Vortex Razor 10x42 - A User's Review

[Larry S.]

For those who might have questions about Vortex binoculars, here's a user's input:

I purchased a set of Vortex Razor 10x42 binoculars more than five years ago after doing almost six months of research. This included questioning other “high-end” binocular owners, visiting numerous outlets, and looking through just about every brand name binocular I could find - Leica, Zeiss, Steiner, Swarovski, etc.

Over and over, I kept coming back to the Razors, but I was hesitant because I’d not seen these products in the field nor had a chance to try them. Still, there was the undeniable fact that these binoculars (for my eyes - and, admittedly, that's the bottom line) either stood up to or beat other brands every time I looked through them. Finally, I called their service/tech department and talked with an individual there, asked a ton of questions, got a ton of info, and learned about their warranty and service - which I've since found to be outstanding. And so, with that, I swallowed my doubts, went out and bought a pair.

Hands down, for me and my eyes, this was the best optics decision I’ve made in 35+ years of hunting. Could these things talk, however, they’d likely beg for someone to take them away from me because I’m hard on all of my gear. I hunt in the foothills of the Cascades in Eastern Washington and these binoculars have: (1) Followed me over the front end of a particularly obnoxious horse (broken eyecup, immediately replaced); (2) Been pushed down into either, mud, snow, rocks, or water whenever I dropped to my chest (or, more likely, fell); (3) Fallen once into a deep draw when I placed them on a rock outcropping to readjust my backpack (never said I was the brightest bulb in the chandelier); and (4) Been rained on, snowed on, iced on or whatever the weather was that day.  And they still performed, (while silently grumbling, no doubt) perfectly.

There’s an old saying about “Buying nice or buying twice.” It applies here and I mention these binoculars to any and all who are looking into buying “nice” optics. Yes, I know that other brands have their backers and that their warranties are good, that they've been around longer, that someone else will see "better" through other glass, and that there are individuals who will downplay Vortex (as will someone on just about any brand).

All that said, I just wanted to say that these binoculars have served me without fail and that the people at Vortex practice what they preach to their customers. Not much of that to be found these days.

And that's enough for this hunter

[Bean Counter]

Nice review, Larry!

[thinkingman]

Vortex Razors certainly have a great reputation.
I owned Razor 10x42 and Nikon Premier LX and Kahles all at the same time.
I ended up keeping the Nikon Premier LX's and selling the Kahles, returning the Vortex Razors.
They just didn't fit my eyes that well.
That's not saying they're not good glass, just not the best for me.

[Larry S.]

Precisely what I would've done with other binoculars I might have had. Every one of us is different in any number of ways - one being eyesight. For my eyes (64 years old, far sighted...we'll leave dumb out of the equation), the Razors allowed me to see the best. For others, Zeiss, Steiner, Nikon, etc. would serve them better. The seal on the deal was their customer service. Second to none.

[Crunchy]

I did the same, but walked away with the swarovsk swarovision EL 12X50s.  This was based on a side by side comparison of the Vortex Razors and Swaros.  The swaros were just more clear and bright.  I havent had to use the customer service, but I expect it to be top of the line.

[mountainman]

Played side by side with this years Razor and a pair of 10X SLC's off and on all day, in the rain, in the sun..Clarity and brightness a wash between them. Weight and size goes to the Razor hands down.

[Larry S.]

In the 36 years I've been hunting, what I've found is that if it works for you, that's what you buy. The brand/price/reviews/expert opinions don't matter as long as it helps rather than hinders you, you're comfortable using it, it's quality gear (won't let you down), and you believe in it.

Just an old hunter's opinion.

[Bob33]

I did an extensive side by side a few years back and picked the Nikon Premier LX. Everyone sees differently. Thanks for the review!

[TriggerHappy]

I bought a pair of Steiners a little over a year ago. These broke right down the middle this year i can easily say i wish i had the Vortex no fault warrenty my binos get sent in tomorrow fingers crossed i will have to pay very little.

[Larry S.]

I had an eye cup jam in its tracks this year. It wouldn't either extend or retract. Called technical support and they told me to just send them in. I did that and got them back - fixed, cleaned, completely checked, no charge, and with an explanation of the problem (dirt/grit from one of my many falls in the eye cup track). Of course, being a guy, when I first felt that grit, instead of just stopping and cleaning them, I went ahead and reefed down hard on them...and jammed them. The whole thing was my fault.

I'll also mention that from my door to them, repairs, back to my door was 8 days total.

I'lll add to that "also mention" that they have a customer for life.

Larry Simoneaux

[tazman2800]

After reading about Vortex and a bunch of on-line reviews and your comments I just ordered a pair of Vortex Diamond Back 10X50 binoculars. Finally have retired the Nikon Travel light binos, which I have carried for the last 10 years and have hated since I bought them. My kids gave me a gift certificate to Cabelas for Christmas. I will post my review when I get mine and use them.

[NWBREW]

After reading about Vortex and a bunch of on-line reviews and your comments I just ordered a pair of Vortex Diamond Back 10X50 binoculars. Finally have retired the Nikon Travel light binos, which I have carried for the last 10 years and have hated since I bought them. My kids gave me a gift certificate to Cabelas for Christmas. I will post my review when I get mine and use them.

I have a pair of the 10x50 diamondbacks and love them. I have also nheard that Vortex CS is 2nd to none although I have not had to experiance that yet.

[aaronoto]

Got a pair of 10x42 Diamondback's this Christmas and really like them.  I'm sold on Vortex products.  Bought a Strikefire Red Dot from them and one of the mounting rings screw holes was tapped crooked and would not thread properly.  Emailed them and had a brand new ring in the mailbox a few days later.