VortexOptics 2X Doubler

If you are expecting this to be a magic device that turns your $800-1200 Razor HD 12 X 50 binoculars into 24 X 50 equivalent spotting scope of the same Razor HD quality for only $160 you will be disappointed. If you find yourself needing a little extra power to zoom in on far off potential targets, but don't want to pack two optics around, then this might work for you. Keeping mind the cost of this device and the fact it just slips on over the eye piece it will create some additional side effects. Eye relief will change drastically, it will add some optical aberrations, the glass in the double does not appear to be the same as Razor HD or higher end product line quality. Keep in mind also there is an air gap between the doubler and host optics that influences final optical quality. I found that carefully aligning the doubler takes a little time and pays off in the end. Vortext needs to make a better coupling mechanism if they intend to keep making this doubler. I suggest they make their eye cups on their binoculars removable and allow a double like this to more positively and precisely mechanically couple to the host optics, like telescope eye pieces or the Vortex's own spotting scopes with interchangeable eye pieces. The coupling mechanism lacks confidence, when I first tried it the doubler fell off, luckily in the house on carpeted floor. Make sure to firmly push it into place and check for eccentricity as you push it on. Adjust it has you carefully push it on. This needs a lanyard attachment as well to avoid dropping it in the field. I still like having this in my pack for zooming in on a target without having to pack a full second optic. The trade off here is weight over quality. This device give you extra magnification at a weight savings. It will give extra magnification at a cost saving as well, but keep mind the quality will not be the same as separate optic.

In the product description, it says: When the total weight of your gear is critical, keep your options open for long-distance viewing with the help of this lightweight, waterproof, pocket-sized piece. With the Vortex Doubler you can increase the magnification of any full size Vortex binocular (except the Kaibab) as well as the Recon R/T and Recon Mountain scopes. Take in high-power views more similar to what you'd see through a spotting scope. The Vortex 2x Doubler easily attaches over most Vortex binocular eyecups. HOWEVER, it DID NOT fit my Vortex Fury HD500 binos. They have slightly larger eyecups. It did work on my Diamondback 10x42's so I have used it. I agree with others that if a target is just barely not visible enough, this may be that smidge more to see what your looking at...., but It will be a darker and more distorted view and with a smaller field of view. Now add the fact you are now only seeing through one eye and for ex. trying to see if a buck has 3 points or eyeguards when you couldn't tell for sure before using the 2xer,... well it may not do what your hoping. Because you are going from a 10 power to 20 essentially (in my case), you also will find they are harder to hold steady without using a tripod. Not impossible, but very difficult especially in cool weather when sitting for a while and having a slight shiver. If your breathing hard after trekking up a hill,... forget wasting your time, you can't hold still enough.As another mentioned, if it had a positive cam lock or a better way to center it up securely, that would help. Having two for both eyes would help more... and a tripod, even just a lightweight monopod similar to a selfie stick would help tremendously.By itself is is a cool 2x monocular for close targets. I tried taping the doubler to the Furys and it did work although not ideal. Surprisingly, it had an okay field of view considering it was much farther from the lens than designed for as it couldn't fit over the cup. See pics for comparison. Both pics were looking through the binos with a Samsung Galaxy Note 8 zoomed to 4.0 power and held without a tripod so they aren't truly fair as I couldn't hold still enough to truly focus with the doubler on. But It gives an idea of what to expect.All in all I will probably keep it though I don't think I can really recommend it. If it were a 1.5x or 1.75 it would have more field of view and less distorion (always a trade off) but I think it would overall give better results perhaps and if sold in pairs would be better yet. Cheers, just my 2 cents.

I found this very disappointing. I bought it because I didn’t want to spring for the very expensive Swarovski Binocular doubler. Bad decision, definitely useless with my Swarovski Companion Binoculars.They may be fine used with matched Vortex Binoculars, I can’t say. This is not a fair test, but don’t make my mistake.

I use it last season and it works. Not impressed, but I don't regret buying it.

Is NOT worth the money, extremely dark to look through, looks like your looking through twenty dollar binoculars and I used it on my 15x56 HD vortex binoculars. Not impressed at all.