If you are a bird-watching enthusiast and love to view these creatures through the lens, you must have or want to have Swarovski premium binoculars for the perfect view. Who doesn’t know about Swarovski? Even a beginner or a normal person knows Swarovski either due to its jewelry or optics collection.
Swarovski Optik was founded in 1949 in Tyrol, Austria. This Austrian company is considered a giant in the Optics market due to its extraordinary quality and unmatchable images. The very first product line launched by Swarovski is Habicht 7×42 which is still being produced by the company. A tradition of its history!
There are many different models of Swarovski binoculars available today to identify birds in the market, but not each binocular is ideal for birding. You need to look for specific features of birding binoculars.
Features a binocular should have for birding:
The foremost thing is the magnification power. If you want to watch birds or similar smaller creatures, a higher magnification of 8 or 10 is ideal. You won’t miss the bird with this power!
Image by Theo Hodapp from Pixabay
Appropriate objective lens size is required, usually, a lightweight binocular famous for birdwatching has a smaller lens size and coating on it to allow maximum light transmission.
Your birding binoculars should have a nice wide field of view.
If you want to have a good closeup view of a butterfly or other smaller birds, you would need a binocular with a close focus of 7 or 8.
New binoculars have roof prisms having internal focusing. This makes the binoculars more sturdy and waterproof which is good for serious birder like you.
For a bird-watching enthusiast, these three features are a must-have. If you are going out birding all day long, you would need your binoculars to be lightweight and waterproof, and obviously, you should have a warranty.
Among many Swarovski binoculars, you are looking for the best. And we have picked out some wonderful binoculars for you. Let’s get started with a comparison table.
At a Glance:
Binocular Magnification WeightObjective lens DiameterField of viewPriceCL Curio 7×21 Anthracite7×10.6 Oz21mm405 ft. at 1000yds$899EL Swarovision Pro 10×4210×29.6 Oz42mm336 ft. 1000yds$2959AX Visio 10×32 Smart10×38.5 Oz32mm336 ft. 1000 yds$4799CL Pocket 8×25 Green WN wild8×12.2 Oz25mm357 ft. 1000yds$859EL Range with Tracking Assistant 10×42 10×32.6 Oz42mm359 ft. 1000yds$3999SLC 15×56 W B15×42.3 Oz56mm234 ft. 1000yds$2399 swarovski nl pure binoculars 8×29.6 Oz42mm159m@1000m$3449Habicht 8×30 W Black Traditional8×19 Oz30mm408ft@1000 yds$1469
Best Swarovski Binoculars for Birding
1. CL Curio 7×21 Anthracite
CL Curio Anthracite is the most lightweight binocular in the product line. It weighs just 10.6 oz and fits neatly in your pocket. It is super durable, easily folded, has an excellent ergonomic shape, and can be taken with you anywhere. This binocular is intuitive to us with a sophisticated body and excellent optical performance. It got it all!
Thanks to its wide and impressive field of view, you will get high-class bright, and sharp images using it. With this comes the perfect viewing comfort that makes your experience more pleasant.
Key Features:
· The eyecups twist up and down to offer perfect eye relief of 16 mm.
· The focus wheel is smooth and takes a 2.25 clockwise turn to move from close focus to infinity.
· These binoculars have a roof prism and transmit more than 90% of light.
· The diopter adjustment mechanism is present at the far end of the bridge from the focus knob.
· It has decent coatings on the lens and is completely waterproof.
Specs:
Magnification7xPrism TypeRoofObjective GlassED GlassField of view405 ft. at 1000ydsClose focus8.2 ft.Eye relief16 mmWeight8.9 ozExit Pupil Diameter3 mm
Pros:
l They fit neatly in pockets even in their excellent fabric case, because of their small and compact size.
l From near focus to infinity, the focus wheel rotates 2.25 clockwise, moving extremely smoothly and rather freely.
l Performs very well in low light.
Cons:
l Certain users experienced a deficiency in magnification when observing far-off eagles.
l Challenging and difficult to get the perfect eye position.
Pricing:
Get this pair on Amazon for $899.
