[Zipper] I bought 4 pair of binoculars to try out looking at the birds and other nature in my backyard. 3 were 8x25; Swarovski CL Pocket, Zeiss Victory Pocket, Zeiss Terra ED and the 4th was the Nikon Monarch 7 in a 10x42. The Zeiss Terra ED had perfect clarity but was not as bright as the others. It was also harder to focus. Relatively mild criticism considering the price difference with the other 8x25 models. The Zeiss Victory Pocket and the Swarovski CL Pocket were remarkably similar. Equal clarity, equal brightness, equal ease of focus and overall use, equal ease of adjusting the diopter for the right eye, equal relative comfort of using with glasses (my preference). The Swarovski is minimally heavier, the Zeiss has a slightly wider field of view, Zeiss has a shorter close focus, the Swarovski has minimally longer eye relief.The choice between the two largely came down to individual preference for one moving eyepiece in an off-center design versus two moving eyepieces with a center focus wheel. The Nikon Monarch 7 10x42 was evaluated as it gives a bit more magnification, hopefully maintaining brightness with the 42mm objective lens. Clarity and brightness were as good as with the Zeiss Victory and the Swarovski. Focus was easy. Diopter adjustment was difficult. Eye relief was fine. Really excellent binoculars. But after using the 8x25s they just felt too heavy. Overall, I found the Swarovski 8x25 CL Pocket binoculars to be excellent. I have no significant complaints. I am happy to have them always available to grab and go. All of the others were returned.

[Zipper] This is probably the best 8x25 out there, better than SW's own old 8x20. It is definitely bigger(longer)and heavier than the 8x20, but with a much brighter (and flat) view, better eye relief, and still much smaller than any 8x32. However, remember this is still a x25 pocket, don't expect the same level of comfort of 8x32 and up.

[Orange] Us these for birding and love them. I am amazed how bright they are and highly recommend them.

[Orange] Very happy with my selection. Service was top notch.

[Zipper] I thought what I wanted was impossible compact binoculars that eliminated the usual problems with even the best compacts the darkened image, the tiny focusing knob, the blackouts whenever the eyes are moved. Apparently, Swarovski set out to design such a compact...and succeeded. The image on the 8x25 CL is unusually bright, the handling is superb, with a large, smooth focusing knob, and the unusually long eye relief has all but eliminated blackouts. Wonderful to use, and is still very light. Sharpness and color rendition are up with the best I've seen.

[Zipper] After so many times out not with the intention of birding and wanting to see one, I now have a pair I can keep with me. The quality makes up for the small exit pupil to give a bright view. Love them.

[Orange] Perfect carrying case and protection for my little Swaros.

[Zipper] Offers commodity and delight. Easy to carry and use, provides a view almost equal to the ELs.  Worth every cent.

[Zipper] Perfect complement to my EL10x50s, without the weight. Crisp, clear optics, ample eye relief, with or without glasses. Mechanically sound, and fold into a very compact size.

[Orange] I just received the 8x25 CL Pocket and I can tell you that, although they are $$$, I am very happy with the build quality and overall brightness and clarity they bring to my viewing experience.