Hi Everyone, just wondering if there was really any better optical veiw thru the new HD models. The spec's seem to be the same. Has anyone out there compared the two ? .. Thanks gwen
I have seen Viper and Viper HD 8x42 and 10x42 side by side, not the 6x. With that in mind, what I have seen says the HD is somewhat brighter and has sharper edges, hence a little wider sweet spot. I would say the HD is better, but not significantly so. There, that may be worth just what you paid for it .
What about field flatness and edge softness in these 6x32 ?
To answer your original question, Vortex Viper 6x32 or Vortex Viper HD 6x32, I suggest the Bushnell 8x36 Legend Ultra HD. They are about an ounce heavier than the Vortex, but
* more compact
* higher magnification
* wider field of view
* much, much better optically (at least based on a sample size of 1 for the Bushnell and the non-HD Viper)
* much cheaper
Bushnell really has a winner. At least the one I just got is.
My "reference" binocular is a Zeiss Victory FL 10x32. Unfortunately I don't have 6x and 8x alphas, which would make comparisons easier.
Iam sure the Legends are a great 8x binocular but it is not a 6x . The reason one would buy the Viper 6x32 is because of the " 6x " , its like comparing a apple to a melon. That is why I purchased the 6x32 viper & not another 8x bino. .... gwen
Isn't the main reason for buying lower power binoculars that they have a wider field of view? In this case the 8x Bushnells have a wider field of view than the 6x Vipers.
The main reasons for a 6x over an 8x are for the much increased depth of field, and the easier more relaxed view with less hand shake.
The 8x36 Bushnell legend HD are pretty much the same size, FOV and weight as the 6x32 Vipers. Both have about the same amount of field curvature and edge softness, but in the pair of 6x32 Vipers I compared last December, I felt they fell a little short on contrast looking into deep shade.
Tom