New Swarovski CL Companion Africa Binoculars

Available from the 1st October 2014, Swarovski Optik have announced the release of an unique and special version of the CL Companion binocular.

The Swarovski CL Companion Africa Binoculars, as the name suggests draw inspiration from Africa, both in the colors used on the actual body of the bin, but as well as with the supplied and beautifully handmade carry bag and leather neck strap.

Available in both 10x30 and 8x30 configurations, technically they are exactly the same as the standard CL Companions, and so for more on this please read my full Swarovski CL Companion 8x30 Binoculars Review to get the complete low down on all the features, specifications, materials and coatings used, as well as my opinions on the quality of them and the image that they produce. But make no mistake, whilst these are a more affordable Swarovsiki binocular, designed for a wider audience, they are still in every sense of the word, a premium product that not only uses superior materials, but deliver a superior viewing experience for this size class (my words not theirs!).

Main Features

• Fully multi-coated with Swarotop & Swarodur anti-reflection coatings
• Phase Coated Bak-4 Roof Prisms with Swarobright Coatings
• Aluminium & Polycarbonate frame
• Aluminium Twist up eye-cups
• Fully sealed – waterproof & fogproof

Designed For Travel
Their compact size, low weight, as well as the tough sealed body makes them both moisture and dust proof and thus ideal travel binoculars and perfect for taking on an adventure like a safari, where I deem a good pair of binoculars to be essential for getting the most out of your holiday.

Indeed as you can read about here, I actually took the "standard" version with me on Safari a while back and I discuss why in that article.

CL Companion Africa

So what is different about the Africa edition? Well as Swarovski put it themselves, they have deliberately placed further emphasis on the design and accessories to a package that they believe is already perfectly adapted both optically and physically for travel.

The body has had a few tweaks to the coloration and the armour now has a slightly different and darker, but still very "savannah" color and rather than silver, the twist-up eyecups are now a more safari friendly bronze color.

Carry Bag
Whilst the original CL Companion already comes with an outstanding bag, both in terms of function and quality, Swarovski now includes a handmade waxed canvas bag from ONA.

For those who don’t know, ONA are a company that specializes in producing premium quality camera bags and accessories.

Neck Strap
Once again and as you would expect from Swarovski, the
neck strap that you get with the standard CL Companion is, like the bag already excellent, but made from mostly a synthetic, neoprene and nylon type materials which I mention in my review.

However with the Africa CL Companion models you now get a very classy leather carrying strap. Like the field bag, this may not improve on comfort or performance, but it adds a new dimension in regards to the overall class and quality of the product.

Sizes & Main Specifications

Related Content & Further Reading:

• About Swarovski Optik & Links to all Reviews
• Swarovski CL Companion 8x30 Binoculars Review
• On Safari with the Swarovski CL Companion Binoculars
• Safari Binoculars – Guides to choosing binoculars for safaris and reviews of the best