6 Things You Need to Know Before You Buy
I have already covered the main features and components on the new Vortex Razor UHD binoculars on my main Vortex Optics page, so I won’t go over all of them again here.
Rather in this article, I wanted to highlight the most important things that you need to know about before deciding if the new Vortex Razor UHDs are the right binoculars for you and if they are, which model is will be best suited to your needs.
ONE
The first thing to know is that despite all the marketing hype surrounding the new Vortex Razor UHD Binoculars, they are in many ways very similar to the older Razor HD that now sits just below them in the companies hierarchy and so this is most certainly a case of an incremental evolution of the series rather than a drastic change.
High Definition (HD) -> Ultra High Definition (UHD)
Describing your binoculars as having HD optics is for the most part just marketing jargon and can mean a number of different things depending on which manufacturer you are talking about.
In general, it implies that on top of the “standard” high-end features like a fully multi-coated optical system and phase corrected prisms, they have also used ED (extra low-dispersion) glass lens elements within the lenses and also have dielectric, rather than silver mirror coatings on the prisms.
The older Razor HD has all these as well as a bunch of other very impressive optical features that includes hardened scratch resistant and water phobic outer lens coatings and the fact that they use the Apochromatic (APO) objective lens design that incorporates at least four elements rather than the more common three elements in the achromatic lens system.
This is all extremely impressive and is a match for just about any other alpha level binocular on the market. Therefore improving on this high definition system on the Razor HD and going to an ultra-high definition system (UHD) is going to be tough, but as the name is different, I assume Vortex Optics have made some sort of improvement to the optics.
However, they are very short on actual information about this and their descriptions lack any details and so it is hard to comment much more than this. I just j=hope there is some substance to it and it is not all marketing hype.
TWO
Bino Harness Included
The biggest and noticeable difference between the new Vortex Razor UHD and the older HD is in the provided accessories that you now receive an even bigger and better accessories package.
As you would expect at this price range, as well as the instrument itself, the box contains lens covers, a rain-guard, a cleaning cloth, and an excellent quality, well-padded neck strap.
However, on top of these typical accessories, you also get a binocular Harness that can then connect to the carry case. The result is that you now have fully covered bino harness that is especially popular with hunters.
On top of this, you also get a small ammo/accessory pouch that you can either carry independently or it will attach to the front of the case if you prefer which is another really nice feature.
THREE
Body
In terms of the main bodies, the materials used are generally the same and both the HD and Razor UHD have a magnesium alloy chassis under the rubber armor coating.
The design and shape have been updated a little, but both generally sport the same single top hinge design which Vortex Optics like to call a True Open Hinge design. Either way, it frees up more of the barrels for more to grab onto as well as decreasing overall weight.
As you would expect these binoculars are all fully waterproof as well as Argon purged which will prevent internal lens fogging.
FOUR – Which Model?
So you have decided that the Razor UHD is for you. The next step before buying is to choose which configuration to get:
Wide Views
Whilst all models within this new series sport nice wide views within their respective magnification categories, the Vortex Razor UHD 8x42 binocular really stands out for me as it has an extremely wide field of view.
Measuring 420 feet wide at a distance 1000 yards, it translates to a viewing angle of 8 degrees, placing them amongst the best wide angle binoculars on the market which is great for most general wildlife uses, closer range hunting and especially birding.
FIVE
High Power, Long Distance
For the hunter or wildlife observer operating in wide open spaces and over longer distances, there is most certainly an instrument with you in mind.
The Vortex Razor UHD 12x50 binoculars will get you closer to the action with more detailed images and at the same time be still be easy enough to maintain a reasonably steady view from the hands. On top of this, with their reasonably large 4.2mm exit pupil will perform at the same level in low light the 10x42 version.
For those wanting even more power and image detail at very long range, the Vortex Razor UHD 18x56 binoculars will have you covered.
Just keep in mind, at this very high magnification even the smallest hand movements will be greatly magnified and thus it is recommended that this model be used from a secure base like a tripod.
It is for this reason that this model is best used from a static point like a hide or at the shooting range.
SIX – Price
Vortex Razor UHD binoculars have an MSRP price that ranges from $2099 for the 8x42, right up to $2449 for the 18x56 model. Current retail prices will certainly be less than this, so be sure to check the link below to get the latest price in your country.
Want to Save Money?
I have kept mentioning just how closely matched the older HD and the new UHD models are and thus if you are interested in either an 8x42, 10x42 or 12x50 binocular, you could save yourself quite a lot of money by opting for the HD instead, with only a very negligible (if any) noticeable loss in performance.
The post Vortex Razor UHD Binoculars Review appeared first on Best Binocular Reviews.