Vortex Razor 10x42 constantly focusing?

[Mtnboy]

Alright guys, I'm ready to pull the trigger on some quality binos, while my Monarchs have served me well it's time to step it up.

After reading a review on here where someone bought a bunch of binos from Cabelas to test and returned the ones they didn't go with I decided to do something similar. My buddy has brand new Razor 10x42 which is what I pretty much have my heart set on, but I grabbed some Viper HD 10x42 for the weekend just to do some real world comparing to make sure the Razors are worth the extra $600...they are in my opinion.

Here's my question, his Razors seemed to need to be constantly adjusted to keep the focus clear and crisp...I'm talking constantly, like if you scan 30 feet over on a hillside you'll have to mess with the focus knob. Is this normal? Is this because the image is so crisp compared to my Monarchs that if they are out of focus even a little it's very noticeable?

Thanks for the help!

 

[luke moffat]

I don't have the 10X42s but have the 12X50 Vortex Razor HDs and have not noticed this problem at all.

 

[littlebuf]

i have the 10x42's and no you shouldn't have to constantly adjust them, in fact ive found the exact opposite. they seem to have a very broad range on one focus setting. did you have the eye cups all the way out? if so theres something wrong with those ones and id be using that legendary VIP warranty

 

[bbrown]

I had a pair of Vipers that I picked up used and was having the same problem. Sent them back to Vortex and they adjusted them because they were apparently out of alignment. Got them back and used them for a while and over time it felt like they got back to needing focused all the time. Sent them back again and they sent me a brand new pair - no problems since. Treated me very good and quick turn around - great CS.

 

[ElkNut1]

Before they're sent back make sure you have them focused for each eye individually first. It's a fairly common overlook that hunters do. They throw the binos up & feel the center focus wheel adjusts both eyes automatically, they do not. To focus I like having the binos in place to my eyes, I then close the right eye & use center focus wheel (diopter) at a couple hundred yards & adjust to perfectly clear. Besides the center focus wheel you'll notice on the Razors there is a focus wheel on the right eyepiece, pull it out & turn wheel slowly while closing left eye now & focus until the image is sharp in the right eye, now push the that focus wheel back in. You should now have very clear viewing at that distance & beyond. All eyes are different so this should be done for each individual user.

If not adjusted to each individual & each of their eyes you can have one eye straining to adjust to the object as you start scanning a mountainside. This may be your issue?

ElkNut1

 

[goodgrouper]

I have the razor 10x42 and I adjusted them like elk nut described the first time I used them and have never had any focusing issues. Great binos.

 

[Mtnboy]

Thanks for the input guys, I adjusted them as ElkNut described (while steady on a tripod even) and they still wouldn't stay focused. I'm pretty convinced at this point something isn't right with his pair....good thing they have that warranty!

 

[Matt Cashell]

Sounds like a tough go on this one.

Here are some tips on adjusting the diopter that I have found useful:

1. Tripod mount the binocular if you can.

2. Center the FOV on a target that will show sharpness well (I like real estate signs) at around 100 yards away.

3. Leave both eyes open and cover the right objective with the objective cover.

4. Using the center focus wheel, achieve maximum sharpness on the target.

5. Cover the left objective and uncover the right.

6. With both eyes open, fine tune the diopter adjustment for maximum sharpness with the right eye.

7. Once you have the diopter set, lock it if your binocular has this feature, and leave it.