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Vortex Viper vs Viper HD

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royta View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote royta Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Vortex Viper vs Viper HD
    Posted: October/05/2012 at 08:59
Has anybody done a comparison between the Viper 10x42 and the Viper HD 10x42? I'm interested to know how big of a difference there really is between the two.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote smesk403 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/05/2012 at 10:58
i haven't used the viper but have experience hunting with the viper hd. I will say that I was quite impressed with the quality and clarity of the viper HD
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Klamath View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Klamath Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/06/2012 at 11:17
There are some differences between the two.  They are visible in side by side comparison.  I have owned the original Viper but have no field use with the HD, but have seen them side by side at several dealers.  When the two are together, the HD is brighter, maybe somewhat sharper in the centerfield, and the edges are sharper.  The big difference is the sharper edges seem to give the HD version a larger sweet spot.  It would be speculation on my part to say how the differences would sort out in the field.  Hope this helps some Smile.
Steve
"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron

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royta View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote royta Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/06/2012 at 13:17
I'm trying to save a buck or two, so I'm wondering if I'd be better off picking up an original Viper for a smoking deal rather than getting a Viper HD.
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Klamath View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Klamath Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/07/2012 at 22:04
Originally posted by royta royta wrote:

I'm trying to save a buck or two, so I'm wondering if I'd be better off picking up an original Viper for a smoking deal rather than getting a Viper HD.
We all have had to do that from time to time.  I have a couple of recommendations in that event.  I have a Kruger Caldera which is, as far as I am concerned a better glass than either Viper and they are less than $400.  They have flourite lenses, a very wide field of view and are sharper than you might imagine.  I highly recommend them...particularly since they are less $$$ than the Viper.
 
The Steiner Predator Xtreme is a good glass too, also around $400.  Lots of good stuff in the mid price range that is less $$ than a Viper.  I'm not knocking Vortex, but that is the deal as I see it.
 
If you want to stay with Vortex, look at the Talon HD.  I also think you would be stunned at the Theron Wapiti APO ED too.
Steve
"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/08/2012 at 13:25
I have also seen both versions of the Viper.  Here are a few of my observations.
 
As Steve mentioned, the HD version has a wider sweet spot.  It also controls CA a bit better.  In fact it controls CA at the edge better than the Caldera and Zen Prime.
 
The Viper HD has a better quality of build/feel IMO than the Caldera, Steinier Predator, Wapiti APO, and Vortex Talon.
 
The Viper HD's biggest knock is its moderate FOV.
 
I think the Viper HD is a worthy choice, and enough improved over the original to warrant the nod between the two.
 
All of the mentioned binoculars are good values and perform very well.
-Matt
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royta View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote royta Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/09/2012 at 15:09
Thanks for the information everyone. I recall the Vortex Viper line as being THE mid-range binocular to beat a few years ago. I'm surprised that the Viper HD is worlds above the Viper, to the point that the Viper isn't worth considering. I guess I'll have to put off a purchase a little longer.

I'll have to find some stores that carry the other binoculars mentioned. I don't want to order a pair without handling them first.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/09/2012 at 16:29
Originally posted by royta royta wrote:

Thanks for the information everyone. I recall the Vortex Viper line as being THE mid-range binocular to beat a few years ago. I'm surprised that the Viper HD is worlds above the Viper, to the point that the Viper isn't worth considering. I guess I'll have to put off a purchase a little longer.

I'll have to find some stores that carry the other binoculars mentioned. I don't want to order a pair without handling them first.
 
I hope that wasn't referencing my opinion, because that is not what I said.  They aren't worlds apart.  The improvements are there if you look for them.  You have to make your own decisions on if those improvements are worth it to you.  I would guess that most users would be satisfied with either.
-Matt
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royta View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote royta Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/10/2012 at 10:41
I shouldn't have said "worlds apart". I will say that my overall impression from what I've read is that the Viper HD has improved enough that the original Viper should, perhaps, no longer be considered.

No matter, the $300 Sample List Viper 10x42 Demo B's are no longer listed.

I really do need some new binoculars. My '97 Bushnell Trophy 8x32 bins don't gather enough light, and don't bring me close enough to the action. I really do think they are holding me back when glassing for deer in the darker minutes of the morning and evening.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Klamath Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/10/2012 at 15:26
royta,
 
Just what is your budget anyway?
 
Can't see I can agree with Matt much on his comparisons, past the Viper having a restricted fov.  The rest of the bunch are just about as close to equally well made for that to be a non issue.  I'll leave the CA thing lie as I am not bothered by it so am not maybe the best to comment on the issue.
 
None of these are worlds apart, and none of the much more expensive glass is worlds apart from these either.  You can get all the binocular most will ever need for much less than $500 these days, heck even less than $300 now that I think about it.  Point being you don't have to break the bank.
Steve
"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron

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royta View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote royta Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/12/2012 at 04:05
I've read Klamath's Caldera review and was quite impressed. I think I'll have a problem with the occulars not fitting my face though. I looked through a Steiner Predator C5 and a Minox something or other and both were binoculars had occulars that were too large of a diameter to fit the bridge of my nose. I will need to find some in person and try them out before ruling them out. I have an SWFA gift certificate so final purchase will be from them.

Not sure on budget.

Oh, I grew up on A-12, right between Hwy 97 and Grenada, CA, so I've been to Klamath Falls many times. It's always nice to bump in to someone near my old stomping grounds.
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royta View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote royta Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/18/2012 at 21:07
The local hunting/fishing store finally had both the 10x42 and 8x42 Viper HD in stock. I compared both against my current 15 year old binoculars. Both Viper HD models let in much more light, and they fit my eyes and nose.

I'll just have to save up for the 10's.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote spf2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/30/2012 at 11:10

Before you settle on Viper HD, you should also give Vortex Razor HD a try.  I compared Viper with Viper HD, again with Razor HD.  There is small incremental improvement or difference between each two of them.  Another one to consider is the new Zen-Ray PRIME HD binoculars. It is slightly heavier, but sturdier binoculars. The edge-to-edge clarity is addicting. The Kruger Caldera is another contender too.

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royta View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote royta Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/02/2013 at 07:22
Well, after Christmas gifts from parents and in-laws, I have enough for a pair of 10x42 Viper HD's. Before I place my order today, are there any other binoculars I should consider that are $600?

Thanks.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote haminator Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/24/2013 at 11:54
I love my 8x42. Super clear own two of the big 3 and there certainly IMO isn't 1500$ difference. A+ for value.
The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
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"Eagles may soar, but weasles dont get sucked into jet engines.
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