Picking a pair of binoculars

[RussDXT]

So I am having a hard time making a decision on binoculars.

I have a set of 10x42 vortex diamondbacks I would like to upgrade.

I am looking to go with the 10x40 vortex vipers, or vortex razors.

I will be elk hunting unit 55 in Colorado this first rifle season, as well as pronghorn hunting, and whitetail hunting back east.

My original intention was to get a Razor 10-30 spotting scope and the viper nocs.

I think I'll just got with the nocs now but can't make up my mind.

What are your thoughts?

Two questions:

1. Are the new Vipers made in Japan still?
2. Best vendor to buy from (figured I'd wait till the 4th and see about sales)

Thanks for your help.

[ACE2GOOD]

Not sure about where Vortex's are made but I can speak to the quality of them as I am sure you have seen with your current pair. My dad has used Leupold all of his life and swears by them, even has me hooked on them. He is really rough on his binos and wanted some for work and throwing in the truck. I told him to get the Diamondbacks just simply for the life time guarantee and he is now a Vortex fan. He went out and bought a Razor for hunting and says it is the best pair of binos he has ever owned. We even did a stare and compare to our $250 Leupold's and prefer the site quality on the Vortex. I have not looked at the Vipers but the Razor is exceptional.
As far as vendor I think you have the best idea of checking out sales in the coming weeks. The last few binos I have bought I actually found a lot cheaper on Optics Planet.

[sniper7]

I've picked them up on Black Friday sales.
I got a pair of the razors as I don't like to carry a spotting scope and I already have a decent one for looking from the truck and then throw on the binos from there.

There isn't that great of a difference between the viper and razor models that you will see in the store but at really low light there is a difference.if you got the dough to spend and rely heavily on your binos I'd spend the extra money.

ETA: forgot to mention, take a look at the fury model with laser rangefinder built in. I wish I would have bought those but I haven't looked through them so not sure what comparable clarity is.

[Gunner]

Looks like some are on sale

http://www.opticsplanet.com/binoculars.html?_iv_brands=vortex


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[Hummer]

I haven't compared the Vipers but Mrs. Hummer and I both have the Vortex Razor 10x42. I'd say that if six or eight months down the road you won't be crying over the difference between the mid range $600 glass vs. the $1200 pair, then go for the Razors. They are superb binoculars for hunting or birding, and most anything on land. The difference will pay back over many years of satisfying use.

I use binocs daily, and professionally, mostly for watching wildlife and for hunting. Like most folks I started with low end binoculars, then graduated to mid range and higher end models. I've worn out many pair and have had several repaired/refurbished a few times. Whenever I can, I trade binoculars with friends in the field to compare the views. Leicas are nice glass but heavy and they fail in close focus distance; I've never cared for Zeiss because of the eye relief, the ergo and the funky covers. Swaro EL's are superb both in view and ergonomics, but when I do a back and forth comparison, I prefer the Razors for clarity and brightness. And I love the ergonomics of the Razors. I don't expect the Vortex Razors to be as durable as the Swarovski's, but I haven't had an issue with the Razors yet and hope to rely on their warranty.


FWIW, I've had several pair Bausch and Lomb Elite, Custom, and Bushnell Elite binoculars. Bushnell has never honored their warranties and I will never buy another Bushnell product. They are strictly a low end purveyor now.

[RussDXT]

Thank you all very much for the replies. This is becoming an easier (though more expensive ) decision.

I went to cabelas and handled both. The vipers are now made in China. Focusing on their target across the store it didn't wow me like the Razors did (Wife was impressed as well). I was also pleasantly surprised by the Leupold Mohave pro guide 10x42. They seemed better than the Vipers but not as nice as the Razors. Also I would imagine the Razors will really shine in the low light situations that can't be duplicated in a store.

I think I'm going to shoot for getting the Razors on the 4th.

Couple follow up questions.

1. 10x is the way to go in lieu of 8x? I will be using them freehand and on a tripod.

