Vortex Razor UHD opinions?

[LuckyDuck]

Howdy Hide-

I've been searching through the threads and can't help but notice there isn't a whole lot of commentary on the Vortex Razor UHD Binoculars since they were released in... <checks notes>... 2019? In the order of models I was looking into specifically- there's the 8x42, the 18x56, and a toss up between the 12x50 &10x50 as my third interest. Is my searching attempts yielding poor results or is this your experience too? If you're getting the same results that I'm seeing, any reason for the lack of discussion? I'd assume this community would be the ones to argue the glass it offers until the "cows come home" hence my curiosity.

-LD

 

[Corfius]

Glass is on par with a pair of Swarovski EL and you get the best warranty in the business.

On the other hand they are on the heavier side and you don't get the same branding prestige of Swarovski, Leica or Zeiss. Few models also have better glass (NL Pure comes to mind).

 

[UNRL Ghandi]

I have the 8x42 UHDs and they're great. I haven't looked through the other top name brands but I'm honestly not sure what I'd be missing with the UHDs. I had a pair of 10x razors and the UHDs are noticeably better. I got them for hunting and they are a little heavy but having them up in the tree bow hunting has been awesome toward late evening.

 

[Covertnoob5]

I have the 18x UHD after considering NL Pure, SLC, etc. Glass was so close to the others it wasn’t worth the price difference and a better easier warranty was icing on the cake. Have full confidence in the performance for the dollar value of the UHD.

 

[waspocrew]

I’ve got a pair of the 10x42 UHDs. Definitely a step up from my previous Viper HDs. Compared some to my friends NL pures and I felt the UHD was a little behind, but not by much. I picked the UHDs up new in box for $1100, so I’m definitely happy with them.

 

[LuckyDuck]

Glass is on par with a pair of Swarovski EL and you get the best warranty in the business.

On the other hand they are on the heavier side and you don't get the same branding prestige of Swarovski, Leica or Zeiss. Few models also have better glass (NL Pure comes to mind).

I appreciate the comment- I'm honestly not overly concerned with several ounces more weight since I'm not hauling them over miles like our folks on the Western end of the country might be doing but mainly am interested about how the optic performs in relation to it's price point. Still great feedback though and what I was looking for, thank you.

-LD

 

[LuckyDuck]

I have the 8x42 UHDs and they're great. I haven't looked through the other top name brands but I'm honestly not sure what I'd be missing with the UHDs. I had a pair of 10x razors and the UHDs are noticeably better. I got them for hunting and they are a little heavy but having them up in the tree bow hunting has been awesome toward late evening.

I don't suppose I could entice you to share what other binos you have used to compare it to when you formed your opinion? That isn't meant as a slight nor a challenge- I just wanted to learn what to look for. I previously mentioned in this thread that I'm not all that concerned with weight but rather optical quality. From my own experience- most likely the finest binoculars I've had the opportunity to look through at this point is the Meopta Mostar B1 Plus 15x56 mounted on a tripod.

I'd like to get close to that level of performance if at all possible with the Vortex UHD's but since it isn't being talked about much I'm a little "gun-shy" pulling the trigger on them since the Hide folks typically go through these type of optics like underwear. As for me, when it comes to binoculars at least, aside from the Meopta's the best I can fall back on is Steiner's....Not sure if that clarifies anything but hopefully better explains what I'm looking to purchase.

-LD

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

Vortex makes these in Japan unlike some of the other razor binos and spotters they outsourced to China. Guys seem to really like them. Haven't had a chance to look ( run NL pures) but sure they are up there with the swaros and ziess.

 

[LuckyDuck]

Vortex makes these in Japan unlike some of the other razor binos and spotters they outsourced to China. Guys seem to really like them. Haven't had a chance to look ( run NL pures) but sure they are up there with the swaros and ziess.

I appreciate the comment- don't suppose you could expand based off of your experience on where the "alpha glass" (not my own words) shines /if it does at all for that matter with objective size/magnification. My personal experience so far would suggest that how the binoculars are mounted makes a big difference as far as to how much I'm able to maximize/appreciate the higher dollar glass with relation to their size (just to expand where the question is coming from). Limiting myself to the Razor UHD offerings, to "free handle" either the 8/10x42 seems relatively manageable if not easy in either models, the 10x50's I've looked through requires a bit more work to keep steady in my neck of the woods be able to make any practical use out of that design. It's the 12x50 & 18x56 though that really gives me pause (to work up the easy, medium, hard framework) that I'm not sure I'd be able to put them to good work without the assistance of a tripod. I'm not arguing that's a fact but just suggesting that's what I'm concerned about should I ultimately decide to chase some of these models down to add to my stable. Just want to keep expectations realistic and know what I'm buying into (to put it another way).

