Vortex Viper vs Celestron M2 (1 Viewer)

[BAL Land]

Hi all,
I’m planning on upgrading my scope to one of the two scopes listed in the title(Vortex Viper 20x60x85 vs the Celestron Regal M2 20x60x80). I’m going to use it mainly for shorebirds, waterbirds, raptors(less often), and seawatches. Does anyone have suggestions on which one to go for? FYI, im upgrading from a $175 Gosky scope.

Thanks!

 

[BAL Land]

Anyone? I’d like to make my decision within a week so I can have it for my trip to the Salton Sea. I’m deciding between the Celestron Regal m2 100ED 20x60x80 and the Vortex Viper 20x60x85.

 

[BAL Land]

I’m leaning toward the Celestron since it’s a little cheaper and a few reviews say that the optical quality was virtually equal, it any other input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Will K]

I can’t comment on the Celestron, but I was considering getting a Viper 85mm last year, and did a bit of research with store models. My idea was to either get that or a Diamondback. It would be my first scope.

I was impressed with the quality of the glass clarity in the Viper, but after also trying it side by side with a Vortex Razor, I realised that the Viper was a little too heavy, large, and has restricted AFOV and brightness for my tastes. In the end, I decided to go with the Razor.

I know that’s not all the info you’re looking for, but Ive found that it’s sometimes hard to find comments from Vortex scope users on BirdForum.

I really enjoy the Razor, and I’m very happy with my choice, but i still plan to upgrade one day 🙂 Hope this helps.

 

[BAL Land]

Just an update, I’m going with the Viper based on reading a lot of reviews, and base on the awesome warranty.

 

[Will K]

Great, welcome to club Vortex!

 

[Will K]

I'd be interested to read your opinion about it, when you've had a chance to use it a little in the field and learn its capabilities

 

[Will K]

Great, welcome to club Vortex!

I was looking back though the archives for more Vortex stuff, actually, and I remember that you recently bought a Vortex Viper 10x42!

Sorry for forgetting that.