The CL Companion sits between the pocket-size CL Pocket and full-size EL and NL ranges, making it the perfect mid-range model that combines portability with excellent optical prowess.
We spent a week with both the 8x30 and 10x30 CL Companions to test them out, with the former being ideal for tracking movement with a wider field of view, while the latter brings you closer to the details.
Swarovski CL Companion 8x30Kimberley LaneSwarovski CL Companion 8x30Kimberley LaneSwarovski CL Companion 8x30Kimberley LaneSwarovski CL Companion 10x30Kimberley LaneSwarovski CL Companion 10x30Kimberley LaneSwarovski CL Companion 10x30Kimberley LaneSwarovski CL Companion 10x30Kimberley LaneSimple, fuss-free designRubber grip ensures a secure holdChoice of three earth-tone colors
Both the 8x30 and 10x30 weigh just 1.21 pounds (550 grams), so you can easily wear them around your neck all day without even knowing they're there. They're compact enough to put in a large jacket pocket, or you can just wear the included carry bag.
Key specificationsThe central focus wheel has just the right amount of slip to make it easy to change focus, but is not so loose that you don't have enough control over it. The diopter is located on the front of the focus wheel, which felt a little off at first, but once we set it, there was no danger of accidentally changing it.
Swarovski CL Companion: Performance
Swarovski CL Companion 8x30Kimberley LaneSwarovski CL Companion 10x30Kimberley LaneSharp optics throughout the image circleMinimal defectsExcellent for daytime birdingOut in the field, the CL Companions proved to be particularly well suited to daytime birding — although with 90% light transmission, they'll still hold their own at dawn or dusk. Both the 8x30 and 10x30 had a clear, sharp image, with plenty of detail across the image circle. The 8x30 felt particularly easy to use when trying to pick up birds quickly, while the 10x30's extra magnification was great for getting a closer look at more distant subjects.
Both models performed well in the bright daylight conditions we were using them in, both in terms of optical clarity and comfort when using them for longer periods. Their small size and light weight meant we could comfortably track birds in flight without having to take breaks, which is often a dealbreaker when it comes to choosing a pair of birding binoculars.
Swarovski CL Companion 10x30Kimberley LaneSwarovski CL Companion 8x30Kimberley LaneWide field of view for birdingWaterproof down to 13 ft/4 m3m close focusing distance
The close focusing distance of 9.8 feet (3m) was also handy when birds came closer, and enables you to observe insects like bees and butterflies without spooking them by getting too close. And with the smooth focus wheel, it was easy to change focus between the two distances.
Should you buy the Swarovski CL Companion?
On paper, they tick all the boxes. The optics are excellent, and they're lightweight and easy to carry. But with Swarovski being very upfront about the fact that it’s going after a younger audience with these CL Companions, we have to wonder what young person would have a spare $1,500 to spend on a pair of binoculars? It's not a small investment, so you'd need to be a dedicated observer to spend that kind of money.
If this product isn't for you
Something more premium
Swarovski NL Pure 8x42Dedicated birders who want a more premium option will want to look at the Swarovski NL Pure range. They're one of the best binoculars we've ever used, and you'd never have to buy another pair again. We tested the 8x32, but if you like to observe at dawn or dusk, the 8x42 would be ideal.
Something more compact
Hawke Endurance ED 8x25The Hawke Endurance ED 8x25 are tiny, pocket-sized compact binoculars with genuinely impressive optics. Our optics writer loved testing them so much she went out and bought herself a pair.
Something better for stargazing
Celestron SkyMaster Pro 20x80Dedicated stargazing needs a bigger objective lens diameter — we love the Celestron SkyMaster Pro 20x80, although you'll need to mount them on a tripod.
Read our full Celestron SkyMaster Pro 20x80 review
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