I went back out again looking for some good exercise and hoping to find some shed antlers. I really enjoy mountain biking and combining mountain biking and hiking around looking for shed gives me a great workout.

This time out I hiked around a lot trying to find the location that the elk were at when they shed this year. Unfortunately I as unable to find any shed antlers.

On this trip out I was trying out a different pair of binoculars that I have never used before. I borrowed a pair of Vortex Razor HD 10x42 binoculars. Can you say WOW! I didn't have any another binoculars with me to compare them with but boy were they nice, very well constructed and vibrantly clear glass. I would have to say that they are some of the best binoculars I have ever had the chance to glass with. Just amazing clarity and brightness. I have used Nikon EDG binoculars before and these Vortex Razor binoculars are very comparable.

I did compare them side by side with a pair of Nikon Monarch 10.5x45 binoculars of mine. Although not a apples to apples comparison as the Monarchs retail for half the price of the Razors however here are some observations. The Razors are much brighter, and colors appeared more vibrant. The Monarchs image quality is very clear but the Razors are a little better. In low light conditions the Razors exceeded the Monarchs and it should be noted that the Monarchs are toted for gathering light in low light conditions. Also the Razors are an ounce or so lighter in weight.

I liked the binoculars so well I got a little carried away taking pictures of them to remember them by, as it might be a little while before I own a set of them myself. They are a little out of my budget right now, but for the quality their price can't be beat. They sell for less than half the price of comparable pairs of Swarovski or Nikon EDG binoculars. For now they are on my optics upgrade list.