• Welcome to BirdForum, the internet's largest birding community with thousands of members from all over the world. The forums are dedicated to wild birds, birding, binoculars and equipment and all that goes with it.

    Please register for an account to take part in the discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
Where premium quality meets exceptional value. ZEISS Conquest HDX.

Swarovski binoculars ATC/STC anti-rotation (1 Viewer)

A user should really test this. I couldn't get along with this method. The Siuri helped me a lot when I was sitting on a rock on the rocky coast, with the monopod between my legs and watching whales. I was also able to take controlled photos and videos. That might not have been possible without the head. In any case, it is definitely more comfortable.
Yes, when you sit on a rock, bench etc. with a monopod you need a tilt or video head. In my case, 99% of the time I use the monopod while standing. At first, I used a small video head but it only added extra weight so the head stayed at home after a while.
 
Just adding, when using a monopod with the ATC/STC you can work without a video or tilt head. Mount the base plate directly on the monopod.

Move the stick, when birds are right above you lift it up. Works fine, since your are standing with a monopod anyway.

I tried this method many years ago with the straight scope but a bit slow in getting the subject with angled scope
 
Yes, the plate is free to purchase. I haven't tried whether the two pins can be removed. But it doesn't make much sense, as the user can then take another normal plate from the market. It would be much more interesting to ask Swarovski whether the old models can be given a new tripod base - free of charge.
I asked Swarovski and they will convert the ATC and deliver the new plate free of charge. Good service! So I will send in my scope soon, because I think this really is a good improvement.
 
Yes, when you sit on a rock, bench etc. with a monopod you need a tilt or video head. In my case, 99% of the time I use the monopod while standing. At first, I used a small video head but it only added extra weight so the head stayed at home after a while.
It's good to see some ATC owners thinking about the benefits using a monopod with a compact scope. I was going to add "and lightweight" but at around 1kg the ATC is not lightweight if you own an ED50 :).

I have used a straight Nikon ED50 on a monopod for 10+ years. I tried a 3-way head when I first started using the monopod but like BlackGrouse I soon found it was quicker and easier to lean/tilt the monopod to get on the bird. The scope is now attached the top of the monopod directly with a QR plate. I use it without a problem standing or sitting. I always carry a "sit mat" in my rucsac for when I need to sit on wet ground or wet benches. However, as I have often posted recently, if you use a scope on a monopod you will soon find you need something to control the twisting, for which I use a simple fold-down foot which I hold down on the ground with my foot.
 
I asked Swarovski and they will convert the ATC and deliver the new plate free of charge. Good service! So I will send in my scope soon, because I think this really is a good improvement.
That is the excellent customer service that I personally experienced when I had an STS 80 and I have seen reported many times on this forum. Whilst I am surprised they made the mistake of assuming the ATC could be hand-held, and as a result they didn't think enough about a tripod/monopod mount, it's great to see they are listening and have done something about it. Credit where credit is due. There is not a lot of this kind of thing around.
 
Yes, I thought I would, but I do not like using the ATC hand-held. For quick determination it's okay, but if I carry the ATC 56 with me together with my bins, I prefer to put it in my bagpack and since I am carrying a backpack I might also take a tripod.
 
Unfortunately, the new base contains two small extra holes which do not seem the fit most tripod plates (including a swarovski plate for their own tripod) The extra holes are at right angle to the length of the scope.
 
Unfortunately, the new base contains two small extra holes which do not seem the fit most tripod plates (including a swarovski plate for their own tripod) The extra holes are at right angle to the length of the scope.
True, but it is also logical. The tripod base of the STC/ATC, and that is the "problem", is unique in its design. Accordingly, the positioning for a standardized rotation lock - for its pin - cannot be correct. Better to have your own Swarovski plate - which fits on every tripod!!! - than no plate and still have a "problem". For me, it is not a problem to use the Swarovski plate - but your complaint is still justified. But it is in the nature of things.
 
I asked Swarovski and they will convert the ATC and deliver the new plate free of charge. Good service! So I will send in my scope soon, because I think this really is a good improvement.
I just got my scope back and am very happy with the new plate. It fits perfectly on my CTH compact tripod head.
They only drilled two small holes and the newly plate fits nice on it.
 
I just got my scope back and am very happy with the new plate. It fits perfectly on my CTH compact tripod head.
They only drilled two small holes and the newly plate fits nice on it.
Glad to hear you got it sorted, excellent customer service.

They sent me the plate free of charge and offered to fit the new base plate with the two holes free of charge also.
However, turn around time us 6 to 8 weeks but could be a little longer being Christmas.
I'm tempted not to bother sending to Swarovski and drilling 2 holes myself, how hard can it be, I'll probably xxxx it up🤣
 
Glad to hear you got it sorted, excellent customer service.

They sent me the plate free of charge and offered to fit the new base plate with the two holes free of charge also.
However, turn around time us 6 to 8 weeks but could be a little longer being Christmas.
I'm tempted not to bother sending to Swarovski and drilling 2 holes myself, how hard can it be, I'll probably xxxx it up🤣
"I'll probably xxxx it up🤣"

And invaldate your warranty Stuart!
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top