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The first time I ever went hunting with Ryan, we were looking for elk, not deer! We left well before light and flew out to a glassing spot to let the sun rise behind us. When we got there Ryan busted out his binoculars on a tripod and handed me another set of 15’s with a tripod. As the sun came up we glassed the sage flats below us, and every few seconds Ryan would pipe off, “there’s a buck.” I’d swing the binos around to get a look. Then, just as soon as I’d zero in on his buck I’d hear, “there’s another buck.” This pattern was repeated again and again. I suppose it’s only fitting that a couple MuleyCrazy Guys looking for elk could only find deer. After glassing for a bit, I couldn’t help but think, “man he is pretty good at this.” So, on the ride home I couldn’t resist asking what his secret was. Ryan quickly responded, “I have the best equipment known to man.” Since then I have taken that to heart and have built myself an optic system consisting of the best optics on the market. I started this collection with a quality set of long-range binoculars and have subsequently told everyone that calls and picks my brain that the most useful tool they can have is indeed a quality set of long-range binoculars. So, it goes without saying, when Vortex announced the new line of Razor UHD binoculars we were intrigued. From what the rumors said, Vortex was completely redesigning the Razor to make a new improved alpha binocular with the same Razor functions that we have loved for years. We also heard that they were developing an 18x bino that was going to compete with the industry leaders. So as quickly as I could, I got my hands on a pair to see if the rumors were true.
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What does UHD really mean?
When the new Razors arrived one immediate question popped in both of our heads, “What the heck does UHD even mean?” It turns out UHD stands for “ultra high definition”. Although the term HD is mostly a marketing term used by optic companies to stimulate sales, there is some sustenance to the term HD. When you opt for better components, coatings, or glass you will predictably get a higher definition picture. With the new Razors, it’s evident that Vortex did more than just change the name of the Razors for marketing. They created a whole new binocular and put the term UHD permanently on the map.
The Razor UHD’s have a unique optical design that provides exceptional optical quality, color fidelity, and cuts chromatic aberration better than other models. With the new Razor’s Vortex utilized their APO system, which corrects color presentation to the eye. They also used XR multi-coats. What separates the new Razors from its competition are the prisms. The UHD Razors are longer and heavier than the previous Razor, mostly due to the updated prisms. Previous Razor models have used Schmidt-Pechan roof prisms. The UHD version uses Abbe Koenig roof prisms. While this type of roof prism is not as compact as the more commonly used Schmidt-Pechan design of roof prism, the big advantage of this design is that all surfaces on the Abbe-Koenig prisms reflect 100% of the light that hits them, thus they do not require highly reflective coatings to be used. This is what actually makes these binoculars UHD!
Functionality:
When Vortex announced the UHD’s I hoped they would maintain some of the same functionality as the older Razors. Thankfully, they did. Although the chassis is a little heavier and longer, the new Razors are a little slimmer overall. Vortex kept the same eyecups, which I love (I believe they are the most functional, and comfortable eyecups on the market). The diopter is also very similar to the previous model, you pull up to loosen, rotate as needed, then push it back down into the locked position.
The focus knob is much the same as well. The only difference is that it’s slightly stiffer, which I prefer so it isn’t getting inadvertently rotated while in a bino harness or backpack. We all know it’s never convenient having to refocus every time you want to look at something. Vortex also utilized the same center hinge concept, which balances the weight better making it more comfortable to hold.
The loaded question that everyone (including myself) was asking about the new 18’s was, “are these things capable of competing with a top end set of 15’s?” To test them, I packed them with me all through the Utah archery season. I certainly spent a lot of hours looking through them, and during every possible hour and light scenario throughout the day.
Weight:
The 18’s actually weigh slightly less than their top competitors, coming in at 41.6oz. Even though the Razors fit nicely in my hands, it pretty much goes without saying, you need a quality tripod to use such a high-powered pair of binoculars. Conveniently, as with all Razors, the 18’s are tapped and threaded for an adapter.
Brightness and Clarity:
The Clarity of these binoculars is far superior to any long-range binocular Vortex has produced in the past. The edge-to-edge clarity ranks right there among that of other high-end binoculars. Plus, the color presentation is also good. I experienced no headaches or rolling ball effect.
Although they are really clear, the added magnification does make them slightly less bright than the comparable 15’s, but this is to be expected. The magnification does make a difference, albeit not a ton, counting points on a buck at 1.5 miles compared to a pair of 15’s.
Something else I was concerned about with the 18x was that the field of view would be cut making them less of a panning optic. At short range there is noticeably less field of view than a comparable pair of 15x, but at long-range the field of view was fine making this a good panning binocular.
It’s hard to write an article on Vortex Optics without mentioning the VIP warranty. The UHD binoculars are covered under the famous warranty. This warranty actually adds significant value to the binoculars. Not only are you buying a high-end set of glass, but also, if you tip your tripod over they will fix or replace them. That’s a pretty legit deal!
