-
Welcome to BirdForum, the internet's largest birding community with thousands of members from all over the world. The forums are dedicated to wild birds, birding, binoculars and equipment and all that goes with it.
Please register for an account to take part in the discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
Vortex viper HD 8x32 or Nikon SE 8X32 (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Rob T
- Start date
The SE is considered by many to be one of the best binoculars one can buy at any price, or at least in the under $1k area. You don't hear anyone describing the Vortex in such a manner.
Unless you need waterproofness (probably not a real word), I would say go with the SE.
Unless you need waterproofness (probably not a real word), I would say go with the SE.
I would take the view of the SE any day over the Viper HD. If you are ok with the ergonomics of a porro and it fits you well enough, it would be the way to go.
Sheeeshh.... I took the view of the SE over the Swaro EL WB... but I eventually let the porro go realizing I prefer handling and carrying roofs.
CG
Sheeeshh.... I took the view of the SE over the Swaro EL WB... but I eventually let the porro go realizing I prefer handling and carrying roofs.
CG
A2GG
Beth
If you intend on using close focus for butterflies and the like the Viper has an astonishing 3ft close focus. I've used both models and they are both very nice. The SE is sharper and the view is impressive. The Viper has its own strong points and does have very good optics.
Try to handle both at a store if you can and decide for yourself. Everyone has their own individual preferences.
Try to handle both at a store if you can and decide for yourself. Everyone has their own individual preferences.
You have to compare directly but unlike most, I was not as impressed with the optics any of the Vipers I've handled. By the same token, I'm 100%, prime time in love with my 6.5x32 Furys.
The 8x32 SE is a remarkable bin but not without its own limitations and shortcomings for some users (blackouts). You might see if you could look through the Zeiss Conquest HD in 8x32 to see what you think.
The 8x32 SE is a remarkable bin but not without its own limitations and shortcomings for some users (blackouts). You might see if you could look through the Zeiss Conquest HD in 8x32 to see what you think.
I live in Toronto Canada and so far I cant find anyone that has either in the store. I have read everything I can but were I li9ve its like comparing hen's teeth to turtle fur.
Unless anyone knows a way I can try both? please?
It is a recently discontinued Vortex Series roof prism binocular. Many people liked it very much. It had a very wide field of view.
http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex.pl?page=vortexfury6x32
Bob
I honestly think the choice comes down to what you need (and also which work better for your eyes): the SE of course has been raved about regarding its optical quality which seemingly rivals the top models; the Viper HD has similarly great optical performance in the center that weakens at the edges but also comes in a waterproof and fogproof model that is quite tank like - there are also ergonomic differences.
I for one could never use anything other than a highly durable waterproof model because I hike through dense woods, wetlands, and grasslands to complete my field work, but if I were simply a recreational birder primarily observing from well-maintained trails and lookouts, the SE would be my number 1 choice as I can't justify spending >$600 given the quality available at that price point.
I for one could never use anything other than a highly durable waterproof model because I hike through dense woods, wetlands, and grasslands to complete my field work, but if I were simply a recreational birder primarily observing from well-maintained trails and lookouts, the SE would be my number 1 choice as I can't justify spending >$600 given the quality available at that price point.
Rob, something to consider is, how long will you have these bins? The cost difference between the Conquest HD (assuming you prefer it) to the Vipers amortized over a few years sort of dissipates, no? At least that's what drove me to buy the 8x42 Conquest HD's I recently got over the bins that were about $300 less. The only 8x42's I looked at that I liked better were the Zeiss HT's. I thought the HD's were as good as the Swaro SLC's and Leica Trins and UV's. The Swaro SV's with their rolling ball effect kills them for me.
The Conquest HD's were my mid-price compromise except I don't feel I really compromised. I paid $873 shipped for them and felt it was a heckuva deal.
The Conquest HD's were my mid-price compromise except I don't feel I really compromised. I paid $873 shipped for them and felt it was a heckuva deal.
Ya I do a bit of bush hopping but mostly its birding on the wkend as you say. I hear that you can sometimes get demos on the SE's. Or how would you buy. likely the Vipers are going to be full price because they are new. The Ziess are more like $1200 in Toronto.
Our local Sportsman's Warehouse. As great as the HD is, the HT is a significant step up IMO. Just not at about two and a half times the price. But believe me, I seriously considered a pair.
A2GG
Beth
heehee ... That's great ! I'm sure I'll think of it this way from now on !
Thats how to make sales people very very happy but i only have one pair of eyes and dont need to turn the economy arround by myself.
jaymoynihan
Corvus brachyrhynchos watcher
i have both. i use bino, loupes, etc to look at a range of living things. So, the close focus is important to me. How i use them.
My 8x se is my primary reliance for daytime use, spring through fall, unless in torrential rain situation. i also carry something else for close ups, (8x papilios and a loupe).
the Viper 8x32 HD is my primary travel bino, if dark sky astro is not likely where i am going. Then it is the 10x42 Viper HD, close focus for me on that one is a tad short of 5 feet.
Re the 8x32 HD, it is optically very good, not to the SE level, but darn close. It is also very forgiving on eye placement. When i have used the Viper 32mm, i have never thought, gee i wish i had the SE along.
But, the SE has the superior resolution and field flatness. Contrast is a toss up.
My 8x se is my primary reliance for daytime use, spring through fall, unless in torrential rain situation. i also carry something else for close ups, (8x papilios and a loupe).
the Viper 8x32 HD is my primary travel bino, if dark sky astro is not likely where i am going. Then it is the 10x42 Viper HD, close focus for me on that one is a tad short of 5 feet.
Re the 8x32 HD, it is optically very good, not to the SE level, but darn close. It is also very forgiving on eye placement. When i have used the Viper 32mm, i have never thought, gee i wish i had the SE along.
But, the SE has the superior resolution and field flatness. Contrast is a toss up.
Tantien
Well-known member
I'm with Jay.
I have both with 8X's and I pretty much use it as he does, except that with a 3 foot close range the Viper is enough for me. I agree it is my primary travel bino--the only thing I am giving up with the Vipers are the 3D effect and the rather crystalline views of the SE, but very little else. And I also gain the assurance that the Vipers are fully weatherproof/worry free. And the Vipers are really compact, have a great focussing mechanism.
So the great thing is you can get both for less than what I would have paid for Zeiss Victory FL Binoculars (8x32). But I really relish the view with my hand friendly, chunky, SEs. And I don't think any roof is going to come close to that view quality for less than 3X the cost of the SE.
Got a chance to try the Vipor today. Nice bino but i have tried better how can i try the SE no one stocks it?
