Vortex Razor UHD 12x50

About the series

Replacing the excellent Razor HD at the very top of Vortex’s impressive binocular lineup is the new Vortex Razor UHD series. Made in Japan, they are specifically designed by Vortex Optics to “take the best-of-the-best to the next level”. There's no doubt that these are ultra-high-end optics with highlights that include the use of phase-corrected Abbe-Koenig roof prisms, an APO lens system, multiple anti-reflection coatings on all lens surfaces as well as super tough, scratch and oil resistant coatings on exterior lens surfaces.

About the model

With this 12x50 Vortex Razor UHD binocular, you have a binocular that will perform very well over longer distances, even in fairly poor low light conditions which makes this a very versatile instrument ideal for a wide range of uses but is especially aimed at long-range wildlife observers and hunters.

Whilst the larger 50mm objective lenses contribute to its larger size and increased weight, the advantage they have is that the greater surface area means are also able to capture more light and thus despite the higher 12x power, they still manage to produce a more than acceptable 4.2mm diameter exit pupil, which is the same size as that on the 10x42 model. This indicates that both binoculars will have roughly the same low light performance, but with this model, you get the added benefit of a greater reach and improved image detail because of the greater 12x magnification.

This 12x50 Vortex Razor UHD binocular is tripod adaptable which makes it very simple to attach it to a standard tripod adapter. This can be very useful when using this instrument from a static location like a hide and during longer periods of observation. This is largely down to the high power that makes the image harder to keep still, but also because of the larger size and increased weight of the instrument when compared to a standard 42mm binocular.

Another downside to higher magnifications is that the more you “zoom in” the narrower the field of view becomes. At 88m wide at a distance of 1000m, the view is much narrower than the 8x or 10x models but still compares well against other 12x binoculars on the market.

Another impressive feature of these binoculars is the long 17mm of eye relief, which in combination with the excellent twist-up eyecups makes them an ideal long range binocular, even if you wear glasses or some sort of eye protection.

For a 12x binocular, the 2 meter minimum focus distance is impressive and so whilst they are certainly not designed for close range, you can still use them for occasionally observing nearby objects.