Earlier this year, I was able to get a pair of Vortex Razor UHD 18X56’s. Because of the time of the year that I got them, I was able to put them through the paces on two of my deer hunts. To say these things are sweet is a bit of an understatement. Now let’s get into what makes them such an awesome pair of binoculars.
When I first got these Razor UHDs I found out quickly they were heavy and would be better suited for glassing off of a tripod. However, as luck would have it I was looking to replace my old spotting scope. I started out by setting them up with a flat plate adapter that used velcro to strap them into place. While that setup worked I decided it would be better to come up with a more permanent solution.
That’s when I switched to the Vanguard binocular mount. Since then the Razor UHDs have completely replaced my spotting scope. Likewise, they have changed the way I pick apart a mountainside. With the steadiness of my tripod and the clearness of the Razor glass, I’ve found myself finding more wildlife. I’ve also noticed I can see much more detail than I could before even with my higher-powered spotting scope. Several times Ive been able to see the wildlife I’m viewing take bites of specific feed and bushes. The other thing I’ve noticed is I find myself pulling the tripod and Razor UHDs out of my pack almost every time I spot something I think warrants a closer look. I made the decision that the extra weight in my pack is a burden that I’ll deal with for the ability to use the binoculars.
Razor UHD Specifics
Below I’ll list a few specifics about the binoculars:
- Eye Relief: 18 mm
- Linear Field of View: 194 feet/1000 yds
- Angular Field of View: 3.7 degrees
- Interpupillary Distance: 56-76 mm
- Height: 8.4 inches
- Width: 6.2 inches
- Weight: 42.0 oz or 2.62 lbs
As you can see the weight and overall size of these Razor UHDs, are a bit large for just holding while glassing. However, they are perfect for attaching them to a tripod as stated above.
The binoculars came in a nice green box and were inside a carrying case along with a harness. Once I opened the case I found that both the objective lens and ocular lens come with covers. There is also a neck strap if you are so inclined. Lastly, you’ll find a lens cloth inside the box.
Clarity and Function
The overall function of the Razor UHDs is very similar to other binoculars I have used. However, the clarity and the 18x power are evident when you look through them. Another major benefit I found over my old spotting scope is the eye relief while looking through them. I have sat in one spot covering hillsides for over an hour and had zero eye fatigue. That is a huge upgrade over the spotting scope where one eye is closed most of the time. As stated above the clarity of the glass is an amazing feature that allows you to pick apart a mountainside or inspect the finest details at close distances.
Overview
While the price point is high for some, the Razor UHD’s will change the way you glass, inspect, and scout the area. The major point I’d like to hammer home is this particular model would be tricky to handle without a tripod set up so some users may have issues with that. However, if you get them set up correctly they truly will allow you to find more wildlife. Another thing to think about is with Vortex’s VIP Warranty you are basically making a lifetime purchase.
Vortex makes an impressive lineup of optics and the Razor UHD’s sit at the top of that lineup. However, Vortex offers many other options at lots of different price points. You can check out their website by clicking here. I will leave you with this bit of advice I received years ago. Buy the most expensive glass that you can afford. If you are a western hunter you spend the large majority of your time walking and glassing. That means the two areas you focus on quality are boots and binoculars.
Thanks for reading my review. You can find more reviews of ours by clicking here. You can also check out our hunting news page by clicking here.
If you talk with the Vortex staff let them know that Seth we Ehuntr.com sent you their way. They have great products that I have found to perform great and if anything fails I know it’s covered no questions asked.
