Vortex Viper HD spotter, looking for recommendations from those who have or had one

[done111]

I have done quite a bit of research on spotting scopes and have zeroed in on the Vortex Viper HD series of spotters. This fits what a can pay vs. amount of scope I can get. Now I know there are much better glass including the Razor series of Vortex, but I am not wanting to pay that much.

My use for the spotter is for long range shooting of targets only. Currently I would use it for a second non-shooter to be involved while someone else is shooting steel at a range that goes out to 1250 yards. I will also use it when I end up shooting in a local country field at gallon jug targets out to 500-600 yards (yeehaw). Weight really isn't an issue, but that doesn't mean it needs to be a barbell either. The scope would get used maybe once every 2-3 months.

Any real world experience with this Viper series of spotters is greatly appreciated. Also any opinions on 65mm vs. 80mm as far as big differences or not is also appreciated.

Don

 

[done111]

Anyone?

 

[Dub]

I would like to see what feedback you may get as I am in the same place as you on this. I am sure someone will chime in soon.

 

[Lougler]

I’ll give you the same feedback you’re probably expecting to hear. Keep saving and buy better piece of glass. I bought a Viper, and later sold it. It’s great for its price point but...
If you have to buy one, put the best tripod under it you can afford...makes a big difference.

 

[JBT47]

Had the Viper first and it was aggravating. Upgraded to the Razor and was very content with it. Keep saving your money. Will be cheaper in the long run.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Viper is decent. Definitely towards the top of the pile for its price range.

If weight is not an issue, definitely go with the 80mm objective. I owned the Vortex Razor 16-48x65mm spotter a few years back. While the glass was good, it was dismal in low light. Even in normal light an 80mm will seem much brighter and sharper than a 60mm or 65mm with the same glass.

Field of view has NOTHING to do with front objective size so don't get confused and correlate the two. FOV is derived from where the lenses and prism are positioned internally as well as the eyepiece. For example, the Vortex Razor 65mm has a wider field of view than the larger Razor 85mm.

The main difference between objective sizes is the light gathering ability. Now you'll have people tell you that the human eye can only handle a 7mm column of light so there's no difference on low power settings. Thats horse shit! I've looked through tons of spotters of the same make with the same glass, but different size objectives. Trust me, even in the middle of the day, there's a big difference. Especially when viewing long range. The difference becomes blatantly obvious as light fades.

I'll also reinforce the importance of a good tripod mentioned earlier. Do not skimp on a tripod. Very important. I have two Manfrotto tripods. One carbon fiber and one aluminum. They were expensive as most tripods go, but they are solid as a rock and built to last a lifetime. The head you put on the tripod is just as important. Nothing more frustrating than a head that won't hold in the wind or is jerky when tilting and panning.

____________________________________________
Now to add to the part you may not be wanting to hear. You can stop reading now if you like

Buy the best glass you can afford. If you don't HAVE to have it right now, save up and get something nicer than the Viper.

I'll even take it a notch further and put the Vortex Razor glass into perspective for you against true Alpha level glass...
This last fall while hunting, my buddy had the 20-60x85mm Vortex Razor spotter and I had my Meopta Meostar S2 20-70x82mm. While the Razor is also definitely nice glass for the money, there was no competing with the Meopta glass at long range and when trying to see through hazy atmospheric conditions. The Meopta easily bested the Razor. My buddy kept coming over to my Meopta so he could see the little kicker points and brow tines on bucks at long range that he couldn't make out with his Razor. The difference in view through the two scopes was as clear as night and day. The Meopta Meostar S2 HD glass is on a whole 'nother level than any glass Vortex can produce at any price point.

So now you have the Viper with even lesser quality glass than the Razor. I gave the example to show that its definitely worth saving for a true Alpha level scope. Wish like hell I would have been told to do so years ago. Wouldn't have wasted so much money on the cheaper spotters.

Anyhow, take that advice how you wish. Ive owned many different spotters over the years. Currently own 3. That's just my personal take on it all

 

[dkhunt14]

I agree with the two posters above. Save and get better glass, you won't be sorry. When conditions get bad the better glass really outshines the others. For saving money on a tripod, watch eBay and you can find a good one cheap. As far as heads go I like the Bogen 3063. It is solid and you can pan and tilt easily. It is a fluid type head. Find It on eBay and maybe a combo or separately. You can save hundreds on ebay. Kowa makes good spotters and maybe you can find one on ebay also. Matt

 

[Dub]

I just found a great deal on the Razor HD 27-60x85 with the GT tripod for 1499.00, free expedited shipping and no tax at B&H Photo. Ordered it!

 

[Raythemanroe]

Sightron probably a better value than the Viper, you are getting ED glass with the Sightron..


Ray

 

[Depart123]

I have done quite a bit of research on spotting scopes and have zeroed in on the Vortex Viper HD series of spotters. This fits what a can pay vs. amount of scope I can get. Now I know there are much better glass including the Razor series of Vortex, but I am not wanting to pay that much.

My use for the spotter is for long range shooting of targets only. Currently I would use it for a second non-shooter to be involved while someone else is shooting steel at a range that goes out to 1250 yards. I will also use it when I end up shooting in a local country field at gallon jug targets out to 500-600 yards (yeehaw). Weight really isn't an issue, but that doesn't mean it needs to be a barbell either. The scope would get used maybe once every 2-3 months.

Any real world experience with this Viper series of spotters is greatly appreciated. Also any opinions on 65mm vs. 80mm as far as big differences or not is also appreciated.

Don

See if you can find a Kowa TSN-4 on fleabay. You won't be disappointed. They regularly pop up for $400 or so.

Besides my Kowa's I use the old Japanese made Bushnell Spacemasters with the 25x eyepieces. The clarity and resolution is surprising to everyone I've showed them to. I have 5 of them and have no problem seeing trace and splash at 1200+ yds. I didn't pay more than $120 for any of them.