My first hunting binos were the Leupold Cascades BX-2's...worked okay glassing at deep dusk and helped me take my 1st deer this past season. Alas, I wanted to get a wider FOV and the original McKinley BX-4's came in at Midway recently for a really sweet deal. However, they weren't as tact sharp as the BX-2's, didn't have a locking diopter and had a stiff focus, so returned them. Thought I'd like the Mojave BX-3's (60yds wider FOV over the 2's) till I got to compare them directly to the Vortex Viper HD 10x42's in Cabelas...WOW, Overall Optical Performance, Hands Down Winner...Vipers! I then kept switching between the Vipers and the Swaro 10x42 EL's (I know, not a fair comparison, but...). How is it the Viper HD's have at least 98% of the optical quality in color, low light, sharpness and resolution (to my eyes) at only 23% of the cost...Amazing!

I decided to hit the on line reviews of these "middle of the road" binos. Discovered that out of 257 owner\user reviews over the past 3 years (6 big name optic sellers), the average rating was 4.94 out of 5...Really Amazing!!

Well, my question is, are these Vipers Really That Good...are my 20\10 eyes and these overwhelming reviews really to be trusted? Comments welcome...

Ted

There really that good!!!!!!! Have had a pair for two years

25-06Man,

How are their dusk and predawn "real low light" (or no light) capabilities?

When You can't see (too dark), do they seem to illuminate game in view??

Vortex = value and a superior product that won't let you down. I liked my binoculars so much that I swapped out my Leupold scope for the Vortex Viper HS 4-16x44.

Vortex warranty has to be the best in the business.

Thanks everyone for your comments. I finally chose the Viper HD 10x42's and will have them in hand next week for review. In my shopping experience, I found their ergonomics excellent (size-feel-weight), they fit my face very well, were comfortable to hold and the optics were very sharp and clear with great resolution and color fidelity. Seemed overall to be the "best for my money". Added to all of that is one of the Best Warranties in the business...hard to loose!

In short order, I'll put em through the test runs and report back my findings for anyone interested!

Ted