Amazing Kite Optics APC Stabilized 60 ED – The stabilized spotting scope that will make you abandon your beloved tripod

PREMISE

Thanks to the availability of Kite Optics, I had the opportunity to be the first tester to review the brand new stabilized spotting scope APC 60 ED. With this tool, you will forget about the tripod at home, as you will be able to observe up to 35x without problems.

Currently, this spotting scope is available in pre-order a 1,500 euros without zoom eyepiece and 2,300 euros with 17-35 WA zoom eyepiece. As always, in this article and video review you'll find not only the technical specifications, but also my practical field impressions, resulting from tests in various observational sectors: astronomy, birdwatching, landscape use and much more.

I remind readers that, since it's a new product, I haven't been able to test it for a very long time, also because I feel it's more than appropriate that other journalists, bloggers, influencers, and international testers give their impressions. For this reason, I confirm that my evaluations are based on field tests carried out over a period of approximately a week, no more.

 

 

AVAILABLE FORMATS

Currently only the format with lens is available. 60 mm, defined as APC Stabilized 60 ED.

ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED

To check out the standard equipment, I recommend watching the unboxing video posted on my YouTube channel. I can confirm that this spotting scope It arrives in an excellent cardboard packaging with the classic colour red and black by Kite Optics.

Inside the box, in addition to the spotting scope, you will find:

• Lens cap, equipped with a lanyard to prevent loss.
• Eyepiece cap, which attaches to the eyepiece body via a rubberized ring to prevent accidental loss.
• Scratch-resistant Cordura bag, with a double side zip system, sturdy and ideal for the safe transport of the instrument.
• Wrist strap, which adds further support during observation.
• USB-C cable, for charging the internal stabilizer.
• Manual and warranty documents of the product.
• Relax View, a small carbon monopod that will allow you to unload part of the weight of the instrument, improving comfort and stability during prolonged observation.

Also, I recommend you to Download the manual in PDF from the official Kite Optics website to learn more about all the technical features of this product.

 

 

MECHANICS AND FOCUSING SYSTEM

I begin the description of this incredible stabilized telescope by confirming to enthusiasts that it is proudly made in Japan. Except for the central area housing the gyroscopic stabilization system, the telescope is quite compact and similar to classic spotting scopes. The design is reminiscent of other high-quality Japanese products.

The hull is protected, in the central part, by a large rubber coating that perfectly covers the stabilization system area. For the rest, you can appreciate an excellent color anodization. black, which is the main color of the spotting scope, with the exception of the red ring on the eyepiece.

The telescope weighs 1,346 g with zoom eyepiece, while without the eyepiece the weight stands at only 990 g, distributed over approximately 30 cm long. In the bayonet insert area there is a large ring (7×58 mm) which allows for secure locking of the eyepiece, also ensuring greater waterproofing.

Near the focus ring, however, there is another ring, with a similar design to the locking one but thicker (17×62 mm), which allows the activation and deactivation of the stabilization system.

In the lateral areas there are slots for inserting shoulder straps, and the same goes for another slot in the lower part, where there is also a classic 31.8mm thread. This allows you to use not only the small carbon tripod provided, but also any photographic tripod. In fact—without giving too much away—I can already say that the stabilization system is extremely useful even when the telescope is mounted on a tripod.

The focusing system is entrusted to a’wide collar ring, optimized with a thick, knurled rubber coating, measuring approximately 39 mm x 66 mm. It's easy to use even with sweaty hands or winter gloves. The minimum focusing distance I've estimated is between 4.2 meters at 17x and about 4.3 meters at 35x.

From this distance, to reach infinity, you need to rotate the large bezel counterclockwise by about half a turn. This is a truly interesting result, especially since already starting from 15-20 meters — a typical distance for my usage of the spotting scope — reaching infinity occurs with a minimal rotation.

As far as freehand handling of such a tool is concerned, I don't think there are any particular problems: on average, a reflex camera with a lens 70-200 mm weighs approximately 1,600 g, even reaching 1,800-2,000 g if equipped with a 400mm f/5.6. But I'll talk about this aspect later. From a waterproofing point of view, the scope is certified IPX7, filled with inert gas and with an operating temperature between -20°C and +45°C.

