Are Vortex Razor binoculars really superior to the other Vortex binocular models?

[rkmontana]

I have been doing my homework hoping to invest in a new pair of top of the line binoculars for myself for Christmas. I know Vortex is a popular brand and my brother has a pair of Diamondbacks and Vultures and swears by them.

Here is what is confusing to me about Vortex. I hear more hype about their warranty and customer service than I hear about the quality of their product. Haven't heard anything bad about their quality - but still wonder how it compares to the European brands offering product in similar prices points to the China Made or Japanese Made Vortex Viper / Razor - like the German Made Steiner Nighthunters or Austria Made Swarovski CL Companions?

Also with Vortex I feel like when I watch their product videos on their website they all same the same thing. When I watch them I feel like they are telling me the same features and benefits on the $300 binos as they are their $1000 binos. To me it makes me wonder why I would want to buy their more expensive styles?

I guess what I am asking - is for those of you who have experience with Vortex - especially the Viper, Talon and Razor models. Does price really reflect quality and features and benefits with this brand? Meaning are the Razor really better than the Viper? Are the Viper really better than the Talon? Again because watching the videos on their site I feel like they are telling me the same thing about all 3 of them - and just showing me styling and size differences between them all. The Viper and Razor both have same features and benefits on the videos and both are made in Japan.....so what makes the Razor better or more expensive?

Are the Razors really the way to go - if price was no matter and you wanted the very best that Vortex has to offer?

Thanks for your thoughts and advice!

[ken]

The higher the price, the better the glass. You just need to decide what is good enough for you.

I have a pair of Vortex Vipers in 10 X 42. They have really great glass but I'm sure the glass in the Razors is even better.

[bowhuntntxn]

Coatings on the optics are what control the price points. Lower price points have fewer coatings and they are applied with a different process.

You can tell the difference when you use them. Think low light, early sunrise or sunset, cloudy and hazy. That is when the more expensive glass and coatings are essential.

You will never see the difference inside a retail store with fixed lighting, looking at an object 50 yards away at best.

[Encinal]

There are lots of things I skimp on for hunting. Glass isn't one of them.

[Fordman]

I want to follow this because I have wondered the same thing.
I have a pair of diamondbacks and I think they are fantastic.

[quarterback]

After reading up on them, I just ordered a pair of Diamondbacks 10X42 from Arrowsmith on here. So I'll post something up when they get in my happy hands.

BTW, Arrowsmith your PM box is apparently full. I tried to send my shipping info to you but it wouldn't go through.

[spread5150]

Gonna jump in here. How do those that have them feel they hold up in regards to getting fogged. Thinking a new set is down the line soon

[Boss Buck]

I cannot say to much about vortex because I don't have any. But several of my friends do. They all love them. Scopes, bino's...

[Grayson]

In my opinion, no. I've had some Viper HD's for 2 years (just listed in Classifieds), and I looked at the Razor HD's just recently when I was looking to upgrade. I honestly liked the Vipers better than the Razors. They fit me better, easier to hold and I could not tell a noticeable difference in the quality.

[txoutdoorsman24]

After reading up on them, I just ordered a pair of Diamondbacks 10X42 from Arrowsmith on here. So I'll post something up when they get in my happy hands.

BTW, Arrowsmith your PM box is apparently full. I tried to send my shipping info to you but it wouldn't go through.

You will love em!!! They are really nice. Love mine

[dac6933]

After reading up on them, I just ordered a pair of Diamondbacks 10X42 from Arrowsmith on here. So I'll post something up when they get in my happy hands.

BTW, Arrowsmith your PM box is apparently full. I tried to send my shipping info to you but it wouldn't go through.

You will love them.

[texan4ut]

I have Vortex Diamondback Bino's and they are great.

[Arrowsmith]

After reading up on them, I just ordered a pair of Diamondbacks 10X42 from Arrowsmith on here. So I'll post something up when they get in my happy hands.

BTW, Arrowsmith your PM box is apparently full. I tried to send my shipping info to you but it wouldn't go through.

I cleared some messages from my inbox. I got your address from your email. Your Dback 10x40 binos are ordered.

[Arrowsmith]

Are the Razor HD better than the Vipers HD ? Yes.....but not by a huge amount

The major difference in the Razor HD and Viper HD is that the Razors have more anti reflective coatings on the lenses. The difference in between the two models is slight, but there is a difference. Is the difference worth $500.00 ? That is up to the person looking thru them.

And are the Viper HD better than Diamondbacks ? Yes....but not by a huge a amount

The Diamondbacks are by far my best sellers. They are GREAT binos and 99% of my customers are impressed and very satisfied with the DBacks. If you are used to Swarovski, Leica or Zeiss you will see a difference but we are talking $200-$300 binos vs. $1700 to $2400 binos. I would take a pair of Diamondbacks on any hunt anywhere in the world and have total confidence in my optics.

[BTLowry]

Vortex Vipers are the only "good" binos I have owned so can't say how they compare to the other brands.

I had a pair of Redfield 10x42s that after using the Vipers I am surprised didn't ruin my eyes they were so crappy

I am a believer in buying good binos, scopes and lenses now