Expert Review Useful whether shooting or not - Vortex Viper 8x28 R/T Tactical Binocular

You really don't appreciate having binos with you until you want them and they aren't around which is why I decided to get a dedicated pair for my hiking pack.

I have a 10x42 Diamondback that I really liked so I was already looking at Vortex.

The Vortex Solo R/T was the first viewing optic that I had ever owned with a reticle in it. I really liked it. It didn't get in the way when I was out hiking and came in handy more than once when on the range.

So when I was looking for a pair of compact binos to leave in my hike pack, I decided to go with another R/T model.

These 8x28 R/T's are a great value and the reticle is the same as the one in my monocular so I didn't have to learn a new system. The monocular now lives in my range bag and these stay in my day pack.

The reticle is only in the left barrel and I am cross eye dominant but unless I have been straining my eyes, I usually can still get a good solid picture with both eyes open. Otherwise I just close one eye or the other depending on if i want to use the reticle or not.

There is a diopter and a reticle focus so you can calibrate the binos for a really clean, crisp picture. The close focus is 7.5 feet which is great for activities like birding, which I find useful even if I don't regularly use them for that application.

Like all Vortex products, they don't skimp on the essential accessories. Carrying Case, Rainguard, objective caps and neck strap are included.

The binos are 4.5in by 4.7 inches and a little over 11oz, so they don't take up significant space or add unnecessary weight to my pack.

My only real wish for improvement on these would be that they were 32mm objective. 4mm difference isn't much but after using a friends 10x32 Diamondback binos, I think the little extra would be nice with these.

Also, my cross eye dominance is something I didn't consider before buying so that is something to consider if you are looking at binoculars with a reticle in them.