Vortex Viper HD 6x42 (1 Viewer)

Has anyone had significant ownership experience with these vortex viper HD 6 x 32? I tried a pair of these many years ago on a river rafting trip and remember being pretty impressed with them and been on the lookout ever since. I’ve ordered returned two pairs of the Kowa 6.5x 32’s as both had major issues right out of the box. Optically they were amazing. They just did not appear to be well made.

I finally found a pair of the old Vortex for sale and just thought I would check in to see if anyone else owns a pair.

The Vortex Viper HD 6x32 is a compact, rugged binocular known for its excellent optical quality and comfortable viewing experience,

Also comfortable for both eyeglass wearers and non-eyeglass users.

QOT0m said:

The Vortex Viper HD 6x32 is a compact, rugged binocular known for its excellent optical quality and comfortable viewing experience,

Also comfortable for both eyeglass wearers and non-eyeglass users.

Click to expand...

Thanks! Do you own?

How is the edge to edge clarity?

I've owned a couple of these years ago. I liked them overall. However, I found 6x to be a little too weak magnification for me and sold them eventually. I prefer 7x or 8x power. The Vortex Vipers were nice optically. They were not sharp to the edges. The eyecups seemed cheap, but this didn't matter too much to me, as I had them turned all the way down (for use with eyeglasses). One of them didn't have a smooth focuser (had some play). The other was OK.

There aren't too many lower power options out there. You could try the new Swarovski Junior kids binocular in 7x28 if you don't mind the exterior colors. I haven't tried one yet, but I imagine these are well made and have good optics.

A2GG said:

I've owned a couple of these years ago. I liked them overall. However, I found 6x to be a little too weak magnification for me and sold them eventually. I prefer 7x or 8x power. The Vortex Vipers were nice optically. They were not sharp to the edges. The eyecups seemed cheap, but this didn't matter too much to me, as I had them turned all the way down (for use with eyeglasses). One of them didn't have a smooth focuser (had some play). The other was OK.

There aren't too many lower power options out there. You could try the new Swarovski Junior kids binocular in 7x28 if you don't mind the exterior colors. I haven't tried one yet, but I imagine these are well made and have good optics.

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Awesome, thanks for the information! Yes 6x is definitely a special use case. 8x is much more practical for many instances. This will be more for backyard bird feeder and similar short distance observing.

I’m afraid the Swaro My junior are Made in China. Nothing against that country but have found highly frustrating QA issues in every made in china optic I’ve purchased. I know I’m probably just the unlucky one.

I never tried the Vortex Viper HD 6x32, but I think the Pentax AD 7x32 ED would be a good alternative. They are essentially the same weight.

There is also the larger Pentax SD 7x42 ED which I have not tried.

Sky Rover's new model should be released very soon and should be in a league of its own. But the weight and pricing are unknown.

Because of Vortex's excellent warranty, buying the Vortex is safe.

Winchester44 said:

Has anyone had significant ownership experience with these vortex viper HD 6 x 32? I tried a pair of these many years ago on a river rafting trip and remember being pretty impressed with them and been on the lookout ever since. I’ve ordered returned two pairs of the Kowa 6.5x 32’s as both had major issues right out of the box. Optically they were amazing. They just did not appear to be well made.

I finally found a pair of the old Vortex for sale and just thought I would check in to see if anyone else owns a pair.

Click to expand...

I have Vortex Viper HD 6x32. I bought it 2012 and it's still my "if I only could choose 1" binocular.
This model is not best in any particular way but just does its job very well.
Only 48deg AFOV, but long eye relief makes it very good with eyeglasses.
Perfect focus wheel without play and the green rubberish cover feels great.
This 6x32 is noticeably more comfortable to carry around than a 8x42 while still provides the same hold and viewing comfort. At least for midsized or smaller hands.
Unfortunately Viper HD in 6x32 configuration is discontined since several years.
BUT: I got the new Vortex Bantam HD 6,5x32 just because it's so low price.
It's not as good as Viper HD 6x32 but when I compare them side by side I cannot see a difference in magnication or exit pupil so I am pretty sure it's 6x as well.