Binoculars are indispensable to birdwatching and a good pair even more so in revealing fine detail. Typically these come with a high price tag but luckily there are some great choices that are easier on the wallet. One such brand is Vortex, and I was able to extensively field test their mid-range Viper 8X42 Viper HD over the last few months. When reviewing any birding binocular, I typically try to answer the following key questions.
Is there enough field of view?
I enjoyed the wide field of on the Viper (7.8°) which manages to immerse you in the scene rather than the tunnel effect on many entry-level binoculars. I could scan for, locate and track birds comfortably. I bird with eyeglasses (eyecups dialled in for maximum eye relief) and the Viper was ok for me, still giving a nice field of view.
How are the ergonomics?
The Viper is a good compromise between weight, size and balance. It is well-constructed with protective rubber armouring and thumb indents. They feel great in the hand with a fairly light weight (750g) – one of the lighter full-size binoculars on the market. A large central hinge allows smooth interpupillary adjustment – that does not move at all once set.
What is the image like?
Image clarity on the Viper is excellent owing the high density, extra-low dispersion glass. The image stays sharp nearly to edge of view. Lenses are multi-coated resulting in a very bright image (critical in low light). Even with 8X magnification, I could identify distant birds with relative ease. I did notice a slight flare when the sun was lower to horizon. Argon purging provides water and fog protection while an ‘Armortek’ exterior coating protects glass from scratches and dust.
How is the focus wheel?
Turning the focus wheel is something we birders do a lot. The Viper’s focus wheel travels smoothly, although a bit stiffer than I would like. This can affect how quickly one can focus on a bird. I did adjust to this though. Knob seems well constructed with no play. Minimum focus distance is a nice 1, 83 metres and travel from close focus to infinity is 1, 5 turns.
How are the eyecups?
The eyecups extend and retract easily (in four stops) with a loose feel. The Vipers boast an eye relief of 18 mm (anything over 16 mm is good) so great to use for long periods, even by those with glasses. The diopter is lockable and built into right eyepiece.
What are the accessories like?
The Viper comes with a nice padded neck strap that is wide and comfortable, tethered objective lens covers, rain-guard eyepiece cover, and a nifty protective case.
Does the manufacturer’s warranty provide enough coverage?
This is where the Vortex really shines coming with an unlimited lifetime warranty (check their website for further details).
Is the Vortex Viper worth your hard earned Rands?
Every time I lifted the Viper to my eyes I felt this was a great birding binocular – offering some of the best clarity and brightness one can get without spending a lot. The Viper is in that sweet spot between performance and price – a real workhorse with an amazing warranty. No two birders are the same though. Try several binocular brands before you buy.
Various retailers offer the Vortex Viper 8X42 HD at R12,600-R13,500 at time of publishing.
By Martin Benadie
| What magnification should you choose? Many find 8X binoculars ideal all-rounders: good magnification and a steady, wide field of view with great light gathering. If your birding involves more long-distance,open viewing, then you might prefer 10X. Just remember the higher magnification also means a narrower field of view and will exaggerate any unsteadiness from shaky hands. |
Editor’s comment: These are great binoculars for the price. Read about getting into birdwatching and other great binoculars that will give you ‘magic eyeballs!’: How (and why) to become a birder in 12 easy steps
