Superb in every way! I am a retired, experienced, mechanical engineer so I know quality when I see, feel and use it! My wife and I travel quite a bit for pleasure and I must tell you that I've compared these with the much more expensive "Euro" brands, specifically the Swarovski 10x42 SLC's and from my experience (old enough to be on medicare) and having owned and tested many brands of high end glass THESE CANNOT BE BEAT! Superb balance and super lightweight (forget all that nonsense that you read about the finer the glass the heavier it should weigh; as I said, I am a recently retired mechanical engineer with a special interest in optics of every kind and weight is not necessarily an indicator of superior optical quality but usually, inferior design), with INCREDIBLY sharp optics! I literally compared these side x side w/the same model Swarovski whilst staying in a resort close to Mt. Etna in Sicily looking out at the Aegean sea and at Etna's summit and I tell you not an iota of difference! In point of fact, I thought the focusing wheel on the Swaros was far too "loosey-goosey" when trying to bear down on sharp focusing, especially if you're a birder or wildlife watcher. No way to stay focused on any moving object with a focusing mechanism with that much travel as the Swaros. I know the Razors are now made in the Celestial Kingdom (and I'm pissed at that, especially since my pair of Vortex Vipers in 8x32, which I bought only a year ago are made in Japan), but no matter how much one does not enjoy seeing China dominate everything these days, in all honesty, the world has become a "market" economy and the market dictates folks!
I believe these to be the best on the market ESPECIALLY considering the no questions asked, transferrable, lifetime warranty! Go find that in Austria, Germany, Slovakia, or any where else for that matter! I really researched this purchase because though I can afford it, ...who needs or wants to spend an extra $1K or so (depending on brand) for the same or inferior performance glass? It was great having the center focusing wheel on the Swaros as the diopter focusing mechanism as well,...but to be honest, once you've set your diopter setting on the lockable wheel on the barrel of the Razor, there is no difference, other than the previously stated "mushy" feel of the Swaro SLC center focusing wheel. The Swaros are not only heavier but the close focusing only allows you to 11 feet or so. The Razor's, just like the Viper's are at 5 foot or even a little less. Talk about superb optics and quality craftsmanship! I've tried or owned every brand of looking glasses out there and these are, IMHO the best without any reservation OR exception!
UPDATE: 3/20/20.....These are by far the best glass for the money that I HAVE EVER SPENT! I've been extremely active with some local and regional (Northeast USA) birding organizations and I have used/borrowed/tried out and compared every other major (expensive) brand of glass that exists (inclusive of some extremely expensive spotting scopes and I am still FLOORED by the performance/ build quality and ease of use of the Vortex brand overall but specifically the Razors and the Vipers. As a former mechanical engineer (and I hare to repeat myself) these are PHENOMENALLY INCREDIBLE for the money spent!
Speaking of which folks,....I spend a small fortune in time, energy and coin on stuff that I buy and use here on amazon so if this review was HELPFUL,....well you know what to do! Many thanks!
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 9.09 x 7.44 x 4.45 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 1.38 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 8 x 9.5 x 4.25 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.5 Pounds |
| Brand Name | Vortex |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Warranty Description | Unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty. |
| Model Name | RZB-2102 |
| Color | Green |
| Material | Magnesium |
| Suggested Users | Mens |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Vortex Optics |
| Part Number | RZB-2102 |
| Model Year | 2014 |
| Style | 10x42 |
| Included Components | Razor HD 10x42 Roof Prism Binocular |
| Size | 10x42 |
