AllOutdoor Review – Vortex Triumph HD 10×42 Binocular
Nicolas Lenze 06.01.23
When I was a kid, my father had an old, heavy pair of binoculars that he kept in the garage. He clearly wasn’t using them, so I took it upon myself to liberate them and put them to use. Compared to me, they were huge. As I got older, I wanted my own set, so I started doing some research. What that research uncovered was the high price tag that usually comes with quality binos. As a young adult making my way through life, I couldn’t fit them into my budget. Now, here I am, with a son of my own and more resources in the bank. I have my own set, but I wanted a set for my four-year-old son, who is now becoming interested in the nature around him. Part of this was getting a pair that won’t cost me too heavily. What timing for the folks at Vortex to release a set of quality binoculars for one crisp Benjamin. This is the Vortex Triumph HD 10×42 Binocular.
Vortex coverage on AllOutdoor
- AllOutdoor Review – Vortex Optics Defender CCW 3 MOA Red Dot
- NEW Vortex Optics Pro Riflescope 34mm Rings – Medium & High
- AllOutdoor Review: The Vortex Razor 1-10×24 FFP
The Vortex Triumph HD 10×42 Binocular: Specifications
- Magnification: 10x
- Linear field of view: 334’
- Close focus: 15.3’
- Height: 6.1”
- Width: 5”
- Weight: 22.9 oz
- MSRP: $99.99
Unpacking the Box
Obviously, a huge draw to this piece of glass is the price. This is why I was so surprised to find out that the binos aren’t all you get. Obviously, there is a neck strap and lens cleaner, but the Triumph 10×42 also comes with Vortex’s GlassPak harness. The GlassPak carries your binoculars in the main compartment, which is secured with a loop of stretchy cord and a hook. It also features two mesh side pockets for jerky or whatever, and a zippered hidden pocket on the back panel for cash and ID.
The Triumph itself is very plain and simple, but just like all of the other budget options from Vortex, you’re still going to see all of the same features as the higher-end products. The rubber armor that envelopes the body is a cool and practical green color. Remember that I ordered this for a toddler, so the tethered objective lens covers are huge. Your main adjustment dial is where it belongs, and the right eye focus adjustment is present.
Far less important is the branding. Yes, there are Vortex logos where you’d expect to see them, but I love that they didn’t plaster their name on every surface. I like Vortex. They’re a good company run by great people. However, that doesn’t mean I want to be a walking advertisement for them, especially if I’m trying not to stand out.
Packing It Out
This spring has been beautiful in Colorado. The plants are lush but the skies are angry. We recently had a tornado warning, which was accompanied by golfball-sized hail and a whole lot of panic. All of this weather lead to the overflow of a nearby stream. It wiped out signs and landscaping, and even today, two weeks later, the water level in the stream is high. With all of that water and the sun in the sky, there was no way I could resist playing in the stream with my son. So we packed up and headed down to the water.
My son is four, so I’m not entirely sure he saw anything that I pointed out to him. What he did do was handle the Triumph like a champ. He was easily able to put them up to his eyes and keep them there. He was able to control them and point out things that he saw on his own. I think the two thumb reliefs made it even easier for him to get a good grip on the tubes. This could be a great option if you also have a young one who’s beginning to explore what the Earth has to offer.
I’m a full-grown adult (no matter what my wife tells you) and for me, the Triumph was just as easy to use. The neck strap didn’t wear on me, and if you need it for an extended time, that’s what the GlassPak is for. I’ve actually used these quite a bit. Looking at things through binoculars is way more fun than it should be. My wife and I used them to look at the moon a few weeks ago and were shocked by the amount of detail we could see. On this day at the stream, however, only one photo was taken of me using them, and it was taken by my son.
The time came for the inevitable potty break, so we packed up our things and left. The whole way back, my son couldn’t stop talking about the things he saw, the fun he had, and what’s for dinner.
Unpacking My Thoughts
Using the Vortex Triumph HD 10×42 Binocular has been a very positive experience. The clearness of the picture is great. I was picking up details looking at a bug across my patio just as well as a bird 40 feet away. They’re comfortable to hold, too. Not that it matters if you drop them because of Vortex’s warranty. Also, you could just buy another pair if you wanted since they’re only $100. Maybe grab a second set to keep in your car. Next time you take a family road trip, you’ll be happy you did.
The focus rings had the right amount of resistance and a smooth glide. I like that the Comfort Neck Strap is padded. Plus, they give you a harness for it if you don’t want to have it around your neck. The rubber armor feels solid and the subtle texture helps you get a good grab.
I’m glad these are the binoculars that my son will remember playing with, and could inspire him to get a set for his kid, too. If you want to pick one up, head to the Vortex website. Make sure you’re following them on social media, as well. Vortex can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Now get outside and breathe some fresh air!