 

Finally, in the lower part of the optical hull, near the bayonet mount, there is a small LED which acts as a low battery indicator.

OPTICS

Objective

As you may have guessed from the introduction, this observation telescope is equipped with an objective AND (Extra-low Dispersion), therefore with low dispersion lens. The useful diameter declared by the company is 58 mm.

The images are sharp and contrasting, with good color representation. As you can see in the video review, I noticed a slight warm tone on whites — a typical characteristic of many products. Made in Japan, which I personally appreciate very much.

You can protect the lens with a neutral density filter. UV o protection, thanks to the presence of a thread M60 x 0.75 integrated into the lens cell.

Eye

Another peculiarity of the Kite Optics APC Stabilized 60 ED it is the use of the eyepiece 17-35x WA, already known to fans of the brand to equip the KSP 80 HD.

This eyepiece offers:

• Linear field: between 60 meters e 41 meters.
• Field of view: Between 3.4° e 2.3°.
• Apparent field: Between 58.4° and well 82.2°, which makes it spotting scope actually wide angle.

The declared eye relief distance is between 18 and 17 mm. Not having specific instruments to measure it precisely, I detected a distance of 15 mm between the center of the field lens and the edge of the extended lens hood. For this reason, I recommend that eyeglass wearers check their viewing comfort. In any case, in my tests with glasses anti-blue light and a couple of sunglasses, I was able to observe the entire field of view perfectly even at the highest magnifications, without any particular difficulty.

The eyepiece is equipped with an extraction system with 4 positions, highlighted by 2 distinct clicks:

• Closed position
• First click
• Second click
• Fully extracted (which, in reality, seems to push the lens hood back slightly rather than adding distance).

The rubber of the lens hood is quite soft and comfortable, although, since it is a telescope and not binoculars, I did not encounter any pressure problems or discomfort during observation. The diameter of the lens hood is approximately 57 mm.

The eyepiece adjustment system is entrusted to a large knurled rubber ring, which measures 41.5 x 50.5 mm. The movements are fluid and precise, making it easy to adjust the magnification without any clicks or mechanical play.

 

Prism

This spotting scope uses a Schmidt-Pechan prism. The exit pupil is perfectly circular; I haven't noticed any invasive vignetting at the edges of the field or any reflections near the exit pupil. The only problem is a slightly illuminated lower edge, which is distant from the pupil, which in practice doesn't seem to cause any problems.

ANTI-REFLECTION TREATMENTS

I did not find detailed references to the anti-reflective treatments used, but it seemed clear to me that a multilayer coating on every optical surface, with a pleasant coloration emerald green.

There total transmission declared by Kite Optics is equal to 90%, a value that I feel is realistic. The images, in fact, appear decidedly bright, considering the diameter of the objective and the use of a zoom eyepiece.

 

STABILIZATION SYSTEM

The heart of this observation telescope is the incredible stabilization system defined Kite Dynamic Gimbal System. This system is able to analyze and correct involuntary movements in real time during use, ensuring excellent stability even when the spotting scope It is mounted on a tripod.

The processor and software have been updated compared to the first versions: in this case, the telescope benefits from the new KT 3.0 processor, which eliminates jerkiness during the panning faster, offering a user experience fluid and high-performance.

One of the strong points of the system is energy efficiency: a single charge can last over 30 hours. In my tests, having not had the opportunity to use it for more than a week, I returned the device to Kite Optics with the battery still practically half charged.

Similar to binoculars Kite, the battery status is indicated by the LED with flashes of different colors:

• 3 green flashes: battery above the’80%
• 2 green flashes: battery between 80% and 50%
• 1 green flash: battery between 50% and 20%
• Continuous orange flash: battery under the 20% → recharge required via cable USB-C and a normal smartphone transformer.

  

 SWITCHING ON AND OPERATION

The telescope is turned on by placing the switch in the position “"THE"”, while to turn it off just turn the ring back to “0”. A Green LED will signal the activation of the system.

It is useful to remember that the ignition switch also functions as a Physically lock the gimbal, so even when the batteries are low, it's always best to lock the system to prevent wear and tear on the internal components. Due to the larger prism and stabilization system compared to APC binoculars, the device is not optimized for automatic sleep mode or timers to prevent the gimbal from being left without power during free-motion movement.

