Swarovski AX Visio 10×32

Specifications:

Objective diameter: 32 mm
Magnification: 10 x
Exit pupil: 3.26 mm
Eye relief (according to specs): 17.8 mm
Eye relief (usable, measured from rim of eyecup in the fully-in position): 15.5 mm
IPD: 56 – 74 mm
RFOV (according to specs): 6.4 degrees = 112 m
AFOV (according to specs): 60 degrees
Minimum focus distance (according to specs): 3 m
Minimum focus disctance (measured): 2.8 m
Focus type: CF (direction of rotation from close to infinity: > clockwise)
Range of diopter adjustment (acc. to specs): +5 /-7 dpt*
Extra travel of focus wheel beyond the infinity position (according to specs): > 5 dpt
Prism system: Schmidt-Pechan
Waterproof: yes
Weight (without accessories, according to specs): 1’090g
Weight (measured, with eyecaps, objective cover and strap): 1′ 337g
Made in: Austria

Images:

Remarks:

Swarovski’s second foray into the digital world after the “dG”, which wasn’t a success, looks much more promising than the first attempt. The AX Visio launched in January 2024 in essence combines the optics of an EL SV 10×32 with digital capabilities that were so far only accessible by using smartphones and electronic bird guides. According to Swarovski, the Visio helps to identify more than 9,000 birds and other creatures in real time. The integrated camera takes pictures and videos. These can be managed and shared immediately with a connected smartphone using the associated Swarovski Optik Outdoor app. The “Share Discoveries” function is also exciting, as it uses arrow markings on the display to guide another person to an observed object. Beside that, the Visio features an electronic compass and inclinometer. Will the Visio bring the end of traditional “analog” birding? Some posts in internat forums lament just that. Others are less pessimistic and welcome the Visio as an exciting aid. Early online reviews have been positive about the optics and mechanics of the Visio, but have been less than excited about the bird identification capabilities. Some negative verdicts, such as the one on „futurzone.de“, were based on sloppy testing procedures and should be an embarrassment for the reviewers. After testing the Visio ourselves, BINOCULARS TODAY sees things much more promising (see below second link under “Reviews”) and finds the capability of the Visio exciting, if sufficient time is allowed to learn how to best use it, and if expectations as to what such a device can do remain realistic. Not to forget that Swarovski designed the Visio in a way that allows software (and hardware?) updates over time so that not only the Visio’s functionalities will be improved, but new functions will be added, including third party apps.

Ratings: