Vortex Optics Razor HD Roof Prism Binoculars

I was a little bit hesitant to to go for the $1,000 mark, since there seems to be a gap between novice ($150-$500) and expert variants ($1,500-$3,500). The novice binoculars are "great quality for this price" and the expert variants "best quality for top money". I wanted intermediate binoculars and found these to be at the sweet spot between optical quality, weight, product value, and pricing.The Razors exhibit a HD roof prism design for their lenses - with the same glass as the Vipers. However, Vortex lists three distinct enhancements:1. APO System Index-matched lenses correct color across the entire visual spectrum.2. Plasma Tech Coating application process provides unparalleled coating durability and performance.3. Frame Base Open hinge magnesium chasis forms a strong, lightweight, and ergonomic design.To make another comparison with the Vortex portfolio: The Razors HD are everything the Razors UHD offer, except for the UHD glass, but for less than half of the price tag.In my opinion, both the spherical aberration (optical distortions) and the chromatic aberration (color fringes) are minimal in the HD version and on par with the expert variants (UHD). That being said: You really need to extend the eyecups to place your vision up into the optimal optical path (people with glasses need to keep the eyecups down).I tried to take a photo with my iPhone, which hardly does the binoculars any justice - you really got to get your own eyes on a pair to see the quality: Only about 50% area from the center of the photo is what you actually use to produce your field of view. The European Starlings were about 50 ft (15 m) away. The black-tailed prairie dog was about 80 ft (25 m) away. And yes: there's humans that throw trash out of their car window, because someone told them that they're earth's dominant species.When it comes to close distances, you can even focus just in front of your feet (as close as 5 ft) and see the grass magnified and in all detail! Great for hikes where a mammal or bird might be just above your head near the trail!What's in the box? - More than explicidly listed, surprisingly:- Vortex Optics Glasspak Binocular Harness ($30)- Vortex Optics Archer's Binocular Strap ($20)- Vortex Optics Binocular Caps, bottom ($10)- Vortex Optics Binocular Rainguards, top ($10)- Vortex Optics Lens Cleaning Cloth ($10)- Vortex Optics Harness Strap Connector Set ($5)There's really no need to buy a Vortex Binocular Harness Strap or the Harness Strap Connector Set, as suggested by Amazon. However, I would suggest to get a Vortex Optics Lens Cleaning Pen or similar to remove dust and dirt before using any cleaning cloth. The lens coating is protecting the glass to a certain extend, but mechanical force (granite or quartz particle smeared over the surface) in never helping optics.If you're wondering why the binocular rainguards have a split loop on the right hand side - it's to quickly turn the cover aside (rip the nylon band away and turn the cover to the left hand side) without the need to find a pocket for storage!TL:DRThe Razors HD are excellent in both product quality and optical performance. Best value for $1,000!

Superb in every way! I am a retired, experienced, mechanical engineer so I know quality when I see, feel and use it! My wife and I travel quite a bit for pleasure and I must tell you that I've compared these with the much more expensive "Euro" brands, specifically the Swarovski 10x42 SLC's and from my experience (old enough to be on medicare) and having owned and tested many brands of high end glass THESE CANNOT BE BEAT! Superb balance and super lightweight (forget all that nonsense that you read about the finer the glass the heavier it should weigh; as I said, I am a recently retired mechanical engineer with a special interest in optics of every kind and weight is not necessarily an indicator of superior optical quality but usually, inferior design), with INCREDIBLY sharp optics! I literally compared these side x side w/the same model Swarovski whilst staying in a resort close to Mt. Etna in Sicily looking out at the Aegean sea and at Etna's summit and I tell you not an iota of difference! In point of fact, I thought the focusing wheel on the Swaros was far too "loosey-goosey" when trying to bear down on sharp focusing, especially if you're a birder or wildlife watcher. No way to stay focused on any moving object with a focusing mechanism with that much travel as the Swaros. I know the Razors are now made in the Celestial Kingdom (and I'm pissed at that, especially since my pair of Vortex Vipers in 8x32, which I bought only a year ago are made in Japan), but no matter how much one does not enjoy seeing China dominate everything these days, in all honesty, the world has become a "market" economy and the market dictates folks!I believe these to be the best on the market ESPECIALLY considering the no questions asked, transferrable, lifetime warranty! Go find that in Austria, Germany, Slovakia, or any where else for that matter! I really researched this purchase because though I can afford it, ...who needs or wants to spend an extra $1K or so (depending on brand) for the same or inferior performance glass? It was great having the center focusing wheel on the Swaros as the diopter focusing mechanism as well,...but to be honest, once you've set your diopter setting on the lockable wheel on the barrel of the Razor, there is no difference, other than the previously stated "mushy" feel of the Swaro SLC center focusing wheel. The Swaros are not only heavier but the close focusing only allows you to 11 feet or so. The Razor's, just like the Viper's are at 5 foot or even a little less. Talk about superb optics and quality craftsmanship! I've tried or owned every brand of looking glasses out there and these are, IMHO the best without any reservation OR exception!UPDATE: 3/20/20.....These are by far the best glass for the money that I HAVE EVER SPENT! I've been extremely active with some local and regional (Northeast USA) birding organizations and I have used/borrowed/tried out and compared every other major (expensive) brand of glass that exists (inclusive of some extremely expensive spotting scopes and I am still FLOORED by the performance/ build quality and ease of use of the Vortex brand overall but specifically the Razors and the Vipers. As a former mechanical engineer (and I hare to repeat myself) these are PHENOMENALLY INCREDIBLE for the money spent!Speaking of which folks,....I spend a small fortune in time, energy and coin on stuff that I buy and use here on amazon so if this review was HELPFUL,....well you know what to do! Many thanks!

I bought these wanting the best binoculars I could afford. The ones I had to compare them with were 1997 celestron ultimas, 2014 diamondbacks, and some discontinued vortex hurricanes, 10x50s. All of these are pretty good glasses, the hurricane seeming the best to me. The old ultima glasses are maybe a bit sharper. There are japanese-made, I think. What i was looking for was a great field of view like the hurricane, equal or better sharpness, and the nice basic image quality and color rendition of the diamondbacks. The razors do better than that. I know they are not as nice as the very best, but they are flat out amazing binoculars. I am mainly into birding, and take lots of photos with a powershot with 40x zoom(nice little camera). The razors have tremendous clarity and color rendition, and are very sharp as well. The very edges are a tiny bit blurry, but for 10x42's, the fov is pretty big, and this is not much of an issue. They are sharp almost to the edge. There is a small amount of chromatic aberration, but it is pretty well controlled. For me, I am not sure I would have been happy with something not quite as well-rounded and with this level of optical quality. I realize this now after using them for a bit. They are way better than I expected, so this has been a learning experience, for sure. They are fairly light and compact, much like the diamondbacks, but with better build quality. I hope they are as tough as the diamondbacks, which are very nice binoculars. If the vipers are as close to this level as I have read, they would be a great less expensive choice to the razor. But I am very happy with these, and they are hopefully all the binoculars I will ever need. One other thing- compared to the hurricaines for astronomy glasses, they do very well, even with smaller aperture, due to better contrast and sharpness.