2. EL Swarovision Pro 10×42
EL Swarovision Pro 10×42 is among the Best birding binoculars due to its magnificent optical clarity. The higher magnification of 10x is ideal for watching over large distances. It is obviously a high-end binocular from the look and body to the optical performance.
.
It is not very lightweight but this is not a shortcoming because of all the other qualities it has. Including high transmission, low distortion, perfect image sharpness, negligible brightness loss, wide field of view, and high-quality prisms and coatings. What else are you looking for?
Key Features:
· The fantastic optical system of EL Swarovision Pro features premium phase-coated Bak4 prisms with over 91% light transmission. Just Wow!
· There are Swaro-Top and Swaro-Bright coatings which further help in transmission resulting in maximum color reproduction.
· The binoculars are 100% waterproof and fogproof due to nitrogen filling.
· The optical technology of Swarovision Pro contains field flattener lenses composed of fluoride HD glass for life-like images.
· It also consists of removable eyecups with 4 adjustment stops.
Specs:
Magnification10xDesign TypeRoof prismDimensions6.3 x 5.2 inClose focus10.83’ ft.Eye relief20 mmArmoringrubberWeight29.6 ozField of view336 ft. 1000ydsExit Pupil Diameter4.2 mm
Pros:
· It possesses amazing optical quality.
· The Swarovision has the sharpest images and steady view so far.
· The view through the ELs is so brilliant and detailed that it almost feels life-like.
· Amazingly fast edge-to-edge display and performance.
Cons:
· Some people find it uncomfortable to walk with it while using the neck strap since the Binos move and bounce.
· A bit pricey.
Pricing:
You will get Swarovision Pro on Amazon at the price of $2959.
3. AX Visio 10×32 Smart
Swarovski AX Visio 10×32 Smart is the most innovative and latest binocular taking the optics market to the next heights. These AI-supported binoculars are the most revolutionary thing that happened ever. It is the first-ever smart binoculars by Swarovski with an integrated camera.
The camera captures images and videos, can identify the animals, mark locations, and even live stream the view to nearby smart devices. Isn’t this something to blow our minds? AX Visio Smart has incredible Swarovision technology combined with AI and digital intelligence making it the most hyped binocular in 2024.
Key Features:
· AX Visio 10×32 has Merlin Bird ID software integrated with it that provides instant identification of the bird in the view.
· It also features an Optik Wildlife ID app which supports butterfly ID, dragonfly ID as well and mammal ID.
· An independent camera lies on top and between the two main barrels. The camera is 13MP to take high-resolution images and capture videos in 4K.
· This binocular comes with Swarovision technology including a field flattener lens with top-tier glass and lens coating to get maximum brightness, color rendition, and viewing comfort.
· Not only this AX Visio Smart comes with the 3rd party app developer interface for anyone to develop software for it. The future is here!
Specs:
Magnification10xPrism TyperoofPrism MaterialPhase-and Aluminium-coated BaK- 4Field of view336 ft. 1000 ydsClose Focus9.8 ft.Eye relief17.8 mmLens coating fully multi-coatedWeight38.5 ozExit Pupil Diameter3.26 mm
Pros:
It is the world’s first AI-supported smart binoculars with a camera to capture images and videos.
Razor-sharp observation is possible thanks to the extremely good optics of Ax Visio.
Some users claimed that being able to identify subjects after first spotting them is a lot of fun and informative.
Cons:
To fully utilize AX Visio Smart functions, it takes quite some time to get used to with some trial and error.
It must be used in conjunction with a smartphone if you want access to all of its functions.
Pricing:
Get these incredible binoculars on Optics4birding at $4799.
4. CL Pocket 8×25 Green WN wild
Swarovski’s CL Pocket 8×25 is one of the best compact binoculars for birding. Due to its small size and weight, it is easy to carry along with you anywhere. Thanks to the big surface area on its bridge, it is quite easy to handle. Other than this, its folding design makes it perfectly fit in your hands.
The ideal magnification (8x) of these binoculars ensures that you don’t miss any intricate detail by providing excellent image quality. This binocular comes with accessories like a green-colored field bag and a web neck strap made of nylon.
Key Features:
· CL Pocket Green features a dual-hinge bridge that helps the optical barrels fold tightly.
