Swarovski AX Visio 10x32 - Takes binoculars to a new level
Swarovski Optik has today launched the new AX Visio 10x32 binocular model. These are not just any binoculars, but the result of six years of product development and one of the largest R&D investments in the company's history. These are top-quality binoculars from Swarovski, known for their quality, combined with smart features for the first time
Our camera shop experts had a unique opportunity to get to know the new binoculars in advance. In this review, we share our experience with the new binoculars.
First contact with binoculars
The Swarovski Optik AX Visio 10x32 binoculars are packaged in a beautiful product packaging, with the familiar Swarovski green binoculars coated with a rubber protective coating underneath the front cover. The difference between the AX Visio and conventional 10x32 binoculars is immediately apparent when looking at the binoculars from above, as a 13-megapixel camera is hidden in the machined anodized aluminum bridge connecting the lenses. The bridge also has a focus ring, as is typical for binoculars.
The binoculars sit firmly in the hand thanks to their rubber coating and in the hands the new AX Visio feels like traditional binoculars. All controls are still in their familiar places, although the width of the binoculars has had to be increased to accommodate the electronics. In terms of size and weight, the new AX Visio 10x32 is roughly equivalent to a traditional 10x42 binocular.
Looking at the new product, it is obvious that Swarovski does not want to make a big deal about digitality. In addition to the camera embedded in the bridge, the binoculars have been introduced with a new adjustment wheel and three buttons for using different functions. The only other hint of digitality is the new AX Visio model designation, where AX refers to the words “Augmented eXperience”.
Without electronics, the AX Visiot work just like regular binoculars. However, the sophistication begins when the auxiliary electronics are put into use.
Introduction of AX Visio binoculars
It's always worth taking some time to set up new binoculars, whether they're traditional binoculars or the new AX Visio. Fortunately, setup is straightforward:
1. Adjust the diopter adjustment of the binoculars to suit your eyes by turning the adjustment dial located at the back of the eyepieces. This adjustment fine-tunes the focus of the binoculars to suit the user's eyes and vision. In high-quality binoculars, the adjustment is made for each eye.
2. Fully charge the included battery. Place the battery in the battery door at the bottom of the right frame tube and close the door.
3. Press and hold the power button to turn on the binoculars. The green indicator light will turn on.
4. Pair the binoculars with the Swarovski SO Outdoor mobile app.
It is also recommended to check for any new updates to the binoculars' operating system when setting them up. Checking for updates and performing the update itself is done via the SO Outdoor app. However, it is worth emphasizing that the Swarovski AX Visio binoculars do not require a connection to a mobile device to function - everything you need is available on the binoculars themselves.
According to the manufacturer, the battery life of the AX Visio 10x32 binoculars is approximately 24 hours on a single charge.
Reality is starting to dawn - what has changed in binoculars?
In basic use, the Swarovski AX Visions function like regular binoculars, but the sophistication of the binoculars begins to dawn after switching on the power, when additional information is entered into the binoculars' view via the built-in user interface. The information displayed varies depending on which mode is currently in use.
The view is mainly enriched with red focus aids, icons and text. Red was chosen because it distracts the viewer as little as possible while still standing out clearly from the background, which is often green when observing nature.
Swarovski has managed to find a balance between viewing with binoculars and additional information that is essential for the user, as in no situation does the additional information interfere with the viewing experience itself.
It's time to familiarize yourself with the use, i.e. what can you do with the new binoculars? We start turning the adjustment wheel on the bridge between the frame tubes. First, we'll try out the bird mode.
Swarovski's new AX Visio 10x32 binoculars can identify 9,000 bird species
We aim the binoculars at the birds in the experimental area. After aiming, we focus the binoculars normally. Instead of conventional binoculars, in these binoculars, the same focus ring focuses both the view and the camera simultaneously.
After focusing, the recognition button, which sits naturally on the left side, is pressed halfway and the binoculars provide feedback on whether the focus is sufficient and how any vibration affects the image quality. After this, the button is pressed all the way down, causing the binoculars to take a picture of the bird being observed and compare it to its internal database of 9,000 birds. The result is returned with a delay of about a second and if the identification is successful, the name of the bird being observed appears in the field of view. The image of the identification is also saved to the camera's internal memory and the image can later be transferred to, for example, your own mobile phone.
We set off with binoculars to find out if we can trust automatic identification. After about three hours of testing, we can, but with reservations. At this point, we need to think about what reliable bird identification requires. It requires a good image, in which the details can be clearly distinguished for identification. Unfortunately, birds are fast and do not always show their most recognizable sides in nature. Often, a bird is only partially visible from behind a tree or in reeds. These factors make identification difficult - whether it was done from a book or with the help of Swarovski's new automatic identification.
In most cases, binoculars will make the correct identification. However, we find that in challenging cases, the same bird may be given two or three different species identifications.
After a moment of discussion, however, we come to the conclusion that if the AX Visio 10x32 binoculars can narrow down the bird to three species out of the 487 different bird species observed in Finland, the end result is quite an exemplary performance. After a nature trip, you can refine the identification yourself by returning to the images stored in the binoculars' memory and making the identification using a bird book or your favorite mobile app. Swarovski AX Visio binoculars work seamlessly with, for example, the Merlin Bird ID application developed by the Cornell University Ornithological Laboratory.
