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Vortex Optics Viper HD

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16 Verified Hands-On Reviews

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Expert reviews [16]

96
Total expert reviews: 16
  • with a score: 1
  • without a score: 15

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
ReviewFinder: authentic product reviews summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars are highly praised for their optical quality, comfort, and durability, making them a reliable choice for outdoor activities such as birdwatching, hunting, and nature observation.

The Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars receive high praise from experts for their excellent optical quality, making them a reliable choice for outdoor activities such as birdwatching, hunting, and nature observation. The lenses are fully multi-coated and have a dielectric prism coating, resulting in brighter and clearer images.

The binoculars also feature a proprietary XR anti-reflective coating, high-density glass, and phase correction coating, all of which work together to improve color accuracy and enhance contrast. With 42mm objective lenses, the binoculars provide a good amount of light transmission, resulting in bright and clear images.

The Viper HD binoculars are available in two magnification levels, 8x and 10x, and have a close focus distance of 6. 3 feet, making them suitable for observing objects at close range.

In terms of weight and size, the Viper HD binoculars weigh approximately 700 grams and have dimensions of approximately 5. 5 inches from the objective lens to the eyecup. They are neither super lightweight nor too bulky, providing convenience and portability for activities like hunting, birdwatching, hiking, and traveling.

The binoculars have a comfortable and ergonomic design, with a texturized rubber coating that ensures a secure grip. The short barrel and lightweight design make them easy to deploy and prevent neck strain, and the weight is barely noticeable during long days out.

The Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars are highly regarded for their durability and build quality. They have a polycarbonate chassis that helps to dampen vibrations and a rubber armored chassis that provides superior ergonomics and an easy-to-grip design. The binoculars are waterproof and fogproof, thanks to the argon purging and O-ring seals, and have scratch-resistant armortek protection on the exterior lenses.

This makes them suitable for use in various weather conditions and ensures their durability for outdoor use.

Overall, the Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars offer excellent optical quality, comfort, and durability, making them a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts. They are specifically designed for activities such as birdwatching, hunting, hiking, and traveling, and their waterproof feature, rugged construction, and ergonomic design make them a dependable option for outdoor use.

Optical quality

The Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars offer excellent optical quality with features such as fully multi-coated lenses, dielectric prism coating, and high-density glass, making them a reliable choice for outdoor activities.

Based on the expert reviews, the Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars offer excellent optical quality. The fully multi-coated lenses and dielectric prism coating contribute to increased light transmission, resulting in brighter and clearer images. The proprietary XR anti-reflective coating, combined with high-density glass and phase correction coating, helps to reduce light scattering, improve color accuracy, and enhance contrast.

The Viper HD binoculars are available in two magnification levels, 8x and 10x, allowing users to choose the level of zoom that best suits their needs. The close focus distance of 6. 3 feet is slightly lower than the manufacturer's specification but still better than the average for the test group. This makes the binoculars suitable for observing objects at close range, such as butterflies or hummingbirds.

The 42mm objective lenses of the Viper HD provide a good amount of light transmission, resulting in bright and clear images. The field of view measurement varies slightly in different reviews, but it is generally considered to be among the best for 8x models tested. This makes the binoculars suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities, such as birdwatching, hunting, or nature observation.

Overall, the Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars offer excellent optical quality, making them a reliable choice for various outdoor activities.

What are the magnification levels offered by the Vortex Optics Viper HD?

The Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars are available in two magnification levels: 8x and 10x. The 8x model provides a magnification of 8 times, while the 10x model provides a magnification of 10 times. Both options offer different levels of zoom, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Based on 8 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the close focus distance of the Vortex Optics Viper HD?

According to a product review on OutdoorGearLab, the close focus range of the Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars was tested by their team and found to be 6.3 feet. This is slightly lower than the manufacturer-specified 6.0 feet but still better than the average recorded for the entire test group. In day-to-day use, it is unlikely that you would need to focus on anything closer than 6.5 feet unless you have a butterfly land on your shoe or a hummingbird hover near you.
Based on 1 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the size of the lenses of the Vortex Optics Viper HD?

The Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars have 42mm objective lenses. This means that the diameter of each lens is 42mm. The objective lens size is an important factor in determining the amount of light that can enter the binoculars, which affects the brightness and clarity of the images you see through them.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What kind of coatings does the Vortex Optics Viper HD come with?

The Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars come with multiple coatings to enhance their performance. They feature fully multi-coated lenses, which means that all air-to-glass surfaces have multiple anti-reflective coatings for increased light transmission. This results in a brighter and clearer viewing experience. Additionally, the Viper HD binoculars have a dielectric prism coating. This coating is applied to the roof prism and helps to maximize light transmission through the binoculars, resulting in a brighter and more detailed image. Dielectric coatings are typically found in premium quality binoculars, and they contribute to the overall high image quality of the Viper HD. According to the reviews, the Vortex Viper HD binoculars also have a proprietary XR anti-reflective coating. This coating, combined with the high-density glass and phase correction coating on the roof prism, helps to reduce light scattering, improve color accuracy, and enhance contrast. The result is a bright and clear viewing experience with great color fidelity. Overall, the combination of these coatings in the Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars ensures excellent light transmission, image quality, and performance.
Based on 7 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the field of view measurement for the Vortex Optics Viper HD?

The field of view measurement for the Vortex Optics Viper HD is specified by the manufacturer as 409 feet at 1000 yards or 135.8 meters at 1000 meters, according to the product features on ReviewFinder. However, it is important to note that in some independent product reviews, the measured field of view may be slightly smaller than the manufacturer's specification. For example, one review on OutdoorGearLab measured the field of view at 348 feet, which is still considered amongst the best for 8x models tested. Another review on huntingfellow.com mentioned a field of view of 288 feet for the Viper HD 12x50, which is considered good but not spectacular.
Based on 5 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Weight and size

The Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars are a convenient and comfortable option for outdoor activities, with a weight of 700 grams and an ergonomic design.

The Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars weigh approximately 700 grams (or 1. 5 pounds), making them neither super lightweight nor too bulky. This weight is designed to provide convenience and portability for activities like hunting, birdwatching, hiking, and traveling. The dimensions of the binoculars are approximately 5.

5 inches from the objective lens to the eyecup. Multiple expert reviews highlight the comfort and ergonomic design of the Viper HD. It is mentioned that the binoculars have a great feel in hand, with a texturized rubber coating that ensures a secure grip. The relatively short barrel and lightweight design make it easy to deploy from a chest harness and prevent neck strain.

The weight of the binoculars is barely noticeable during long days out, indicating that they are comfortable to carry for extended periods of time. Overall, the Vortex Optics Viper HD is a well-designed and comfortable binocular option for various outdoor activities.

What is the weight of the Vortex Optics Viper HD?

The weight of the Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars is approximately 700 grams (or 1.5 pounds). According to a review on binocularsguides.com, this weight is considered to be neither super lightweight nor too bulky. It is designed to be easily used without a tripod, providing convenience and portability for activities like hunting, birdwatching, hiking, and traveling.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the dimensions of the Vortex Optics Viper HD?

The dimensions of the Vortex Optics Viper HD are approximately 5.5 inches from the objective lens to the eyecup.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Vortex Optics Viper HD comfortable to carry for extended periods of time?

According to multiple product reviews, the Vortex Optics Viper HD is designed with comfort in mind. OutdoorGearLab mentions that the Vipers are one of the most ergonomic models to hold, with a great feel in hand and a texturized rubber coating that ensures a secure grip. Outdoor Life also highlights the portability of the Viper HD, stating that its relatively short barrel and lightweight design make it easy to deploy from a chest harness and prevent neck strain. The review on feathersoptics.co.uk mentions that the weight of the binoculars is barely noticeable during long days out, indicating that they are comfortable to carry for extended periods of time.
Based on 10 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Durability

The Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars are highly durable and well-suited for outdoor activities, with a lightweight polycarbonate chassis, rubber armored design, and waterproof and fogproof features.

The Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars are highly regarded for their durability and build quality. The binoculars have a polycarbonate chassis, which is lightweight and helps to dampen vibrations, resulting in less shaking of the image. However, some reviewers mentioned that they would have preferred a magnesium or aluminum-alloy chassis for added rigidity and durability.

The Viper HD binoculars are designed for outdoor use and are well-suited for activities like hunting, birdwatching, hiking, and traveling. They have a rubber armored chassis that provides superior ergonomics and an easy-to-grip design, making them suitable for use in the field.

The binoculars are also waterproof and fogproof, thanks to the argon purging and O-ring seals, ensuring that they can withstand various weather conditions. They also have scratch-resistant armortek protection on the exterior lenses, making them durable and suitable for outdoor use.

Overall, the Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars are considered to have excellent build quality and durability, allowing them to compete with more expensive binoculars in the market. They are specifically designed for outdoor use and are well-suited for a variety of activities. The waterproof feature, along with the rugged construction and ergonomic design, make them a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

What materials are used in the construction of the Vortex Optics Viper HD?

The Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars have a polycarbonate chassis. According to a product review on Outdoor Life, the polycarbonate body is lightweight and helps to dampen vibrations, resulting in less shaking of the image. However, the reviewer also mentioned that they would have liked to see the Viper HD with a magnesium or aluminum-alloy chassis, as these materials provide more rigidity and durability for the optics.
Based on 9 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the Vortex Optics Viper HD perform in terms of build quality?

