Swarovski Curio 7x21 versus Victory 8x25 and Ultravid 8x20 (1 Viewer)

[Floriano]

Hello birdform, im fairly new to optics, but the last weeks i went through a few "hammers" like the el 8x32 which is mine now, and i was also looking a few days through a Pure 10x32 (Decision was that i went with the el, since it seems often even lighter from the picture and sharpness)

I also have a diamondback 8x32 which went with me through nearly everything, but its not getting newer ;-)

Im trying to bridging the gap between the el 8x32 and one which is lighter but similar power..

Now i have to Curio here and its a monster for its size that's for sure, brightness like other swaros, but something is a bit strange from the eye placement or something.
And looking through the window watching birdies, im def missing some power, even on a shorter distance..
I think since its the first pocketbino im watching through, its the viewing comfort from the bigger ones which im missing...

Is there something else i could try like a Ultravid BR 10x25, or is that even worse, also because of the narrower FOV!?

I really love my diamondbacks, but once you looked through swaros its getting darker and more brownish compared to the brilliant Swarovski Picture..
It went with hikes, runs, nearly everything, were the curio would feel like a feather, my fear is the viewing comfort, when you know how it could be.

Still have a few days to test, but im still unsure..

 

[BabyDov]

Hello birdform, im fairly new to optics, but the last weeks i went through a few "hammers" like the el 8x32 which is mine now, and i was also looking a few days through a Pure 10x32 (Decision was that i went with the el, since it seems often even lighter from the picture and sharpness)

I also have a diamondback 8x32 which went with me through nearly everything, but its not getting newer ;-)

Im trying to bridging the gap between the el 8x32 and one which is lighter but similar power..

Now i have to Curio here and its a monster for its size that's for sure, brightness like other swaros, but something is a bit strange from the eye placement or something.
And looking through the window watching birdies, im def missing some power, even on a shorter distance..
I think since its the first pocketbino im watching through, its the viewing comfort from the bigger ones which im missing...

Is there something else i could try like a Ultravid BR 10x25, or is that even worse, also because of the narrower FOV!?

I really love my diamondbacks, but once you looked through swaros its getting darker and more brownish compared to the brilliant Swarovski Picture..
It went with hikes, runs, nearly everything, were the curio would feel like a feather, my fear is the viewing comfort, when you know how it could be.

Still have a few days to test, but im still unsure..

Floriano,
Welcome to the forum. If you are having any problems with your Curio, be certain that you have them adjusted correctly, particularly the eyecups. If you wear glasses, you may NOT want the eye cups totally in, as the directions advise. I found I was getting blackouts, until I move the eyecups out about an eighth of an inch. ( Don't move them out too much, either, or you won't get the best FOV.) In addition, adjust the interpupillary distance by bringing the barrels together until two images JUST merge into one. Too wide or too narrow, you might have comfort issues.

Having said all this, bigger binoculars are more comfortable, under most circumstances, particularly for extended viewing. I carry my Curios only when I don't think I will need any binocular. They travel in my pocket, just in case I do. For example, walking around London, I would take my Curio, because I probably won't need them for extended viewing, not to mention I don't want to look like a tourist.However, if I were going on a hike or nature walk, I would take my 8x42Nl or 12x42 Nl.with me. For sure, they will get used a lot. So in that situation, why ask a child, even a capable one, to do a man's job?

 

[Dyrlege]

Floriano,
Welcome to the forum. If you are having any problems with your Curio, be certain that you have them adjusted correctly, particularly the eyecups. If you wear glasses, you may NOT want the eye cups totally in, as the directions advise. I found I was getting blackouts, until I move the eyecups out about an eighth of an inch. ( Don't move them out too much, either, or you won't get the best FOV.) In addition, adjust the interpupillary distance by bringing the barrels together until two images JUST merge into one. Too wide or too narrow, you might have comfort issues.

Having said all this, bigger binoculars are more comfortable, under most circumstances, particularly for extended viewing. I carry my Curios only when I don't think I will need any binocular. They travel in my pocket, just in case I do. For example, walking around London, I would take my Curio, because I probably won't need them for extended viewing, not to mention I don't want to look like a tourist.However, if I were going on a hike or nature walk, I would take my 8x42Nl or 12x42 Nl.with me. For sure, they will get used a lot. So in that situation, why ask a child, even a capable one, to do a man's job?

