Problem with Vortex Viper

[rockable]

After reading lots of positive reviews on the Viper HS 6-24X50 scope, I bought one. From day one, it was not as clear and sharp as my Sightron II, Weaver Classic or Bushe'll 6-24X40 scopes. After noodling on it a little, I thought maybe my photo gray prescription glasses were part of the problem, so I tried using it with just clear safety glasses and sure enough it was better.

What is the real problem here? Is it an incompatibility with the photo gray, polarization or what? I'm really disappointed in what I get to see through this scope and am thinking about returning it.

 

[mac86951]

After reading lots of positive reviews on the Viper HS 6-24X50 scope, I bought one. From day one, it was not as clear and sharp as my Sightron II, Weaver Classic or Bushe'll 6-24X40 scopes. After noodling on it a little, I thought maybe my photo gray prescription glasses were part of the problem, so I tried using it with just clear safety glasses and sure enough it was better.

What is the real problem here? Is it an incompatibility with the photo gray, polarization or what? I'm really disappointed in what I get to see through this scope and am thinking about returning it.

Linear polarization could be the culprit; to find out, rotate your glasses and/or scope 45 and 90 degrees and see if there is any change. This isn't ultimately feasible, but you get the idea. I would expect your glasses to be polarized to reduce UV and glare.

In theory, one could put a linear polarizer on the objective lens, this will reduce intensity overall, but might help match your glasses...

-Mac

-Mac

 

[rockable]

This is what I think is happening. Where do I get a linear polarizer?

 

[mac86951]

This is what I think is happening. Where do I get a linear polarizer?

Good question, but test it first. Most of us find another workaround. With a glasses change.

A linear polarizer will be threaded to fit a camera lens. Perhaps you can find on at same diameter as your objective? If you are super lucky they will be matching threads.

Problem with polarizer, intensity will be reduced, thus clear but dimmer.

-Mac

 

[rockable]

After trying, the polarization doesn't seem to be the issue. I just think the scope has poor optics. I'm really sorry I bought it. Wish I had bought a Sightron Big Sky for the same money.

 

[mac86951]

After trying, the polarization doesn't seem to be the issue. I just think the scope has poor optics. I'm really sorry I bought it. Wish I had bought a Sightron Big Sky for the same money.

Well, if you don't try you won't know. Big box stores are a pain, but usually a good place to differentiate the competition.

 

[shoot4fun]

After trying, the polarization doesn't seem to be the issue. I just think the scope has poor optics. I'm really sorry I bought it. Wish I had bought a Sightron Big Sky for the same money.

If you call Vortex Optics and speak to them about it I feel sure they will offer a solution. After all, their scopes have a lifetime warranty.
I don't work there but I know several of the guys there well and can say they are first class people.

 

[rockable]

If you call Vortex Optics and speak to them about it I feel sure they will offer a solution. After all, their scopes have a lifetime warranty.
I don't work there but I know several of the guys there well and can say they are first class people.

I'm sending it to them with an explanation. I'd really like to like this scope. Guy on the phone was really nice and sent me a FEDEX return label. Can't ask for better service, so far.

 

[Iowa Fox]

A few years ago I purchased a brand new Leupold. The day it arrived we were having a snow storm so I chalked the cloudiness up to the snow. Next day the wife went to the ER and was sick for the next couple months and I forgot about it until summer. When I looked thru it on a clear day it was the same as the snow storm day. I dug out at least 10 scopes from cheap junkers to upper end not mounted and looked thru all of them. Even the junkers were much clearer. Had a hard time imagining that someone assembled it and didn't look thru it. Finally called Leupold and sent it in. Got it back in a couple weeks clear as all my other leupolds. Every one gets a few out.

 

[Patton243]

I bought a Vortex Viper a few years ago and returned it 2 weeks later for a refund. It was a 4-16x50 PST I believe. At any event, the scope was very clear up to 8x. After that the optical quality went down the drain. Vortex did take the scope back no questions asked, but I'll never buy one of their vipers again. The mirage that scope gathered on a sunny day was awful too. I would say the Vipers are equivalent to Leupold VX2 glass. My VX3 30mm is definitely better. I own several Vortex items, but their Viper line IMO is overrated.

 

[fourpower]

After reading lots of positive reviews on the Viper HS 6-24X50 scope, I bought one. From day one, it was not as clear and sharp as my Sightron II, Weaver Classic or Bushe'll 6-24X40 scopes. After noodling on it a little, I thought maybe my photo gray prescription glasses were part of the problem, so I tried using it with just clear safety glasses and sure enough it was better.

What is the real problem here? Is it an incompatibility with the photo gray, polarization or what? I'm really disappointed in what I get to see through this scope and am thinking about returning it.

I got one at cabelas for xmas what a mistake! if I looked at the target and shot real fast it didn't look to bad but if I didn't it would get fuzzy. I thought it must be my old eyes but some friends looked and saw same thing as me. took it back to cabelas and they agreed with me. they had 4 more in stock so we looked through them all and the 4 were no better! thank god cabelas is so good that I didn't have to mess with factory. they took it back and I got a sightron 6x24x50 and love them so much I got 3 more!

 

[MGYSGT]

My Vortex experience is not so good. My viper was real clear at 12X and below. As I raised the power from there, Not So Good. At 20X and above, the red/orange dot on the Shoot and See target faded away. Gave it to my son for yotes. He's happy and I am happy.

 

[Judd]

My PST's have been great. I've spoke too them twice on stupid little things and they've always been great to deal with. They stand behind their products and that means something.

 

[stacy]

I HAVE 5 VORTEX VIPERS AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM THEY SERVE ME WELL IN THE FEILD AND PAPER JUST AS GOOD AS ANY OF MY LEUPOLDS !!!!!

 

[6MMsteve]

I HAD the same problem with progressive lenses had the same scope, could not see through it. bought 3 more scopes then changed glasses problem went away.

 

[jlow]

The only time a polarized lens will cause a problem is when you are looking at another item that is polarized, a good example is the number on a shot timer or your watch. You can try another polarizer mounted in the front of the scope but anyone who has used a polarizer in a camera will tell you it will reduce the amount of light coming into your scope i.e. darken it... That's always bad news for any optics.