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Swarovski 8x25 CL vs Zeiss 8x25 Victory Pocket (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Nick3030
- Start date
Aquaplas
Well-known member
I havent seen trough the Zeiss. I read about it, it should be very bright for a 25mm Glass. I owned the CL in the past. And can say it is a superbe glass. But when its dusty or in lower light it is not very bright. This glass is for Hiking with good weather and Light Conditions. I think the Zeiss is for the same range. Mabe a bit brighter, but not much. Its a 25mm Glass....
Sorry for my bad English. Where Iam come from we only use Swarovski.
Sorry for my bad English. Where Iam come from we only use Swarovski.
Gijs van Ginkel
Well-known member
Nick3030,
The transmssion spectrum of the 8x25 Zeiss is almost perfectly identical to the one from the 8x25 Swarovski and in the blue part of the spectrum (500nm and below) the Swarovski has a higher light transmission, so you will not be able to see a difference in brightness and if, so the Swarovski scores a tiny bit better at lower light levels.
Gijs van Ginkel
The transmssion spectrum of the 8x25 Zeiss is almost perfectly identical to the one from the 8x25 Swarovski and in the blue part of the spectrum (500nm and below) the Swarovski has a higher light transmission, so you will not be able to see a difference in brightness and if, so the Swarovski scores a tiny bit better at lower light levels.
Gijs van Ginkel
Sprite1275
Well-known member
Hi folks first post here and thought I would jump into this thread as it's pretty much the 2 binoculars that I'm trying to choose between. I want a good set of binoculars that I will take out on walks, days out, originally I was looking at 8x32 but I now if it's not easily carried I won't take them out much. I was all set on the Swarovski but then saw the Zeiss. Must admit the focus wheel looks to be in a good place for 1 handed operations and like the thought of the single hinge.
I want them to be as small as poss when folded and the hinge on the Zeiss looks like it sticks out a bit when folded. Bit more akward in the pocket? Anyway at the moment I can get the swaro under £500 and the Zeiss are well over £500.
Another thing I'm struggling with is whether to go 8 or 10x25. I can handle some 12x22 cheap binoculars my daughter has ( just ordered her some Papillio 6.5x21) so 10s should be fine. Are the 10s much darker than the 8s?
The trouble is that I won't be able to try before I buy and can't afford to chop and change so whichever I get they will be for keeps.
I want them to be as small as poss when folded and the hinge on the Zeiss looks like it sticks out a bit when folded. Bit more akward in the pocket? Anyway at the moment I can get the swaro under £500 and the Zeiss are well over £500.
Another thing I'm struggling with is whether to go 8 or 10x25. I can handle some 12x22 cheap binoculars my daughter has ( just ordered her some Papillio 6.5x21) so 10s should be fine. Are the 10s much darker than the 8s?
The trouble is that I won't be able to try before I buy and can't afford to chop and change so whichever I get they will be for keeps.
I have the Zeiss as well as the Ultravid 8x20 and Trinovid 8x32.
I've found that the Zeiss are the best compromise: they are comfortable to use, excellent view and they fit very well into my coat pockets. I've added a rainguard and objective covers so I do not use any pouch keeping the size smaller and the access faster.
It is a matter of preference but for me, the comfort of the bigger exit pupil of a 8x25 is important.
leonardo_simon
Well-known member
Hello @Sprite1275
1) I would definitely recommend you test them out before buying. Perhaps contact a dealer that stocks them both and speak to them about returns. For example Focus Optics near Coventry does both Zeiss and Swarowski (https://focusopticsltd.co.uk/) or in Focus, various locations (https://www.at-infocus.co.uk/). I've found both these companies extremely helpful and knowledgeable. There are other good specialist dealers around too who I've less experience with.
2) as mentioned in another post I compared the 8x25 Zeiss Victory, 8x25 Swarowski CL pocket and also the Leica 8x20 Ultravid
a) all great binoculars that I would be happy with if there wasn't a choice
b) Leicas were lovely but I chose against them becuase they were so small, eye placement a bit fiddly and narrowest field of view. For the purposes I had in mind I didn't really need that small. (perhaps for a specific purpose like a lightweight expedition they would be perfect, I understand they are popular with ultra light cyclists etc).
c) Zeiss were excellent - what slightly put me off was that the carry case was quite big. With direct comparison with the others, I found eye placement the most tricky. (Others say differently, hence the recomendation to try out first). Optically excellent.
d) Swarovski - these are what I chose - easiest eye placement of the three by far for me. I do not wear glasses when using binoculars though - I think some glass wearers find that the Zeiss better. I have used them a reasonable amount over the last year or so -- I prefer them over my 10x42 VGA imagic Opticrons, even sitting looking into the garden because the image is so much clearer. I find they handle well even wearing gloves, eye placement fine. Main niggle is that they don't come with an ocular cover (but the new version about to be released does, so will see if I can get one from Swarovski).