-LD

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

Resolution, Clarity, Color, lack of distortion, Lack of Chromatic aberration and how the glass cuts through mirage/reads mirage is what sets them apart. You can really tell the difference in low light, being able to see things in heavy brush and timber.

The Alpha glass does all of these exceptionally well, and makes staring through binos for hours at a time not strain your eyes or give you headaches.

Anything 10x and above you need to mount them to a tripod or something. Thats why alot of hunters run 8x, so its easier to hand glass without getting a ton of bounce.

 

[Scott_at_Vortex]

Vortex makes these in Japan unlike some of the other razor binos and spotters they outsourced to China. Guys seem to really like them. Haven't had a chance to look ( run NL pures) but sure they are up there with the swaros and ziess.

Just an a quick FYI. The gen 2 Razor spotters (13-39,22-48,27-60) have always been Japan/USA with assembly in USA.

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

Just an a quick FYI. The gen 2 Razor spotters (13-39,22-48,27-60) have always been Japan/USA with assembly in USA.

Thanks Scott! Know some of them were made in china for a while, and you guys have been making these for over a decade so its hard to keep up where and when stuff is made.

 

[koshkin]

On the Razor UHD bino: I ended up with the UHD 10x50 as my primary binocular. Couldn't be happier. The best binocular I have ever looked through (to my eyes) was the Leica Noctivid. UHD is not quite as good, but it is close enough to where I am not itching to upgrade. On top of that, I do prefer a somewhat larger objective. I spent a LOT of time with both 10x42 and 10x50 UHD and ended up keeping the 10x50. I spend a lot of time glassing out here and eye fatigue with these is absolutely minimal which makes a huge difference for me.

Traditionally, I always used 8x binos, but once I ended up in New Mexico, I switched to the 10x50. About 70% of my glassing is off of a tripod, but when I use them handheld, a little bit extra weight seems to keep the image a little more stable for me. With lighter 10x binos I get more eye fatigue. This is very individual of course. For general hiking around and looking at things I seem to gravitate to lower magnifications: old 6x32 Viper, 6.5x32 Kowa and 7x32 Steiner.

On the Razor spotters, as I mentioned elsewhere: the Gen1 spotters were made in China for a bit (first in Japan, then China). Gen2 were always US/Japan.

ILya

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

Just an a quick FYI. The gen 2 Razor spotters (13-39,22-48,27-60) have always been Japan/USA with assembly in USA.

Put a reticle that goes down to .2 mil into the UHD 18X56 and you will sell a metric shitload of them to PRS/MIL/LR shooters. There is nothing on the market similar.

 

[LuckyDuck]

Going to bump a "somewhat" older thread in case anyone cares-

I picked up the Vortex Razor UHD 8x42, 12x50, & 18x56 today taking advantage of the EuroOptic Memorial Day sale based off of the recommendations that were given here on the Hide when I asked a few months ago.

First off- I have to say the glass is rather impressive from my initial testing of the 3 models. They are defiantly 'big & heavy' though but I understood that going into the purchase. They were a bit larger than I prepared myself for but but nothing I can't work around given my needs. As of today- I was able to 'stretch' them out to a little more than 450 yards and have been happy so far but I've yet to stretch their legs far "enough" to make a decision.

I've got a lot more testing to do on my end before I can render an ultimate opinion but the true test would be to place it next to other brands side by side to really appreciate what it brings to the table. As I mentioned earlier- the best I can likely muster from my group is to compare the 18x56's against the Meopta Mostar B1 Plus 15x56. So not exactly 'apples to apples but that's likely the best comparison I can offer the Hide moving forward in the immediate future.

I posted this in another thread but putting the Razor UHD's performance to the side- I'm rather underwhelmed using the Vortex Pro Binocular Adapter. Don't get me wrong- it works but everything about it just seems... sloppy as I played with it today. The mount seems loose on the tripod and the Bino's seem loose on the adapter at the same time. I asked this in the other thread but does anyone have any tips on 'truing' the pro adapter?

More to follow.

-LD

 

[LuckyDuck]

I'm still screwing around- the Razor UHD glass continues to impress me but dang if I am not completely underwhelmed with the "Vortex Pro Binocular Adaptor"...

-LD

 

[carbonbased]

So I had both the Vortex UHD 18x and Maven 18x B5 a few years ago out in pdog land and preferred the Maven. Just was a little…crisper. Colors popped a little more.

I returned both (Maven on their demo program) and bought the Leica 15x Geovid with the built-in LRF.

The Leica is equal to or better than the Maven, but that is based upon memory, not a side-to-side comparo. It is definitely not worse. It does not have some super-fancy ballistic solver but it ranges well for me.

