Got my Vortex Viper HD's in from Mike a couple of weeks ago and today was the first day I really had to go out and use them. My comparison binoculars are an OLD pair of Nikon Action Lookout III. Both binoculars are 10 X 50.
Weight. My vortex come in right at 2 lbs with strap and lens caps. Nikons just over 2 lbs with strap but without the lens caps. Overall size is almost identical.
Magnification. Duh they are both 10 X 50. I can't tell any difference in magnification.
Focus distance: This is one place the Vortex destroy my old Nikons. The Nikons wouldn't focus on anything much closer than 20' The Vortex will focus on an object about 5 feet away.
Clarity: At first I wasn't real impressed with the Vortex. I would hold one up and look at something then hold the other one up. Both seemed pretty darn good. I then put the Nikons up and walked around Brazos Bend for a while giving the Vortex a good workout. When I got back I picked up the Nikons and suddenly there WAS a big difference. I just couldn't get anywhere near as sharp of an image with the Nikons. I still think the Nikon's are pretty darn good but the Vortex is certainly better.
Light gathering: Another HUGE vote for the Vortex. Hold them up to your eyes and it is like someone turned on a light. Looking at the moon the other night and the Vortex were almost too bright.
Fit, Finish and other nick knacks. Again the Vortex is superior. The rubber coating feels very durable. The Vortex also has a locking diopter ring. You have to pull it up to change the setting then it locks down so it doesn't get bumped around. The focus knob works like a champ and is VERY smooth. I also like the fact the lens caps are all attached to the binos or strap so they don’t get lost. If you don't like that they can also be easily removed. The neck strap is also very comfortable.
Over all I think the Vortex are going to be a great choice for me. Thanks Mike for a great deal on a great pair of binoculars.
The picture is an alligator taken with my Iphone through the right lense of the Vortex. Range was right at 60yards. First time I ever tried taking a phone picture through binoculars. I couldn't even come close with the Nikons.
Weight. My vortex come in right at 2 lbs with strap and lens caps. Nikons just over 2 lbs with strap but without the lens caps. Overall size is almost identical.
Magnification. Duh they are both 10 X 50. I can't tell any difference in magnification.
Focus distance: This is one place the Vortex destroy my old Nikons. The Nikons wouldn't focus on anything much closer than 20' The Vortex will focus on an object about 5 feet away.
Clarity: At first I wasn't real impressed with the Vortex. I would hold one up and look at something then hold the other one up. Both seemed pretty darn good. I then put the Nikons up and walked around Brazos Bend for a while giving the Vortex a good workout. When I got back I picked up the Nikons and suddenly there WAS a big difference. I just couldn't get anywhere near as sharp of an image with the Nikons. I still think the Nikon's are pretty darn good but the Vortex is certainly better.
Light gathering: Another HUGE vote for the Vortex. Hold them up to your eyes and it is like someone turned on a light. Looking at the moon the other night and the Vortex were almost too bright.
Fit, Finish and other nick knacks. Again the Vortex is superior. The rubber coating feels very durable. The Vortex also has a locking diopter ring. You have to pull it up to change the setting then it locks down so it doesn't get bumped around. The focus knob works like a champ and is VERY smooth. I also like the fact the lens caps are all attached to the binos or strap so they don’t get lost. If you don't like that they can also be easily removed. The neck strap is also very comfortable.
Over all I think the Vortex are going to be a great choice for me. Thanks Mike for a great deal on a great pair of binoculars.
The picture is an alligator taken with my Iphone through the right lense of the Vortex. Range was right at 60yards. First time I ever tried taking a phone picture through binoculars. I couldn't even come close with the Nikons.
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