CHROMATIC AND GEOMETRIC ABERRATIONS

Before describing my impressions regarding the presence of chromatic and geometric aberrations, I would like to clarify that my evaluation focuses mainly on the use with the stabilization system active, since the main purpose of this tool is to be used in this way.
I did comparative tests with stabilization activate and deactivate, but in practice I didn't find any perceptible differences in terms of aberrations.

 Chromatic aberration at the center of the field

The correction of residual chroma at the center of the field is excellent. Even when observing critical subjects, such as a white gazebo or highly reflective surfaces, no obvious chromatic aberration is noticeable. Only by moving towards the edges, one begins to perceive a very light colored fringe, a sign that the telescope is actually equipped with low dispersion optics but it is not totally apochromatic. Although I do not have precise information on the composition of the lenses (for example FPL-51, FK-61 or similar), the optical performance is in line with products of high quality.

Lateral chromatism

The lateral chromaticism It is slightly perceptible in conditions of strong contrast, with a green-blue chromatic residue around the edges of the brightest objects. However, in observation overview or in the birdwatching, it is so minimally invasive that does not compromise the viewing experience.

Field curvature

A all enlargements, the definition at the edges remains very good. Even with careful observation on photographic tripod, details perceptible in the center are visible even at the edges of the field of view. The slight loss of sharpness at the edges is contained and attributable more than anything to other aberrations, such as the lateral chromaticism, rather than a marked field curvature. In practice, the telescope offers a field that I would define as: almost perfectly flat.

Angular distortion

There pincushion distortion è mild and varies slightly depending on the excursion of the zoom. I have estimated that, on average, it is around 5%.

Aberrations in astronomical use

During the tests astronomical, I mounted the telescope on a photographic tripod, keeping the active stabilization. In this context, I can confirm that, at 17x starting from about the 85% from the center of the field the stars are no longer point-like due to a slight combination of coma and astigmatism, the situation improves at 35x where I noticed an extension of the usable field, I would say up to the 90%.
 

USAF CHART TEST AT 35 METERS

I did a test with the USAF Chart in four modes:

1. On a tripod with stabilization off
2. On a tripod with stabilization activated
3. Freehand without stabilization
4. Handheld with stabilization activated

On a tripod, at 17x without image stabilization active, I was able to make out the vertical and horizontal lines of the number 4 on average, while at 35x I was able to make out zone 2 on the opposite side. With image stabilization activated, I didn't notice a significant improvement in detail perception, but focusing accuracy did increase, especially in windy conditions or when I put my fingers close to the eyepiece. To be nitpicky, there may have been a very slight loss of definition on the smaller lines—perhaps around the 5-10%—but it's difficult to quantify exactly.

When observing freehand, reading the details of the USAF Chart was virtually impossible at 17x due to excessive vibrations. By activating the stabilization, both at 17x and 35x, performance became surprisingly similar to that achieved with a tripod, albeit with slightly lower definition. This slight difference is understandable, considering the enormous work done by the stabilization system to compensate for movements. Ultimately, the test with the USAF Chart also confirmed the impressive potential of this instrument, which manages to offer performance almost indistinguishable from that achieved with a tripod, especially when observing real natural details and not just imperceptible micro lines.

As noted in the past, testing stabilized devices such as the Nikon EDG 85 VR, I can confirm that the use of the stabilization is also advantageous on a tripod. This is because the system absorbs micro vibrations caused by the wind or from slight instability less sturdy tripods.

REFLECTIONS AND GHOST IMAGES

Observing a very powerful spotlight at about 60 meters away in dead of night, I only detected one little spike a 12 o'clock. For the rest, the containment of the diffused light è very good, with very few ghost reflections on the whole magnification range.

During the’daytime use, the telescope behaves very good even in backlight, resulting online with other tools of similar price range. This feature makes it a reliable companion even in conditions of strong light contrast, like sunrise and sunset or observations with the low sun on the horizon.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND DIGISCOPING

I have done some photographic tests connecting a iPhone XR via an adapter Smartscope Vario, and even then I really appreciated the stabilization, which improved the quality of the images and videos. Once you use it, it's really hard to do without.

