Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars 8x42

This is a gem of a binocular (with Optimum High Density BAK4 Prisms) rated by some magazines dedicated to boating and yaghting as one of the recent most Afffordable Yet Durable/Professional Units, and heartily agree with those sources. I have an excellant mega- bucks Swaro Binocular also in 8X42 and this unit comes very, very close to its performance. Colour and depth of field are suberb and described by the seller exactly and well made too. Argon gassed (bettter than Nitrogen) and well armoured makes this unit vertually indestructable, and with the Vortex VIP Warranty makes this binocular an optical instrument a treasure. I made use of the Amazon- Time Span Payment Plan which makes this unit very affordable: Interest Free. Amazon has this priced right and comes well packaged against all sorts of conditions during shipping and came in prestine condition and on time. This is a unit which can be passed from one generation to the next without losing its warranty too! Overall I give it a rating as: OUTSTANDING!The minor item is that the Binocular Case is a bit archaic, but gives great protection, along with pockets to addlens tissue (available from Amazon-economically priced), and lens dusting tools. As a person who has been in the Optical Retail Business and now engaged in the Martime Profession, I highly recommend the 8 Power as any higher the user will notice increased: "Magnification Image Movement" with loss of image stablity/clarity. Ten Power is the Absolute Maximum Magnification as any higher power the user will experience "Image Dance," and the older one gets the harder it will be to keep the binocular steady unless Tripod Mounted. For Birding, Whale Watching, Astronomical Applications, Mariime uses: Navigation, Lookout Watches, Safety-At-Sea, Pleasure Craft Use, plus Intra-Coastal Waterway/High Seas applications go with Vortex Viper you will not regret the purhase.

I ordered these (at 8x42 power) after reading and listening to all the overwhelmingly positive reviews. Some reviewers even claim that the Vortex Viper binoculars are as close as one can get to Swarovski EL's under $2k. Well, yes, I have found them to provide clear, crisp, bright optics--no doubt about it. However, I compared them to my Monarch 5 and Pentax SD's--also at 8x42--and frankly, I cannot really tell a major difference. The Monarchs and Pentax are all in the $200-$250 price range, while the Vipers are double that. The Vipers are heavier than the Monarchs and I cannot tell which one is brighter after countless comparative tests. (The Pentax are slightly less bright.) I feel that the Viper beats the Pentax by a very very slight edge, but it was a tie with the Monarch 5's. The Vipers felt a bit lighter than the Pentax, but significantly heavier than the Monarchs. The Vipers come with superior accessories--the carry case in particular is way better and even comes with a harness. Of the three, the Pentax has the lousiest accessories, especially the objective lens caps-- utter crap on the Pentax. The caps on the Viper and Monarch 5, both attached to the lens barrels, are equal.So, what to conclude? Did I pay an extra $200 for a better carry case and a harness? Don't get me wrong--these are excellent binoculars. The quality of the optics cannot be denied. But I found the Monarch 5 optics just as good, and the Pentax only a smidgen behind. If there is an optical difference between the Viper and the Monarch 5, I couldn't tell. If you are looking for excellent mid-range binoculars and need to save some cash, go with the Monarch 5's. If money is no object, sure, get the Viper. They feel very solid in the hands.

These are amazing. When I tell people how much a good pair of binoculars cost they’re always surprised. But the difference in color and clarity is so apparent. We tested these against the Monarchs which are the go to birders binoculars for birders who are getting serious about birding. There is absolutely no comparison. Some day I hope to be able to buy the $1,000 Vipers. But so far these are better than every other pair I’ve tried. And the warranty is the best in the industry! Worth every penny

These are so nice. Very clear and clean view. I have a pair of Swarovski from 25 years ago I paid $2000 for and these are better.

I did a lot of research on binoculars in this price range and everything pointed to the Vortex Vipers. I found them to have a very clear image and the build quality appeared to be excellent. A relative who does extensive big game hunting swears by Vortex and says they stand behind their lifetime warranty.

Love the clarity for bird watching. However the case is overkill for daily use or casual use. Would be better for a longer hunt or hike, but I would bring a higher magnification in those circumstances. I wish that the case converted to allow for side carry and that it had clips instead of having to thread it through. It takes a lot of time to set up. The mesh pockets are too small and delicate for more than a lens cleaning wipe. The weight of the binoculars is a decent balance, but the neck strap/case could be more comfortable. Chest carry can be cumbersome for a woman.

I was impressed with the clarity and brightness of the Vipers. Did a little research and the 409' field of view @1000 yards plus the great reviews here helped me make my decision to choose the Vipers in 8x42. I use them mostly for birding. I like that Vortex stands behind their products, that is important to me.

Outstanding build quality and optics for the price. This was an upgrade from a very dependable base model Eagle Optics (now Vortex) binocular I had used for 15 years.