VortexOptics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars

I hadn't heard much of Vortex Optics...the name is completely overshadowed by the Celestron, Bushnell, Bausch & Lomb (i.e. the "mass market big three"), Leupold, Minox, Nikon (i.e. the "middle big three"), Swarowski, Leica, and Zeiss (i.e. the "top end big three). Of course there are "top of the line" models from each maker that are for different purposes, but surprisingly and very refreshingly, this Vortex Diamondback 10x42 has a bright, clear picture, and pretty decent field of view (claim is 345 feet at 1,000 yards). It's not quite as bright as the Celestron Granite 12x50 that I have, but it's pretty darn impressive. Even my Minox BL 10x52 BR are just big, hulking, clunking, somewhat dark, and restricted (in its FOV) by comparison.This binoc's also has a rubberized body and comfortable grip, with thumb and finger grips (not grooves) making it relatively slip-free. I haven't tried out its claim as to being tough against drops, bumps, and bruises, or waterproof claims, and I hope not to. The zoom is smooth, and the eye relief cups are wonderful (i.e. I don't use eyeglasses). There's no parallax or blackout if properly adjusted.Now, sadly, the down sides (if you consider these "down sides") to this particular model. The lens protection cups don't quite fit right, they kind of slide off the binoc's on their own, but that's minor. The neck strap really is amateurish looking, but that's easily replaced with a visit to an optics shop. But the most glaring deficiency (for me personally) is the case. It's terrible! It's like a zippered clamshell case that would be provided with a set of inexpensive eye or sunglasses. When you put the binoc's in it and zip them up, they clang and clank around inside this clamshell case, because it's not molded the the binoc's, the case is just way too big to even be comfortable in your hands. You have to have a small towel or something to take up the extra space inside, and kind of awkward. It has strap rings, but try imagine having this leviathan molded clamshell thing around your neck or attached to a pack, trying to deploy the binoc's out of it. No, better to just get a new case.BUT being that the down sides are only accessories, I can totally live with it, since the binoc's themselves are pretty darn awesome! I bought these at $599 and change, and maybe a bit pricey, but astonishingly one of the best - if not THE best - I've tried in the sub-$1,000 range.

We did our research prior to purchasing these Vortex 10x42 Viper HDs. We needed something specifically for birdwatching, and so set out to obtain the opinions of some of the most experienced birders we could find online. Of course the "big name" brands are always listed at the top, however the Viper HDs kept popping up in the suggestions we were receiving. We also came across a list of binocular reviews that listed various top end models, their prices, and the rating percentage for each model. On that list, the top of the line "big name" models were setting the curve at around 90%. The Viper HDs showed up slightly lower down the list at around 80%, but also cost *literally* 10 times less.We decided to purchase these and they are now our second pair of what I'll call "mid level" binoculars; our previous pair being a rather bulky set of decent Steiner 12X42 hunting binos that are not really optimized for birding. Interestingly the Viper HDs weigh similarly, but are far less bulky.In any event, we've had these for a few months now and have used them locally, though we've not had the opportunity to put them through the rigorous jungle stomping, mountain climbing, dust/moisture/vibration heavy trials that the Steiners survived. However, with the use we've given them, it seems more than promising that they'll hold up comparably. The build quality seems top notch - they're solid, well designed, machined and constructed. Nothing is loose and everything feels like optics made in Japan SHOULD feel - like superb engineering. As I mentioned, this is only our second pair of "good" binos, but I didn't think it was technically possible for something seen through a pair of binoculars to actually appear brighter, sharper and more colourful than through the naked eye, but that's how it SEEMS every time we use these. Acquisition of targets is quick, smooth and flawless, with the central focus knob being smooth and precise. Tracking moving targets is a breeze compared to the individual focus adjustments required for each lens on the Steiners. When exposed to the humidity of the jungle we live in, the Vipers DID fog up externally, as do all of our top end optics in this climate - but the Viper HDs seemed to acclimate and un-fog more rapidly than the others. I'm certain they're sealed adequately against internal moisture (as they claim to be waterpoof) and the build quality supports this.I'd list some cons here, but so far, I haven't found any of note. The price is slightly higher than others in its price range, but I firmly believe the quality difference is worth it.In short, our research suggested that these are top-end binos in an upper-mid range price bracket, and though we haven't yet subjected them to the abuse they WILL get, I would concur with that assessment. My opinion is - if you're looking in the mid-range - it's worth paying a bit more for the Viper HDs and getting a big jump in quality. If you're looking in the low end of the top range - it seems you could save some money and get these (if you can survive without the cache of a "big name").Hope this helps in your decision! Cheers!

The Vortex ED and HD binoculars perform at a level far superior to what one might assume given their price. The Extra Low Dispersion or High Density Extra Low Dispersion glass used in the Viper and Razor lines produce sharp images, color saturation and contrast formerly attainable only with High end German and Japanese optics. I compared my new Vortex binos with a pair of Nikons and a pair of Minox, both about five years old. The positive difference observable with the Vortex binoculars is astounding.I now own three Vortex binoculars plus a spotting scope and have sold the Nikons and the minox. I don't work for Vortex. I will, however, tell you this; buy a pair of the new HD razors or even the ED Vipers before the prices go up when Vortex realizes just how good their binos are.If you do some research online, you will learn that Vortex uses the same source for their glass as some of the VERY well known Japanese optics companies. The Vortex name is rapidly becoming renown for exceptional performance at more reasonable pricing than high quality Japanese optic manufacturers whose names you know which are synonymous with high quality. Buy a pair; if they are not out of stock!!!