Swarovski is a name that has become synonymous with quality. They’re known for the dazzling purity of their crystals. More importantly for us, though, they’ve built quite the reputation for their optics.
There’s no doubt that their products are amongst the best on the market. The price, however, might have you wondering if they’re worth it. In my experience, they are. I’ve wasted a lot more money on dud binoculars than I’ve spent buying these.
But, in the interests of fairness, I’ve set up this Swarovski binocular review. Here I’m going to take a look at some of their most popular models. I’ve included a set that’s more entry-level than the others because it’s also priced a lot lower.
Also, stay tuned for the twist at the end – it’s one you’re going to love.
My Top Pick
Choosing one winner out of this lot was hard, but since I had to, I decided on the Swarovski SLC 10×42. This is an excellent set of all-purpose binoculars that will soon become your favorite too.
Swarovski Binocular Reviews
Swarovski SLC 10×42 – Best Model Overall
Swarovski is a company that knows its way around optics. Their products are amongst the best in the world. With this set of glasses, you’ll see why.
Key Features
- Roof prism
- Outer lens diameter is 42mm
- Field of view is 330ft.
- Angular FOV is 6.3 degrees
- 10 x magnification
- Will focus from 10.5 ft.
- Weighs 27 oz.
- Fog-proof
- 16mm eye relief
- HD optics
- Swarovision coating for better clarity in all lighting conditions
- Swarobright coating to ensure the best color fidelity
- Shock-resistant
- Non-tangle strap design
What I Like About This Product
You’ll love these from the first time that you pick them up. The optics give crystal clear a whole new meaning. If you’re a bird watcher, you’ll be able to pick out the patterns on individual feathers. The contrast is excellent. For hunters, this is going to more important than being able to see true to life colors. On that note, the colors are also highly accurate.
Whether you need binoculars for game spotting, bird watching, or even getting a closer look at the stars, this is the best set you’ll find.
I also like the way the strap is designed. It’s set up so that it’s extremely difficult for the binos to get tangled up in them (but give me some time, I’m sure I’ll manage it somehow). For most people, though, it’s a useful feature.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
It feels like nitpicking, but these are not the lightest set out there. You don’t have to be the Hulk to use them, but it would be nice if they were a little lighter.
Pros
- You’ve never seen such color fidelity
- Images are clear, with no blurring on the edges
- Durable
- Premium brand
- Extremely high-quality
Cons
- Would like them to shave off a couple of ounces
These are the best all-around set that I’ve ever reviewed. It’s perfect for most people.
Overall Rating
4 ¾ out of 5 For you, if you want a clearer view of the road ahead.
Swarovski EL 50
This set is the largest that I’m reviewing today. It maxes out at ten times magnification and gives a far wider field of vision.
Key Features
- 10 x magnification
- Field of View of 345 ft.
- Eye Relief of 20 mm
- The closest focus distance is 9.2 ft.
- Weighs 35.2 oz.
- Multi-coated
- Roof prism made from BaK-4
- Rubber armor
- Twist-up eyecups with detents
- Waterproof
- Fog-proof
What I Like About This Product
The bigger lens means that you’re able to see even more of the action. This monster also has a higher eye relief, so you’ll get to enjoy the picture for that much longer without experiencing fatigue.
These binoculars are ideal for those who want to get a more panoramic view and also want to be able to see further.
The Swarovision coating means that you’ll be able to see crystal clear pictures in true to life colors. These binoculars work as well in low-light conditions as they do in standard lighting.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
My complaint about the last pair was their weight. This pair is heavier. I realize that it’s the price that you pay for the outstanding optics, but I do wish there was some way around it.
Pros
- Exceptional quality optics
- Wider field of view
- Great eye relief
- Crystal clarity
Cons
- On the heavier side
This model is going to appeal to those who like getting more of a view. At the same time, you pay for that extra view with an increase in weight. It’s not that much extra weight, but if you don’t need the extra field of view (FOV) capacity, it might not be worthwhile.
Overall Rating
4.5 out of 5 If you’re big on the view, these may be for you.
Swarovski CL Pocket 8×25
Remember how I said that I was going to introduce an entry-level model that was better in terms of price? This is it.
Key Features
- Lens diameter of 25mm
- 8X Magnification
- Field of view of 390 ft.
- Angular FOV of 6.8 degrees
- Eye relief of 17
- Focuses from a distance of 8.2 ft.
- BaK-4 roof prism
- Weight of 12.2 ounces
- Waterproof
- Fog-proof
What I Like About This Product
As you’ll see, the primary difference between this model and the others is in size. It’ll fit in a pocket. This aspect does mean a smaller lens size, but, oddly enough, not too much difference in the optics.
You get eight times magnification and a pretty decent field of view. The images are clear and true to life. Like with our other models, there’s no blurring at the edges. These are a great pair to keep in your cubbyhole, so you’re always ready to spot something.
