This smart spotting scope can identify up to 10,000 bird species for you, sports a 30x zoom, and 4K video with subject tracking autofocus — bird watching might never be the same again | Tech Radar

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This smart spotting scope can identify up to 10,000 bird species for you, sports a 30x zoom, and 4K video with subject tracking autofocus — bird watching might never be the same again

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It's the world's first with AI hardware, and it can shoot 4K video

Subject detection, autofocus, and bird identification also feature

Spotting scopes are traditionally a wildlife and bird watching essential, offering a stable and highly magnified view of distant subjects — much greater than monoculars can — but little has changed in these devices for decades. That was until now.

Meet the Go Birding M One Smart AI spotting scope — it looks just like a regular spotting scope, only it's equipped with AI hardware and a host of handy tools that could change wildlife and bird watching.

Following in the footsteps of the premium Swarovski Optik AX Visio binoculars, which we have tried and tested, the Go Birding AI spotting scope has 'industry-leading AI recognition' and can identify up to 10,000 species of birds.

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It will do this with the ability to record 4K / 30fps video, 1080p / 120fps slow motion video, and 8MP photos (RAW & JPEG), with a 30x optical zoom that can be digitally extended to 120x, supported by actual optical image stabilization for clear (tripod-supported) viewing and recording.

There's also subject detection autofocus that's supposedly able to track fast-moving subjects, and you'll be able to view and share the spotting scope's image through a connected device loaded with the Go Birding app, potentially making wildlife watching a shared experience even in the field (see images below).

Put simply, Go Birding M One Smart AI is the world's first 'smart' spotting scope.

As far as spotting scopes go, the Go Birding M One Smart AI offers a decent high-magnification view and is fitted in a standard-size body, though at 800g it is about twice the weight of similar devices, given its unique built-in image-making skills.

Traditional scopes are for viewing only, and you need to attach a separate camera to the eyepiece using an adapter to capture the device's view — also known as digiscoping. Go Birding, however, features a 1/2.7-inch sensor and direct photo and video recording.

The device is made by Chinese optical manufacturer Apexel, and features a 15x eyepiece magnification, 13.25mm eye relief, 43.5-degree exit pupil FOV, and a focusing range of 2m to infinity. In simple terms, the telephoto end of the optical zoom is equivalent to the 900mm focal length.

The display is actually a 0.49-inch OLED type with 1080p, not the optical type you get with traditional scopes, which could be a dealbreaker for some. On the flipside, however, the device will wirelessly connect with a smartphone or tablet through the Go Birding app (for i OS or Android), meaning multiple (simultaneous) ways of seeing what the spotting scope is viewing.

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There's a built-in 6,300m Ah battery, which provides up to 6 hours continued use / 72 hours standby — another potential dealbreaker for long trips versus battery-free types — but at least it supports 2-hour fast charging.

The Go Birding M One Smart AI spotting scope is currently in a crowdfunding phase. Its estimated price is

We are currently testing the device and will report back with how it fares in the field, together with any further developments on pricing and availability. We're keen to see if this is indeed the future of bird watching, and if it could replace superzoom bridge cameras or some of the best wildlife cameras for the wholesome hobby of bird watching and photography.

Are you a keen bird watcher? What do you make of the new AI spotting scope? Have your say below.

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Tim is the Cameras editor at Tech Radar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.

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