Summary - see if you can find a dealer who will allow you to test out before making a final choice - but I suspect if you make a choice without seeing you'll be happy and none the wiser
1) I would definitely recommend you test them out before buying. Perhaps contact a dealer that stocks them both and speak to them about returns. For example Focus Optics near Coventry does both Zeiss and Swarowski (https://focusopticsltd.co.uk/) or in Focus, various locations (https://www.at-infocus.co.uk/). I've found both these companies extremely helpful and knowledgeable. There are other good specialist dealers around too who I've less experience with.
2) as mentioned in another post I compared the 8x25 Zeiss Victory, 8x25 Swarowski CL pocket and also the Leica 8x20 Ultravid
a) all great binoculars that I would be happy with if there wasn't a choice
b) Leicas were lovely but I chose against them becuase they were so small, eye placement a bit fiddly and narrowest field of view. For the purposes I had in mind I didn't really need that small. (perhaps for a specific purpose like a lightweight expedition they would be perfect, I understand they are popular with ultra light cyclists etc).
c) Zeiss were excellent - what slightly put me off was that the carry case was quite big. With direct comparison with the others, I found eye placement the most tricky. (Others say differently, hence the recomendation to try out first). Optically excellent.
d) Swarovski - these are what I chose - easiest eye placement of the three by far for me. I do not wear glasses when using binoculars though - I think some glass wearers find that the Zeiss better. I have used them a reasonable amount over the last year or so -- I prefer them over my 10x42 VGA imagic Opticrons, even sitting looking into the garden because the image is so much clearer. I find they handle well even wearing gloves, eye placement fine. Main niggle is that they don't come with an ocular cover (but the new version about to be released does, so will see if I can get one from Swarovski).
Summary - see if you can find a dealer who will allow you to test out before making a final choice - but I suspect if you make a choice without seeing you'll be happy and none the wiser
Sprite1275
Well-known member
Thanks. I'm surprised people with glasses find the Zeiss better as I thought the swaro had better eye relief. Tbh the main factor with me will be price. At the moment the swaro wins although I'm now hesitant with the new form factor coming out. Then again I think the present ones look better.
New form factor of CL pocket coming out? Link?
leonardo_simon
Well-known member
That's what someone said here on one of the threads when I was asking similar questions last year. Highly likely to be yet another personal opinion!
I think the new Swaro's are optically the same as the current/old ones -- but of course are now a bit more expensive!
Sprite1275
Well-known member
Well I've just received the papilio 6.5x21 which I ordered for my daughter. Now I'm no expert and I have never looked through any decent glass before. The only binoculars I have are some habicht 7x42 to compare anything to but these little binoculars seem great. The quality and brightness of the image, even on this dull English day looks brilliant to me. Even the ergonomics and focus wheel feel great.
So this brings me to say would any of these two binoculars in discussion be that much better? I mean £400 more better? Like I say I have no right to compare but I just can't see how the image could be much better than what I'm seeing through these. I really hope so as I still want a pair of the swaro or Zeiss but it's got me questioning.
So this brings me to say would any of these two binoculars in discussion be that much better? I mean £400 more better? Like I say I have no right to compare but I just can't see how the image could be much better than what I'm seeing through these. I really hope so as I still want a pair of the swaro or Zeiss but it's got me questioning.
leonardo_simon
Well-known member
"........would any of these two binoculars in discussion be that much better? I mean £400 more better?"
yes
yes
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Sprite1275
Well-known member
Brill. Can't wait to try them. If anyone sees any deals on any please let me know.
John Frink
Well-known member
As long as the ambient light level is high enough (daylight, typically) that your pupils contract to 2.5mm or smaller, you will not perceive either the 8x or the 10x as being brighter or darker than the other; once the light level drops below that point, the 3.1 mm exit pupil of the 8x25 will give you a brightness advantage over the 2.5 mm exit pupil of the 10x25.
leonardo_simon
Well-known member
Pricespy good although it DOES NOT cover all the dealers
pricespy.co.uk
I've used it to help negotiate a price match
Swarovski Optik CL Pocket - Search at PriceSpy UK
Swarovski Optik CL Pocket - Search at PriceSpy UK
I've used it to help negotiate a price match
Kevin Conville
yardbirder
You're serious? Do you think there could be a substantive difference in brightness amongst two current, top tier 8x25 binoculars from Swaro and Zeiss?
And, if someone here said: Yeah, the Swaro is brighter that that would influence your decision to buy it over the zeiss discounting all other variables between the two?
Hint: neither is going to be bright in "low light conditions", but they'll effectively be the same.
