Swarovski CL Companion compact binocular review
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The CL Companion is Swarovski’s dedicated compact binocular, originally introduced 15 years ago, but has now been redesigned in 2026 to appeal to a wider, younger audience. RSPB research found an increase of around 1,000% in birdwatching among Gen Z in the UK since 2018, with a similar boom now happening in the US.
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.
The Companion is a grab-and-go, “take it anywhere and everywhere” binocular that is perfect for many different activities, whether that’s spotting birds, scoping out your hiking trail or sweeping across the starry sky at night.
We spent a week with both the 8×30 and 10×30 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: Design
- Simple, fuss-free design
- Rubber grip ensures a secure hold
- Choice of three earth-tone colors
The biggest change in comparison to the old-style CL Companion is in the design. The original version was more of a traditional binocular aesthetic, but this updated design breathes life into the range with three new earth-toned colorways: mountain green, desert orange and safari brown. While some users have said they look somewhat toyish (or just downright ugly), when you handle them in person, they are much more sleek and stylish than the product images would have you believe.
Both the 8×30 and 10×30 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 specifications
Magnification: 8x / 10x
Objective lens diameter: 30mm
Weight: 1.21 pounds (550 g)
Exit pupil: 3.8mm / 3mm
Field of view: 8-degrees / 6.6 degrees
Close focusing distance: 9.8 feet (3 m)
The 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.
They also have generous eye relief, which is great news for users who wear glasses. The eye relief is 19mm on the 8×30 and 18mm on the 10×30. We used them on a bright, sunny day during a heatwave and were easily able to observe while wearing sunglasses with no issues at all.
Swarovski CL Companion: Performance
(Image credit: Kimberley Lane)
- Sharp optics throughout the image circle
- Minimal defects
- Excellent for daytime birding
Out 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 8×30 and 10×30 had a clear, sharp image, with plenty of detail across the image circle. The 8×30 felt particularly easy to use when trying to pick up birds quickly, while the 10×30’s extra magnification was great for getting a closer look at more distant subjects.
The color reproduction was natural, and the views had good contrast without looking over-processed. Fine details on feathers were easy to pick out, even on smaller birds. There was a tiny sliver of color fringing towards the edges in high-contrast situations, but it didn’t spoil the view whatsoever, and you’d only notice it if you were actively looking for it (which we were). Every time we have used a pair of Swarovski binoculars, there’s a three-dimensional viewing experience and depth to the image that you just don’t get with cheaper brands.
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: Functionality
(Image credit: Kimberley Lane)
- Wide field of view for birding
- Waterproof down to 13 ft/4 m
- 3m close focusing distance
The wide field of view is one of the more useful features for birding. The 8×30 has a 549 ft (140m) FOV, while the 10×30 has 377 ft (115m) — both of which are wider than the original generation of CL Companion. Both made it easy to find birds when scanning trees and bushes, and there was enough space around the subject to follow them easily after they took flight.
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.
Both models are waterproof down to 13 feet (4 m), which is likely more protection than most people will need, but it is reassuring when using them outdoors in the rain, or if you were to accidentally drop them in a puddle.
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.
That said, they’re much more than your typical compact binoculars. They’re a genuinely impressive binocular with stunning optics built into a small and compact package. Typically you need to compromise on one or the other, but the CL Companion gives you the best of both worlds.
If this product isn’t for you
Dedicated 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 8×32, but if you like to observe at dawn or dusk, the 8×42 would be ideal.
Read our full Swarovski NL Pure 8×32 review
The Hawke Endurance ED 8×25 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.
Read our full Hawke Endurance ED 8×25 review
Celestron SkyMaster Pro 20×80
Dedicated stargazing needs a bigger objective lens diameter — we love the Celestron SkyMaster Pro 20×80, although you’ll need to mount them on a tripod.
Read our full Celestron SkyMaster Pro 20×80 review
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