Overall, a model performance. The binoculars' identification feature is a joy for both beginners and more experienced birdwatchers in Finland, as well as tourists who encounter more atypical bird species during their travels in Finland.
Moving forward in the modes, we turn the control wheel to the “Mammal Detection” position.
AX Vision's mammal recognition can currently identify 200 different mammal species
Mammal identification works on the same principle as bird identification: first, the binoculars are focused on the object to be observed, then the identification button is pressed halfway and the binoculars give feedback, such as vibration. Finally, the button is pressed all the way down, at which point the binoculars take a picture and perform the actual species identification. The species identified were at least fox (Vulpes vulpes), human (Homo sapiens), dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and horse (Equus caballus).
The 13-megapixel camera is steadily grinding more images into the device's memory. At the same time, we experimenters discover that in addition to the image itself, the viewing direction and GPS information are stored in the image data. The AX Visio has a compass, a position sensor, an acceleration sensor and a GPS module. The binoculars can store approximately 1,300 images in their memory at a time.
You no longer need to guide the viewer with the “two fingers up from the other branch” style, but when you find a target, you can lock it in the binoculars’ memory and give the binoculars to a friend, after which the binoculars will guide the arrow to the right spot. A handy tool for a nature guide traveling with clients or a couple enjoying nature.
Camera and Live View mode
When you don't want to use the recognition features, you can also use the binoculars to simply take pictures or videos. The binoculars have their own camera and video modes for this purpose.
The special feature of the camera mode is the new Live View mode, where the binoculars' view can be shared wirelessly directly to the accompanying smartphones. Once again, an excellent tool for, say, a nature guide showing his clients natural sites. Of course, all viewers must have the SO Outdoor app installed to view the binoculars' view image.
The AX Vision compass mode is the best I've seen
The compass mode of the AX Visio 10x32 adds two scales to the basic view: a compass bearing and an altitude scale. The digital scales work so well that I would dare to say that the AX Visio is an excellent marine binocular, at least for daytime use.
The red area is not normally visible to the user, but becomes highlighted when an external camera takes a picture through the eyepiece.
At the time of testing, no other information is displayed on the screen, but knowing that the device also has a GPS sensor, the boater hopes that in the future it will be possible to display, for example, speed information and the actual direction of travel in addition to the compass direction.
Based on quick checks, the compass is accurate, which is to be expected from a quality product made by Swarovski.
The excellent compass view is a pleasant surprise. I would think there are also other users who would like to have a quality nature, bird and boating binoculars in one package.
Two optional modes for new applications
When looking at the AX Visio, it is important to note that Swarovski Optik has not only created new binoculars, but an entirely new technology platform on which the company will create new products in the future. The App Gallery, a library of applications from which new applications can be downloaded for the AX Visio binoculars, also speaks to the same ideology.
With the help of applications, the features of the binoculars can be tailored to suit your needs, and the binoculars have two slots on the dial for your own applications.
Operating system updates can also be made to the binoculars wirelessly.
A brief overview of manufacturing and technology
To understand why the release of the AX Visio binoculars is a major development in the field of binoculars, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the manufacturing behind the binoculars.
First of all, it should be noted that this is a product designed in Europe and made from mainly European components at the Swarovski Optik factories in Absam, Austria. Swarovski has a worldwide reputation as a developer of high-quality optical manufacturing methods and as a manufacturer of high-quality optics. A significant part of the work is done by hand and quality control is carried out at different production stages many times more than in traditional manufacturing. The AX Visio 10x32 is not a mass product, but a masterpiece of craftsmanship in optics and technological expertise.
Another perspective is a clear technological advance in consumer-level binoculars. Some might compare the development to the transition from analog cameras to digital cameras. Swarovski has packed traditional binoculars with an 8-core processor, a new type of NPU (neural processing unit), 32 gigabytes of internal memory, a 13-megapixel camera, a projection screen, and created a new user interface that is unparalleled in its success. Countless new challenges have had to be solved in creating the product. The product is not only technically but also optically more complex, as evidenced by the fact that the new AX Visio binoculars have a total of 47 different lenses.
The third perspective is the introduction of software into binoculars. In the future, binoculars will not be the same for everyone, but their features can be adapted to suit your own purposes. For this, Swarovski Optik has done 23,000 hours of software development work and written almost 500,000 lines of new code, and is committed to maintaining the software it has created well into the future.
All of this is tied to the long tradition, quality, ease of use of Swarovski Optik products and the fact that, despite its digitalization, Swarovski Optik also offers the familiar 10-year warranty on its new AX Visio products. Quite an achievement.
Swarovski Optik AX Visio 10x32 binoculars were released on January 8, 2024. The binoculars are available for pre-order through Kameraliike immediately at the time of release and deliveries to customers will begin on February 1, 2024. Demo binoculars are also available in our store for you to get acquainted with.
[product carousel: 26516]
