Vortex Razor HD binoculars vs others

[coloradoan]

I'm looking at spending $800ish for some binoculars, and I checked out the 10x42 Vortex Razors and liked them quite a bit. A no-fault warranty is a priority for me since I have kiddos at home.

What are some other binoculars in this price range that are also worth looking at? The Leupold Santiam and Tract Toric look great, but the IPD on both of those doesn't go down narrow enough for my wife, who will also use these binos. I've read that the Athlon Cronus is competitive with the Razor, but with such a drastic difference in price I'd want to hear more feedback. The Maven B1.2 looks interesting but I haven't looked much at them.

Anything I'm missing? I know I can get better glass if I go used, so I'll also look into that.

 

[Ryanlemon5]

Maven currently has a 15% off sale. I would suggest looking at their B6 10x50! I’ve been super impressed with them. My eyes definitely prefer them over the Razors.

 

[Kylenautique]

Can't go wrong with this deal.. https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/vortex-razor-hd-10x42-699.410865/

 

[rookieforever33]

Ive seen GPO rangeguide on sale for 800 lately. I have them and the glass is better than my Leupold bx4. No ballistic sloutions, just los range and angle compensation range. Im very happy with mine overall.

 

[FuddRucker]

If you can save up just a bit more, you should spring for a refurbished pair of UHD Also, you shouldn't have to spend 800 for razor HD.

 

[Huntin_GI]

The used Maven market is typically pretty soft. You can get a set of the B1.2 11x45 for that price and I have been very happy with those even after sitting behind the Swaro's. For the price, thats a hard piece of glass to beat.

 

[lawdogx]

I’ve owned/still own a few Vortex binoculars. The UHD’s are fantastic. They’re a little long and heavy but the image is stellar, I preferred it over the SLC and found it closer to the Swaro EL. The 8x can be had for under $1K at Europtic. The Razor HD’s are very nice. Not near alpha quality but very useable. Heck, I have a pair of diamondback 8x32’s that I use in the woods and, if I’m not spending lots of time behind them, really like the size and weight for just checking out stuff inside 200 yards. Vortex gets a bad rap around here because of their rifle scopes and the drop test (and I’m in no way questioning the results). But I’ve had great experiences with their binoculars.

As for pricing, if you’re former military or first responder Guidefitter, Expert Voice, and Govx offer great vortex pricing. If not, Dvor has excellent pricing but you have to wait for the items to come around. If you’re not in a hurry just click “notify me” on the non-available item and they’ll email you when it’s available again.

 

[OFam02Ex]

I have Razor UHD 10x42, love them. Vortex customer service when they get damaged is amazing and they fix them fast.

 

[Tahoe1305]

I’d snag those used posted at the heavy discount. If you don’t like them you can break even pretty easy likely. Then you can rent some mavens for shipping and compare.

Best binos in that class IMO are Nikon HGs. But the vortex aren’t far behind for the cost.

 

[Kylenautique]

I’d jump on those used razor binos. Send them in to vortex if you want them inspected. Their customer service is top notch.

I’m using the Viper HD 10x42 and honestly I’ve been super impressed. I’ve compared them to my buddies Maven C1 and the Leupold BX-5. They all did great. The viper binos had a little better clarity to my eyes.

Probably the best bang for the buck is the Cabela’s only deal Viper gen 1 HD binos. They are not knock offs… they aren’t made cheaper or inferior to the new viper binos. They are pretty awesome. And at $299, it’s a steal. Only real difference from the 2nd gen vipers is the FOV is slightly smaller on the gen 1 HD.

https://www.basspro.com/p/vortex-viper-hd-binoculars?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensions&ds_e=GOOGLE&ds_c=BPS%7CShopping%7CPMax%7CHunting%7CHunting%7CNAud%7CGoogle%7CNMT&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19856022628&gbraid=0AAAAAD1TgtdhoT-eXwS2QBooaTk_PjrvH

 

[Tahoe1305]

These came up today here. I think they are better…up to you if ~$75 is worth it. I think so for resale if nothing else.

R

WTS Thread 'Nikon Monarch HG 10x42 $675TYD'

Jul 11, 2025

Great set of glass that competes with almost all Alpha Tier binos. I've used these for a couple of years and they appear to me in great shape, I don't see any issues of the glass at all. I've moved to range finding binos and can tell I will already miss the lightness of these.

Venmo preferred, but can do Zelle or PP. You cover the fees for anything other than friends and family.

I'll probably regret this, but here we are!

• Rugger7622
• Replies: 6
• Forum: Optics Classifieds

 

[pacoalcracker]

spend a bit more for used, like new Swaro's or Leica's and you will be miles ahead w/o regrets. Leica's go very reasonable here and are just as good as Swaro's. I have 3pr each of Swaros' and Leica's in the same HD 8x32, 10x42 and 12x50 so I know first hand. pay once, cry once.

 

[roadrunner]

Sig's are another you could look at in that price range.

 

[flyfisher117]

I like the Razor HD for what it is but do not pay full price. Go snag a refurbished pair off Sierra or a used pair off the classifieds here.

 

[coloradoan]

Thanks all for the info. Yeah, I definitely would try to find the razors used if that’s what I went with. That’s where the transferable warranty comes in handy. When’s my next paycheck with some good overtime comes in, i’ll start looking in the classifieds.