Vortex Vipers vs. Razor HD

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Checking optics out in a store parking lot at dusk is not going to demonstrate a key difference with more expensive glass: the ability to stay in them longer. The longer you stay in your glass the more game you will likely find.

As someone that has glassed for Coues with Vipers, they suck sweaty donkey testes for that endeavor. Headaches? Yep. Eye strain? You betcha. Able to stay in them from dawn to dusk? No way in Hades.

Look at the comparison done by Backwoods Pursuit as it'll give you a rough estimate on how various optics compare.

 

[Roguemountainhunter]

Following. I've used the 12x50 Vipers for 2 seasons now.

 

[Shō[t]gun]

Following thread for the same question as OP. Leaning towards Razors due to the Japanese glass.

Razor HD started in Japan, moved to China for a long time, then now rumored they're being made in Philippines. Quality may vary greatly.

Razor UHD is Japanese and in a completely different class. More people would be raving about the UHD's if it wasn't made by Vortex.

 

[Beendare]

I have the 18x UHD’s, swapped out my Meoptas that were comparable to the Swaros.

I’ve had the chance to compare alot of this glass on hunts side by side on a tripod at morning and dusk. i’m blessed to be able to afford any glass I want and I went with The 18x uhd for my big binos partially because of the extra power- but its great glass, much better than Vipers.

 

[JGRaider]

Razor HD started in Japan, moved to China for a long time, then now rumored they're being made in Philippines. Quality may vary greatly.

Razor UHD is Japanese and in a completely different class. More people would be raving about the UHD's if it wasn't made by Vortex.

.....and if they weren't so freaking big.

 

[Shō[t]gun]

.....and if they weren't so freaking big.

Yeah, AK prisms are a bit bulky for chest glass which is why almost nobody else is making them in 8's and 10's other than the 56mm models.

 

[FluffFire]

The Vipers will absolutely do everything you need them to do, but the razors have a noticeably higher quality glass. It all depends on budget!

 

[Kor]

Does anyone have field experience in performance, clarity and low light performance, between the older MIJ models and the current models. I assume the MIJ models had better better overall QA and less operating issues then the mic and Philippine models, just wondering if much difference in glass. Looking at going with used MIJ viper or razor, 10x50 preferably.

 

[DoubleAron]

Used both in 10x42 a good bit. Sold the razor HDs. They are better but not the cost difference better. The UHD are quite a bit better glass but for whatever reason just weren’t comfortable for me. After trying several I settled on Maven B.6 10x50, like them a lot. I keep the Vipers for friends etc as they are nice.

 

[Kor]

Used both in 10x42 a good bit. Sold the razor HDs. They are better but not the cost difference better. The UHD are quite a bit better glass but for whatever reason just weren’t comfortable for me. After trying several I settled on Maven B.6 10x50, like them a lot. I keep the Vipers for friends etc as they are nice.

Just tried the 10x50 viper yesterday but the Diopter range is not enough for my eyes. looks like the B6 may be a little short too. Have conquest hd and a victory fl with plenty of adjustment, so may need to change tact

 

[UpTop]

More people would be raving about the UHD's if it wasn't made by Vortex.

100%!

 

[Belton45]

Have both and definitely the Razors are clearer to my eyes…

 

[Huntercdc]

I have had both 10s and 12s in razors and vipers. If you have vipers and want to upgrade going to razors is not going to seem like much of an upgrade. I would save the 700 buck and keep your vipers. If you are buying new one buy what fits your budget your not going to be disappointed with either.