Vortex Viper HD Binocular Review
Basic Description of Product:
The Viper HDs significantly step up their game in 2011 with HD (High Density) extra-low dispersion glass. One look is all you’ll need to appreciate why the Viper is an award-winning bino. Add XR fully multi-coated lenses and you have a bino that delivers bright, crisp details with impressive resolution and color fidelity. Rugged, compact and lightweight—one of the lightest full-size binos available. It’s no mystery why the Vipers are an award-winner, our Viper HD binoculars pack in all the features you need for a successful hunt. See what premium optics can do for you!
Story:
Recently, I purchased a pair of Vortex Viper HD 10×42 binoculars. A friend of mine has a pair of Swarovski EL 10×42’s, so we decided to head up on the mountain early one morning before it was light and compare the two.
In my opinion, they were very evenly matched. At 10x magnification it’s hard to tell a difference in the quality of glass. Both were amazing. The Swarovski’s gather a bit more light, so we were able to see across the canyon with them about one or two minutes before we could see across with the Viper HD’s.
After that initial 2-3 minutes, I couldn’t tell a difference in the clarity or brightness. Both were easy to focus and both had a crystal clear field of view.
The Vortex Vipers are small, light and fit perfectly in my hands. I thought they were actually more comfortable to hold than the Swarovski’s. The quality was very similar, but the difference in cost was astronomical. The Viper’s retail for around 600 dollars, while the Swarovski EL’s retail for around 2,600 dollars.
When it comes to warranty, Vortex has the best on the market. Both pairs of optics were awesome; however, all things taken into account I think the Vortex Vipers are the best bang for your buck. They provide you with a very similar quality of product for a fraction of the cost. I give the Vortex Viper HD’s a five star rating in every area. I also consider it on the same playing field as the Swarovski.
What they could do better:
Not much! They are outstanding.
Vortex Viper HD Binocular Review
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Functionality
(5)
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Value
(5)
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Ergonomics
(5)
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Durability
(5)
I find it funny how everybody always has to say almost as good as Swarovski. Why settle for second best? I have been on hunts where those 2-3 min that you can see with the Swarovski meant seeing a big buck before he headed back into thick cover for the day. Are they a good buy for someone on a budget? Yes. Are they as good as Swarovski? No
Good comment Josh. I agree, they are not as good.
However, they are pretty dang good, and some people want to spend their money on other things.
The viper will get the job done, but they are NOT swarovski.
I wasn’t trying to knock them down because they are a great company and pretty good glass for the price. I am just saying if you can afford the Swarovski then get them. I was using my Swarovisions and my step dad has the Viper HD and I was pretty impressed with them for the price.
Love the Reviews on all the gear keep up the good work.
Josh