Alternatives to the Vortex Viper HD 10x42

[yakimanoob]

Hey folks,

I'm in the market for a proper 10x42 bino this year, and have had my sights (pun intended) set on the Vortex Viper HD 10x42.  I'm hoping to find a good deal on one, but if I can't find a deal before late summer I'll spend up to $500. 

My question is: what other/competing binos should I be watching?  Leupold BX-3?  BX-4?  Something else?  A rock-solid no-questions-asked warranty is vital, so that limits the brands I'm willing to spend $$ on. 

What do you think?

[Pathfinder101]

When I first registered on this site years ago, some members turned me on to Zen-Ray.  I bought a pair of 10x43s and have found them comparable to Vortex and Leupold for a lower price.  I have replaced my original EDs with an HD set, and still love them.  A couple of buddies of mine that have looked through mine bought a pair for themselves.
I ordered mine through the company, but when I was deciding I stopped at Sportco in Fife and looked through a set (along with Leupy Golden Rings and some Vortex offerings).  I don't know if Sportco still carries them.
    

[yakimanoob]

I hadn't heard of Zen-Ray.  Any knowledge of their warranty?  Also, I can't even find a website for them...  They seem to be selling on adorama.com though, so I guess they're still in business?

?

[Bucks2Ducks]

I have had the the viper hd 10x42’s for the last 4 or 5 years and love them. I would like to sell them to get the new ranging binos that vortex makes when I can justify spending the money. But otherwise I would have no issue keeping them.
If I was to buy a pair now cabelas has them for 499$ and you can usually find a cabelas coupon. Plus you can buy 100$ cabelas gift cards for 80$ on eBay. Meaning you cou could probably have a brand new pair for 400$.

[D-Rock425]

Zeiss terra.

[firepin]

check out Optics Planet, sign up for email. Good deals, no tax and free shipping.

[JeffRaines]

I'd put another hundred or two with your money and keep my eye out for the Cabelas EuroHD 10x42s in the bargain cave. I've heard of them going for $600-700.

In all honesty, I love my Swaro SLCs, but I can't lie - I've considered selling them and picking up a pair of these to be money ahead.

[addicted]

Zeiss terra.

+1 for Terra. Comparible to razors. Buddy just dropped my terras tumbling Dow 20 feet of Rocky slope, still good

[yakimanoob]

Zeiss terra.

+1 for Terra. Comparible to razors. Buddy just dropped my terras tumbling Dow 20 feet of Rocky slope, still good

Does Zeiss have the same warranty as Vortex/Leupold though?

[Pathfinder101]

Uhhh.. I guess cancel what I said about Zen Rays.  Looks like they are going (or have gone) out of business (from what I can tell on the internets... ).  Too bad.  I really like mine and they were great with the warranty when I dropped a pair and dented the eyecup.  I guess that warranty no longer exists... I'll have to be careful with mine.
If you buy a pair you should get them at a bargain basement price considering there is no one to fix or replace them anymore.

[chiwawadan]

Check out the Maven C.1

Small company out of Wyoming witht he same Vortex-style no-fault warranty.

You can order a "Demo unit" from their website for $315 + $15 shipping, they send it to you with a return label and you can try it out for a week or two. If you don't like within their allotted time, send it back and you get refunded less the $15 for shipping. Or you keep the glass for cheaper than new.

I just recently did the C.1 demo and decided to keep them. Originally wanted the Vortex Viper HDs, but after looking at reviews decided to demo the Maven C.1. Took them into Cabela's and side-by-side tested with the Vipers (and everything else). They are on par with the Vipers as far as optics is concerned. I preferred the Mavens, honestly. They don't stack up to the Razors or other $700+ binos, but for $330 all said and done they are fantastic. The demos get the same no-fault warranty, with the only exception being if they had to replace an entire unit they would give you another demo unit. My demo unit looked like new. You just don't get a fancy box.

[JeffRaines]

I’ve found that, for me, anything Vortex over the Diamondbacks lags behind other comparable glass. The Vipers weren’t worth the money, nor were the Razors when I was bino shopping awhile back.