· The binoculars have SWAROBRIGHT, SWARODUR, and SWAROTOP coatings on their flat field lens to deliver a sharp image with optimal color rendition.
· The eyecups of this model are made up of hypoallergic material and are twisted up.
· The outer body is greenish with black-trimmed eyecups and has aluminum housing.
Specs:
Magnification8xPrism TyperoofObjective lens Diameter25 mmClose Focus8.2 ft.Eye relief17 mmWeight12.2 ozField of view357 ft. 1000ydsExit Pupil Diameter3.1 mm
Pros:
Because of their small size and lightweight, they are convenient to put in a pocket or hand.
The visuals are stunning for a small binocular, they are very bright with a lot of light passing through the lenses.
They have sturdy ergonomics and are fog-proof, dust-proof, and water-resistant.
Cons:
CL Pocket Green is a little heavier than most pocket binoculars.
The smaller objective lens size (25mm) of these binoculars makes them less effective in low light than larger binoculars with wider lenses.
Pricing:
You can buy this binocular from Amazon at the price of $859.
5. EL Range with Tracking Assistant 10×42
Swarovski’s EL Range offers many innovative features indulging the latest technology to make the user experience the best. EL Range TA (Tracking Assistant) binoculars are an example in itself. It features the Swarovision technology in combination with precise range measurement. The tracking assistant integrated into the model helps you in tracking your prey easily.
Along with the Rangefinder, this binocular has exceptional optimal performance and a giant field of view for creating true-to-life colored images.
Key Features:
· You can use the smartphone app to configure the binoculars according to your ballistics data. Based on this data and atmospheric pressure, it helps you to shoot precisely.
· The Tracking Assistant helps you to narrow down the area where you shot the last time.
· The EL Range with TA offers more than 90% light transmission and cutting-edge sharpness, thanks to its Swarovision technology.
· The multiple coatings on the lens allow you to get distortion-free images and excellent color rendering.
Specs:
Magnification10xPrism TypeRoofObjective lens Diameter42 mmClose Focus16.4 ft.Eye relief19 mmBattery type1 – CR2Weight32.6 ozField of view359 ft. 1000ydsExit Pupil Diameter4.2 mm
Pros:
Users frequently compliment the binocular’s exceptional optical quality and sheer size.
The rangefinder’s accuracy in measuring distance is highly amazing.
For hunters, the smartphone’s ability to customize ballistics data is a useful tool.
Cons:
These binoculars come with a hefty price tag for many birding experts.
These binoculars are somewhat heavy in comparison to other 10×42 models.
Pricing:
You can buy this birding binocular from Amazon for $3999.
6. SLC 15×56 W B
The SLC 15×56 W B is by far the highest magnification binoculars customed by Swarovski in our list. It is known for its high quality and low-light performance. It is perfect for wetland and coastal bird watching.
It is a high-end binocular after the EL series with many premium features including roof prisms, a rubber armored body with a leather pattern texture, and premium coatings on the lens. This binocular is a super-sized binocular, it appears heavier than the other binoculars in the same range.
Key Features:
· It features Abbe-Koenig prisms that use the total internal reflection, increasing the light transmission.
· It also comes with the HD fluoride-containing objective lens to reduce color fringing.
· SLC 15×56 has a single hinge body design and build made of magnesium chassis.
· The eyecups on this birding binocular are screw-type with 4 fully down positions.
Specs:
Magnification15 xPrism TyperoofObjective lens Diameter56 mmWaterproofingWaterproof/Nitrogen PurgedClose Focus12.8 ft.Eye relief16 mmWeight42.3 ozField of view234 ft. 1000ydsExit Pupil Diameter3.7 mm
Pros:
· The sharpness, clarity, and resolution of these binoculars are mindblowing, as they provide remarkable clarity at large magnifications.
· The large 56mm objective lenses are ideal for usage at dawn, dusk, and nighttime as they collect a lot of light.
· You can see more of the scene with the SLC 15×56 because it has a broader field of view than other high-power binoculars.
Cons:
· These binoculars are heavier and more bulky in nature. This may make them difficult to hold for long periods of time.
· There is hardly much eye relief (16mm), this could be a problem for people who wear glasses and have trouble seeing the whole field of vision.
