Swarovski CL Pocket 10x25 binocular
FEBRUARY 2021 saw the launch of an upgraded version of Swarovski’s already popular CL Pocket binocular range. The two models – 8x25 and 10x25 – have undergone some improvements that include a new design for the armouring, making holding them more comfortable, while the hinge system has been improved, along with the focusing mechanism.
The internal optics and other mechanics remain the same as in the previous models.
In terms of colour, there is now a choice between anthracite and the traditional ‘Swarovski green’, the black version having been discontinued.
For those unfamiliar with this neat little package, the binocular’s success hinges on its design to make it as compact as possible, while at the same time being ergonomically friendly, as well as delivering a first-class image. A tall order which, for all intents and purposes, has been met.
I took to the field with the 10x magnification model, unsure of how well it would perform against standard, conventionally built binoculars. Compared with the latter, the CL Pocket’s most obvious physical feature is its double-hinge design, each hinge connecting the barrels housing the optics to a central bridge. Not only does this arrangement achieve the required compactness, it also serves equally well in performing the adjustment function of interpupillary distance. The hinges offer enough resistance that the latter stays put once set in position, unless the binocular receives a significant knock.
I found the CL Pocket’s small size took some initial getting used to from the perspective of both handling and viewing. Used to raising standard-sized binoculars to my eyes, I was not accustomed to the smaller diameter of the oculars. Even with the interpupillary distance correctly set, I must confess to being thrown somewhat when quickly raising the binocular to look at a flying bird. However, this was fairly quickly overcome as familiarity kicked in.
One big plus rapidly emerged from the CL Pocket’s diminutive dimensions and very low weight in that I frequently forgot I was wearing it around my neck. Its 350 g of aluminium chassis, rubber armour and glass equate to little more than 40% of the weight of the equivalent magnification NL Pure from the same manufacturer.
In terms of operation, the central focusing wheel is rubber covered, milled to increase grip and its depth allows only single-finger contact. It is positioned comfortably offline in relation to the strap lugs, turns very smoothly and easily and, despite being recessed in the bridge, I had no difficulty in operating it while wearing thick, woolly gloves.
The dioptre adjustment is more deeply recessed, also centrally, at the opposite end of the bridge – unexposed so as to negate the risk of accidentally changing its setting.
The close-focus distance of 2.5 m was spot on, from which almost two full clockwise rotations of the focusing wheel took the image to infinity.
The twist-out eyecups are
topped with firm, though ‘eye-comfortable’, bevel-edged rubber. There are no identifiable intermediate settings between the extremes of retraction and extension, but in the latter instance, I was still able to see the full field of view.
At 98 m at 1,000 m, the latter is not fantastic, but at no point did I experience a feeling of being hemmed in. The 8x magnification model has a field of view of
119 m at 1,000 m, adding an extra 21% to the field width – something worth bearing in mind if this aspect of the specification is more important than the magnification.
The light-gathering capacity on the small, 25 mm objectives is understandably lower than that of a 42 mm binocular. In comparison to the image brightness delivered by the 10x42 NL Pure, there was clearly a significant difference – more so in low light conditions. I was, however, surprised at how bright the image actually was. It was also sharp to the edges of the field and the colours crisp and accurately reflected. There is an average amount of chromatic aberration straddling the image, this being at its most evident when viewing dark objects, such as bare tree branches, against a bright sky. Otherwise, it is largely unnoticeable.
Across a range of different habitats, the CL Pocket delivered generally pleasing results and its performance is, I would estimate, as strong as many ‘full-size’ binoculars of a similar, or even higher, price. During my first time out in the field with it, I discovered a juvenile Iceland
Gull at my local landfill, picked out with ease among a throng of other gulls occupying a large warehouse roof, the finer details of its ‘biscuit’ plumage clearly evident.
There’s a lot contained within this very small package – almost the equivalent of a quart in an optical pint pot. It is supplied with a soft carry case, an unpadded, basic nylon lanyard and a specifically designed, unique, ‘double-hinged’ flexible rainguard. Oddly, there are no objective lens caps. ■