Kite Lynx HD 8x30 vs Vortex Viper HD 8x32 (1 Viewer)

[DavidLA]

8x32 $200-500 / Kite Lynx HD 8x30 vs Vortex Viper HD 8x32

I'm looking to spend US$250-500 for 8x32 binoculars -- they will be my first and only binos -- primarily for indoor and outdoor concerts, hiking and travelling. I wear glasses.

I've narrowed it down to the Kite Lynx 8x30 and Vortex Viper HD 8x32.

They have very similar specs and cost the same. I'm leaning to the Kite because of the greater FOV (456 vs. the Viper's 400), lighter weight (16.2 oz vs 20.6) and size (4.7x4.5 vs 4.9x4.8). I'm a bit concerned by the Kite's lower eye relief of 15 vs the Viper's 16, but I'm not sure if 1mm makes much difference.

Can anyone who has tried both share their thoughts?

Or if you've tried the Lynx and Viper plus others and you prefer another 8x32, I'm happy to consider others as well.

Thanks!

Here is a table I made when I was doing my research on 8x32 binos in this price range. Maybe it will be helpful to others. I'm also attaching it as an Excel file. It doesn't include every 8x32, just the ones I wanted to consider.

Brand Model Magnification Price Field of view Eye relief BBR rating Amazon review Weight HxW
Alpen Apex XP 8x32 $289 393 3.7 cornell 4.5/22 19
Eagle Optics Ranger ED 8x32 $319 393 16 3.3 cornell none 19.5 5x4.8
Hawke Endurance ED 8x32 $209 388 18 80 4/2 19 5.3x4.6
Kite Optics Lynx HD 8x30 $489 456 15 83 none 16.2 4.7x4.5
Kite Optics Petrel 8x32 $425 396 17 none none 19.4 4.9x4.7
Kowa BD XD 8x32 $339 394 17 80 4.5/7 19.7 4.6x4.6
Leupold BX-3 Mojave 8x32 $319 420 ? none none 17 4.75x?
Meopta MeoPro HD 8x32 $499 414 17 21.1 5.2x5.2
Minox BL-HD 8x33 $469 421 17.5 80 5/1 22.9 5.83x4.92
Nikon Monarch 7 8x30 $376 435 15 80 5/1 15.3 4.68x123mm
Opticron Conuntryman BGA HD 8x32 $419 420 19 3.4 cornell / none none 21.7 4.94x4.8
Opticron Discovery 8x32 $229 393 17 80 4/4 13.8 4.3x4.6
Opticron Traveller BGA Mg 8x32 $309 333 19 none none 13.4 3.9x4.6
Opticron Verano BGA 8x32 $399 420 17 75 for 8x42 none 21.5 5.0x4.8
Pentax AD 9x32 $259 351 16 75 5/3 17.6 5.4x5
Snypex Knight ED 8x32 $339 351 16.8 80 5/1 13.4 4.25x4.64
Steiner XC 8x32 $459 436 ? none none 20.5 5.48x2.3
Vanguard Endeavor ED II 8x32 $349 378 17.5 83 for 8x42 5/2 19 5.2x3.75
Vortex Viper 8x28 $319 319 19 none 4.5/8 11.8 4.7x4.5
Vortex Viper HD 8x32 $503 400 16 85 for 8x42 5/10 20.6 4.9x4.8
Zeiss Terra ED 8x25 $299 357 16 none 5/1 10.9 4.4x4.5
Zeiss Terra ED 8x32 $319 404 16.5 none 5/1 17.98 4.9x4.3

 

[hawken 12]

DavidLA, I have the Lynx and have owned several models of the Viper HD in the past as well as a few others that are on your list. They are both nice bins in their own way and I prefer the brightness and wide field of view of the Lynx over the Viper. However the eyecups of the Viper HD are much nicer because of the variable positions possible with them. With the Lynx it's either up or down and sometimes they collapse on their own. At least this is what happens with my set. You might want to consider the Maven B3 8x30 as it has the wide and bright view as well as much better eyecups. I have not had an eye relief problem with any of these models and I don't wear glasses.

 

[[email protected]]

Anytime somebody is looking for binocular less than $500 I would have to recommend a porro because you get a better value and better optics for your money because of it's simple design compared to roofs. The Nikon EII 8x30 will outperform anything on your list and I think because of it's huge FOV it would be good for concerts as well. For concerts the 3D image will be beneficial also.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-Binoc...404511?hash=item2a69e77b5f:g:zl0AAOSwqBJXWet6

 

[chill6x6]

Hi David!
I sometimes do a similar chart...

I also wear glasses and have owned quite a few 8X32s...

Those I have used that were without eye relief issues were the SV 8X32 and Zeiss Fl 8X32. Both are an eyeglass wearer's dream where eye relief is concerned. More than enough eye relief with these binoculars. The Viper HD 8X32s and Cabela's Instinct Euro HD 8X32s ALMOST fall into this group. I use them all them time BUT 1mm or so more eye relief would be preferable.

I had the Maven B.3 8X30(VERY similar to the Kite Lynx 8X32 mentioned above)...they didn't make the cut. Was unable to see the binoculars full FOV with this binocular. I hate it too...I REALLY liked it. But I can't recommend it with good conscience for those that wear eyeglasses.

For around $500, I think it would be hard to beat the Viper HD 8X32.

 

[chill6x6]

Anytime somebody is looking for binocular less than $500 I would have to recommend a porro because you get a better value and better optics for your money because of it's simple design compared to roofs. The Nikon EII 8x30 will outperform anything on your list and I think because of it's huge FOV it would be good for concerts as well.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-Binoc...404511?hash=item2a69e77b5f:g:zl0AAOSwqBJXWet6

Though I've never owned the EII, I've always figured eye relief issues kill it for those that wear eye glasses....

