Vortex Optics is doubling down on electro-optics and intraplatform connectivity. Their latest release is the Talon HD 10K laser rangefinding binoculars that function within Vortex’s Relay ecosystem.
Talon HD 10K 12×50
This release includes two models: the 12x50s discussed here and the 10x42s. Both feature laser ranging and GeoBallistics, a ballistic solver. They can also connect via Bluetooth to the GeoBallistics app on your phone, along with other Relay items, like the Ace and models not yet released.
The rest of the specs are as follows:
- Model(s): Talon HD 10K
- Magnification: 12, 10
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm, 42mm
- Minimum Ranging: 10 Yards
- Maximum Ranging: 10,000 Yards (Reflective)
- Tree Ranging: 4,200 Yards, 4,000 Yards
- Game Ranging: 2,600 Yards, 2,400 Yards
- Weight: 2lbs, 15.2 oz.
- MSRP: $3,799 ($2,499 street price) $3,499 ($2,299 street price)
Features
The Talon HD 10K is built around a sharp HD optical system that delivers the clarity needed to read terrain, distinguish shadows, and make confident decisions when it matters most. The red LED display is bright and easy to read in daylight. Even better, it’s customizable—so the information you care about is right there, not hidden behind a series of button presses.
What truly sets the Talon apart from traditional rangefinding binos is how much thinking it does for you. Auto-leveling keeps the image aligned, while onboard sensors continuously monitor temperature, pressure, humidity, inclination, and compass data. That information feeds directly into your ranging and ballistic calculation, updating in real time as conditions change. Add manual wind input—or pair it with the Vortex Ace for live wind data—and you can see how this quickly becomes a comprehensive tool.
With three ranging modes (LOS, Horizontal Component Distance, and Ballistic modes), including a ballistic solution option, and five target modes (Normal, Target First, Target Last, ELR, and Rain/Fog), it is designed to handle everything from rain-soaked glass to extreme long-range scenarios. It even stores up to ten custom range cards that update in real time based on conditions. And because Vortex understands how this gear is used, it ships ready to go with a chest harness, lens covers, batteries, and a cleaning cloth.
Setup
Setup is straightforward. When you open the package, you’ll see a QR code that links to a video walkthrough of the setup process. To summarize: press the menu button, go to Environment, then Compass, and calibrate the compass. Next, you’ll perform a task (which might make your neighbors or anyone watching laugh) by rotating the binoculars in a figure-eight pattern for 25 seconds. Once completed, a calibration success banner will appear. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to try again. Vortex advises that you should be in a clear area away from large structures and metal. They also recommend recalibrating after changing batteries or if you use the binoculars outside a 30-mile radius of the original calibration.
What is Vortex Relay?
Vortex Relay is a closed network that recognizes and remembers every enabled device in your long-range toolkit. Once set up, Vortex Relay reliably connects each device every time, ensuring seamless, hassle-free integration. This means, for example, your rangefinder and weather meter communicate smoothly on the same network, providing you with a precise, instant ballistic solution. Currently, the Ace, Talon HD 10K, Impact 4000 Ballistic Rail-Mounted Laser Rangefinder, and the GeoBallistic app feature Vortex Relay connectivity.
Zooming Out
The Talon HD 10K is an impressive unit. Its downside—weight. It’s nearly three pounds. Part of that is because it combines high-quality binoculars, a rangefinder, and a ballistic solver into one piece of gear. Usually, you’d have those all separate. In a way, it saves weight and space by integrating all three into a single unit. However, this is a binocular I’d recommend using off a tripod. Holding it steady for any length of time is tiring. Luckily, you can easily adapt it to a tripod with the Vortex Pro Binocular Adapter.
This binocular is part of the Vortex Relay ecosystem and will work with other compatible items, such as the ACE and the GeoBallistics app. Furthermore, the Talon HD 10K is backed by the Vortex VIP Warranty, so you’ll never be in doubt.
