Swarovski STC& ATC Spotting Scopes

The new Swarovski STC and ATC spotting scopes span the gap between binoculars and a full-sized spotting scope for active hunting. Both units feature a 17-40x magnification range and 56mm objective lens, which offers superior low-light performance. Angled (ATC) and straight-bodied (STC) versions are available, and most shooters seem to distinctly favour one or the other. Colourwise, the ATC is offered in green or orange, while the STC just comes in green.

Features

Other shared features include 3/8” UNC threads on the underside for tripod fitting and 2x wide, heavily serrated rings for focus and magnification control. The easily gripped size and delicate weighting of the controls minimise point of aim disturbance to the unit.

Swarovski supplies shell plates that fit into the tripod stud, allowing your hand to support the scope from below without affecting controls, if not using a supporting tripod.

A telescopic eyepiece physically adjusts beyond the 20mm optical eye relief and both STC and ATC are compatible with Swarovski’s range of Digi-scoping accessories, which allow you to attach a DSLR camera or smartphone to the eyepiece for accurate stills and video recording. Swarovski also provides a cleaning cloth, a carry strap and some lens caps. These are smart because the objective cap clips into the tethered ocular cap, avoiding the common problem of losing one.

In use

I used both versions of the scope to spot deer from before dawn into full daylight, and I had a set of 10x42 EL binoculars to compare brightness. Swarovski advertises 88% light transmission and it’s not just the 56mm objective lens that makes the image bright. The precision lens grinding for a flat focus across the field of view is a Swarovski hallmark, and you also get the impressive lens coatings throughout the optic to present ‘Swarovision’, which is overall, a tough experience to describe.

You are immersed in a beautifully relaxed and presented image, somewhat swimming in the large ocular lens projection that requires so little personal optical effort to correctly receive. There is no fringing of colours and the long depth of field considerably lessened focal strain within the immediate field of view, which is broad and crisp from edge to edge. The resolution is exceptional, enabling fine detail observation on fallow deer 2000m away. Also, the delicate focal control can be adjusted with your fingertips so that the view is not disturbed.

Conclusion

I preferred the ATC angled unit, which I rested on my rucksack, but I can appreciate the more intuitive pointability of a straight-bodied optic in more dynamic scenarios. It works like the subconscious pointing of your finger and of course, allows both eyes to remain open and directed toward your chosen quarry too.

This is a somewhat faultless product as it advertises all of Swarovski’s assurances and delivers them all. Although less likely to be seen and desired than binoculars, for those wanting additional low-light capability and relaxed comfort, I cannot point fault at this superb optical product that quite simply, made me smile. It was a pleasure to use both versions.