Review of CL CURIO 7x21 with digiscoping test (3 Viewers)

[binomania]

Good evening, on my website you can find the video review of the Swarovski CL CURIO 7x21. The audio is also available in English, while on binomania, you can use the plugin to read the article in your preferred language. Warm greetings to everyone from Italy.
Piergiovanni
Video

Article Video recensione del binocolo compatto Swarovski OPTIK CL CURIO 7x21

 

[SanderBird82]

Very nice review. Thank you!

Do you think the Curio is the best pocket/compact binoculair? Or Zeiss Victory Pocket 8x25? Wich one you prefer?

 

[binomania]

Very nice review. Thank you!

Do you think the Curio is the best pocket/compact binoculair? Or Zeiss Victory Pocket 8x25? Wich one you prefer?

Hi, I think they are slightly different binoculars. I have not been able to try them together, perhaps the CL CURIO seemed slightly more comfortable to use at the eyepiece level, the Zeiss easier to quickly adjust the interpupillary distance. Sorry I can't be much help. I hope to compare some top compacts, sooner or later

 

[SanderBird82]

Hi, I think they are slightly different binoculars. I have not been able to try them together, perhaps the CL CURIO seemed slightly more comfortable to use at the eyepiece level, the Zeiss easier to quickly adjust the interpupillary distance. Sorry I can't be much help. I hope to compare some top compacts, sooner or later

That would be nice!
Thanks

I have VP 8x25 and love it.
But maybe i considering the Curio as second small bino. Not sure if that is worth it ....

 

[ReinierB]

That would be nice!
Thanks

I have VP 8x25 and love it.
But maybe i considering the Curio as second small bino. Not sure if that is worth it ....

Just buy it for crying out loud! 🙂
I have the CL 10x25 and the Curio 7x21 and they have different purposes. The 7x21 lives in my pocket. The 10x25 is the pair I use when I carry it bandolier style (at spring or summer) when I do not wear a jacket. I slightly prefer the ease of use and the higher magnification of the CL 10x25. If I didn't have the Habicht 8x30 as well, I would have bought the 8x25.

 

[tenex]

the video review of the Swarovski CL CURIO 7x21

1. It is not possible to watch this in Italian with English subtitles, as there are none. One is forced to choose the synthetic English voice.
2. You say the Curio is passing your "gazebo test", but chromatic aberration is easily visible on the white structure...?

 

[SanderBird82]

1. It is not possible to watch this in Italian with English subtitles, as there are none. One is forced to choose the synthetic English voice.
2. You say the Curio is passing your "gazebo test", but chromatic aberration is easily visible on the white structure...?

At least its possible to listen in English!

 

[SanderBird82]

Just buy it for crying out loud! 🙂
I have the CL 10x25 and the Curio 7x21 and they have different purposes. The 7x21 lives in my pocket. The 10x25 is the pair I use when I carry it bandolier style (at spring or summer) when I do not wear a jacket. I slightly prefer the ease of use and the higher magnification of the CL 10x25. If I didn't have the Habicht 8x30 as well, I would have bought the 8x25.

You dont think 8x25 and 7x21 is too close?

Ah, i asked this too many times 🙈 and got answers a lot. I have to try by myself. I know

 

[ReinierB]

You dont think 8x25 and 7x21 is too close?

Ah, i asked this too many times 🙈 and got answers a lot. I have to try by myself. I know

I don't think they are too close. But true, that is my personal opinion 🙂.
But if you carry the VP 8x25 in your pocket and don't think it's too heavy or bulky, I don't see a reason for buying the 7x21.

 

[SanderBird82]

I don't think they are too close. But true, that is my personal opinion 🙂.
But if you carry the VP 8x25 in your pocket and don't think it's too heavy or bulky, I don't see a reason for buying the 7x21.

I carry the VP 8x25 in the original case in my backpack and when hiking its hanging around my neck. Somethimes i put in my pocket jacked when walking around the house. Never in my jeans pockets.

The Curio would be better for jeans pockets or summer jacket pockets.
Its more compact for occasional use.

 

[Swedpat]

You dont think 8x25 and 7x21 is too close?

