Most binocular lovers asked for reviews for several brands compared to each other. As a result, they can pick the best one according to your purposes, preferences, and budget. After ages, I started the comparison series on binoculars brands and models. Today I am going to discuss the 2 most popular binoculars brands. They are the Leupold and Vortex binoculars. Though it’s tough to compare Leupold vs Vortex binoculars, let’s try it. Hopefully, it will be an exciting comparison review so far. And the final opinion will amaze your mind surely. Let’s begin –
Leupold vs Vortex Binoculars: A Quick Roundup
Before the broad discussion, I want to depict a quick roundup table on several models and specifications of leupold and vortex binoculars. So that, you can relate to my further discussion easily.
8×42 Binoculars:
| Properties | Leupold BX-5 Santiam 8×42 Binoculars | Vortex Optics Diamondback 8×42 Binoculars |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | 8x | 8x |
| Objective Lens | 42mm | 42mm |
| Exit pupil | 5.25mm | 5.25mm |
| Eye relief | 18.50mm | 17mm |
| Field of view | 377 ft/1000 yds | 393 ft/1000 yds |
| Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Prism/HD | HD | HD |
| Light Management | Twilight Max HD | Normal light |
| Optics | Guard-ion lens coating | Fully multi-coated, Armortek and Dielectric coating |
| Water resistance | Yes | Yes(Argon purging and o-ring seals) |
| Warranty | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 23.60oz | 21.8oz |
| Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
10×42 Binoculars:
| Properties | Leupold BX-1 McKenzie 10×42 Binoculars | Vortex Optics Crossfire 10×42 Binoculars |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | 10x | 10x |
| Objective Lens | 42mm | 42mm |
| Exit pupil | 4.2mm | 4.2mm |
| Eye relief | 13.70mm | 15mm |
| Field of view | 242 ft/1000 yds | 325 ft/1000 yds |
| Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Prism/HD | Roof prism | Roof prism |
| Light Management | Twilight | Low light |
| Optics | Fully multi-coated | Fully multi-coated, Armortek and Dielectric coating |
| Water resistance | Yes | Yes(Nitrogen purging and o-ring) |
| Warranty | Yes | No |
| Weight | 28.50oz | 23oz |
| Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
12×50 Binoculars:
| Properties | Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide 12×50 Binoculars | Vortex Optics Razor 12×50 Binoculars |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | 12x | 12x |
| Objective Lens | 50mm | 50mm |
| Exit pupil | 4.16mm | 4.16mm |
| Eye relief | 16.00mm | 15.6mm |
| Field of view | 377 ft/1000 yds | 362 ft/1000 yds |
| Material | Aluminum | Plastic, rubber |
| Prism/HD | HD | Roof Prism |
| Light Management | Twilight Max HD | Low light |
| Optics | Calcium-fluoride coated | Anti-reflective coating |
| Water resistance | Yes | Yes(Argon purging and o-ring seals) |
| Warranty | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 23.60oz | 28.7oz |
| Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
What do you think now? Which one is the best in your sight? Can you decide? If you can’t, don’t panic! I am here to save you so keep going to the next section to get the final answer! However, they both are reliable and very well-known for optical devices like binoculars, rifle scopes, etc. Here I have picked 3 popular models from leupold and 3 from vortex to differentiate the overall features and performance.
Though they also have more varieties, I think these 6 pairs are good enough to make the right decision. So, without any further delay, let’s break down each property for these 2 binocular brands.
1. Magnification & Objective Lens
Well, the key specification for binoculars is the magnification and diameter of the objective lens. In that case, the leupold and vortex both brands work outstanding to enhance their image quality. You will get excellent magnified as well as clear and sharp views. Though, the leupold offers more varieties in the magnification and aperture values. You will get 8×32 to 12×52 type specifications in leupold.
The vortex always focuses on standard and most common specifications like 10×42, 12×50, etc. If you need various magnification and objective lens scales, then you can go for leupold otherwise Vortex is a good choice considering other factors.
2. Exit Pupil
The common problem with using binoculars is they may cause eye strains during extended viewing periods. The leupold and vortex both maintain the perfect ratio as you will get an exit pupil of more than 4.00mm.
If you look at the table, you will see the exit pupil value for 8×42 is 5.25 whereas 12×50 binoculars will offer 4.16mm. You will get a comfortable viewing experience whatever you choose from the leupold or Vortex binoculars.
3. Eye Relief
The eye relief distance makes a big difference in this leupold vs vortex binoculars. Though we have seen the previous review vortex viper vs razor binoculars the viper offers more eye relief for almost all specifications. But here we can see the Leopold BX-5 Santiam HD 8x42mm Binocular offers 18.50mm eye relief whereas the vortex diamondback 8×42 provides 17mm.
The leupold BX-4 Pro12x50mm has also more eye relief distance than the vortex razor 12×50. But the leupold BX-1 10×42 has 13.70mm whereas the vortex crossfire offers 15mm. So if you are an eyeglass wearer or have eye allergic/strain issues, the leupold will be best for you. If you don’t have such problems, the vortex can be your faithful partner for birding, hunting, sightseeing, or even long-range shooting.