As you will see from quite a few other posts you will see opinions differ! Worth a look, some people love the Curios, and as a reasonable entry piece you may find it very worthwhile to try. I found that it replaced not a few larger binos. But tastes differ.

 

[Trinovid]

...why ask a child, even a capable one, to do a man's job?

The Curio is small but the comparison between a child and a man couldn't be more inapplicable here. The Curio was designed with no corners cut, as such a comparison might imply.

 

[BabyDov]

The Curio is small but the comparison between a child and a man couldn't be more inapplicable here. The Curio was designed with no corners cut, as such a comparison might imply.

You are right that no corners were cut when designing the Curio. However, it was designed as a pocket bino. As such, it probably is better than all of the other pocket binos out there. That's why I said it is a "capable" child, not just any child. However, it certainly was never made to be as good as the Nls, that sell for 3 times the price. Therefore, don't expect it to replace its bigger counterparts in situations that demand extended viewing comfort or greater magnification. They probably won't cut it in that case. However, as a substitute, when nothing else is available, they may be better than good enough.

 

[Dyrlege]

You are right that no corners were cut when designing the Curio. However, it was designed as a pocket bino. As such, it probably is better than all of the other pocket binos out there. That's why I said it is a "capable" child, not just any child. However, it certainly was never made to be as good as the Nls, that sell for 3 times the price. Therefore, don't expect it to replace its bigger counterparts in situations that demand extended viewing comfort or greater magnification. They probably won't cut it in that case. However, as a substitute, when nothing else is available, they may be better than good enough.

The magnification is a limiting factor, yes, but when it comes to viewing comfort I find them very good, even for extended periods of time.

 

[Trinovid]

The magnification is a limiting factor, yes, but when it comes to viewing comfort I find them very good, even for extended periods of time.

Exactly; the excellence of a hammer has nothing to do with how large, small, or expensive, and everything to do with applicability.

 

[BabyDov]

The magnification is a limiting factor, yes, but when it comes to viewing comfort I find them very good, even for extended periods of time.

I don't know if you own Nls or not. I have difficulty holding the Curio as steady as I can the Nls with their FHR. I wear glasses and I am 79 years old which could play a role in why the Curio is not as comfortable for me in the long run. In addition, I think the larger exit pupil, better magnification and wider more immersive FOV of the Nls, makes them a better choice for me, in most situations, (especially when I don't mind carrying their extra weight or being conspicuous using them.) The Curio is my first choice for a concert or when walking longer distances.

 

[BabyDov]

Exactly; the excellence of a hammer has nothing to do with how large, small, or expensive, and everything to do with applicability.

The hammer can be excellent but not right for the job at hand. Would you use a fine watch hammer as a sledge hammer to break concrete? It wouldn't begin to do that job. Nor would you use a sledge hammer on a watch. Each tool has its place where it works best. Curios and Nls are both excellent tools in most situations, but each has its advantages in certain situations.

 

[Trinovid]

The hammer can be excellent but not right for the job at hand. Would you use a fine watch hammer as a sledge hammer to break concrete?

Not sure why you replied to my post saying exactly the same thing I just did. At any rate, please don't just state the obvious, and while you're at it, leave out the ridiculous scenarios.

 

[BabyDov]

I am sorry if it seemed that I was saying the same thing. I didn't think so. I was hoping to add clarity to what you were saying, because I wasn't sure I understood your remark. Why? Earlier, you had complained when I said the Curios in some situations were like a capable child trying to do a man's job. You said my calling the Curio a child was "inapplicable". Then you come back with the Curio is just as good as the Nls and just a matter of applicability.
BTW, if you don't like my scenarios or analogies, please move on.

 

[tenex]

I didn't understand what Floriano meant by "hammers" in the first place.

 

[Trinovid]

...you had complained when I said the Curios in some situations were like a capable child trying to do a man's job. You said my calling the Curio a child was "inapplicable". Then you come back with the Curio is just as good as the Nls and just a matter of applicability. BTW, if you don't like my scenarios or analogies, please move on.

The Curio is a professional tool that is not intended to compete with the NL or any other full sized binocular, but then they can't compete with it either when each is used as intended. Please stop misquoting me when you reference my replies, and if you can't do that then follow your own instruction.

 

[Trinovid]

I didn't understand what Floriano meant by "hammers" in the first place.

Not totally sure, but I was guessing that he was using a loose reference to them as various tools.

