Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 10×42 Binoculars Review

Vortex Optics is famed (in its niche, that is) for its customer-centric approach and exceptional-quality products. Whether it’s the apparel range or the collection of optics gear, the company puts you at the heart of everything it does.

And this consumer-based methodology led to the creation of Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 10×42 Binoculars — a robust, waterproof pair of binocs boasting sharp images and lifetime warranty.

These binoculars have changed the game in many respects. They include features, such as HD quality, that were once only available on expensive models, reshaping consumer expectations regarding “bang for their buck.”

Naturally, they aren’t perfect; a few things require tweaking. But are they still worth your hard-earned cash? 

Whether you’re a passionate ornithologist looking for your next go-to binoculars or a budding hunter searching for your first pair of binocs, this Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 10×42 Binoculars review is the best place to be! You’ll soon find out whether the pros outweigh the cons.

Is Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 10×42 Binoculars For You?

If you’re a bird watcher or hunter, the Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 10×42 binoculars are for you. The specifications, particularly the large magnification and wild field of view, match the requirements for both hobbies. Combine that with the fact they’re one of the most affordable yet high-quality pairs on the market, and they’re a great choice for people on a medium-sized budget.

That said, these binoculars won’t become your new best friend for sports events or nature hikes. Even though the image this pair provides is mostly crystal-clear, the extra weight doesn’t bode well for those walking miles off the beaten path or straining to see their favorite athletes complete lap after lap. You’ll need to limit the time spent lifting them to your eyes if you can’t rest your elbows.

What We Like About Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 10×42 Binoculars

Vortex Optics got a lot of things right with the Crossfire HD 10x42s.

Firstly, we noticed the rubber armor the moment we unboxed them. It’s durable enough to withstand shocks, bumps, recoil, and adverse weather. Plus, the grips are secure, reducing the likelihood of dropping them while watching swallows flitter around.

Secondly, these binoculars are completely waterproof and fog proof, ensuring you’re never only a fair-weather hobbyist. The state-of-the-art O-ring and nitrogen purged seals are to thank for this. 

Thirdly, we love how easy focusing is. The center focus wheel is fast, comfortable, smooth, and ergonomically located for effortless use.

Couple these plus points with the crisp images provided by Vortex’s HD optical system and we are thoroughly impressed! Color fidelity, light transmission, and sharpness are spot on, rivalling much costlier binoculars.

Read Also: Top 3 Vortex Spotting Scopes

What We Don’t Like About Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 20×42 Binoculars

There’s no denying that these binoculars are close to ideal. But they aren’t perfect.

To see clearly and achieve a full field of view, you need to position your eye precisely in the center of the eyepiece and ensure it’s a certain distance from your eyeballs. While this varies from person to person, it meant we have to hold them around ⅜ inches from our eyes, which isn’t comfortable over long periods.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Decent-quality anti-reflection coatings	Low sharpness at the field’s edge
Solid casing	Actual field of view slightly narrower than the specifications state
High-quality BaK-4 prisms	Objective lenses are closer to 41 mm than the specified 42 mm
Great lifetime warranty	Slightly heavier than pricier binoculars
Adjustable eyecups for comfortable viewing	Tricky to find a clear image
Fantastic blackening inside the inner tubes
Minimal flares
Razor-sharp image from 1.15 meters
Armor-coated chassis for non-slip
Lots of extras included in the box
100% waterproof and fog proof

What’s Included?

Aside from the binoculars themselves, the following items were in the box:

• GlassPak binocular case
• GlassPak case harness
• Comfort neck strap
• Lens cloth
• Rainguard eyepiece cover
• Tethered objective lens cover
• Manual

Considering the relatively low price point, we were amazed by the amount included in the box.

Granted, we don’t use the harness as it’s just too complicated. We’ve found closing the case with the neck strap hanging out works wonders, but you can always purchase a separate shoulder strap if you prefer.

As for the packaging itself, it was sturdy and everything fit snugly to avoid damage during transportation.

Technical Specifications

Magnification	10X
Interpupillary Distance	58 to 75
Exit Pupil	4.2 mm
Eye Relief	15 mm
Close Focus	6ft
Field of View (1,000 yards / degrees)	325′ / 6.2°
Height x Width	6.0 x 5.2″
Objective Lens Diameter	42 mm
Binocular Prism	Roof prism
Weight	23 oz
Zoom Ratio	10 multiplier x
Focus Type	Center focus
Lens Coating	Multiple anti-reflective coatings on every air-to-glass surface
Material	Aluminum
Tripod Adaptable	Yes
Fog proof	Yes
Waterproof	Yes

Features

It’s safe to say these binoculars are feature-packed, but the most pertinent inclusions are:

• HD optical system — The Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 10×42 binoculars are optimized with specific glass elements to provide excellent resolution, offer outstanding color fidelity, reduce chromatic aberration, and display edge-to-edge sharpness. 
• Multi-coated lenses — All air-to-glass surfaces inside are completed with multiple anti-reflective coatings to boost light transmission and reduce glare. The result? An image that’s clear without much edge distortion.
• Adjustable eyecups — Whether you wear glasses or not, you can twist the eyecups up and down to ensure comfortable viewing.
• Lifetime warranty — Warranties are usually rife with conditions and clauses that you must fit to be granted a free repair or replacement. But Vortex has flipped that on its head, offering unlimited lifetime warranty on the binoculars (and their other products) without needing a receipt. It doesn’t matter what happened, how it happened, whose fault it was, or where you bought it, the company will take exceptional care of you. If they can fix it, they will. If they can’t, they’ll replace it with a fully functioning product of equal or better condition. The only things it doesn’t cover is theft, loss, cosmetic damage, and deliberate damage.
• Rubber armor — The rubber-constructed casing provides an ultra-secure non-slip grip and durable protection to adverse conditions, such as rain, wind, heat, and hail. Beyond weather, the rugged construction means it can even withstand impact and recoil.
• O-ring and nitrogen purging seals — Regardless of the temperature, fogging won’t be a problem, thanks to nitrogen gas purging. The O-ring seals stop moisture, dust, and debris from penetrating the integral components for perfect performance in every environment.

With adjustable eyecups and rubber armor, this pair of binoculars has been created with comfort and resilience in mind — and it’s definitely paid off. The high-quality construction fits nicely in your hands, and the neck strap allows you to rest whenever necessary, reducing fatigue. Just keep in mind that you may need to buy separate eye cushions if the cups sit too close to your eyeballs for a clear image.

These Vortex Crossfires boast tons of features you wouldn’t expect at such a low price point. But perhaps the most surprising one is the lifetime warranty. You’ll be hard pushed to find another policy as far-reaching and inclusive as this. 

Final Breakdown

8.75

While the downsides have knocked a point (and a bit) off the final score, the Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 10×42 Binoculars are an exceptional pair that won’t break the bank. Boasting durable rubber casing, comfortable adjustable eyecups, an HD optical system, and the unforgettable lifetime warranty, they’re a no-brainer.

What are you waiting for? These Crossfire HD 10x42s won’t disappoint.

Last update on 2024-04-26 at 22:23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API