Used 10x25B Swarovski's at London Camera Exchange £279. Not the latest design, but according to them just serviced and in good condition. You're covered with 14 day return policy if you don't get on with them and 6 month warrantee. Might be worth a try. https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Used/Swarovski-10x25B-Pocket---Just-Serviced_293718.html
That's a no brainer IMO. I have the 8x20B version and it is still a very nice binocular. The only real issue I have with it is the focus wheel is on the front of the bridge which is a little awkward but if it's what you have you can get used to using it pretty quickly and some may even prefer it. The case is ultra compact, fits well, it's a Swarovski. With the return policy I'd jump on it.
Mike
leonardo_simon
Well-known member
Those are quite different binoculars to the new x25’s
I tested the 8x20B version and really did not like them at all - focusing and eye placement very fiddly. But with 14 day return not much to lose I suppose
Sprite1275
Well-known member
Good find thanks.
Hey all, my first posting on the forum!
I had both the Swarovski 8x25CL as well as the Zeiss Victory Pocket 8x25 side by side for a few months.
Both purchased new. I wear glasses and had trouble deciding on which to keep. They both work great with glasses.
They are both excellent small binoculars but in the end I went with Zeiss. Swaro's are very relaxed but after comparing the two in dusk the Zeiss was noticeably better to my eyes. Naked branches with birds stood out in more contrast and appeared sharper across the whole field of view, so much that there was no contest for me. We are talking very low level lighting conditions - where you would normally want a more light gathering binocular.
I like the hinge design on Zeiss better as well. It is not bad on the Swarovski by any means, just better on the Zeiss.
Under most viewing conditions I would not say one is much better than the other - both are excellent. I did prefer the contrast of Zeiss over the Swarovski though the Swaro's have nice natural contrast. I did think the Swaro's had a bit of a tint going on whereas the Zeiss felt more color correct.
I am fuzzy about CA and wearing glasses I am normally quite critical when it comes to small binos but I would recommend both.
I did find the Zeiss to be somewhat better for me and it also handles backlit conditions slightly better with more contrast in back lit areas.
I would bet that the newer Swarovski 8x30 CL would be excellent, I did look through one briefly but I was on the hunt for a 10X and not another 8X so it was a short peek through them outside the store. They are slightly larger and approaching the 32mm size where there is plenty to choose from - and the 8x30 CL is more expensive.
EDIT:
For what it's worth I did take a long hard look at the 10x25 from both Zeiss and Swarovski in the process but you don't want to go down that route.
For me I ended up getting a Zeiss Victory FL 10x32 which is a very nice piece of equipment and so small I have sometimes thought about selling the 8x25 Victory. But I can still hand hold the 8x25 for a very long time whereas the 10x32 is very good hand held and stunning if supported.
They both fill a role in my small collection of three binoculars. If I could only have one pair the 10x32 would be "the one" but I am very happy with the 8x25 which is always within reach.
I had both the Swarovski 8x25CL as well as the Zeiss Victory Pocket 8x25 side by side for a few months.
Both purchased new. I wear glasses and had trouble deciding on which to keep. They both work great with glasses.
They are both excellent small binoculars but in the end I went with Zeiss. Swaro's are very relaxed but after comparing the two in dusk the Zeiss was noticeably better to my eyes. Naked branches with birds stood out in more contrast and appeared sharper across the whole field of view, so much that there was no contest for me. We are talking very low level lighting conditions - where you would normally want a more light gathering binocular.
I like the hinge design on Zeiss better as well. It is not bad on the Swarovski by any means, just better on the Zeiss.
Under most viewing conditions I would not say one is much better than the other - both are excellent. I did prefer the contrast of Zeiss over the Swarovski though the Swaro's have nice natural contrast. I did think the Swaro's had a bit of a tint going on whereas the Zeiss felt more color correct.
I am fuzzy about CA and wearing glasses I am normally quite critical when it comes to small binos but I would recommend both.
I did find the Zeiss to be somewhat better for me and it also handles backlit conditions slightly better with more contrast in back lit areas.
I would bet that the newer Swarovski 8x30 CL would be excellent, I did look through one briefly but I was on the hunt for a 10X and not another 8X so it was a short peek through them outside the store. They are slightly larger and approaching the 32mm size where there is plenty to choose from - and the 8x30 CL is more expensive.
EDIT:
For what it's worth I did take a long hard look at the 10x25 from both Zeiss and Swarovski in the process but you don't want to go down that route.
For me I ended up getting a Zeiss Victory FL 10x32 which is a very nice piece of equipment and so small I have sometimes thought about selling the 8x25 Victory. But I can still hand hold the 8x25 for a very long time whereas the 10x32 is very good hand held and stunning if supported.
They both fill a role in my small collection of three binoculars. If I could only have one pair the 10x32 would be "the one" but I am very happy with the 8x25 which is always within reach.
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