 

[GrampaTom]

Possible translation issue??

 

[Floriano]

Floriano,
Welcome to the forum. If you are having any problems with your Curio, be certain that you have them adjusted correctly, particularly the eyecups. If you wear glasses, you may NOT want the eye cups totally in, as the directions advise. I found I was getting blackouts, until I move the eyecups out about an eighth of an inch. ( Don't move them out too much, either, or you won't get the best FOV.) In addition, adjust the interpupillary distance by bringing the barrels together until two images JUST merge into one. Too wide or too narrow, you might have comfort issues.

Having said all this, bigger binoculars are more comfortable, under most circumstances, particularly for extended viewing. I carry my Curios only when I don't think I will need any binocular. They travel in my pocket, just in case I do. For example, walking around London, I would take my Curio, because I probably won't need them for extended viewing, not to mention I don't want to look like a tourist.However, if I were going on a hike or nature walk, I would take my 8x42Nl or 12x42 Nl.with me. For sure, they will get used a lot. So in that situation, why ask a child, even a capable one, to do a man's job?

Thx for your message, yeah its a "problem" of the pocketglasses, i have to learn to hold it right, like apple would say ;-)

I dont have glasses and have to put the eyecups fully out to get the best out of them, for the el's on the second position and for the nl it was also 2/3 postition i think..

As i tested on, it went better and its great what this pocketrocket can show, so i agree with the most reviews.
Of course its unfair to compare with the bigger ones, but if i could get a lil more magnification with nearly the curio specs and i would take if of course.

So for everyone who not is into the smaller details when a higher magnification is asked, this thing is amazing to have everywhere with you - for a cost of course.

Since i sent my nl 10x32 back since i was still unsure which model suits me best, im looking forward two, which NL will be the brother of my 8x32EL and the small curio...(where i still have a week to test

As you will see from quite a few other posts you will see opinions differ! Worth a look, some people love the Curios, and as a reasonable entry piece you may find it very worthwhile to try. I found that it replaced not a few larger binos. But tastes differ

Exactly; the excellence of a hammer has nothing to do with how large, small, or expensive, and everything to do with applicability.

I didn't understand what Floriano meant by "hammers" in the first place.

Sorry, i just wanted to say with hammers, that the EL and NL are gorgeous bins

Like someone wrote, its unfair to compare to the small pocket rocket, but for what it is, its so bright and brillant!

Sill have the diamondback 8x32 which is great on the go (fits for example in the front mesh pockets of a trailbag) but the curio is so much smaller, lighter, brighter and well built its hard to resist, not to keep it.

If i still have to add another one to test and decide (since missing a bit of magnification on the courio) like a Leica or a companion i need some recommendations

 

[Floriano]

Can anyone say something only magnification-wise about the Curio vs Victory?

Unsure if i should add a VP8x25 to my final decision vs the Curio :/

Otherwise im enjoying curios amazing brightness..

 

[BabyDov]

Can anyone say something only magnification-wise about the Curio vs Victory?

Unsure if i should add a VP8x25 to my final decision vs the Curio :/

Otherwise im enjoying curios amazing brightness..

I doubt that you will see a significant difference going from 7 to 8x. Furthermore, you won't have the amazing brightness, nor the FOV that you have with your Curio. Still, you might want to try the VP8x25. If you do, I would bet you will appreciate the Curio more.

( IMO, I wouldn't be caught up with more magnification with a compact bino. When you go up in power, you will usually find holding them steady, even more difficult than you did initially with your Curio. Any gain in detail might be lost by that movement. If you must have more magnification, use your full size bino.)

 

[pm42]

Can anyone say something only magnification-wise about the Curio vs Victory?

I have both, I do not use the Victory anymore.
I hardly see a difference between x7 and x8 and I prefer the view through the Curio although the Zeiss is very good.
In the end, this is a matter of personal preference.

 

[Floriano]

Merci!

Funny, i already had the chance to view through 2 other pocket bins yesterday, both with a 10x magnification..
One was a Zeiss/Germany, very old which was beaten easily by a Trinovid Leica "Made in Portugal" 10x25...

Would be interesting from which year those were, my dad found em in the deepest corners at his father's house.

Somehow im really a fan of magnification and the Leitz was bright but when you take the Curio after the Leitz (Leica) you think you watched in a darkroom before

Leica “Leitz” Trinovid 10×25 BC – Binoculars Today