Vortex Triumph HD 10x42 Binocular Review ***Updated 10/16/23*** (2024)

Jun 1, 2023

Matt Cashell

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Messages: 4,556

Location: Western MT

I get a lot of time with binoculars that literally cost thousands of dollars. Unsurprisingly, they are usually pretty great.

But not every hunter can afford those, and still go hunting. So it begs the question:

What kind of binocular can a single $100 bill get you?

Well, Vortex announced the Triumph HD binocular aimed at that market today, and I have a sample to look at (and through). Stay tuned to this thread for updates on performance and usability.

What are your thoughts?

***Update*** Vortex Triumph HD 10x42 Review

Are you interested in a binocular like this? For you? Your kids? An inexpensive backup for a big trip?

Last edited by a moderator: Oct 16, 2023

Jun 1, 2023

11boo

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Joined: Feb 24, 2016

Messages: 2,431

Location: Grand Jct, CO

This should be good. I have some vortex diamondbacks that are easily worth the 100 bucks I paid.

Jun 1, 2023

NDGuy

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Joined: Feb 13, 2017

Messages: 4,072

Location: ND

Jun 1, 2023

AppalachianHollers

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Joined: May 20, 2023

Messages: 50

I have a pair of Vortex Raptors ($99 porro lens design) that work well for me hunting in the southeast; I wonder how these will compare.

That said, I’ll probably be looking to jump up to a $200-$300 class pair, next time. Seems a man can get into HD glass at that price. Can’t yet afford, nor do I yet really need, $1000-class binos.

Jun 2, 2023

Thread Starter
#5

Matt Cashell

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Messages: 4,556

Location: Western MT

AppalachianHollers said:
I have a pair of Vortex Raptors ($99 porro lens design) that work well for me hunting in the southeast; I wonder how these will compare.
That said, I’ll probably be looking to jump up to a $200-$300 class pair, next time. Seems a man can get into HD glass at that price. Can’t yet afford, nor do I yet really need, $1000-class binos.
Click to expand...

I often recommend the Raptor to people on tight budgets. The simple Porro prism design gives more optical performance vs. roof prisms at the lowest price point.

There just haven’t been any decent performing roofs available at this price point … but the Triumph seems like it is changing that…

Jun 2, 2023

AppalachianHollers

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Joined: May 20, 2023

Messages: 50

Matt Cashell said:
There just haven’t been any decent performing roofs available at this price point … but the Triumph seems like it is changing that…
Click to expand...

I wonder how…economies of scale on a massive batch of okay glass?

Jun 5, 2023

Banned
#7

Newtosavage

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Joined: Sep 20, 2018

Messages: 7,571

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Leopold Yosemite's dominated the $100-class bin for a while. Eventually there had to be a new contender. I love that they market "HD" glass in them. LOL When everything is "HD", then nothing is HD.

Jun 6, 2023

has530

Lil-Rokslider

Joined: Feb 23, 2021

Messages: 110

I'm curious but not optimistic. IMO the crossfire is bad, diamondback adequate, viper excellent, and razor good for their respective price points. Another low end model seems likely to be a poor quality MIC riding on brand name recognition (the skeptic in me says this is just the crossfire 2 but they gave it a different name to disguise the price hike).

Jun 7, 2023

Banned
#9

Newtosavage

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Messages: 7,571

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has530 said:
I'm curious but not optimistic. IMO the crossfire is bad, diamondback adequate, viper excellent, and razor good for their respective price points. Another low end model seems likely to be a poor quality MIC riding on brand name recognition (the skeptic in me says this is just the crossfire 2 but they gave it a different name to disguise the price hike).
Click to expand...
See Also
Vortex Diamondback vs. Crossfire Binoculars: A Battle of Optics - Binocular, birding and optics related blog - reviews, tips and tricks

Once you sell out, it's hard to go back.

Jun 16, 2023

SirChooCH

Lil-Rokslider

Joined: Sep 24, 2020

Messages: 266

I would like to see a break down on how these actually stack up? They say its also "HD" and hitting the $100 mark, but so are the crossfires and copperheads and sometimes diamondbacks...So what really is the difference?

