Binoculars

[Hedgelj]

Quite a few years ago there was a deal posted on here for Vortex Diamondback 8.5x50 binos. They were at that time the most expensive pair I'd ever bought. I love them but they're showing their age and I need to return them to Vortex for some warranty work with the eye cups coming off.

Last year I saw the Cabelas deal for a pair of Vortex Viper 10x42s. I couldn't pass it up (slut for the sale I know I know, gear whore, etc) and I bought them. They were my upgrade and then I also have a pair for the kids to have because I've foudn they definitely like using them when in the stand or in a blind, etc. The glass is a definite step up from the diamondbacks but are normally 2x the price. I'd say they are about that much better in low light conditions and as far as being that much tighter on the focus on being able to focus behind brush to see the deer or turkey in the background.

However the 10x is the most I want here in the Ohio woods I hunt. Its "almost" too much. I can definitely see hand shake and motion A LOT more obviously than with my 8.5s. The size is nicer also as the vipers are smaller.

Somehow I dented the eyecup and they need warranty work also. So Yeah once muzzy season is over I'll be sending them in so I can get them both back before turkey season.

Overall the vipers are definitely better but I'm not sure without the deal if I would spend the coin for hunting in Ohio on them over the diamondbacks. If I was going out west I'd upgrade higher than the vipers because I would assume the difference between my viper scope and my razor scope is a comparable differnce with the binos too.

 

[jagermeister]

I upgraded to a pair of Viper HDs this past off season and I’d say they are significantly better than my diamondbacks. My vipers are 8x42 and I absolutely love them. They’re one of the few things I refuse to hunt without.

 

["J"]

I have a pair of vortex binos (thanks @hickslawns) and I always loved them. Way better glass than I’d ever experienced. That is until I received a swavorski set of binoculars. Night and day difference. Amazing the difference between the two!

 

[giles]

I have always hated having better binoculars than scopes. Because it sucks to have legal time and know what is there that you can't find in the scope. That is the ONLY drawback to having good glass. It will make you upgrade it all.

I also agree with the 8 being all you need.

 

[Hedgelj]

I have a pair of vortex binos (thanks @hickslawns) and I always loved them. Way better glass than I’d ever experienced. That is until I received a swavorski set of binoculars. Night and day difference. Amazing the difference between the two!

Swavorski is generally out of my price point but amazing glass. My wife's cousin is/was sponsored by them in PRS series and I've looked through some of his scopes.

I have always hated having better binoculars than scopes. Because it sucks to have legal time and know what is there that you can't find in the scope. That is the ONLY drawback to having good glass. It will make you upgrade it all.

I also agree with the 8 being all you need.

I've said it before. I know the good glass helped me shoot the bear in ME the other year. With bare (no pun intended) eyes it was all grays down at the bait barrel, with my binos or scope i saw it all.

 

[JOHNROHIO]

I’ll agree, I also have a set of 10x viper hd. Binoculars are one of the things I will stop and walk back to the truck if I forgot them. Once you start hunting with a good set you won’t go without.
The one thing that drives me nuts about vortex is, there’s a reason it comes with that Warranty is because you’ll have to use it. I k ow I’m hard on shit but, needing to send binos back every other year is a bit much ,but they replace them. They also live on my dash year round, that constant hot and cold probably doesn’t help much.

 

[giles]

I’ll agree, I also have a set of 10x viper hd. Binoculars are one of the things I will stop and walk back to the truck if I forgot them. Once you start hunting with a good set you won’t go without.
The one thing that drives me nuts about vortex is, there’s a reason it comes with that Warranty is because you’ll have to use it. I k ow I’m hard on shit but, needing to send binos back every other year is a bit much ,but they replace them. They also live on my dash year round, that constant hot and cold probably doesn’t help much.

Mine also live in my truck or on my person at all times. After 12 years I need to send my Nikon Monarchs in for a rebuild after this season. I noticed this while hunting with @Redhunter1012 this year. I knew they were getting rough, but he was seeing details I wasn't. Not sure what he was carrying.