4. Optics Quality
When you have to choose one, the optics quality can narrow down your options easily. The vortex and leupold both have premium quality optics with HD/roof prism. In some cases, they designed Porro prism binoculars too. After that, considering the lens coating is also crucial. For this circumstance, you can see the leupold BX-5 and BX-4 models have guard-ion lens coating/anti-reflective coating which helps to prevent reflection and double images.
Similarly, the vortex razor has an anti-reflective lens. The BX-1 comes with a fully multi-coated lens finish. As you know fully multi-coated finish performs so well, then it can be your consideration. The vortex crossfire and diamondback come with a fully multi-coated lens which can reduce glare in the magnified images.At the same time, they have Armortek and Dielectric coating. The Armortek protects the binoculars lens from dirt, heat, and scratches. And the dielectric coating produces color-corrected images. So my recommendation goes for the Vortex in this parameter.
5. Field of View
The more magnification, the less field of view, and vice versa. But the same magnified different brands of binoculars won’t offer the same field of view. This depends on the manufacturer’s designs as well as on other factors. In terms of the field of view, you will see the differences that, the same magnified like leupold BX-5 8×42 or BX1 10×42 offers less field of view than the Vortex Diamondback 8×42 and Crossfire10x42 binoculars.
On the other hand, the leupold BX-1 12×50 has a wider field of view than the vortex razor 12×50. So, the field of view is also a game changer in this leupold and vortex binoculars comparison section. If you need binoculars for the concert, sightseeing, sporting events, or target shooting, leupold 8x, 10x, or vortex razor 12x can be your consideration. If you need a wider field of view for spying and peeping, hiking, birding, wildlife viewing, or elk hunting, the vortex 8x, 10x or leupold 12x can be your next gear.
6. Light Management System
Well, light management is a key to differentiating between 2 binoculars. The leupold 8×42 and 12×50 can focus and deliver clear images as their light management system is Twilight Max HD. Though the 10×42 can’t perform that well in dim light conditions. Again, the vortex 8×42 is only suitable for daylight. And the vortex 10×42, and 12×50 can be used in low light conditions. The fast and close focusing ability of the vortex is much higher than leupold. But if you want a binocular which can deliver bright images in normal and weak light conditions, then leupold binoculars are the winner.
7. Build quality
Build quality is almost the same as you can see in the above table as well. All pairs of leupold and vortex binoculars are made of metal/aluminum or plastic. They also have rubber armor to keep the pair more protected. So, you can choose any of them considering other factors.
8. Withstand Capability
Well, the leupold binoculars can withstand heat, collision, and rough handling, as well as they, are water and moisture-proof. But the vortex binoculars have more withstand capacity for the Armortek lens coating. Also, they have argon purging and an O-ring seal. The argon purging ensures the bino pair will be waterproof and fog proof more efficiently. So, in that case, Vortex binoculars have the place one step further than the leupold pairs. But a few vortex pairs are not fully waterproof. Make sure they have full protection before making a purchase decision.
9. Weight
Usually, the vortex binoculars are lighter than the leupold binoculars. Though for the 12×50 vortex binoculars are heavier than the same specification from leupold. If you want 8x or 10x magnification, you can choose a vortex otherwise leupold is a good and lightweight choice for you.
10. Price Range
Both brands have mid to high-range binoculars models. Except for some models like vortex razors, the price range of vortex binoculars is less than the leupold binoculars. If you have a tight budget, you can give it a try to the vortex. If the specification meets your needs as well as you don’t bother about budget, then you can choose leupold binoculars.
Pros of Leupold Binoculars over Vortex
- Provide a comfortable and smooth viewing experience
- Wide field of view even in higher magnification power
- Offers HD quality magnified images
- Have anti-reflective lens coating
- Able to produce bright images in low-light conditions
- Higher specified pairs are comparatively lightweight
Limitation
- The price range is higher
Pros of Vortex binoculars over Leupold
- Great optics quality
- Comes with a roof prism attachment
- Lenses have a fully multi-coating finish
- Protected from dirt, heat, and scratch
- Offers better protection from water, fog, and moisture
- Lightweight, portable and affordable
Limitation
- Some pairs are not waterproof
Final Verdict
Well, the battle of Leupold vs Vortex binoculars is over for now! Hopefully, you can easily choose the perfect one after this entire discussion. In summary, my opinion is that vortex binoculars are a good choice in terms of the wide field of view, multiple lens coating, roof prism attachment, protection ability, weight, and affordability. Though they have some limitations also. On the other hand, if you prefer more comfortable long-range viewing as well as low-light wildlife viewing, birding, spying, and peeing, the leupold bino pairs can be your consideration.
People Also Ask
Are Leupold binoculars any good?
Yes, leupold binoculars have better magnification and can produce bright and clear images for stunning optics quality. At the same time, they are waterproof, shockproof, and able to be used in dim light conditions.
Is Vortex a good binocular brand?
Of course. vortex always ensures quality optics, a wide field of view, compactness, and excellent customer services at an affordable to mid-range price point.
Where are Leupold binoculars made?
Leupold binoculars are made mainly in Beaverton, Oregon USA. They are also manufactured in Japan and China.
Are Leupold binoculars good for birding?
Yes. They are durable and can produce HD-quality images. At the same time, leupold binoculars are designed with Twilight Max HD capability for low-light birding.