Pricing:
Get it on Amazon for $2399.
7. Swarovski NL 8×42 Pure
Swarovski nl pure binoculars are best known for their enormous field of view and magnification power. NLs are even better at their work compared to the ELs and that’s why they take the best Swarovski binoculars crown.
The body of this binocular has grippy armor with a single bridge design, a wasp waist that sits perfectly in your hand, a great objective lens (42mm), an ultra-wide viewing angle, and it’s waterproof.
Key Features:
· The NL Pure binoculars have an ideal Schmidt-Pechan prism (Roof prism) that manages over 90% light transmission.
· The field flattener lens system contains fluoride HD glass having SWAROBRIGHT, SWARODUR & SWAROTOP coatings.
· The efficient focus system and the re-engineered bridge allow more of the optical tubes to grip.
· The housing of NL-Pure is filled with nitrogen and O-ring sealed to make it waterproof and fog resistant.
Specs:
Magnification8xPrism TypeRoofObjective lens Diameter42 mmClose Focus6.6 ft.Eye relief18 mmEye CupsTwist-up with detentsWeight29.5 ozField of view477 ft. 1000 ydsExit Pupil Diameter5.25 mm
Pros:
· The large eye relief and easy-to-use focus knob are the best things about this binocular.
· It has superb ergonomics, they are simple to hold for extended periods of time due to their contoured barrels and open bridge design.
· With its wide field of vision, the 8×42 setup is ideal for following moving objects and scanning wide areas.
Cons:
· Minor veiling flares have been noticed under extremely bright situations, such as at dusk with a brilliant sky.
· Price is a bit high compared to ELs.
Pricing:
Swarovski NL Pure binoculars are available on Amazon for $3449.
8. Habicht 8×30 W Black Traditional
The Habicht series dates back to the initial days of Swarovski, it’s the first binoculars introduced by the company. Since then, there have been tremendous improvements and innovations in it. Habicht 8×30 W is a sturdy and lightweight binocular ideal for birders and can be easily used in all sorts of harsh conditions.
The image produced through these binoculars is vivid, detailed, and 3-dimensional. It has maintained its tradition of having black leather armoring. The remarkable optical technology has a nice wider field of view, resulting in bright, sharp images and excellent optical performance.
.
Key Features:
· The optical system of Habicht 8×30 W presents multiple coatings for impeccable light transmission with maximum light gathering.
· It comes with an extremely precise porro-prism system creating contrast-rich 3-dimensional images.
· Habitcht has a wide field of view through a 6-lens wide-angle eyepiece.
· It is waterproof and has sturdy construction which makes it extra durable.
Specs:
Magnification8xPrism TypePorroObjective lens Diameter30 mmPrism materialBaK-4Close Focus10 ft.Eye relief12 mmArmoringLeatherWeight19 ozField of view408 ft. 1000 ydsExit Pupil Diameter3.75 mm
Pros:
l This binocular has a nice wide field of view (408 ft. At 1000 yds ), superb sharpness, and brilliant, high-contrast images.
l They are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for carrying on hikes, bird-watching trips, and other outdoor activities.
l The classic Porro prism style is quite likable along with the opulent feel of the neck strap and leather armoring.
Cons:
· These binoculars are frequently available with a lengthy lead time by special order.
· The center focus can be a little stiff at first, but with use, it might become less rigid.
· The 30mm objective lenses are good for their size, but they won’t collect as much light as larger binoculars.
Pricing:
On Amazon, you will get this binocular for $1469.
Final Words
Swarovski Optik being a giant in the optics industry, has been producing every sort of binocular for the last century. You will get from sturdy and heavy binoculars to new and modern ones with digital technology all in one place. There are many models for you to choose what is right for you.
If you are okay with the weight, you can go for SLC 15×56 W B. But if you need precision and a rangefinder along with the binoculars go for EL Range with TA. Moreover, to enjoy the AI technology, you have got AX Visio Smart.
And for the enthusiasts who like to travel all day long, you need lightweight binoculars like CL Curio or CL pocket. It’s now your job to find the best Swarovski binoculars for yourself among all these. Buy the most suitable binoculars for yourself today and enjoy nature to the fullest.