 

[LuckyDuck]

Figured I'd take advantage of EuroOptic's 50% off sale once again before it ended tomorrow. I've been so pleasantly surprised with the earlier acquired UHD's that I picked up both the new 8 & 10x32's. Not a lot of reviews out there yet but I figured I'd take the proverbial 'leap of faith' and give them a try. Hopefully will have the x32's in hand next week.

I'm still disappointed with the Pro Binocular Adapter though- it's just sloppy on the mount and on the bino's as well which compounds issues while trying to get the otherwise great glass into focus. I'm likely going to pick up a RRS cinch mount or even a Wield binocular bag in the near future if I can't find a way to make the Pro Bono Adapter more stable...

More to follow.

-LD

 

[LuckyDuck]

At this point- should anyone have any questions on the Razor UHD's I'm likely your guy because I bought a lot of them this month.

-LD

 

[stonestorm]

IMO, I'll buy some used Swaro SLCs for that kind of money.

 

[LuckyDuck]

IMO, I'll buy some used Swaro SLCs for that kind of money.

I get it, and I'd love to own some Swaro SLC's myself but with the 50% off offer that EuroOptic provided- I just couldn't help myself or justify dropping Swaro money when I'm so happy with the Razor UHD's. It's largely subjective of course but so far I'm a pretty happy camper with the 8x42, 12x50, & 18x56's.

But again, to be transparent/honest, I'm not digging the tripod adaptor from Vortex at all so far especially at the $100 price point. I did reach out to them to see if I may be doing something wrong this evening but still waiting to receive a response back. Maybe I'll hear from them later this week.

Anywho, appreciate you sharing your opinion and wish you the best.

-LD

 

[Corfius]

The tripod adapter isn't great. Personally I prefer straps style adapter.

Anyway I don't think you are doing anything wrong.

 

[stonestorm]

I get it, and I'd love to own some Swaro SLC's myself but with the 50% off offer that EuroOptic provided- I just couldn't help myself or justify dropping Swaro money when I'm so happy with the Razor UHD's. It's largely subjective of course but so far I'm a pretty happy camper with the 8x42, 12x50, & 18x56's.

But again, to be transparent/honest, I'm not digging the tripod adaptor from Vortex at all so far especially at the $100 price point. I did reach out to them to see if I may be doing something wrong this evening but still waiting to receive a response back. Maybe I'll hear from them later this week.

Anywho, appreciate you sharing your opinion and wish you the best.

-LD

Okay, I understand from your point of view. Makes total sense.

 

[koshkin]

So I had both the Vortex UHD 18x and Maven 18x B5 a few years ago out in pdog land and preferred the Maven. Just was a little…crisper. Colors popped a little more.

I returned both (Maven on their demo program) and bought the Leica 15x Geovid with the built-in LRF.

The Leica is equal to or better than the Maven, but that is based upon memory, not a side-to-side comparo. It is definitely not worse. It does not have some super-fancy ballistic solver but it ranges well for me.

Generally speaking, the 18x Maven and UHD are more or less the same binocular made in the same place by the same people to largely the same spec. The differences are cosmetics and sample variation.

ILya

 

[MikeMiller]

I have the Razor HD 12x binoculars. These are great. Have not tried the UHD. I use mine for spotting hits teaching field classes and on the boat for finding baitfish

 

[carbonbased]

Generally speaking, the 18x Maven and UHD are more or less the same binocular made in the same place by the same people to largely the same spec. The differences are cosmetics and sample variation.

ILya

Dang. The differences were noticeable, not gigantic, but there.

I’d still pick the maven as it has a nicer focus wheel (but it’s metal for you cold weather users) and feels better in my hands.

Sample variation is a pain in the ass lol

 

[wpeach1912]

Dang. The differences were noticeable, not gigantic, but there.

I’d still pick the maven as it has a nicer focus wheel (but it’s metal for you cold weather users) and feels better in my hands.

Sample variation is a pain in the ass lol

Funny you mention the focus wheel, because my buddy’s 18x mavens focus is incredibly sensitive. Probably chalk that up to sample variation as well

 

[WILLSMITH030382]

I have owned the mavens 18x, razor uhd 12x and the razor uhd 10x. I chose to keep the razor uhd 12x and get rid of the others. They were all really good binos, the razor uhd 12x just seemed to hit a sweet spot for my eyes and the application I will use it in.

 

[koshkin]

I have owned the mavens 18x, razor uhd 12x and the razor uhd 10x. I chose to keep the razor uhd 12x and get rid of the others. They were all really good binos, the razor uhd 12x just seemed to hit a sweet spot for my eyes and the application I will use it in.

12x UHD is a nice bino. I settled on the 10x50 UHD as my primary binocular, but I am looking forward to testing the new 8x32. They should be a good option when packing light.