2. Any experience with the Vortex or Cabalas carrying case? I have had a harness and it seems that it still is a bit cumbersome. Any other carrying methods that work well?

Thanks!


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[ACE2GOOD]

I have always preferred 10x growing up hunting mule deer. I still use them today for whitetail now just because I'm used to it. I find myself constantly passing my binos around cause everyone I hunt with uses 8x and it just isn't quite good enough for glassing far out.
For carrying I still prefer the harness. My dad uses the Vortex carrying case with his Razor and loves it. He says it can be a pain to try to pull them out of the case real quick if you are doing a spot and stalk but you get used to it after a while and helps as the case gets broken in.

[sniper7]

10x for sure

I got a harness so it even distributes the weight. My buddies run a cabelas case for theirs but I don't worry about them being out or getting beat up. Lifetime no questions asked! And they have stood up beautifully to the abuse so far

[Hummer]

Unless one has a problem with shaky hands, 10x works great. The Vortex case is good but I never use a case in the field, only when packing for travel. Binoculars are always hanging on my neck ready to use. I attribute much of my hunting success to the use of good binoculars. You can see 2-3 times as far into the timber to spot animals that you wouldn't otherwise see, or that they would detect you before you see them.

I'll add another experience with Vortex. In the past I've bought two Eagle Optics 10x42 Rangers for family members. The first was made in Japan about 25 years ago, the second was made in China. Two years ago, I sent the Japan Rangers to Eagle for cleaning and recollimation. Eagle Optics sent them to Vortex for repair and they came back as good as new. It tells me that Vortex is set up to service optics, not just their own, but others too. Compare that with Bushnell that has largely gotten out of repair because they no longer produce optics worth repairing.

[Lars]

I have the 10x 50 razor HD'S and I love them them. They've been to Alaska with me twice for Dal sheep and moose as well as countless antelope, elk and deer trip. They are heavy though and I highly recommend a bino pouch of some sort. I use the kuiu bino system and it carries the weight of the razors with ease. Definitely go 10x over the 8x,

[zimagold]

I have been searching for a replacement for my 8x42 Monarch 5s. Solid binoculars, but wanted 10x for mule deer hunting. I use lightweight 6x30s for elk.

I borrowed a bunch and sat out at night with them. I found that for $500 the Vipers and for $1k the Razors were the best options for hunting. I tried Leopold, Zeiss, Leica, Steiner, and a colleague that is into birding even loaned me a few $3k pairs. The $3k binos were clearly better than the Razors, but $3k is out of budget.

Vipers were adequate and the Razors were just a bit nicer especially at night. I had decided on the Razors, then read about the new Fury.

I currently have a backorder for the Fury 10x42. They are supposed to be optically equivalent to the Vipers and weigh the same as a set of binos and rangefinder for 1200. If they don't live up to the hype. I will be back to buying the Razors.

I also own a Razor 11-30x50 spotting scope. It is a nice piece of glass, but sees minimal use hunting even with my current 8x42s.

Edit: In reference to Vipers and Razors above, I am referring to the HD 10x42 models although I tried 10x50 and 8x42.

[TheSparkens]

I have a pair of Nikon Hd's that I like allot.

[Shooter45]

I purchased the Vortex Viper HD 10x50's a few years ago and can't say enough about the quality or price on them. The color definition is amazing for the mountains here. I just spent a few days in Yellowstone using them to glass along with a spotter. I always have the binoculars with me, the spotter is only if I have it. I use the binoculars to do all of my main work then the spotter to verify more detail at much further distances. With the color and edge definition of these it is amazing of what I can pick up and see at all hours of the day and low light glassing is amazing. Yes Swarovski has an edge on them but at 3x the price. Cannot say enough good things about them and recommend them to nearly everyone after using countless other brands.

[hatidua]

................

[RussDXT]

Picked up a pair of Razor 10x42. So far very impressed. Thank you all so much for the advice.


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[sniper7]

Congrats on a nice set of Binos!