Jun 18, 2023

Grassymike

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Joined: Feb 15, 2021

Messages: 507

I found a pair of 10x42 Vortex Diamondback HD 's in a pawnshop this spring that I paid $80 for. For that price they are a great deal. They have a permanent home on my truck seat. What got my attention is how good they are optically, they easily outclass optics I started with years ago. I will not be selling my Swaro's but there is a place for Vortex . Curious how these new ones will perform.

Jul 22, 2023

kaboku68

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Joined: Jun 14, 2012

Messages: 400

Location: Alaska

So I own and use all manner El10X42s, NL12X42, Victory 10X42s, Zeiss 8X30 SFLs and all manner of Vortex UHD binoculars. I get the greatest satisfaction from selling a pair of low end binoculars to the dude who is barely getting by working 3 part time slave jobs and has a wife and three young kids. The dude is rocking value village Ozark Trail clothing and he has borrowed Uncle Larry's Mauser 06 which has been nicknamed "old lunger" to hunt on the three days that he has busted his azz to get off. He has 250 dollars left to hunt with. He looks through crossfires or leupold bx1s and he sees that he can actually effectively hunt. He may have to work harder but he has always worked harder. The fact that he can actually buy a pair of binos to help feed his family makes the dude almost cry as he is all choked up about the fact that he has a shot. The low level binos from Vortex and Leupold at least let them go out. I think that there are a lot more of those guys than dentists who come in to buy Swaro. The fact that the economy is so bad for the working stiff shows that Vortex pays attention to bigger economic trends than what we as hunting fanatics do.

Jul 22, 2023

kaboku68

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Joined: Jun 14, 2012

Messages: 400

Location: Alaska

Ok. They came in today. They are a bit sketch. Focus is weird. Not much eye relief but they are better than the cheap Nikon aculons.

Jul 24, 2023

Puppies4Lyfe

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Joined: Jul 23, 2023

Messages: 11

do you have a link to where you got them from?

Jul 24, 2023

kaboku68

WKR

Joined: Jun 14, 2012

Messages: 400

Location: Alaska

Sportsmans.

Jul 31, 2023

BuzzDaClown

FNG

Joined: Feb 21, 2023

Messages: 60

The Triumphs have been on my radar for an extra set of eyes recently. I have been waiting to hear some reviews on them. IF anything, it would keep my daughter from stealing mine all the time to look at birds and other animals.

Aug 15, 2023

AkRyan

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Joined: Jan 15, 2021

Messages: 657

I think they could have just made the diamond backs $100.

Sep 6, 2023

dustyroads

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Joined: Aug 27, 2023

Messages: 6

I like everything Vortex makes!

Oct 16, 2023

Justin Crossley

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Joined: Feb 25, 2012

Messages: 7,446

Location: Buckley, WA

Matt's review is finished and posted on our homepage. Check it out!

Vortex Triumph HD 10x42 Review

Nov 3, 2023

w.travis

FNG

Joined: Nov 1, 2023

Messages: 71

Good review, was surprised he felt it performed better optically than the Raptor. Good to know there is a roof prism option to compete with the $100 porros like raptor, Leopold Yosemite, and the Kowa YFII.

I have the Kowa YFII 6x30 and 8x30. I feel they are both optically very good much better than the Diamondback. In center field sharpness and chromatic aberration control, same or slightly better than Viper. I've never looked through the Vortex Raptor, always assumed it would be same as the Kowa YFII, but now I don't think that is likely after reading this review.

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Vortex Triumph HD 10x42 Binocular Review ***Updated 10/16/23*** (2024)

FAQs

Is the Vortex triumph better than the leupold? ›

The Triumph has a far superior focus wheel; it's smoother than the Leupold and not as stiff as the Diamondback. In racking focus between the two targets, I found the Triumph to have a much finer focus than the Diamondback and were on par with the BX-4 Pro Guide.