 

[Johnny44]

I have the diamondbacks as well. Can't say enough good about them. Hunted 10 or so years without binos and had no idea what I was missing. As @giles said, now I need to update my scope on xbow and rifle.

 

[jagermeister]

I’ll agree, I also have a set of 10x viper hd. Binoculars are one of the things I will stop and walk back to the truck if I forgot them. Once you start hunting with a good set you won’t go without.
The one thing that drives me nuts about vortex is, there’s a reason it comes with that Warranty is because you’ll have to use it. I k ow I’m hard on shit but, needing to send binos back every other year is a bit much ,but they replace them. They also live on my dash year round, that constant hot and cold probably doesn’t help much.

And that is exactly why I’ve hung onto my old beat-to-shit set of Diamondbacks. They ride in the truck, dangle around my 5 year olds neck while he abuses them, and get tossed around here and there. The D’backs are my ride-around binos, but my Vipers are strictly reserved for hunts and never leave the chest pack. That’s the ideal scenario I think. Always having two pairs. At least then, if/when you send a pair in for service, you have a backup set.

 

[Jamie]

Swarovski optics have a lifetime warranty, too. Top quality glass is expensive, but is a lifetime purchase, whether it's a rifle scope or binoculars. I bought Swaro 8x32 EL's back in 2004 from the Bargain Cave at Cabela's in Dundee for $1,250.00. They have been around my neck on hundreds of deer hunts, an elk hunt, a moose hunt, a bear hunt, and they have been around my neck on every mile of squirrel hunting I've ever done with dogs. These have been USED HARD and used a lot since the day I bought them and are just as clear and solid as the day I bought them. I have taken care of them, and I have always treated them with respect. Last year I tore the rubber on an eye cup and had to replace it, which cost me about $30. If I ever lose these or they get stolen, I will go put out the coin for another pair. Once you get used to seeing so well with them, nothing else compares.

A few weeks ago I noticed on the back of a sale flyer from Bass Pro that the Vortex Viper 10x42's were on sale for $299. I need a good pair for Nancy and when I take people squirrel hunting that don't bring binoculars, and to keep on the kitchen counter for birdwatching at home. I would not have spent $500-$600 on a pair for this, so, considering Vortex' reputation and warranty, it seemed like a good buy for what I need. They are designed well, seem solidly built, and will be perfect for what I bought them for. What I see through the Vipers is not quite on par with what I see through my Swaro's, though.

 

[Mike]

I have these. They are beat but still functioning.

 

[GoetsTalon]

Bought my Kahles back in 2000 from Cabela's in Dundee and like Jamie's Swarovski binos these things have been used hard and are still clear as new. I got the 10x42's since a lot of my glassing is across wide open flatland fields. They are awesome in the woods also. Just for something a lot lighter weight I have been really looking hard at getting a pair of the Swarovski 10x25 pocket binoculars. Buy once cry once on glass!

 

["J"]

https://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-diamondback-10x42mm-binoculars-d241.html

Stumbled across this while going through emails. Clearance priced. Appears too be a good deal….

 

[Mike]

https://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-diamondback-10x42mm-binoculars-d241.html

Stumbled across this while going through emails. Clearance priced. Appears too be a good deal….

Look two posts above lol

 

["J"]

Look two posts above lol

Whoops

 

[Sgt Fury]

Whoops

Sharp as a marble!

 

["J"]

Sharp as a marble!

I deserved that one…..

 

[Bowkills]

I bought a pair of alpens years ago lifetime warranty. On my 3rd pair. They arent good i busted the eye piece yet again. They are out laying on a ditch bank i think. Im only inclined to find them in hopes the next pair they send me is better. I told santa i want a new pair i think hes dropping something off sunday at a family christmas. Santa has some coin to spend so i hope its something good.