Vortex Viper vs razor 10x42

Nate Lose

FNG
Joined
Jun 4, 2018
Messages
3
Location
Pennsylvania
Looking to upgrade to another pair of binos for the next season. Thinking about sticking with vortex and going with a pair of vipers or razors. Has anyone had any problems with headaches with the razors? I heard some people say that they had issues with the razors after looking through them for a decent while. I'm coming from diamond back 10x42s so i know anything is going to be an improvement along the line of clarity and low light visibility. I have a trip to Montana planned this coming season and i'm not sure how much glass quality improves ease of glassing at extended distances being from PA where you can't glass for hardly anything. Also if anyone is interested in a pair of cheap diamond backs let me know. Any info would be awesome and please go easy. I've hunted all my life but I am completely new to glassing so i'm still kind of in price shock after my one buddy told me to look into some swaro glass. Any starting advice would be awesome too!
 
In the Razor vs Viper topic - if you’re set on vortex and have the budget I’d suggest the razors. If you’re planning on glassing for long periods of time your eyes will thank you. Keep an eye on the classifieds here, usually a few pairs popping up often. Try and find some that were made in Japan, not the recent China models where qc has gone down hill.

In my honest opinion there’s better glass out there for the same price points. If you can get your hands on some Meopta Meostar or Cabelas euro you’re way better off for not much more money if you don’t want to swallow the swaro pill. The saying buy once cry once really sticks here.

Whatever you do - buy the best that you can afford. Vortex is ok if that’s the budget.

If you can get your hands on a few pairs have the sales rep mount them on a tripod in early morning or fading evening light. Go out the to parking lot and look into a wheel well of a truck in a distance. You’ll know which glass is best by its low light performance which is the time that matters most. They all look ok in daylight but the animals move most at dusk / dawn.

The ability to see into shadows during the daylight hours to find bedded animals is also critical for mid day glassing.

Another key to shop for is to find something comfortable to hold, make sure they fit your face and the eye relief works for you.

Glassing tips -

1. Use a good tripod and head regardless of the binos you get. It makes all of the difference to have your optics steady.

2. If you can’t get to your area to scout prior to your season, study google earth. Find high vantage points that you can set yourself up and see onto slopes, into canyons etc without having to hike to too many locations.

2 a. Pay attention to where the sun will be during the days (to the side, to your back, will you’ve glassing directly into it?) These conditions will be much different with different qualities of optics. The coatings on the lenses make a huge difference and separate the bottom from top tier glass here

3. Once you’re set up establish a pattern for glassing. I use the grid approach myself. Don’t forget to take your eyes away from the glass now and then to see what’s right in front of you.

4. Remember you won’t be looking for an entire animal 95% of the time. Look for the horizontal lines, color shades of an ass or antler, glinting of the sun on an antler in a shaded spot etc. This is where the tripod is key. I’ve picked up on animals I never would have noticed because they flicked an ear or moved their head.

5. Get comfortable. Bring a sit pad, appropriate clothes and snacks. Be prepared to sit / stand and glass for long periods of time. Be patient and have fun.


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I'd seriously consider the Maven C1 or Meopta Meostar. They should be much better. I've researched it and I'm leaning towards the C1.
 
If it's between the viper and razor? The razor takes the win. Your eyes will thank you, as stated above. The maven C1's are worth looking at also. I'd say the mavens take all, except for that I feel the depth of field is too narrow compared to the razors.
 
I'm definetly gonna upgrade to better glass, maybe the mavens, and will probably tier up to the swaro glass next year from everything i'm hearing about how much more enjoyment good glass is suppose to bring to the table. That's probably why i never got into it much considering the only thing i had ever owned was a set of 60$ Bushnell binos that i couldn't see 10 feet with. I see where having good glass would matter especially when you're trying to watch for a ear flick or a horn shine. That seems almost impossible to see for me if i were glassing but it sounds like it's because i have no experience with good glass.
I'm not sure what the difference is between the maven c series and the b series. I see that they run in different magnifications but is the glass overall better from the c's to the b's? Not sure if i'm just being dumb but i don't see what the difference is posted anywhere.
 
Check out the previous threads about the Mavens here on Rokslide. Guys with the B series noticed an improvement but suggested the C series as a great option for someone who is more budget minded. Ryan Avery has reviewed the C1 and he really liked them. It seemed like he'd pick them over anything except Swaro if someone could pony up for that price range.
 
Ryan Avery has reviewed the C1 and he really liked them. It seemed like he'd pick them over anything except Swaro if someone could pony up for that price range.

Ryan recently ranked the Maven B.2 11x45 and the Meopta Meostar HD 10x42 over the Maven C.1. Those binos are each in that same price range as the Vortex Razor HDs, which the OP is considering. The C.1s are fantastic for the price, and in many ways are better than the Razors. As Muley Buck mentioned, they have a really narrow depth of field and that has definitely annoyed a bit. All of the binos listed are solid and will do the job imo.
 
For less money than the Razor's you can get a Meopta MeoStar which is a superior optic for sure. Please feel free to give us a call to discuss what would be best for you
 
...and will probably tier up to the swaro glass next year from everything i'm hearing about how much more enjoyment good glass is suppose to bring to the table.

If you are seriously considering an upgrade to Swarovski next year, I might suggest not buying anything this year and just use what you have. Unless you don't mind losing a bit of money when you sell the Razors.
 
Zeiss Conquest over the Razors any day. Same price but the Conquest have far better glass.
 
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