Tell Me More ›

Is Vortex HD worth it? ›

Our Verdict. Whether you're an experienced bird watcher looking to enhance your viewing experiences and want a good value, or are seeking your first pair of binoculars and want something high-quality that won't break the bank, we think the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 is a fantastic choice.

Explore More ›

How far can you see with Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42? ›

1.95 meters. Apparent field of view of 62.1 degrees.

Tell Me More ›

Where are Vortex Triumph binoculars made? ›

The high-end models are produced in Japanese manufacturing sites whereas mid-range and affordable line of products are made in Philippines and China. Vortex products were initially only manufactured in Japan since the Chinese optics industry lacked know-how and heritage.

How does Vortex compare to Leupold? ›

Comparison of Optical Quality

Leupold rifle scopes guarantee a higher visual quality, while Vortex scopes hold the price advantage. Both Leupold and Vortex provide high-quality optics. However, the lenses and optic mechanisms featured in their different products vary, causing some variations in performance.

Is Vortex scope made in China? ›

Vortex Copperhead Scopes

This scope is manufactured in China and offers many features that are attractive to hunters and shooters alike. Some of the features of the Copperhead include a one-piece tube construction, aircraft-grade aluminum body, and fully multi-coated lenses.

Show Me More ›

What does HD mean in Vortex binoculars? ›

The new Vipers are made with HD (high-density) glass, which is extra-low dispersion, meaning it separates light into its component wavelengths less than normal glass, thus delivering a sharper image.

See Details ›

Is Vortex Viper or Diamondback better? ›

The diamondback has a bigger field of view by about 10 feet, which is negligible and should not alter your purchase decision. I have had the vipers for over a year now and I can honestly say I could not be more pleased. The construction of these, the weight, etc is nothing less than perfect. Hope that helps!

Get More Info Here ›

What's better, 10x42 or 10x50 binoculars? ›

The 10x50 binoculars, with their larger lens, generally have a wider field of view and can capture more light. This allows you to see brighter images. They are only slightly larger and heavier than the 10x42 models. Their larger lenses provide a deep field of view, allowing you to see more details at greater distances.

Keep Reading ›

What are the best vortex binoculars? ›

The Top 6 Vortex Binoculars in 2024

High-Quality: Vortex Optics Razor.
Firm Grip: Vortex Optics Crossfire HD.
Scan Feature: Vortex Optics Fury HD 5000.
Best Budget Binoculars Under $150: Vortex Optics Raptor 10x32.
For Birdwatching: Vortex Optics Viper HD.

Get More Info Here ›

What scopes are as good as Leupold? ›

Both Leupold and Vortex make excellent scopes across a wide range of price points. Leupold scopes cost a little more, but they are mostly American-made and arguably of slightly higher quality. Vortex is an American company that manufactures in Asia.

Read On ›

Which is the best Vortex? ›

The Best Vortex Optics

Best Red Dot SPARC Solar	Dual Fuel With Solar and Battery 150K Battery Life Aimpoint Compatible base
Best LPVO Razor HD Gen 3 1-10X	1-10X in a 1-6X body Multiple Reticle Options SOCOM approved
Best Variable Scope Diamondback 3-9X	Classic 3-9X power Budget-Friendly Perfect for Hunting

4 more rows

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What is the best brand of rifle scopes? ›

↓ Jump to Best Premium Hunting Scopes

Editor's Choice: Vortex Viper HD 3-15×44.
Best Over $1,000: Steiner Predator 4 4-16×44.
Best Versatile Electronic Scope: Burris Veracity PH 2.5-12×42.
Best for Pairing with a Thermal Clip On: Steiner H6Xi 2-12×42.
Best Tactical Hunting: Leupold Mark 4HD 2.5-10×42.

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Aug 5, 2024

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Is the Leupold warranty as good as Vortex? ›

Both Leupold and Vortex offer unlimited lifetime warranties on their optics. Note that the warranty length for all their electronics is two years. Generally, the Vortex VIP warranty is more comprehensive and provides more extended coverage on its optics.

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