Overview
Over the last several years, Vortex has become a significant player in the optics industry due to their quality products at a fair price and an unmatched lifetime, no questions asked warranty. I own several rifle scopes made by Vortex and purchased both the 10×42 Crossfire HD and 12×50 Crossfire HD Binoculars. I use them for hunting whitetail in Texas and elk out west for both rifle and archery hunts. Paired with the well-recognized Vortex Optics GlassPak Harness and carrying case, these binos are comfortable, lightweight, and clear optics for stand hunting, glassing, and spot and stalk style hunts.
Key Product Feautres
Vortex Crossfire HD 10x42 and 12x50 Binoculars
$149.99 - $179.99- Rubber armor encases the binoculars adding durability and shockproofing as well as a non-slip grip surface
- Built-in tripod adapter for long-duration glassing
- The center focus wheel adjusts both barrels and makes for quick and easy focusing
- Rugged and adjustable eye cups for added eye relief
What we liked:
These binoculars are lightweight and durable, weighing under 30 oz. Clarity is superb for this class of optics, and they hold up well to hard use in rough terrain. At under $200, you will be hard-pressed to find a better optic at this price point.
The GlassPak case, which comes with all binoculars, is extraordinarily comfortable and holds the optics tight against your chest. Other optic cases and straps I have used in the past do not hold the optics snugly against your chest, and they tend to bounce against your sternum while in motion and become very uncomfortable after prolonged use. I have put in hundreds of miles and hours with this bino setup and never had any comfort issues.
Additionally, the warranty Vortex offers is incredible. After about 4 seasons with my first pair of Vortex Binoculars, one of the eye relief cups came off. I called Vortex customer services and did not have to wait on hold at all. They instantly emailed me a shipping label (at their cost to ship). I sent the binoculars in, and 1 week later, I had a FedEx package on my doorstep with a brand new pair of binoculars and another carrying case for them.
They included a note that said, “Unable to repair. Replacing with new binoculars. No cost to customer.” Vortex will take any damaged product without proof of purchase and cover it under warranty 100%. They are setting the standard for product customer care for all sporting goods equipment.
Who we think will like this product:
This product is great for bow hunters and rifle hunters who do not need the truly high-end long-range clarity that more expensive optics offer at 10x the price. At under $200 and a lifetime warranty, these binos are great for hunters on almost any budget.
Pros
- Rugged, durable, but lightweight
- Excellent clarity for the price point
- GlassPak optics case is one of the best optics cases on the market and comes free with each binocular purchase
- Simple and smooth focus adjustment with a single wheel for each barrel
Cons
- You won’t get the clarity out of these binoculars at long range like you would with a high-end brand like Swarovsky or Zeiss, but they are also a small fraction of the price. Vortex also offers higher-end models in their Razor and Fury lines that can compete with these high-end brands at higher price points if this is what you are seeking.
Nick Zinsmeyer
Nick is a lifelong Texan and hunter of native big game, exotic animals, predators, waterfowl, migrator birds, and fur-bearing animals. Nick is an expert in hunting with several legal means, including archery, black powder/muzzleloader rifles, and long-range rifles.
He has hunted in several states across the United States, both on private and public land. He spends most of his time hunting all over Texas, including several years in the storied South Texas Brush Country, Central Texas Hill Country, and West Texas. In addition to hunting across the country, Nick runs wildlife management programs on multiple ranches in Texas, focusing on conservation and quality deer management.
Nick was published in Texas Trophy Hunters magazine in 2020, where he told his story of harvesting a trophy whitetail from a public land drawn hunt, and again in 2022 for a DIY Elk hunt in Arizona where he harvested a 358 net-inch bull.
