
Review of the Swarovski CL Wild Nature Binoculars - The Frank Perspective
Frank here has given us a handy little review on the Swarovski CL Compact Binoculars in this blog. Not only will we get to hear his wonderful thoughts on these Mid-size Binos but we will hopefully answer some of your FAQ’s, as well as give you a little laugh along the way!
Ok, let’s get stuck in!

A Little Introduction!
Being a bit of a “lump” myself I was a little sceptical when asked what I thought of the Swarovski CL Companion Wild Nature 10x30 B Binoculars. Personally, I’m drawn to the full-size Swarovski and Leicas if im honest but having been told how good they were I decided I should try them out for a while and see what all the fuss was about.
Firstly once I became accustomed to the size they did feel quite nice to handle despite me being more used to the feel of full-size binoculars. Covered in the usual green Swarovski rubber armour, they fitted quite nicely and securely in my podgy paws giving a good grip and offering protection from knocks and bumps. Like the rest of the range from Swarovski, the build quality is excellent, the adjustable eye cups move smoothly giving excellent eye relief and the centre focusing ring is smooth and positive. I was worried at first that they wouldn’t open wide enough to accommodate my oversized forehead (having a huge brain does have its disadvantages), however, I needn’t have worried. Unless your eyes are situated on the side of your face I’m pretty sure you’ll be ok.
I decided that I needed to take them out into the wilds of Devon to see what they were really like and to get a perspective from both ends of the evolutionary scale I decided to take my diminutive wife with me to see what she thought despite the realisation that as usual, she would stiff me for lunch.
Now just to fill you in on a few details about my good lady, when I first joined the team at Southwest Optics she told me that she had no interest at all in bird watching, looking at or handling any kind of binoculars, spotting scopes etc and that it was all Yawnsville Arizona to her. However on one occasion when we came across a juvenile buzzard sitting on a telegraph post looking for dinner she took my binoculars from me and it was all I could do to wrench them back from her tiny little hands.

Taking the Bino's out into the wild!
So, we got up early on a dry but cold January morning had breakfast and walked the dog. It's no good being dragged around if we are going out to look for birds so he was grounded for the morning.
We jumped in my trusty motor and headed out for Staverton, a small but lovely village on the River Dart. I insisted that we had a go with the Swarovskis first as I thought once we were in the pub for lunch by a nice log fire I'd never get her out of it (or me for that matter).
We parked the car and set off to see if there was anything of interest to look at. Stopping on Staverton Bridge we could see that the recent rains had caused the river to swell so much that it had washed away any signs of bird life or wildlife in general for that matter. Not deterred by a lack of critters to gawp at I took the binoculars out of the case and after threatening Mandy with no lunch ever again if she dropped them in the river I let her loose.
She had had a look at home and had liked the size and feel of them but in order to get a good idea of how they perform and suit your needs you really need to take them out and about. Here at Southwest Optics, we have facilities where you can do just that so if you ever pop in you will be able to put things to the test before you buy.
Mandy’s first impression was that the CL’s were light and easy to use, she was impressed by the clarity and sharpness of the lenses and the feel of the rubberised coating which gave a good grip and are also easy to keep clean. Although the CL Compacts are not the smallest in the Swarovski range Mandy liked the fact that even in the Cordura case they were still small enough to fit in the pocket of her jacket. There was one small issue in that the dioptre focusing ring was a little “fiddly” (to coin her phrase) but that’s a small issue as once it's set it's fine.

So, to sum up, our thoughts on the Swarovski CL Compacts 10x30.
For me, I found them a little too small for my mitts but the build quality and specification were unquestionably top grade as you would expect from a premium brand. The colour rendition was excellent and there was a fair amount of “3D pop”. I personally, would save up the extra for the EL 8.5x42. If I had enough money I might be tempted to have a pair that I could keep about me as an extra but for the amount of birding that I do I can't help thinking that might be a bit of an extravagance.
Mandy on the other hand would have a pair in a heartbeat. They were just the right size for her and she was Impressed by the quality of the lenses and viewing experience. She noticed the difference between the quality of the Swarovskis and my pair of a lesser brand, which she took great delight in pointing out to me until I said I'd save our lunch money towards buying a better pair.
All in all, we felt that they were a lovely little pair of binoculars. Despite not seeing a single bird we were still able to get a good idea of the quality and functionality of the CL’s.
Feel free to come and try them yourself, you won't be disappointed.
You can find out more technical details about the Swarovski CL’s and many of our other products on our website - South West Optics
Keep Scrolling for some answers to those all-important FAQ's!

FAQs: Swarovski CL Companion Wild Nature 10x30 Binoculars
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What are the key features of the Swarovski CL Companion 10x30 binoculars?
These binoculars feature premium build quality with a rugged rubberised coating, offering excellent grip and protection. They are compact, and lightweight, and provide outstanding clarity and sharpness through their high-quality lenses. They also include adjustable eyecups for comfort and precise dioptre adjustment for custom focus. -
Are these binoculars suitable for people with larger hands?
While the Swarovski CL Companions are compact and may feel small for those with larger hands, they remain highly functional and comfortable to use thanks to their ergonomic design and secure grip. -
Can the Swarovski CL 10x30 binoculars fit into a jacket pocket?
Yes, even when stored in their Cordura case, these binoculars are compact enough to fit into the pocket of most jackets, making them perfect for travel and field use. -
How does the clarity of the Swarovski CL Companion compare to other binoculars?
The lenses provide excellent colour rendition, sharpness, and “3D pop,” making them far superior to many lesser brands. Users often notice a significant difference in image quality. -
What is the dioptre adjustment like?
The dioptre focusing ring is slightly “fiddly,” as noted in reviews, but once it’s set, it remains stable and ensures a tailored viewing experience. -
Are these binoculars suitable for all outdoor conditions?
Yes, they are designed for rugged use and provide excellent durability. The rubber armour offers protection from knocks and bumps, while the lenses are easy to clean. -
Are these binoculars comfortable for those who wear glasses?
Absolutely. The adjustable eyecups move smoothly and offer excellent eye relief, making them suitable for glasses wearers. -
What is the weight of the Swarovski CL Companion 10x30 binoculars?
These binoculars are lightweight at just 490g, making them easy to carry and use for extended periods without fatigue. -
Are the Swarovski CL Companions worth the investment?
For those seeking high-quality, compact binoculars for birdwatching or general outdoor use, these are a fantastic choice. Their optical clarity, build quality, and portability make them a premium option, although they might not replace full-size binoculars for more intensive birding. -
Can I test these binoculars before purchasing?
Yes, at Southwest Optics, you can try out the Swarovski CL Companion binoculars in the field to ensure they meet your needs before buying. -
Who would benefit most from these binoculars?
These binoculars are ideal for anyone seeking a lightweight, high-quality option for casual birdwatching, hiking, or travel. They’re particularly suited to those who value portability without sacrificing optical performance.