PRACTICAL FIELD TEST 

Birdwatching

 During my birdwatching career, I have used all kinds of instruments: from compact binoculars to giant binoculars, including spotting scopes and astronomical refractors with erecting prisms and/or equipped with binocular viewers. I thought I had tried everything, but I have to admit that this was one of the experiences that surprised me the most. Observing with stabilized binoculars up to 18x is already remarkable, but being able to make sharp and stable observations at 35x handheld was simply incredible.

I tested the Kite Optics APC 60 ED in various contexts: cormorants and seagulls at over 120 meters away at the Germignaga hotspot, raptors perched at a long distance at the Palude Brabbia nature reserve, and raptors in flight in my valley. At first, I was skeptical: I thought the stabilization would be effective up to 17x, but that it would become a compromise at 35x.However, after trying Kite Optics binoculars and devices like the Zeiss Victory Mono 3×12, which are able to stabilize even at high magnifications, I was curious to test the true capabilities of the Kite APC 60 ED.

I can confirm that freehand observation at 35x is perfect, comfortable and even relaxing. The included lightweight monopod further enhances the experience: you can rest the monopod in the palm of your hand or find a natural position that offers stability similar to that of a lightweight tripod. I didn't notice any loss of sharpness between stabilization on and off, but the perception of detail with the stabilizer turned on at 35x is impressive. For example, observing birds of prey perched at a great distance becomes a totally new experience, allowing you to appreciate minute details that are impossible to capture without stabilization or with traditional stabilized binoculars.

With this telescope, say goodbye to sandbags or improvised supports: a small monopod is all you need for excellent stability even at 35x. Lightness and power combine to offer high-quality observations without the weight of a traditional tripod. Compared to stabilized 18x50 binoculars, the step up to 35x offers a decisive advantage: while two eyes at 18x can perceive similar detail as at 23-25x, having those extra 10x magnifications can make a difference in many situations.

Landscape observation  

Even when observing the landscape I really appreciated the stabilization system, which allowed me to read the hands of the bell towers without a tripod at distances of 11-20 km, Admire trekkers ascending to the peaks of the Alps and capture many other surprising details. Carrying a spotting scope that weighs roughly the same as a 70-200mm telephoto lens is a winning choice for those who want to travel light without sacrificing the ability to capture stable, detailed observations. The convenience of having such a high-performance and compact device opens up observation possibilities that would otherwise require bulkier equipment.

 

Twilight observation

When observing at twilight, I can reiterate what I often notice with stabilized binoculars: stabilization seems to improve brightness perception, allowing for better capture of micro-details even in low-light conditions. Although using a tripod is common with spotting scopes, many enthusiasts rely on improvised supports such as bean bags, the edge of a car window, or the railing of a shelter. In these situations, activated stabilization offers a clear advantage, improving sharpness and reducing residual vibrations.

It's incredible to be able to walk in the woods, perhaps against the wind, moving from clearing to clearing to partially hide behind a tree, activate the stabilization and observe at magnifications much higher than those usually obtainable with a 7×42 or an 8×56 at twilight. At 17X, you can still take advantage of a pupil of about 3.5mm, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a fixed, very bright eyepiece for this type of observation. This freedom of movement, combined with the magnification power and stability, makes observing in low light a fascinating experience, rich in otherwise inaccessible details.

Astronomical observation

The astronomical observation took place between late February and early March, allowing me to admire both the deep sky and the Moon and planets. At a planetary level, I was able to observe the Galilean satellites, and at 35x, the planet Jupiter appeared to have a clear disk, although slightly drowned in a great brightness that revealed some residual color. I was unable to distinguish the two equatorial bands, but when observing M42, I appreciated the possibility of using the spotting scope while comfortably lying on my sunbed, enjoying zooming from 17x to 35x. This allowed me to see star clusters literally explode in detail, such as the well-known M35 in Gemini or the rich clusters in Auriga and the double cluster in Perseus.

