vortex vipers

[ChuckC]

I am looking at spending a bit more money than usual for some binoculars, but I really can't justify Swarovskis or similar stuff.   Yup they are awesome, but not for me.

I was thinking of a pair of 8x32 Vortex Viper HD binoculars.  Anybody have any actual hands on experience and advice regarding the quality, qualities, and failings of these units ?  

I have used 10x most of my life, and they are fine, but I recently used some 8x and really couldn't tell a ton of difference.  I think I want the 32mm lenses and not jump to 42 or larger.  I like them a bit smaller.  

Been using some Nikon 10x24 units for the last 15 years or so and really like em a lot, but I think it is time to move up.

Anything ?

ChuckC

[Marc B.]

I've got non HD 6X and they have been great. Vortex is not alpha glass but its very good and priced right.

[Lost Arra]

Originally posted by Marc B.:
I've got non HD 6X and they have been great. Vortex is not alpha glass but its very good and priced right.

+1

[Owlgrowler]

I have a pair of the 10X, get what you pay for. The salesman said Vortex guarantee was exceptional. Hope I never need to find out.

[BigThicketBoy]

You might check out the Vortex Diamondbacks in 8.5 X 50. Better low light gathering.

[kadbow]

Very happy with my 10x42 Vipers.

[AWPForester]

Just gonna give yoou a piece of advice.  I have a pair of Vortex.  They are good bino's.  I have also looked through roughy 35 or 40 other big brands and models side by side.  I spent 3 hours in cabelas with a pocket full of money intending on buying my bino's.  I looked through every pair they had besides the small 20 mm compacts.  I picked a Pair of Pentex.  Every bit as clear as Swarzo's or the leica's, or anything else they had.  Transmitted light better than any of them when looking into the shadowed areas of the store.

I have discussed this many times with avid Big name bino owners and after hands on comparison, they are left saying, "look through them all day and then we will talk."  Maybe be true.  I don't know.  I have never spent 8 hours glassing anything.  But I have used them out west and in the east quite a bit for hours at a time and never had one problem with eye fatigue.

But bino's are like boots and bows, you really got to try them on before you decide.  Don't take my word for it.  Get your eyes to alot of them before you spend your money.  You might find there are a lot better glasses for a lot less money.  And just like bows, the name consists of about 60 percent of the price.  Good luck and God Bless

[Bladepeek]

I have a pair of Nikon Monarch X 8.5x45 that I am very happy with, but the Vortex Viper 6x32 really has me thinking. For more than half of the hunting I do, 6X would be enough and they are tiny. Probably don't hold quite as steady in my shaky old hands, but would fit in a large pocket.

[ChuckC]

For those that have them, things like spinning the focus knob, setting the two eyepieces for your eyes, opening and folding the binos to fit your face. . .  any issues ?  

Do the knobs turn smoothly start to stop ?  Do they have enough friction to hold them open to a setting, but not so much that it is difficult to readjust ?  Can you turn the focus knob with one hand (finger)?

The warrantly appears to be great.  All of the web blogs I read point toward a pretty good set of mid priced but pretty top end product.

Any bad responses ?

I like the smaller binos, as I pointed out I have been using the smaller Nikons, and like them.  

ChuckC

[Marc B.]

Mine have now seen two seasons of use. They adjust easily and stay put. As far as the warranty my dad bought the cheap Crossfires when they came out and had an issue. The were returned in little over a week good as new at no charge.

[Owlgrowler]

I just remembered, and, I should contact the company, the objective lense covers are a joke, lost both of them about 15 minutes into my first hunt with 'em. My son bought a pair a year before I did and crazy-glued his on. The adjustment knobs all work to my satisfaction.

[ChuckC]

thanks all for your input.

They seem like a good step up from what I have currently.
ChuckC

[Fritz]

I hunted this year with some 8x42 vortex diamondbacks. No complaints other than the lens covers which are a pain. Nice clear glass and priced right.

[Shortlongbow]

I have the Vortex Viper HDs 8x32. They are really nice for the money and you can't beat the warranty. I have used them all season this year and love them. Really light weight and easy to carry on a Crooked Horn harness. The focus adjustment is smooth and the diopter adjustment locks and doesn't get out of adjustment easily. The 8x 32 gives you a 4mm exit pupil which is pretty good in low light. The 6x32 would give you a bigger exit pupil with a wider field of view. I like the 8x for all around use in the areas I hunt. I looked long and hard before I got these and after using them, would buy them again if I lost them or something.

For long periods of glassing, I'm certain the more expensive optics would be the way to go. For my use, the Vortex are great. I have a friend that has really expensive optics. He tried mine and ordered a pair the next day.

[kadbow]

I have used my 10x for hours on end days on end sheep hunting.  They aren't Swarovski but I had no problems even with the lens covers.  I think they are a good value.

[Whip]

I have a pair of the 6x32's, but hte non-HD version.  I love them, and think they are a fantastic value.  The HD's would be even better.

Chuck, take a trip over to Eagle Optics.  They are just off Hwy 14 west of Madison.  If possible, do it in late afternoon and you will be able to take the binos outside and try them yourself just before dusk.  You'll be impressed!

[Biathlonman]

I bought a pair of the non hd 6.5x30 something after getting my brother the same.  Couldn't be happier with them and I also own A pair of Zeiss and a pair of Leica.

[Lin Rhea]

I have the 6 X 32 HD's. Every time I look through them I'm amazed at the clarity and light gathering. I'm very happy that I made the decision to buy the HD's.

I also like the 6 power. I have 10 power Nikons that are pretty good, but I find objects and see much better with the 6 power. I also find that I spend much more time using these and have located deer that otherwise I would not have seen.

[ChuckC]

Again, thanks for all the input.  This site is great for gaining and sharing the common knowledge of 30,000 plus members worlwide.

I use my current binoculars a lot, every single hunt, all the time, and never felt they were a problem, but I looked thru a MUCH better pair this spring, side by side with mine, and I saw what I was missing.

Still,  I am not in the market for $1,200 to $2,500 binoculars, no matter how great they are.

ChuckC