VortexOptics 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 yachting 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 (better 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: All 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 Maritime/Merchant Marine 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, Maritime uses: Bridge Watch, 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 bought these before safari trips in Botswana and SA’s Sabi Sands (near Kruger).They are fantastic. They were better than the Swarovski pairs that were used by all guests at the different game camps. Great quality buy.

Much better than the other binoculars I have. For less than $500 I think they are great.

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.

Good quality optics at a reasonable price.

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.

I absolutely love these binoculars. I highly recommend them in the 8x42 size. They are lightweight, give a bright image, and have a large field of view. As expected from binoculars in this price range, there is some minor chromatic aberration (red and blue colors on the edges of objects), but it isn't that noticeable. I like these binoculars so much that I prefer to use them over my Sig Sauer Kilo 3000's, which cost more than double what these do.