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Michael
and Diane Porter and a team of Iowa birders tested 24 spotting scopes
for a review in the March, 2003, issue
of Bird Watcher's Digest. This account is part of that review.
 Swarovski's
new ATS65mm scope weighs only three pounds wearing a 20-60x zoom
eyepiece.
The
body measures only 12-1/2 inches long.
From
the tripod mount back to the eyepiece, the ATS65 appears identical
to the ATS80. Only the slimmer
objective lens and slightly shorter length set it apart. It has
the same features, including the 360-degree collar, which allows
the scope to rotate on its axis into any position, even upside down.
This
scope is a delight to maneuver in close quarters. Mount the angled
model (ATS65) on a car window, and you can swivel it 180 degrees,
to see forward and backward and everything on that side of the car,
without straining your neck.
Like
its 80mm big brother, its ergonomics are superb. On a car window
mount, we found it especially comfortable to use. The left hand
naturally grasps the focus ring, around the waist of the scope,
while the right hand encircles the large, ribbed zoom adjustment
ring on the eyepiece.
The
only question is whether you want to carry an extra 10 ounces for
the big brother and that last wisp of ultimate resolution. A wonderful
dilemma!
The
judges like both of the Swarovski
scopes. However, this 65mm model was our judges' enthusiastic
top choice, all around, among the smaller scopes. Eyepiece is purchased
separately.
--
Michael and Diane Porter
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Swarovski
ATS65 HD 