Many also use these at indoor events to get a better view. Would these work for hunters? I’d say yes. Don’t let the size fool you; these still offer decent results. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that I’d prefer these over many of the cheaper brands on the market.
Considering that they also weigh considerably less than the other models I’m reviewing, I’d probably reach for these more often.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
It’s easy to forget you’re carrying them in your pocket. I’d imagine you’d have to sit down quite hard on them to break them, but it’s not a chance that I’d want to take.
Pros
- Same top-quality in a more compact package
- About a third of the price of the standard models
- All the features that you really need
- Easy to carry
Cons
- You might forget they’re in your pocket and sit on them
Overall, these offer a great introduction to the world of premier optics for far less than you’d expect.
Overall Rating
4.5 Dynamite really does come in small packages
Swarovski EL 8×32
If you’re looking for a more compact set of full binoculars, this might be the right set for you. It weighs a mere 20.9 ounces but offers some pretty impressive stats.
Key Features
- 8X magnification
- Lens diameter of 32 mm
- Fully coated lenses
- Weighs 20.9 oz.
- Field of vision is 423 ft.
- Angular FOV of 8 degrees
- Shortest focusing distance is 6.2 ft.
What I Like About This Product
The HD optics are a real treat. I’m not going to launch into a song about how fantastic the optics are. I like this pair because it’s more compact overall.
You’re not losing any image quality as a result. The angle of view is quite impressive.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
You’re paying a fair amount extra for the savings in weight and size.
Pros
- Fantastic quality
- Great field of view
- Clear images
- Lightweight
Cons
- Pricier than some others on this list
You can’t go wrong with the optics on this one. It performs well in low lighting and good lighting.
Overall Rating
4 out of 5 Lightweight and great optics – a match made in heaven.
Swarovski Riflescope Z3 3-10×42
Here’s the twist. Now, call me a hypocrite if you like. I’ve said before that a riflescope is not a good substitute for binoculars. I still hold to that generally, but here I’ll make an exception.
Key Features
- Alloy tube is lightweight and scratch-resistant
- Easy to mount and won’t add much weight or bulk
- Three big turrets to make adjustments easy
- Reticle adjustment
- The magnification ring is easy to twist around
- Nice eye relief
What I Like About This Product
The optics are completely clear. You’ll be able to see your target quickly, even in low light conditions. It’s a lightweight, convenient way to site your prey.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
You don’t get the same field of vision that you would with binoculars. Gun safety rules also need to be more strictly obeyed when looking for prey.
Pros
- Convenient
- Superb optics
- Lightweight
- Easy to install and adjust
Cons
- Not the same field of view as binos
This is one of the options that I decided to sneak in here. It’s a bit of a cheat, but it just shows the range that Swarovski is capable of.
Overall Rating
4 out of 5 Think outside the box for convenient solutions
About the Brand
Swarovski is an Austrian brand that traces its history back to 1895. The founder, Daniel Swarovski, started the company when he invented an electric machine for grinding stones.
Since then, Swarovski has come to be known internationally for the brilliance and clarity of its crystals. Creating high-quality lenses was a natural progression for a company with an eye for fine detail and quality manufacturing, which is why, in 1935, the founder’s son, Wilhelm Swarovski, decided to build better optical devices. He was fascinated with the stars but frustrated by the quality of binoculars on the market at the time.
He decided to use the skills learned by his family in the jewelry manufacturing industry, and so, a legend was born. Swarovski had already, at the time, established a reputation for excellence in the jewelry business. Wilhelm’s pet project gave them a start in a seemingly disparate field – that of sports optics.
Since then, the company has earned a stellar reputation the world over. If you’re looking for high-quality optics, you’ll battle to find better. This is why people are happy to pay the premium that the company charges. Granted, the prices are higher, but you’re getting a premium brand. If you’re going to be using them a lot, you can’t beat the value that you’re getting in terms of optics. These are also binoculars that will last a few lifetimes.
Swarovski is a premium, and some might say, luxury brand, compared to other popular brands. It’s earned that title throughout its long and varied history.
Final Thoughts
The Swarovski SLC 10 x 42 is the most versatile option in my books. Which is yours? Any option that you select from this list will be a superb choice. All the models reviewed feature Swarovski’s excellent optics and high-quality components.
You really can’t make the wrong choice here. Do you like the budget-friendly price of the pocket version or do you want a full-sized version? Do you like the convenience of being able to strap on a scope instead?
Those are questions only you can answer. Hopefully, this Swarovski binocular review will have made that decision easier for you.
Just Checking to see if I can get my SLC 10x42WB Swarovski Binoculars Repaired some were, I broke them in half. They fall off my 4 Track as I was riding & hit the ground . The serial number is D752739116. I Hope you will know were I can get them Fixed. I really Like these Binoculars, They are the Best for what I used them for & it’s mostly Hunting. I Think they are the Best ….