[Black] Everyone I hand these to says, 'Oh!' I really like pocket binoculars for their convenience and stealth (you can walk around looking at birds during lunch and then stuff them in your pocket when you bump into your co-workers). It was between the Curio and the Leica 8x20s. I decided on the Curio because of the larger field of view. What I had not realized was that these would be better than my all my other binoculars at everything, even in very low light. I hesitated to shell out the money, but I'm glad I did. I made a point of ordering from B&H to get the lifetime warranty because they're an official dealer.

[Black] I've owned several pairs of quality binoculars over the past 40 years, Nikon, Leica, Canon, Minox, Zeiss, but wanted a small, lightweght pair to carry backpacking and during extended travel overseas.
I read extensively about ones weighing under 12 ozs, and these stood out for being extremely lightweight, ultra high quality construction, and having the best view possible edge to edge.
I didn't want to pay that much, but it ended up being worth the money, and I would recommend these and the 7 power for someone seeking the above traits.

[Black] I have purchased these pocket binoculars multiple times over the years and have always felt like they were a compromise optically. Typically this form factor runs deep with department store junk optics. Most recently, I've had a Pentax DCF SW 8x25 for several years and I felt they were pretty decent, but they never seemed to find a permanent place in my toy bag in the car. These will without a doubt.

My primary binocular is the Meopta Meostar 8x32. I have found that the 32mm objective isn't much of a compromise in the prairie environment where I do most of my birding. I like the smaller form factor and reduced weight. The Curio may become my new go-to for field outings when I am primarily using the spotting scope.

The Curio has great eye relief which is a primary concern for me since I wear glasses, I also really like the 7x choice. For such a small optic, I can only get three fingers on it, the minor reduction in magnification helps keep the image steady. The image is really nice and consistent edge to edge. In other words, the optics are not so much a compromise as the form factor. If you don't have good dexterity or very large hands, you may not like this form factor, consider a larger binocular. But, if you are looking for a true pocket binocular, this is the Rolls Royce in my opinion. Did I mention that the rain guard design is genius? Protective, without being unnecessarily bulky.

My only nitpick is the case. The case is very nicely constructed from high-quality material and I really like the design of the removable shoulder strap. However, A small interior pocket to store a microfiber cloth AND a quality belt loop would make the case perfect (after all the strap is removable.....).


The purpose of having a binocular with this form factor is to have it with you always. This is a pleasure to keep.

[Black] I use it for my Zeiss 825. Perfect fit.

[Black] Restricting magnification to seven makes the image appear more stable. It is also bright and distortion free. Even inside the small soft shell case it fits into my pocket.

[Black] I've owned about 7 pairs of binoculars over the years, and currently also have a 35 year old 8X20 Leica that I've carried in Asia and South America.
I read online about this Swarovski, and saw only praise. The 7X power was mentioned as not being a problem.
After getting this and carrying it backpacking in Colorado, I now agree with what I read. It really is that good, while still being very small and light.
I highly recommend these as being the best high quality small binocular, and I tried several others.

[Black] I have a Zeiss Victory Pocket 8x25 and was looking for a rainguard for it. Read in the Q&A section of the Zeiss VP and people there mentioned the Opticron Compact Binocular Rainguard and the Meopta Ocular Rainguard for 32mm Meostar. So I tried both, they don't really fit. Both of them are way too big and loose, falls off easily.


Then I stumble on the reviews of this CL rainguard. There are two previous reviews mentioned they fit their Zeiss VP. So I bought it, and this one does fit quite well! May be a little tight when putting on but none-the-less, it fits.

[Black] Very pleased with rainguard. I always thought that these should
be included with the purchase of the CL Pocket binoculars.
They are now included.

[Black] I have used CL Pocket binoculars for many years as my daily-carry binoculars as they are light and handy, always available and at hand. One drawback to their ready use was the lack of a guard to protect the lenses when worn with the neck strap. The lens rain guard is the same quality as my EL 8.5 X 42 binoculars, just in miniature. Now I await objective lens covers so that the lenses are fully protected. Good-on-you, Swarovsky for finally bringing out a quality rain guard for the prone to drips and debris drops on the ocular lenses of your pocket bins!

[Black] This is my first pair of high end binoculars. The image is indescribably good during daylight hours, particularly on an overcast day. It is almost magical. The build quality is excellent. The included soft case, case strap, and separate binocular strap are all made of top-notch materials. There is only one lens cap included, but it seems to fit on either side. A second cap is available for purchase separately. I have larger hands, and the even top and low weight of this design makes them especially comfortable to hold one-handed. They are simply amazing.