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Vortex Razor HD, or Viper HD

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    Posted: June/30/2011 at 14:21
I am in the market for new bino's and I am having trouble deciding between these two. Everything I can see says that they are the same glass. Vortex's website states that the Razor has preimum HD glass and the Viper has HD glass. Is there anything optically different between the two?  Same coatings, same rating. If there isn't then the Viper HD would be a no brainer as it is $600 cheaper than the Razor. I do like he feel of the Razor better, but I don't know about $600 better.
 
Thanks for your expertise.
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/30/2011 at 23:48
Those two binoculars are at different price points for a reason.  The "HD" glass in the Razors is likely quite different than the "HD" glass in the Viper, although both likely utilize some sort of ED glass elements in the objectives.  They probably share some marketing terms with each other, but the coatings are probably different in some ways to account for differences in the overall optical design.  They also have different specs in construction, size, FOV, and others.

I have seen the Viper HD, and find it to be a good performer.  I have yet to see the Razor HD, but by most accounts, it is in the near-alpha (to alpha) ranks.

If it were me, and I had the money for either, I would probably go all out for the Razors. If I was looking to save money, I would drop down (in price) to the Talon HD line.
-Matt
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris II Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/01/2011 at 09:15
Agree with Bitterroot, If it were me, and I had the money for either, I would probably go all out for the Razors." They are better binos and they have a similar feel in your hand to the Swarovski ELs. PM me on whichever one you decide on. I will be more than happy to assist you.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Klamath Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/01/2011 at 12:32
I have the Razor HD and have owned an original Viper for several years.  I have looked at, but not used the Viper HD.  The original Viper never really let me down and the new HD is a brighter sharper binocular with sharper edges.  I'd feel no particular disadvantage if a Viper HD was my hunting binocular.
 
I really gets down to just how significant the $600 difference is to you.  If it is a real issue, then I'd say forget the Viper HD.  If you want Vortex the Talon HD is a better glass than the Viper HD.  So are the ZEN ED 2's, the Theron Wapiti APO-ED, and the Kruger Caldera.  These all go from $380-425 ish.
 
The Razor HD, as Matt and Chris have pointed out is a better binocular, but even having and liking the Razor HD, I am not sure it is $600 better either.
Steve
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Midwest_Hunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/01/2011 at 13:44
I would certainly rank the Razor HD's as alpha quality. My 8x42's are awesome!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Klamath Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/01/2011 at 18:12
Originally posted by Midwest_Hunter Midwest_Hunter wrote:

I would certainly rank the Razor HD's as alpha quality. My 8x42's are awesome!
I agree with this as I rate my 8x42 too close to alpha performance to call much, if any, practical difference.  The difference is observable side by side, but otherwise it is not enough to matter much.  However, the upper mid price stuff is also pretty close to be able to call much practical difference as well, so it depends on how much of a stretch the $600 is to the OP.
 
 
Above is a link to an Italian review of a bunch of top end 8x42 binoculars, including the Razor HD.  The copied link should be the english translation, but even then, it is just well enough translated tyo read.
Steve
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SLIVER Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/06/2011 at 03:06
Thank you all for the replies, and the link to the great review. It seems that the overall conclusion is if I have the $600, then use it and get the top of the line. I would still like to see the two, outside, and side by side before I make my final decision. Seems that many people who have the Razor, love it. I'm sure I would too.

Thanks again.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JGRaider Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/07/2011 at 09:22
Hey Steve, gonna put you on the spot a little bit if you don't mind.  You've tested in detail the Theron's, ED3, Caldera, and Vortex Razor HD. 

I know this is only a "to your eyes" thing, but how do they compare?  Is there enough/any difference between the Razor HD and the others to spend the extra $$$?  Regardless of the price, which do you prefer and why, for big game hunting?  Thanks mucho. 
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