Yeah everyone strokes on their warranty, but honestly who is out there beating the piss out of their binoculars to the level that you’d actually need to worry about the warranty? I get it, we’re in the woods hunting, it’s rough in general, but are you going to be regularly throwing your binos off a cliff? I feel like once you get into $200+ you should be taking care of them. Another thing - let’s face it, if they break 2 Days into a 7 day trip you’re boned anyhow regardless of warranty.

Most optic companies offer a decent warranty these days. I’d rather have to spend a little if I’m a careless idiot with my binoculars and have GREAT glass, than settle for subpar glass just so I can have a warranty that covers my carelessness.

[wildwood]

I’m in the same boat  I’m between vipers. Leupold bx4 or the maven C1    Thinking ordering maven demo and trying them out

[blackpowderhunter]

I was going to come in and recommend the c.1's as well.
I think that is the direction I am going to upgrade over my diamondback's and let those become truck spares.

[yakimanoob]

I went in to Cabelas last night and got to look at the Vipers, the new 2018 Vipers, and the BX-4. 

Surprisingly, I found the BX-4s to be substantially better.  I think it had a lot more to do with the shape of my face and hands than the quality of the product per se, but they felt a lot more natural.  There was also truer color in the BX-4 than the old/existing Viper and a little less color fringing.  The new Vipers and the BX-4 seems about equal optically. 

So I guess I'm in the market for a pair of BX-4s now! 

[yakimanoob]

I’ve found that, for me, anything Vortex over the Diamondbacks lags behind other comparable glass. The Vipers weren’t worth the money, nor were the Razors when I was bino shopping awhile back.

Yeah everyone strokes on their warranty, but honestly who is out there beating the piss out of their binoculars to the level that you’d actually need to worry about the warranty? I get it, we’re in the woods hunting, it’s rough in general, but are you going to be regularly throwing your binos off a cliff? I feel like once you get into $200+ you should be taking care of them. Another thing - let’s face it, if they break 2 Days into a 7 day trip you’re boned anyhow regardless of warranty.

Most optic companies offer a decent warranty these days. I’d rather have to spend a little if I’m a careless idiot with my binoculars and have GREAT glass, than settle for subpar glass just so I can have a warranty that covers my carelessness.

You are obviously underestimating my clumsiness. 

[jmscon]

Optics planet has a good price on the bx4. Optic agent has a better price but have been out of stock (I looking for myself as well)

[JeffRaines]

I’ve found that, for me, anything Vortex over the Diamondbacks lags behind other comparable glass. The Vipers weren’t worth the money, nor were the Razors when I was bino shopping awhile back.

Yeah everyone strokes on their warranty, but honestly who is out there beating the piss out of their binoculars to the level that you’d actually need to worry about the warranty? I get it, we’re in the woods hunting, it’s rough in general, but are you going to be regularly throwing your binos off a cliff? I feel like once you get into $200+ you should be taking care of them. Another thing - let’s face it, if they break 2 Days into a 7 day trip you’re boned anyhow regardless of warranty.

Most optic companies offer a decent warranty these days. I’d rather have to spend a little if I’m a careless idiot with my binoculars and have GREAT glass, than settle for subpar glass just so I can have a warranty that covers my carelessness.

You are obviously underestimating my clumsiness.

Maybe I am, but maybe you’re overcompensating for your clumsiness. 

[jrebel]

I went in to Cabelas last night and got to look at the Vipers, the new 2018 Vipers, and the BX-4. 

Surprisingly, I found the BX-4s to be substantially better.  I think it had a lot more to do with the shape of my face and hands than the quality of the product per se, but they felt a lot more natural.  There was also truer color in the BX-4 than the old/existing Viper and a little less color fringing.  The new Vipers and the BX-4 seems about equal optically. 

So I guess I'm in the market for a pair of BX-4s now!

Leupold vs Vortex is a no brainer in my books.  Vortex aren't even in the same class.  I know a lot of people will argue this, but in my humble opinion vortex is a lesser product. 

leupold all the way.....unless you want to shell out the money for swaro, leica, etc. 

[jackelope]

Check out Cameraland NY online for deals on optics. Give them a call. You’d be hard pressed to find better customer service and some smoking deals now and then.

[Karl Blanchard]

I’ve found that, for me, anything Vortex over the Diamondbacks lags behind other comparable glass. The Vipers weren’t worth the money, nor were the Razors when I was bino shopping awhile back.

