Vortex viper hd - Vortex Optics Viper HD 10x42mm Binocular

These are the third pair of binos I have purchased; the first 2 being 10X42 and 12X50 Bushnell Legends (older non-HD models). The Bushnells are incredibly well built, well balanced and provide a great view....as long as the conditions are perfect and you don't mind the occasional colour fringing. I had looked at the Viper HD while on a trip to Newfoundland and compared them side by side to a pair of Swaros ELs....The Swaros were marginally better built, but it took a lot of effort to find a difference in the quality of the view. The Viper's clarity from side to side regardless of the target being viewed was exceptional, I could not locate any colour fringing regardless of how hard I tried, which was the most annoying issue with the Legends. At less than a third the price of the Swaros, I was sold. At dusk, these things perform so well that you see things more clear than yuo could with the naked eye (notwithstanding the amplification). They are so well balanced and light that you don't get tired of using them. The focuss is dead on, as are the 4-position eyecups and diopter. They feel solid in your hands, yet very light and easy to cary around.
The carrying case is a bit light-duty, but still very well made. I could not be any more pleased with these. It's hard to suggest to friends that it's a great investment at $600, until they use them and see the difference between these and their $100 pair...
Pros: Everything
Cons: Nothing

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.