Vortex Viper HD Spotting Scope?

[brewer427]

I have a buddy who's wanting to get a decent spotting scope and was looking at a Viper HD 15-45x65. Just curious of what people think who have them. I've never looked through them and wouldn't know. He was wondering how it compared to the 65 razor, if it was worth the extra money. He really likes my razor but doesn't want to pay the price, so those of you who have them or have used them, how do they compare?

Thanks

 

[JP100]

Ive got the 20-60X80 Viper HD. its really nice up to about 45-50X then it gets abit average.
I havent used a razor but have looked through alot of Swaros and I am pretty pleased with the Viper for its price and the Vortex warranty

 

[eltaco]

I bought the 45x viper hd last year, as I was in the exact same mindset as your buddy. After a couple of trips out, I realized why it's half the price of the razor... and promptly returned it to buy one. I was honestly unimpressed with the viper hd. Clarity was not great and the scope got very dark when used above 30x in less than perfect lighting conditions. The razor truly is a significantly better scope, and I can't recommend the viper hd based on my experiences with it.

 

[brewer427]

What do you guys think about it for just elk and mule deer? Would it be a good one for just that?

 

[CentennialELK]

I have a 20x60x80 that I use for deer and elk. I am not digiscoping or trying to read their their dog tags. I can tell from a long ways away wether or not there is a bull or buck that I'd like to go after. It isn't worth a damn 15 minutes from sundown on high power though, like over 40x. If you are looking to count sheep annules from long distance it isn't a good choice but if you are trying to decipher a cow or spike from a 6 point it will suit him just fine.

 

[brewer427]

I have a 20x60x80 that I use for deer and elk. I am not digiscoping or trying to read their their dog tags. I can tell from a long ways away wether or not there is a bull or buck that I'd like to go after. It isn't worth a damn 15 minutes from sundown on high power though, like over 40x. If you are looking to count sheep annules from long distance it isn't a good choice but if you are trying to decipher a cow or spike from a 6 point it will suit him just fine.

All right glad to hear that cause I just bought one for him and going over to his house for dinner tonight to give it to him as a gift.

Thanks for your guys input.

 

[robby denning]

I'm not busy tonight if you have an extra and I'm really hungry.

What a good guy! Let us know how your buddy likes it.

 

[brewer427]

Well we went out yesterday and did a quick scout trip and he really liked the spotting scope, but he found he really didn't like looking past 30-40x. With the Viper or my razor. He just wanted to stay zoomed out. So we took the Viper back and got him the 11-33 Razor and he is real happy now.

 

[brewer427]

I will say that he was very pleased with the Viper HD except for when he was all the way in at 45, then he did say it got a little grainy. But overall I think I would deffanently recommend the Viper to anyone looking for a good spotting scope for a fair price.