jbetz
Member
I just went to look at binoculars yesterday, and I narrowed my choices down to two pairs: the Vortex Diamondback 10x42s ($230) and the Vortex Viper 10x42s ($530). I had previously looked at the Vipers at a store that didn't have the Diamondbacks, and I thought that I would purchase these binoculars. But after trying both pairs, I honestly could find little difference between them. I have used a pair of Olympus 8x42s for two summers of field research (using them every day), and so I don't consider myself completely new to optics. I am definitely new to purchasing binoculars and have only compared a few, but I am wondering what others think about the difference between these pairs.
They both have fully multicoated lenses and are waterproof, etc., and so what differences do people see? I thought I could see a bit more blurring around the edges of my field of view with the Diamondbacks, but I think I may have just been convincing myself of this difference. I know the Vipers are award-winning binoculars, but it seems like for $300 less the Diamondbacks are a much better buy. What do you all think?
They both have fully multicoated lenses and are waterproof, etc., and so what differences do people see? I thought I could see a bit more blurring around the edges of my field of view with the Diamondbacks, but I think I may have just been convincing myself of this difference. I know the Vipers are award-winning binoculars, but it seems like for $300 less the Diamondbacks are a much better buy. What do you all think?