 

[PhilR.]

Though I've never owned the EII, I've always figured eye relief issues kill it for those that wear eye glasses....

The above is correct. The EII - wonderful as it is - has very short ER. Even with the eyecups completely removed, I cannot use it with sunglasses, and my wife cannot use it with her regular eyeglasses.

Certainly everyone's ER is different, but I have a feeling that 15mm will not be enough for you. The Nikon M7 8x30 would have been an excellent choice and I would like to have recommended it, but neither of us can use it with glasses. The Viper's 16mm might work, but I know that it would not work for me with sunglasses.

You might add the Kowa BD Prominar 8x32 to your list of possibles. These are fairly light in weight, and have a 17mm ER. I have not used an XD Prominar in this configuration, but I do have the 8x56. The 8x56 is much sharper in the central area than most $360 binos I've ever used, and CA control is unusally good too. The only downside to it is it's rather small FOV, but overall it works extremely well given it's price. If I needed a lower-priced 8x32 to use with eyeglasses, The Prominar would be the first one I would consider.

You might also consider the Sightron SII Blue Sky 8x32. It is very light in weight, and works surprisingly well given it's sub-$200 price. I cannot see the entire FOV when using it with sunglasses, but it's close enough to be acceptable.

Don't get the Steiner XC. It performs very, very poorly.

 

[[email protected]]

Though I've never owned the EII, I've always figured eye relief issues kill it for those that wear eye glasses....

The Nikon 8x30 EII will usually have enough eye relief for most people that wear eye glasses at 14mm. It depends on how close fitting your eyeglasses are.

 

[typo]

I think wearing glasses is going to be a critical factor here and it very much depends on your prescription, lens index, frame and facial features how much eye relief you actually need. Some need over 20mm, but I'd suggest 16mm would be a useful minimum and 18mm safer. With thin frameless lenses I'm comfortable with 15mm and can get the full FOV (13.8mm) with an EII by pressing the spectacles into my face, but probably ill-advised long term.

I cannot see the full FOV with the Kite Lynx unfortunately which seems due to the slightly raised rim of the eyecup. The Monarch 7 is the same optical design but the different eyecups mean they are no problem for me but the ER will be too short for most. I think the Opticrons, Vortex, Hawkes, Minox, Kowa, Vanguards and many others I've tried will generally have 16mm or more and hopefully would be OK, but they are generally somewhat bigger than the Kite/Nikon. I'd probably put the Kowa at the top of the pile optically but it is quite chunky for an x33. I've not seen the Cabelas Euro HD version of the Meopta, but I suspect that is a bit special too.

Several others are really quite good depending on your priorities but you seem to be favouring smaller designs. With some hesitation I'd suggest the Opticron Traveller Mg Black, possibly as the 6x32. With 19mm ER, 13oz and under 4" tall it ticks the compact box nicely. It's Japanese made with a good warranty but cheaper than many on your list. It does have the focus at the 'wrong' end which takes a bit of adjusting to. Unlike most on your list it doesn't have ED glass and the eyepiece design appears somewhat simpler than many of the others too. There is more field curvature than most which can be seen either as a strength or a weakness. The horizontal sweet spot is a little narrower but the perceived depth of field can apper much greater than flatter field designs. I think that's good for theatre, sports and hiking but sometimes not so good for birding. The FoV is fairly small but that is a necessisity if you want good ER combined with small size and light weight. I've tried the previous versions several times, and have been a shade critical. I've used the new Mg Black for only 15 minutes so far when the sun was getting low in the sky. To me it was much improved on the previous incarnations will better contrast, perceived sharpness and glare control. I'm happy to concede the Kite/M7 and I'm sure the Maven might still better it in an optical shootout but it could well be my first choice for "for indoor and outdoor concerts, hiking and travelling" if I needed 16mm+ ER. The 6x magnification might sound low but the reduced shake means the loss in detail is actually less than you might imagine and the improvement in depth of field and field of view can be a real benefit for your uses.

Good luck.

David

 

[DavidLA]

Thank you all for your generous time and wisdom. I appreciate it. I'll post my findings once I pick something.

 

[chill6x6]

I'd like to add that I like David's inclusion of 6X above. That actually sounds like a great choice especially considering your usage criteria. From my experience with the Maven B.3 8X30 and Steve's report here...the Maven B.3 6X30 should be added to the pot. Doesn't sound as if eye relief will be an issue with the 6X as is was with the 8X.

Also consider Maven has a 14 day window to try and you may return in new condition for refund if not pleased.

 

[NDhunter]

Nikon Monarch 7 8x30

David:

Be sure to include the Nikon Monarch 7 in your selection, they are similar to
the Kite, and a better choice.

With Nikon, you will have a known warranty, Kite, not sure, and I would
be careful there. They are just a European brand.

Jerry

 

[Gijs van Ginkel]

Jerry, post 11,
I fuly disagree with your statement, the Nikon service is in our country at least the worst you can think of and the Kite service is of the same level as the one from Swarovski: excellent.
If you look at the specifications the kite Lynx is a better choice than the Nikon Monarch in my opinion.

DavidLA, post 1,
In the choice list you mention my favorites would be the Meopta MeostarB1 8x32 and the Kite Lynx 8x30.
Allthough we own a Nikon 8x30 EII it is hardly ever used by any of us, since it has a very low handling comfort in our opinion and it is not waterproof.
Gijs van Ginkel