According to multiple product reviews, the Vortex Optics Viper HD is highly regarded for its build quality. It is described as having a quality construction with an O-ring seal, which enhances its durability and makes it resistant to water and fog. The binoculars are also praised for their ergonomic design, with thumb detents on the barrels, comfortable eyecups, and large ocular lenses. Overall, the build and design quality of the Viper HD is considered to be excellent, allowing it to compete with more expensive binoculars in the market.
Based on 13 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Vortex Optics Viper HD designed for outdoor use?

Yes, the Vortex Optics Viper HD is designed for outdoor use. It is specifically mentioned in the product reviews that the binoculars are well-suited for activities like hunting, birdwatching, hiking, and traveling. The binoculars are made with a rubber armored chassis that provides superior ergonomics and an easy-to-grip design, making them suitable for use in the field. Additionally, the binoculars are waterproof and fogproof, thanks to the argon purging and o-ring seals, ensuring that they can withstand various weather conditions. The binoculars also have scratch-resistant armortek protection on the exterior lenses, making them durable and suitable for outdoor use.
Based on 5 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Vortex Optics Viper HD waterproof?

Yes, the Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars are waterproof. They are equipped with O-ring seals that make it difficult for water to enter the binoculars, ensuring their performance even in wet weather conditions. The O-ring seals also provide protection against dust and debris. Multiple product reviews mention the waterproof feature of the Viper HD binoculars, including huntingfellow.com, binocularsguides.com, and Best Binoculars Reviews.
Based on 10 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

Best Alternatives

3 best binoculars in the same price range as Vortex Optics Viper HD

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Celestron SkyMaster Astro Nikon Monarch 5 Celestron SkyMaster Pro
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Celestron SkyMaster Astro rank #9 out of 126. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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8.1
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Nikon Monarch 5 rank #20 out of 126. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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9.7
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Celestron SkyMaster Pro rank #10 out of 126. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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8.2
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The Celestron SkyMaster Astro binoculars are highly regarded for their optical quality, offering a powerful magnification and wide field of view, making them ideal for astronomy enthusiasts and outdoor activities.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
The Celestron SkyMaster Pro binoculars are highly recommended for astronomy enthusiasts due to their high-quality optics, durability, and suitability for stationary observations.
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Binoculars above are offered because they are in the same price range as Vortex Optics Viper HD. To browse more budget and premium binoculars go to our binoculars ranking .

Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all binoculars.

Rank Change Price Binoculars
money.com
OpticsMag
T3
Digital Camera World
Task and Purpose
GearJunkie
Space Exploration and Astronomy
BestReviews
Wirecutter
Forbes
1
- $203
Celestron Nature DX ED
-
-
1
1
-
-
13
-
-
-
2
- $156
Nikon Aculon A211
-
-
9
-
1
-
10
4
-
-
3
- $416
Vortex Optics Viper HD
2
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6
4
- $1499
Canon 10x42 L
-
-
8
2
-
-
1
-
-
-
Show all rows
Vortex Optics Viper HD ranks #3 out of 15 in this month's ranking:
Best in Durability
18 Dec 2022 (1 year ago)
Read article
Best Overall
3 Jan 2024 (3 months ago)
Read article
Best Binoculars For Birding
20 Mar 2024 (1 month ago)
Read article

Highest recommended binoculars this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. binoculars below are at the top of our ranking this April.

Scroll to see all options. Click on the binoculars for more details.
Celestron Nature DX ED Nikon Aculon A211 Vortex Optics Viper HD (this item) Canon 10x42 L
Reviews
In comparison:
Celestron Nature DX ED rank #1 out of 126. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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9.3
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Nikon Aculon A211 rank #2 out of 126. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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9.3
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Vortex Optics Viper HD rank #3 out of 126. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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10.0
Amazing
Reviews
In comparison:
Canon 10x42 L rank #4 out of 126.
Go to rankings
7.7
Good
Price
The Celestron Nature DX ED binoculars offer high-quality optics, durability, and a balance between weight and size, making them a versatile option for outdoor activities such as birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. The Nikon Aculon A211 binoculars are highly regarded for their optical quality, adjustable magnification levels, and durability, making them a versatile and reliable option for outdoor enthusiasts. The Vortex Optics Viper HD binoculars are highly praised for their optical quality, comfort, and durability, making them a reliable choice for outdoor activities such as birdwatching, hunting, and nature observation. The Canon 10x42 L binoculars are highly recommended for stargazing and wildlife observation due to their good optical quality, 10x magnification, 42mm objective lenses, and durable construction.
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