Ah, i asked this too many times 🙈 and got answers a lot. I have to try by myself. I know

Justified question. It's just a very slight magnification and field of view difference and you will probably not be able to notice a brightness difference.
I think it's mostly about how compact you want it to be. 7x21 fits in some pockets where 8x25 does not.

 

[SanderBird82]

Justified question. It's just a very slight magnification and field of view difference and you will probably not be able to notice a brightness difference.
I think it's mostly about how compact you want it to be. 7x21 fits in some pockets where 8x25 does not.

Yes its true.

I think its good the have both because of their size and handling.

VP 8x25 for better ergonomics and hand feel. Good for field use.
Curio better for use from pockets, better pocketalble. For walks around the house, city trips, parks, occasional use.

 

[Viraj]

I don't have experience with CL 8x25 except for a quick check at a store. However, Curio 7x21 is a little gem that shines even in comparison with two NL models I have. The IQ of Curio is superb and it is truly pocketable. So I think the best pick between CL 8x25 and Curio is the latter.

 

[SanderBird82]

I don't have experience with CL 8x25 except for a quick check at a store. However, Curio 7x21 is a little gem that shines even in comparison with two NL models I have. The IQ of Curio is superb and it is truly pocketable. So I think the best pick between CL 8x25 and Curio is the latter.

I also think that CL 8x25 is too heavy and big for pocket use.
But its ergonomics must be way better than Curio or not?

Dont you think Curio is too small for long field use? I only had them in my hands for a few seconds long ago.

 

[Viraj]

I also think that CL 8x25 is too heavy and big for pocket use.
But its ergonomics must be way better than Curio or not?

Dont you think Curio is too small for long field use? I only had them in my hands for a few seconds long ago.

That’s true. I don’t think it is a good option to use Curio for long field sessions. For that purpose I would chose 32mm pair. I think any pocket binoculars suit only for occasional use. Even though I don’t have experience, I would choose Victory Pocket from VP, CL, and Curio if the intended use is extended field use.

 

[SanderBird82]

That’s true. I don’t think it is a good option to use Curio for long field sessions. For that purpose I would chose 32mm pair. I think any pocket binoculars suit only for occasional use. Even though I don’t have experience, I would choose Victory Pocket from VP, CL, and Curio if the intended use is extended field use.

I understand that a good 32 or 42 better is. But also quite heavy on long hikes.

My experience is that my VP 8x25 is perfect for this. I can use it all day, and let in hang around my neck all day. I am not sure Curio is suited for this.

 

[SanderBird82]

That’s true. I don’t think it is a good option to use Curio for long field sessions. For that purpose I would chose 32mm pair. I think any pocket binoculars suit only for occasional use. Even though I don’t have experience, I would choose Victory Pocket from VP, CL, and Curio if the intended use is extended field use.

I understand that people who own a 8x32 choose for 7x21 as pair.

I already have NLP 8x42 and then an good 8x32/30 is maybe too close for the amount of money.

I think 8x25 is perfect for second pair.
But i understand 7x21 is more pockeble
Dilemma dilemma. I think i get both. Not wrong to have a second compact.
Especially now my 8x25 needs to get back to Zeiss for a repair i guess. Some problems with rubber armor. Bubbles under them.

 

[Viraj]

In my case, I am perfectly happy with Curio, NL 10x32, and NL 8x42. However, I don't use 8x42 much. Additionally, I have Canon 12x36 IS iii for long-range observation if needed. However, it is also getting very little use. I passed the dilemma period a few months ago and am now happy with what I have.

I think for your use case VP 8x25 would be perfect. Even though you won't feel the weight of 32 mm binoculars after using the whole day if you use a harness.

 

[SanderBird82]

In my case, I am perfectly happy with Curio, NL 10x32, and NL 8x42. However, I don't use 8x42 much. Additionally, I have Canon 12x36 IS iii for long-range observation if needed. However, it is also getting very little use. I passed the dilemma period a few months ago and am now happy with what I have.

I think for your use case VP 8x25 would be perfect. Even though you won't feel the weight of 32 mm binoculars after using the whole day if you use a harness.

Wow, that sounds like a good trio!
Yes many possibilities are good.