Yeah everyone strokes on their warranty, but honestly who is out there beating the piss out of their binoculars to the level that you’d actually need to worry about the warranty? I get it, we’re in the woods hunting, it’s rough in general, but are you going to be regularly throwing your binos off a cliff? I feel like once you get into $200+ you should be taking care of them. Another thing - let’s face it, if they break 2 Days into a 7 day trip you’re boned anyhow regardless of warranty.

Most optic companies offer a decent warranty these days. I’d rather have to spend a little if I’m a careless idiot with my binoculars and have GREAT glass, than settle for subpar glass just so I can have a warranty that covers my carelessness.

  it's not the risk of damage from being clumsy, it's the rate of failure with vortex optics.  Focus wheels, hinges, eye cups, etc.  I like the optic that doesn't need a good warranty.  Like was said, most all have solid warranties these days, you just hear about vortex because everyone has to actually use the warranty 🤣

My vote would be the Zeiss terra.  I've heard goid things about mavens but have yet to get hands on some. 

[dc]

I got my new vx3i from opticsplanet for 50$ less than I could find it anywhere else on the web.

[rtspring]

I have the Vortex HD 10X42, bought then two years ago and for the price they are awesome!  I have 4 vortex products and not one issue with any of them!!!

Ford, Chevy, Dodge.......

[jmscon]

Just an FYI, Optics planet has a 12% off coupon for Binos right now. Just ordered some 8x42 bx4s for $439!

[GUHunter]

I unfortunately sent my zen ray ed3s in around a year ago for some warranty work and will look kept never see them again. The communication stopped around 6 months ago and they seem to have gone under. I kept my eyes open for a used ‘made in Japan’ viper binocular and made a purchase a couple months ago. The change to Chinese manufacture made me leery.

[Eric M]

Check out Cameraland NY online for deals on optics. Give them a call. You’d be hard pressed to find better customer service and some smoking deals now and then.

+1 on Cameraland. I got my Leopold 10x42s there for about 200 less than retail. Also bought a scope through them. Good deals just need to hit the deals right. Sign up for their emails so you know when there is a deal.

[pianoman9701]

I hadn't heard of Zen-Ray.  Any knowledge of their warranty?  Also, I can't even find a website for them...  They seem to be selling on adorama.com though, so I guess they're still in business?

?

Same warranty as Vortex - lifetime for any reason.

[pianoman9701]

70% off https://n.stuccu.com/s/Zen+Ray+Binoculars?drsm=5b00a1c4eba0c90c8816b19a

Looks like they went out of business, so there goes the warranty!

[pianoman9701]

Uhhh.. I guess cancel what I said about Zen Rays.  Looks like they are going (or have gone) out of business (from what I can tell on the internets... ).  Too bad.  I really like mine and they were great with the warranty when I dropped a pair and dented the eyecup.  I guess that warranty no longer exists... I'll have to be careful with mine.
If you buy a pair you should get them at a bargain basement price considering there is no one to fix or replace them anymore.

Pretty strange. I could find very little online about the company.

[Pathfinder101]

70% off https://n.stuccu.com/s/Zen+Ray+Binoculars?drsm=5b00a1c4eba0c90c8816b19a

Looks like they went out of business, so there goes the warranty!

Funny... as I am writing this, I am staring at a banner at the top of this page advertising Zen Ray Vistas, EDs and HDs...

[Mtnwalker]

Zeiss terra.

+1 for Terra. Comparible to razors. Buddy just dropped my terras tumbling Dow 20 feet of Rocky slope, still good

Does Zeiss have the same warranty as Vortex/Leupold though?

Zeiss is great with warranty stuff. Just sent in an old conquest 3-9 scope that I had a target turret added to, it wasn't tracking right. They sent me a brand new HD5 2-10 as a replacement no cost, then upgraded me to a 3-15 for super cheap at my request.

[JeffRaines]

These manufacturers didn't get to where they are today by offering bad service. Yes, Zeiss/Swaro/Meopta/etc may ask for a minor repair fee depending on what needs to be done... but this is typically massive repairs(ex - "i dropped my binos off the cliff and was able to recover them but one of the objective lenses broke"). I've even heard stories of people recovering stolen binoculars via Swarovski. If you register them, then report them stolen and someone sends them in for repair/inspection they will hold them and call you. Pretty extreme case, sure, but thats awesome.

