Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Does anybody own the new 2012 Vortex Razor HDs binoculars

If so what do you think about them and are they worth the price?

IMO they are not worth the price. You can get a EuroHD, Meopta, Leupold GR HD, used Swaro SLCneu, Zen ED3, a new Zeiss FL 10x42 from Doug for under $1200, which is an absolute steal of a deal. Lot's of better glass for less money.

Very well said.

Well it doesn't appear anyone here owns a pair. Let me ask you this. What would you consider the right price for a pair of these?

That's the problem vortex has with this Razor HD IMO. I've already mentioned several pair near the price that are better. You can find a used Gold Ring HD, a Zen Ed3 or the new Prime HD for $500 or less, and the Razor is no better than these either. It would have to be below $500 for me to even begin to be interested in the Razor.

I might go a little more than that (have only played with the non-HD Razors and cannot fathom a quantum leap) but not by a lot.

If one is looking to drop $1200 (price of the new Razors) on some glass, I'd be looking used Leica Ultravid, Zeiss FL, Swaro EL/SLC, Nikon EDG or a new Meopta Meostar HD / Cabela's Euro HD.

Actually just checking on the Razor. I was really intending on buying the Viper HD but the same source has the Razor HDs for under $1000. My biggest problem with the Vortex binoculars is I haven't been able to find a place that stocks them where I can really compare them to others. I did find the Talon HDs at Bass Pro. They were ok but I really wanted other peoples opinion. Thanks for the help guys. Probably saved me some disappointment.

Ashworth,

The Vipers are pretty dang good. I have a non-HD 6x32 and I'm uber-impressed with them. (for the cheddar) I think the Viper line is where Vortex shines and makes their hay. They'd likely do themselves well by not offering a seat for every @ss.

I found a local store that will sale me the Vipers HD in 10x50 for $500 so I am waiting on pay day. I looked them over really good and by golly I like em. So I think I am going to bite on these. I bet the Razor's are awesome but you could buy two pairs of Vipers for what the Raxors cost.

If I had a $1000 bucks I sure would not buy Vortex. I would save a little more and buy one of the big three. Swaro, lieca, or Zeiss. Pick which ever one fits your eyes best and you are done. Daryl.

I think I have pretty much eliminated the Razors. I am really wanting to stay in the $500 range. While I really don't think too much of Nikon I understand the new Monarch 7 is suppose to be pretty good.
What do you guys think the best choice for $500 10x42 binoculars and why?

Thanks for the opinions, they are very helpful.
Tom

So has anyone actually got to look through them (The new Razor HDs)? I'm curious as well.

In no particular order:
1. Used Leupold Gold Ring HD-exceptional glass, should last a lifetime.
2. Zen Ray Prime ED--Haven't seen them personally yet, but SteveC who posts here has, and says the 8x is astoundingly good and very well built.
3. Zen Ray ED3

I don't know why I say this, but Vortex, to me, is somewhat of a fad.....kind of a new kid on the block trying to carve it's nitche in the market, but with no real standout products.

well almost 5 months later I finally pulled the trigger on a new pair of binoculars. I really had made my mind up to get the vortex viper HDs 10x42 but a local shop is running a special on Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42 for $779. These also have a $100 rebate from Zeiss so for under $700 I went with them. Took them out this past weekend and I am vary happy with my choice. They are a heavier than the Vipers by 4 oz. but there it nothing on the Zeiss that seems cheap. Very well built.

Good deal on your Zeiss.