In these situations, the ability to handle the instrument freehand even in relaxed situations, without the constraint of the tripod, proved fundamental. A straight spotting scope, in fact, can be uncomfortable to use with a tripod, while the freedom afforded by stabilization made the experience much more pleasant. Most of my observations, especially of the moon, were done lying on the sunbed, and even when I tried to photograph the moon with my smartphone—despite the adapter not being perfect—stabilization proved essential for dampening vibrations. This leads me to also recommend using lightweight tripods: the stabilization helps so much that you can easily save on more expensive and heavier tripods.

As for geometric aberrations at the edges of the field, I can say that, averaging across the entire magnification range, images remain enjoyable up to about 90-95% of the field of view. At higher magnifications and with higher magnitude stars, there is some degradation due to the presence of coma and astigmatism, but overall, almost the entire field of view is usable. At 35x, the apparent field of view is a generous 80 degrees, and even though this instrument is not specifically designed for astronomy, the comfort of using it prone, with image stabilization active, is a huge plus. There is no drop in performance even when aiming towards the zenith.

PROS AND CONS

Merits

• Very effective stabilization, even at maximum magnifications
• Use of stabilization is also useful on a tripod in case of strong wind, light supports or during the digiscoping technique
• Excellent battery life
• Sharp and contrasty optics, comparable to spotting scopes of the same diameter in the same price range but without stabilization
• Good containment of residual chromatism
• Possibility of using the zoom eyepiece, ideal for those who are already Kite Optics customers and own other spotting scopes of the brand
• Potential compatibility with Swarovski eyepieces (not personally tested, but the bayonet looks similar)
• It literally opened up a new way of observing freehand, without the need for bulky supports

Defects

• I don't know what to mention, obviously freehand management cannot be practiced for now by those with physical problems such as neck pain or other, in this case, I recommend always using it with the small monopod available in the kit.

 

 

IN CONCLUSION

 

In short, I think the new Kite Optics 60 APC ED observation telescope is a truly innovative instrument. It's been years since a product has amazed me so much. The ability to observe freehand at up to 35x has made my nature excursions much more enjoyable and practical. This instrument is perfect not only for the enthusiast who loves observing from the balcony after a dinner at a mountain hut, but especially for those who go on long hikes, nature photographers, or those who want to explore every detail after a long climb to the top of the mountains. In these contexts, the lack of a tripod becomes an unbeatable advantage.

The Kite Optics 60 APC ED is sharp, high-contrast, and features a high-quality wide-angle zoom, with excellent optics. It's not a replacement for binoculars, but it's a very attractive price point, considering that many compact 56mm spotting scopes still require a tripod or a natural support to be fully utilized. None of these, however, can match the resolving power of this instrument, not only in terms of magnification, but also in terms of stabilization, which allows you to perceive microscopic details that are impossible to capture simply by resting the scope on a backpack or using a monopod.

Kudos to Kite Optics for creating such a versatile and high-performance product. Even for amateur astronomers, although you could buy large-diameter achromatic binoculars for the same budget, the experience of using the Kite 60 APC ED is truly unique. Observing the sky while comfortably lying on a sunbed, enjoying stabilization even at high magnifications, is a pleasure well worth experiencing.

PRICE AND WARRANTY

Currently, this spotting scope is available in pre-order a 1,500 euros without zoom eyepiece and 2,300 euros with 17-35 WA zoom eyepiece.

The cost is in line with that of traditional spotting scopes of the same diameter and optical quality, but with the invaluable advantage of being able to observe freehand even at high magnifications. This feature, combined with the sturdy construction and excellent lens quality, more than justifies the investment.

Kite Optics also offers a 30-year warranty, a sign of great confidence in the product's durability and reliability. The electronic stabilization is covered for 5 years, a more than adequate period for such a sophisticated system. This level of coverage provides peace of mind to the user, who can count on comprehensive assistance should the need arise.

THANKS

I'd like to thank Kite Optics for providing the unit for this review and for allowing me complete freedom to share my personal impressions. I'd also like to point out that Kite Optics has also agreed to my journalistic impartiality agreement, which I offer to all companies in the industry interested in sending me their products for reviews, provided they allow me to cite my impressions.

I also remind you that I do not receive any commission on sales of these instruments. If you are interested in purchasing them, I invite you to visit the Kite Optics online shop using the link in the advertising banner below, which is the only form of advertising in this article.