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The CL Companion is Swarovski’s devoted compact binocular, initially presented 15 years back, however has actually now been revamped in 2026 to interest a broader, more youthful audience. RSPB research study discovered a boost of around 1,000% in birdwatching amongst Gen Z in the UK because 2018, with a comparable boom now taking place in the United States.
The CL Companion sits in between the pocket-size CL Pocket and full-size EL and NL varieties, making it the best mid-range design that integrates mobility with exceptional optical expertise.
The Companion is a grab-and-go, “take it anywhere and everywhere” binocular that is ideal for various activities, whether that’s finding birds, scoping out your treking path or sweeping throughout the stellar sky during the night.
We invested a week with both the 8×30 and 10×30 CL Companions to evaluate them out, with the previous being perfect for tracking motion with a broader field of vision, while the latter brings you closer to the information.
Swarovski CL Companion: Design
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(Image credit: Kimberley Lane)
The greatest modification in contrast to the old-style CL Companion remains in the style. The initial variation was more of a standard binocular visual, however this upgraded style breathes life into the variety with 3 brand-new earth-toned colorways: mountain green, desert orange and safari brown. While some users have actually stated they look rather toyish (or simply downright awful), when you manage them personally, they are far more streamlined and trendy than the item images would have you think.
Both the 8×30 and 10×30 weigh simply 1.21 pounds (550 grams), so you can quickly use them around your neck throughout the day without even understanding they’re there. They’re compact sufficient to put in a big coat pocket, or you can simply use the consisted of bring bag.
Secret specs
Zoom: 8x/ 10x
Goal lens size: 30mm
Weight: 1.21 pounds (550 g)
Exit student: 3.8 mm/ 3mm
Field of vision: 8-degrees/ 6.6 degrees
Close focusing range: 9.8 feet (3 m)
The main focus wheel has simply the correct amount of slip to make it simple to alter focus, however is not so loose that you do not have sufficient control over it. The diopter lies on the front of the focus wheel, which felt a little off in the beginning, once we set it, there was no threat of mistakenly altering it.
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They likewise have generous eye relief, which is terrific news for users who use glasses. The eye relief is 19mm on the 8×30 and 18mm on the 10×30. We utilized them on a brilliant, bright day throughout a heatwave and were quickly able to observe while using sunglasses without any concerns at all.
Swarovski CL Companion: Performance
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(Image credit: Kimberley Lane )
Out in the field, the CL Companions showed to be especially well matched to daytime birding– although with 90 % light transmission, they’ll still hold their own at dawn or sunset. Both the 8×30 and 10×30 had a clear, sharp image, with a lot of information throughout the image circle. The 8×30 felt especially simple to utilize when attempting to get birds rapidly, while the 10×30’s additional zoom was excellent for getting a more detailed take a look at more far-off topics.
The color recreation was natural, and the views had excellent contrast without looking over-processed. Great information on plumes were simple to choose, even on smaller sized birds. There was a small sliver of color fringing towards the edges in high-contrast circumstances, however it didn’t ruin the view whatsoever, and you ‘d just discover it if you were actively searching for it (which we were). Each time we have actually utilized a set of Swarovski field glasses, there’s a three-dimensional watching experience and depth to the image that you simply do not get with less expensive brand names.
Both designs carried out well in the brilliant daytime conditions we were utilizing them in, both in regards to optical clearness and convenience when utilizing them for longer durations. Their little size and lightweight indicated we might easily track birds in flight without needing to take breaks, which is frequently a dealbreaker when it concerns selecting a set of birding field glasses.
Swarovski CL Companion: Functionality
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(Image credit: Kimberley Lane)
The large field of vision is among the better functions for birding. The 8×30 has a 549 feet (140m)FOV, while the 10×30 has 377 feet(115m)– both of which are broader than the initial generation of CL Companion. Both made it simple to discover birds when scanning trees and bushes, and there sufficed area around the based on follow them quickly after they flew.
The close focusing range of 9.8 feet (3m) was likewise convenient when birds came more detailed, and allows you to observe pests like bees and butterflies without scaring them by getting too close. And with the smooth focus wheel, it was simple to alter focus in between the 2 ranges.
Both designs are water resistant to 13 feet (4 m), which is likely more defense than many people will require, however it is assuring when utilizing them outdoors in the rain, or if you were to inadvertently drop them in a puddle.
Should you purchase the Swarovski CL Companion?On paper, they tick all packages. The optics are exceptional, and they’re light-weight and simple to bring. With Swarovski being extremely in advance about the truth that it’s going after a more youthful audience with these CL Companions, we have to question what young individual would have an extra $1,500 to invest on a set of field glasses? It’s not a little financial investment, so you ‘d require to be a devoted observer to invest that sort of cash.
That stated, they’re a lot more than your common compact field glasses. They’re a truly excellent binocular with sensational optics constructed into a little and compact bundle. Generally you require to jeopardize on one or the other, however the CL Companion offers you the very best of both worlds.
If this item isn’t for you
Something more superior
Committed birders who desire a more premium choice will wish to take a look at the Swarovski NL Pure variety. They’re one of the very best field glasses we’ve ever utilized, and you ‘d never ever need to purchase another set once again. We checked the 8×32, however if you like to observe at dawn or sunset, the 8×42 would be perfect.
Read our complete Swarovski NL Pure 8×32 evaluation[
Something more compact
The Hawke Endurance ED 8×25 are small, pocket-sized compact field glasses with really excellent optics. Our optics author enjoyed checking them a lot she headed out and purchased herself a set.
Read our complete Hawke Endurance ED 8×25 evaluation
Something much better for stargazing
Celestron SkyMaster Pro 20×80
Committed stargazing requires a larger unbiased lens size– we like the Celestron SkyMaster Pro 20×80, although you’ll require to install them on a tripod.
Read our complete Celestron SkyMaster Pro 20×80 evaluation
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