly three full revolutions to move the focus from close (inside 10 feet) to far horizons.
But the controls turn with velvety precision, and the armor is nicely textured and thick enough to provide protection to this pricey optic. The 14-35x50 ST retails for $3,849 while the 18-45x65 version retails for $3,999.
The Balance mounts nicely to tripods, and the unit ships with a tripod mounting plate and both a standard ¼-20 screw and the larger 3/8-16 screw. Included in the box is a handy neoprene carrying strap, a lens cloth, and user manuals for both the optic and the rechargeable battery.
FINAL THOUGHTS – SWAROVSKI BALANCE
Will the new Swarovski displace Sig as the leader in stabilized sports optics? That’s doubtful, since Sig has a far head start in the stabilized binocular category with its pioneering ZULU6 line. And the brand’s OSCAR6 stabilized spotter is pretty amazing.
At twice the price of the OSCAR6, the Swarovski is a heavy lift for most prospective buyers. But the excellent glass, the best-in-class image stabilization, and better ergonomics and handling give the Swarovski a clear edge in performance. The one open question after my time with the Balance is durability. It’s unclear how well that floating lens element and sophisticated internal software will handle the abuse that most hunters (or birdwatchers, or hikers, or world travelers) dish out in the course of a season.