Vortex viper hd 10x42 vs 12x50

[JWP58]

So I'm pretty set on upgrading to vortex viper hd binos. I plan on running these on a tripod and using free hand. For those that have compared the 10x42 and 12x50, is there a big difference on a tripod? Were you able to free hand the 12's?

Then I'm also left wondering if I should hold off and spend the extra 500 for razor hd's if I go with the 10x42

 

[gr8fuldoug]

As a general rule it is difficult to steadily hand hold a 12x. This will depend on the person, however, 12x are not a "hand held power". If you're laying down with your elbows planted maybe for a short time, however, tripod mounting is strongly recommended.
Whether the difference in the Viper HD vs the Razor makes sense for you would be best determined from looking through them both. I'm 53 years old and differences in optics I could see 20 years ago are no longer so obvious to me.