Introduction:
To me is the easiest compact spotter to get behind. Innovative modular design, unparalleled optics, and intuitive controls.
Mechanics and design:
The ATX/STX line of spotting scopes has a unique modular design allowing the user to effectively carry 6 different scopes with minimal bulk and weight by allowing the exchange of either the angled or straight eyepiece for the other quickly and simply. With the push of a button the eyepiece twists off of the scope body without moving the scope and losing your sight picture. This also allows for the exchange of the objective to a 65mm, 85 mm, or 95 mm, again with minimal time and effort. Another benefit this feature offers is, for example, if you are going on a hike you can pack the 65 mm for reduced weight, or if you are digiscoping in low light situations you can load up the 95 mm objective for increased light gathering. For any backpacking or hiking I find this system nests very well, especially the 65 mm at 13.3 in. The ATX/STX uses a center mounted helical ring focus, but a new feature is the magnification ring is located directly behind the focus ring where the body and eyepiece meet. This allows for single handed manipulation of both adjustments. The magnification and focus rings have different textures and the magnification ring is wider and more requires less pressure to differentiate between the adjustments. I find this very comfortable and easy to operate as all adjustments are smooth, steady and natural. I have not yet used this with gloves, but I do not believe this operation would be hindered due to the large size of the adjustments and the difference in pressure needed to manipulate the rings. The scope rotates 360 degrees on the long axis by loosening a set screw on the tripod collar. Once loosened the scope smoothly transitions to any position with audible and tactile clicks every 45 degrees. The ATX/STX is nitrogen purged and has a solid lightweight construction using a magnesium alloy with a textured rubber armor coating. The rubber armor gives the scope a sure grip even when wet. The twist in/twist out eye cup is easily adjustable and has pliable comfortable rubber. The objective has a built in sunshade with a simple but effective aiming device.
Optics:
In my opinion the ATX 65mm has the finest optical quality of any compact spotting scope Ive used. The clarity, contrast, and color are unmatched. Crisp all the way to the edges with no chromatic aberration. One of the nicest features to me was how easy it was to get the proper eye placement even at high magnification. With 20 mm of eye relief most eye glass and sunglass wearers should fully experience the great view this scope provides. This also allows for easy viewing if you are in a situation where you do not want to touch or disturb the scope. For those who enjoy getting up close, the 65 mm body offers a 6.9 ft close focus, and for digiscoping you cannot beat the 95 mm scope body, which captures vast amounts of light and provides an increased magnification of 70X.
Packaging and Accessories:
The ATX/STX comes in a nice decorative box with decent presentation and their signature, See the Unseen sleeve. Anyone purchasing the angled eyepiece, it will also come with an adjustable aiming device that attaches to the objective, which with only a small nod of the head allows you to aim almost simultaneously while looking through the scope.
Optional:
There is a flat/shallower eyecup for those with very large glasses. Of course Swarovski has a stay on case. They also offers an iPhone 5 adapter for digiscoping, but any of the Meopix 57 mm adapters will also work if you have a different phone.
Conclusion:
I really cannot tell you how easy and natural it is for me to use this scope. Other compact scopes I have used were very difficult to use at high magnification, the ATX was a breeze even at 60x. Outstanding optical quality, precise/durable construction, modular versatility and quality accessories for viewing, carrying, and digiscoping make this scope perfect for birding and just about any application.
To me is the easiest compact spotter to get behind. Innovative modular design, unparalleled optics, and intuitive controls.
Mechanics and design:
The ATX/STX line of spotting scopes has a unique modular design allowing the user to effectively carry 6 different scopes with minimal bulk and weight by allowing the exchange of either the angled or straight eyepiece for the other quickly and simply. With the push of a button the eyepiece twists off of the scope body without moving the scope and losing your sight picture. This also allows for the exchange of the objective to a 65mm, 85 mm, or 95 mm, again with minimal time and effort. Another benefit this feature offers is, for example, if you are going on a hike you can pack the 65 mm for reduced weight, or if you are digiscoping in low light situations you can load up the 95 mm objective for increased light gathering. For any backpacking or hiking I find this system nests very well, especially the 65 mm at 13.3 in. The ATX/STX uses a center mounted helical ring focus, but a new feature is the magnification ring is located directly behind the focus ring where the body and eyepiece meet. This allows for single handed manipulation of both adjustments. The magnification and focus rings have different textures and the magnification ring is wider and more requires less pressure to differentiate between the adjustments. I find this very comfortable and easy to operate as all adjustments are smooth, steady and natural. I have not yet used this with gloves, but I do not believe this operation would be hindered due to the large size of the adjustments and the difference in pressure needed to manipulate the rings. The scope rotates 360 degrees on the long axis by loosening a set screw on the tripod collar. Once loosened the scope smoothly transitions to any position with audible and tactile clicks every 45 degrees. The ATX/STX is nitrogen purged and has a solid lightweight construction using a magnesium alloy with a textured rubber armor coating. The rubber armor gives the scope a sure grip even when wet. The twist in/twist out eye cup is easily adjustable and has pliable comfortable rubber. The objective has a built in sunshade with a simple but effective aiming device.
Optics:
In my opinion the ATX 65mm has the finest optical quality of any compact spotting scope Ive used. The clarity, contrast, and color are unmatched. Crisp all the way to the edges with no chromatic aberration. One of the nicest features to me was how easy it was to get the proper eye placement even at high magnification. With 20 mm of eye relief most eye glass and sunglass wearers should fully experience the great view this scope provides. This also allows for easy viewing if you are in a situation where you do not want to touch or disturb the scope. For those who enjoy getting up close, the 65 mm body offers a 6.9 ft close focus, and for digiscoping you cannot beat the 95 mm scope body, which captures vast amounts of light and provides an increased magnification of 70X.
Packaging and Accessories:
The ATX/STX comes in a nice decorative box with decent presentation and their signature, See the Unseen sleeve. Anyone purchasing the angled eyepiece, it will also come with an adjustable aiming device that attaches to the objective, which with only a small nod of the head allows you to aim almost simultaneously while looking through the scope.
Optional:
There is a flat/shallower eyecup for those with very large glasses. Of course Swarovski has a stay on case. They also offers an iPhone 5 adapter for digiscoping, but any of the Meopix 57 mm adapters will also work if you have a different phone.
Conclusion:
I really cannot tell you how easy and natural it is for me to use this scope. Other compact scopes I have used were very difficult to use at high magnification, the ATX was a breeze even at 60x. Outstanding optical quality, precise/durable construction, modular versatility and quality accessories for viewing, carrying, and digiscoping make this scope perfect for birding and just about any application.