ILya

 

[carbonbased]

Funny you mention the focus wheel, because my buddy’s 18x mavens focus is incredibly sensitive. Probably chalk that up to sample variation as well

What I meant was the feel of the material.

But you got me thinking about the “throw” of the wheel. The brain has been subconsciously percolating in the background. It’s been 2-3 years so my memory is a little hazy, but this morn something popped into my head: the Mavens did have a quicker focus throw than the UHD.

I found I liked that as I could snap the image in/out of focus quickly to confirm focus.

But if you like a slow/long focus throw, the Mavens maybe aren’t for you (again, my memory isn’t perfect).

I’m glad that you brought that up!

 

[JohnnyUno]

Really interested in thoughts on the 8x32 UHD's when you get them.

 

[GenericBadGuy]

Generally speaking, the 18x Maven and UHD are more or less the same binocular made in the same place by the same people to largely the same spec. The differences are cosmetics and sample variation.

ILya

Off topic but related question, are the Sig Sauer Zulu10s also made in the same place? Seems like a very similar looking product design?

 

[koshkin]

Off topic but related question, are the Sig Sauer Zulu10s also made in the same place? Seems like a very similar looking product design?

I have not seen those, so I do not know.

 

[beetroot]

Traditionally, I always used 8x binos, but once I ended up in New Mexico, I switched to the 10x50. About 70% of my glassing is off of a tripod, but when I use them handheld, a little bit extra weight seems to keep the image a little more stable for me. With lighter 10x binos I get more eye fatigue. This is very individual of course. For general hiking around and looking at things I seem to gravitate to lower magnifications: old 6x32 Viper, 6.5x32 Kowa and 7x32 Steiner.

I was always in the 8x bino camp but ended up buying some Kowa 6.5x32s partly based on your review and couldn't be happier.

Do you think there is still space for a decent pair of 8x binos or do you see a world in which 6-7x binos for general use and 10x (+) binos off a tripod are a better solution?

I do find myself wanting to use a tripod 100% of the time with binos (even the 6.5 Kowas) as it makes a world of difference.

 

[LuckyDuck]

Really interested in thoughts on the 8x32 UHD's when you get them.

Nothing scientific by any means but my x32's came in yesterday. So I'll share some initial feedback if that's helpful to you.

I spent about an hour or two screwing around with them and thus far I continue to be impressed. I looked up one end of the street (around 320 yards) and was still able to clearly read license plates this evening with the 10x32's. On the other end of the street (285 yards) there was an RV and I could very clearly read the model and trim of it with the 8x32's.

By this point you can only imagine the looks I was getting from people walking down the sidewalk as I'm playing with my new toys on a tripod and lazing distances for comparisons... well I go off the beat of my own drum and doubled down and brought out the Bushnell Match Pro ED 15x56's (which I still think punch well above their price point) on another tripod to compare the Razor UHD x32's side by side and yeah- I'm still pretty impressed with the Razor UHD's.

If it's form factor you're after rather than performance, I will say that based off of my limited experience, the 8x32's are certainly more svelte than the 8x42's I picked up a couple of weeks ago.

As I said- nothing scientific or too in-depth with my experience with the 8x32's after one day but for what it's worth- my initial impressions are rather favorable. I didn't get a chance to break out the 10x50's that came in yesterday because I got so waylaid comparing the x32's but maybe today/tomorrow I'll get a chance to throw them on a tripod and keep the neighbors guessing/avoiding me.

If nothing else- I went a little wild for me with the UHD's and within the same month- I reckon I purchased every model they offer now except for the 10x42's and that now bothers me and I may be keeping an eye out in November to complete my 'collection'. I kind of wish that Vortex offered a 'punch card loyalty program' because by now I reckon I would have gotten my 'free' 10x42 UHD to complete my 'collection'.

So while nothing of my response is necessary objective- the fact that I keep purchasing more of the Razor UHD models should (if nothing else) at least give some assurance that they aren't 'crap' or 'hype'. Until I can compare them with other comp's at a similar or higher price point from other manufacturers, I'm going to stick with saying that they're pretty dang sweet.

More to follow.

-LD

 

[koshkin]

I was always in the 8x bino camp but ended up buying some Kowa 6.5x32s partly based on your review and couldn't be happier.

Do you think there is still space for a decent pair of 8x binos or do you see a world in which 6-7x binos for general use and 10x (+) binos off a tripod are a better solution?

I do find myself wanting to use a tripod 100% of the time with binos (even the 6.5 Kowas) as it makes a world of difference.

I still have those Kowas and really like them. There is definitely a space for a good 8x bino. The two do not necessarily replace the other.

ILya