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Vortex Vipers(es) vs. Nikon Monarch X

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dondiego87 View Drop Down
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    Posted: December/07/2010 at 15:50
Hello there folks. I'm a beginning birder who is advancing in skill and activity level, and I'm looking to upgrade this yule season from my Bushnell H2O's (8x42 and 10x42).

On my first pass through the market, I settled on the Nikon Monarch X 8.5x45. However, a friend pointed me towards Vortex. I subsequently became entranced by the Vortex Viper 8x42, as well as the Viper 8.5x50. This last pair of binos is especially intriguing to me — lots of light-gathering capability, a little extra reach compared to the 8x's, and way cheaper than the other two pairs I was looking at ($380, compared with $440 for the Monarch X's and $540 for the Viper 8x42's).

Downsides of the 8.5x50's include weight (29 oz. compared to 25 or 23) and FOV (305 ft. being the same as the cheap 10x pair I have now). I think that I could deal with these downsides.

I am, however, a little suspicious of the price. It seems so very low! Indeed, it's over $300 off MSRP. Is this too good to be true, or is it just too good to pass up? What do you think of the three pairs I have mentioned? Can you think of any better pairs in the sub-$500 range that aren't already mentioned in the active "Best 8x42's under $500" thread (http://www.opticstalk.com/best-8x42-binoc-under-500_topic26104.html) — remember I am not limiting myself to 8x42. 

Thanks in advance.
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dondiego87 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dondiego87 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/07/2010 at 15:51
I should mention that I will be using these new binos in Costa Rica this January, and would love to hear from people who have visited there regarding fog resistance, performance in the forests there, etc.
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lucytuma View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucytuma Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/07/2010 at 16:17
I'd be willing to carry the extra weight of the Vortex Razor 8.5x50, its a great bino at a fantastic price, the razor is step up from the viper and can be found here:
"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." - Thomas Jefferson
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Bird Watcher View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/07/2010 at 16:26
Originally posted by lucytuma lucytuma wrote:

I'd be willing to carry the extra weight of the Vortex Razor 8.5x50, its a great bino at a fantastic price, the razor is step up from the viper and can be found here:
 
I would also recommend the Vortex Razor while it is still available at this close-out price.  Thunbs Up
 
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