The new UHD binoculars come in an 8x42, 10x42, 12x50, and an 18x56. All of which are top of the line. As Vortex says, “the best binocular we have ever made!” They are made in Japan and are built on a very durable magnesium chassis. They come with a new premium harness that protects the binoculars. Now for the question you are all asking, “What is the price?” Retail on the 8x42’s is $1449.99, on the 10x42’s it’s $1499.99, on the 12x50’s it’s $1599.99, and on the 18x56’s it’s $1699.99. These prices make these binos among the least expensive of the alpha binoculars on the market.
To be the best hunter you can be and to kill the biggest game possible it’s vital to have the best equipment you can afford. With that in mind, these Razors are a game changer for many hunters. At such a reasonable price point guys can start building their optic system with a high-quality set of binoculars! If you’re interested in a set or have any questions, please call me or Ryan. We’d love to talk to you about them, and I promise we will give you a better price than even the internet can!
When the new Razors arrived one immediate question popped in both of our heads, “What the heck does UHD even mean?” It turns out UHD stands for “ultra high definition”. Although the term HD is mostly a marketing term used by optic companies to stimulate sales, there is some sustenance to the term HD. When you opt for better components, coatings, or glass you will predictably get a higher definition picture. With the new Razors, it’s evident that Vortex did more than just change the name of the Razors for marketing. They created a whole new binocular and put the term UHD permanently on the map.
The Razor UHD’s have a unique optical design that provides exceptional optical quality, color fidelity, and cuts chromatic aberration better than other models. With the new Razor’s Vortex utilized their APO system, which corrects color presentation to the eye. They also used XR multi-coats. What separates the new Razors from its competition are the prisms. The UHD Razors are longer and heavier than the previous Razor, mostly due to the updated prisms. Previous Razor models have used Schmidt-Pechan roof prisms. The UHD version uses Abbe Koenig roof prisms. While this type of roof prism is not as compact as the more commonly used Schmidt-Pechan design of roof prism, the big advantage of this design is that all surfaces on the Abbe-Koenig prisms reflect 100% of the light that hits them, thus they do not require highly reflective coatings to be used. This is what actually makes these binoculars UHD!
Functionality:
When Vortex announced the UHD’s I hoped they would maintain some of the same functionality as the older Razors. Thankfully, they did. Although the chassis is a little heavier and longer, the new Razors are a little slimmer overall. Vortex kept the same eyecups, which I love (I believe they are the most functional, and comfortable eyecups on the market). The diopter is also very similar to the previous model, you pull up to loosen, rotate as needed, then push it back down into the locked position.
The focus knob is much the same as well. The only difference is that it’s slightly stiffer, which I prefer so it isn’t getting inadvertently rotated while in a bino harness or backpack. We all know it’s never convenient having to refocus every time you want to look at something. Vortex also utilized the same center hinge concept, which balances the weight better making it more comfortable to hold.
The loaded question that everyone (including myself) was asking about the new 18’s was, “are these things capable of competing with a top end set of 15’s?” To test them, I packed them with me all through the Utah archery season. I certainly spent a lot of hours looking through them, and during every possible hour and light scenario throughout the day.
Weight:
The 18’s actually weigh slightly less than their top competitors, coming in at 41.6oz. Even though the Razors fit nicely in my hands, it pretty much goes without saying, you need a quality tripod to use such a high-powered pair of binoculars. Conveniently, as with all Razors, the 18’s are tapped and threaded for an adapter.
Brightness and Clarity:
The Clarity of these binoculars is far superior to any long-range binocular Vortex has produced in the past. The edge-to-edge clarity ranks right there among that of other high-end binoculars. Plus, the color presentation is also good. I experienced no headaches or rolling ball effect.
Although they are really clear, the added magnification does make them slightly less bright than the comparable 15’s, but this is to be expected. The magnification does make a difference, albeit not a ton, counting points on a buck at 1.5 miles compared to a pair of 15’s.
Something else I was concerned about with the 18x was that the field of view would be cut making them less of a panning optic. At short range there is noticeably less field of view than a comparable pair of 15x, but at long-range the field of view was fine making this a good panning binocular.
It’s hard to write an article on Vortex Optics without mentioning the VIP warranty. The UHD binoculars are covered under the famous warranty. This warranty actually adds significant value to the binoculars. Not only are you buying a high-end set of glass, but also, if you tip your tripod over they will fix or replace them. That’s a pretty legit deal!
The new UHD binoculars come in an 8x42, 10x42, 12x50, and an 18x56. All of which are top of the line. As Vortex says, “the best binocular we have ever made!” They are made in Japan and are built on a very durable magnesium chassis. They come with a new premium harness that protects the binoculars. Now for the question you are all asking, “What is the price?” Retail on the 8x42’s is $1449.99, on the 10x42’s it’s $1499.99, on the 12x50’s it’s $1599.99, and on the 18x56’s it’s $1699.99. These prices make these binos among the least expensive of the alpha binoculars on the market.
To be the best hunter you can be and to kill the biggest game possible it’s vital to have the best equipment you can afford. With that in mind, these Razors are a game changer for many hunters. At such a reasonable price point guys can start building their optic system with a high-quality set of binoculars! If you’re interested in a set or have any questions, please call me or Ryan. We’d love to talk to you about them, and I promise we will give you a better price than even the internet can!