Honestly, instead of us sitting here blowing smoke about this bino or that bino, why don't you get yourself some field time - not in-store time, but field time with some of these binos. Once you see the low light performance(or lack thereof) on some of these you'll change your mind.

[yakimanoob]

Welp, I chose my alternative! 

Leupold BX-4 10x42
Vortex tripod and bino mount

Also HOLY FREAKING HECK, I'm 100% sold on the whole binos-on-a-tripod thing.  Now I'm thinking about selling my little bushnell spotter and saving up for a pair of 15x binos (probably going for the Vipers there, as I don't want to spend the $$ on the BX-5s). 


It's not letting me post the photo I took of the binos for some reason...

[7mmfan]

You'll love them, I love mine. So much so I sold my Vipers to get them. I haven't gone to the tripod for binos yet, but I pack extendable shooting sticks with me everywhere, and I use them all the time for the glassing. Night and day difference from holding them.

[D-Rock425]

Just picked up a pair of Sig Zulu 5's for my wife on camo fire $270 shipped to the house.

[wildwood]

I ended up with the vipers myself between the bx4s and Terra’s  had a hell of a time focusing the bx4 and keeping them focused for some reason

[BLR 243]

I just got Leupold BX-4s like em alot guess my zen rays are collector item not too impresed with em anyway.

[yakimanoob]

I ended up with the vipers myself between the bx4s and Terra’s  had a hell of a time focusing the bx4 and keeping them focused for some reason

The Vipers seemed like a great product overall.  They just didn't "fit" my face and hands nearly as well as the BX-4s.  I'm 100% sure I would not dislike the Vipers if I had them. 

My first day review: The BX-4s are many leagues ahead of my other binos (Nikon Trailblazer 10x28), and the ability to put them on a tripod is a total game-changer.  I've never really been able to see thermals well until today, nor have I ever been able to tell the subtle direction of wind through the leaves until today.  I'm SUPER impressed with the optics and especially the glare-reduction of the BX-4s. 

The only negatives I can come up with so far is that the field of focus isn't quite flat.  If the center of the frame is in focus, the edges are soft, and vice-versa.  I get how that could be $$$$$$ to fix and I'm sure the top-end Swaros/Leicas/etc are notably better in that regard.  To their credit, I can also see how one would pick out more animals with the entire frame in focus, especially if using a tripod. 

Main takeaway: I really really love my new binos, and if you're not putting your binos on a tripod you're just nuts.  DO IT. 

[buglebrush]

I'm shocked no one had mentioned Nikon's Monarch 7.   Less money, but I'd take them all day every day over the vortex.

[thinkingman]

I'm shocked no one had mentioned Nikon's Monarch 7.   Less money, but I'd take them all day every day over the vortex.

IMHO, the best glass in that category.

[yakimanoob]

I'm shocked no one had mentioned Nikon's Monarch 7.   Less money, but I'd take them all day every day over the vortex.

IMHO, the best glass in that category.

I love Nikon glass.  My DSLR is a Nikon and when it dies, I'll get another one.  My riflescope is a Nikon Prostaff 5 and I love it (for the price).  I put the Monarch 7s against the BX-4s at Cabelas and found them to be about the same.  I realize everyone's not on the same page with me on this, but the lifetime no-fault warranty means a lot to me.  That, plus I got the BX-4s for less than I've seen the Monarch 7s going for made it a pretty easy choice for me . 

[yakimanoob]

On that same note, I mentioned my other binos are the Nikon Trailblazer 10x25s.  With a 25mm objective and an $80 price point, they're obviously in no way comparable to a $500-class 10x42, but that's not to say they're not awesome.  I've put them up against a fair number of pocket binos (and these things really are pocket binos.  They carry perfectly in the hipbelt pocket of my Osprey packs), and I've never seen them beaten.

After using them for several hunting seasons though, I realized that they're simply not the right product for the job.  If I didn't have the $$ for the nicer binos I just bought, I would still have gotten a 10x42.  Diamondback or something comparable.  Although I am intrigued by the Diamondback 10x28s.  I wonder how they compare to my Nikons, and I definitely appreciate that they fit on a tripod... 

Anyway, thanks for the discussion everybody!