Swarovski ATX/STX/BTX 95mm Modular Objective

Representing the second largest objective option in their line of modular spotting scopes, the Swarovski Optik ATX/STX/BTX 95mm Objective Lens Module gets an updated tripod shoe that fits Arca-Swiss quick release plates, and will accept any of the three available eyepiece modules: straight (STX) or angled-viewing (ATX), or the binocular viewer (BTX). The bayonet mount for the eyepiece modules is backward compatible with the original ATX/STX modules, to make it easy for users to upgrade their objectives without needing a new eyepiece module. This larger objective versus the 65mm and 85mm models draws in more light and produces a larger exit pupil to improve its low-light capabilities and make it an invaluable companion from the pre-dawn hours to all the way past dusk.

For finding sneaky game that blends well with its desert background, nothing beats a Swarovski ATX/STX/BTX. A business mentor I respect once asked, “Do you know the difference between a fairy tale and a southern fairytale? A southern fairytale starts out like, Y’all ain’t gonna believe this sh*t!”  People say that a lot the first time they look through a big Swarovski in the wild. Pretty sure the front objective on the 95mm lens is pure diamond, polished by angels with unicorn horn dust, but I couldn’t get Swarovski to confirm that.

The BTX paired with the 95mm is larger than any spotter I’ve backpacked with previously. It will use up one whole side of your pack. The good news is that it’s lighter than it looks, but it’s no “light-weight” by any standard, tipping the scale at a tick over 6 pounds with BTX and 4 3/4 pounds with the ATX . For its size, the objective seems really light, while the eyepiece is heavier than you would expect. It’s dense… apparently most of the awesomeness is in there. It’s also the expensive part.  In spite of the overall weight and size, I still backpacked well over a hundred miles in one of Idaho’s roughest wilderness bighorn sheep units with a BTX 95 because I felt it was my best asset for finding rams. In hindsight, the 85mm objective would have made a better backpacking assembly, but because of the sheer scale of the country, I appreciated the 35x the 95mm objective offers.

The BTX balances back heavy with the 95mm front end, but it’s balanced well with the ATX or STX. You should probably be looking at a tripod with at least 28mm top leg diameter for the 95mm and a 32mm top leg is even better paired with the BTX-95.  My favorite tripod to pair the BTX with is the rock-solid Really Right Stuff TFC-34 with the Anvil ball head. It handles the BTX with ease and also supports a rifle with a tripod plate like our rental rifles are equipped with. 

The BTX gives you a fixed 35X with the 95mm objective and 30X with the 85 & 65mm objectives. There are times I find myself wishing it was variable power, but that would likely impact the image quality and make it even more expensive. We have the 1.7X extender avaialble that will bring magnification to a fixed 60X with the 95mm and 50X with the 85/65mm. I initially thought the BTX would be a little easier to use if it was a straight rather than angled eyepiece, but it’s only a minor annoyance when glassing steeply downhill. 

For backpacking I’d recommend the 85mm primarily because it’s about 2.2″ shorter and will fit in your pack better. It’s also 1/2 pound lighter. If you’re day hunting and hiking to different glassing points nearer the road, then the 95mm does give you a little more reach for glassing farther. I havent used the BTX much with the 65mm objective. I have tried it, so I can say it works well, but I haven’t spent quality time in the field time with the 65mm attached to give you an honest opinion. I might pack that combo on some late season wolf hunts just to try it. The 65mm saves 1.25 pounds vs. the 95mm and almost 3/4 pound vs. the 85mm.  

Coop

Original Box

Warranty Card

Original Accessories

Lens Cap