Im happy with the Vortex Viper HD and the pair of Fury I purchased, use the Vipers for Whitetail and archery Elk. Use the Fury for Elk rifle season. Cant beat the warranty either.

 

I was shopping for glass a few years ago. Tried my buddies Swarovski, and although very nice, for me hunting mostly woods and just browsing fields, I chose Vortex Viper HD. Honestly can’t beat the warranty, price, and quality for the money.

 

Cronus G2 10X42 High Power Binoculars from Athlon Optics

The Cronus G2 10x42 binoculars use a Magnesium chassis to reduce weight while keeping the chassis rugged to withstand the scrapes and bumps of constant use.

athlonoptics.com

 

You can find new old stock of the zeiss conquest HD for that price and they are awesome. I think outdoorsman had some recently.

 

For me, hands on side by side, the Leupold BX-4 was superior to Vortex Viper.

 

In this order imo. Owned the viper hd for a minute, returned next day. Almost bought the zeiss. Owned the b 1.2 mavens for abit. Should of kept, bought the b.2 9x45. Awesome but alot more moolah.
Go to Rokslide web, someone will post a set of b1.2 for sale at great price.

Maven
Zeiss
Vipers

 

I bought a pair of Meopta Meostar b1 8x42 for good $$.
Fantastic glass, couldn't be happier. I know, not the 10x42

 

It's not the Vipers......there are probably 15 that are better bino's for the dollars. The Meopta, Leopolds and Mavens for sure.

I would call Cameraland....they will give you the full rundown and the best prices.

 

It's not the Vipers......there are probably 15 that are better bino's for the dollars. The Meopta, Leopolds and Mavens for sure.

I would call Cameraland....they will give you the full rundown and the best prices.

Specific models?

 

Alpha glass is not $500..@$500 you wont find anything 10x42 new that wont fog up, distort, get out of focus, have poor viewing on cloudy days.
Look up used market or save up . Good alpha can last you a lifetime..buy once, cry once
Vortex has amazing marketing and lousy product

 

For great glass at a great price.... Look no further!!! I've been using a pair of these for the last 3yrs. At this price, you can't find a better set!!!!
Alpen Teton 10x42 Binoculars with Abbe Prism

Alpha glass is not $500..@$500 you wont find anything 10x42 new that wont fog up, distort, get out of focus, have poor viewing on cloudy days.
Look up used market or save up . Good alpha can last you a lifetime..buy once, cry once
Vortex has amazing marketing and lousy product

I've sold quite a few sets Alpen Apex XPs (now $249) that are excellent for the money!!!!
Alpen Apex XP 10x42 ED Binoculars

I'm not familiar with "Alpha Glass".... is that a brand name?

 

OP never mentioned “alpha” glass. I knew eventually a guy like you would show up here.

 

I will say, don’t buy $299 pair of viper hd from Cabela’s that they sell on sale in November. They are different glass and not as good as the $500 pair of normal viper hd.

 

Best Value for Money 10x42 Binoculars for Hunting between $500 and $1000 | Best Binocular Reviews

Guide to the Best Value for Money 10x42 Binoculars under $1000 for Hunting in the Western USA & Alaska

www.bestbinocularsreviews.com

Tons of reviews out there as well as reviews comparing different models.

 

I have a mint pair of Swarovski’s 10x50’s in the classifieds for $730…. That’s a steal. You’ll never find them at that price… yet people still try to chum. Unbelievable.

 

I will second the Cronus G2 UHD’s. Quite a bit better than the Vipers or most anything else in that price range.

 

Pentax are hands down my favorite binos for the money.

Binoculars & Telescope | Products | RICOH IMAGING

www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp

They are made in Japan, and at one time Pentax was the most popular camera in the world.

 

If it was me I would buy the covert for $180 bucks on clearance 10s or $163 for the 8s
Great glass, I bought 4 pairs after seeing the lowlight and excellent glass for that money, tested right next to vortex uhd, Leupold bx-5 and swaros out in the desert a few different times
Use them then save up for a top of the line bino.

 

Third on the Cronus

 

Not sure on the new Terra, yes the 1st gens weren't all cracked up to be, but they are entry level zeiss glass, probably on par with the Vipers.
Better options for sure.

Vortex right on par with a bow company we know all too well with marketing genius!!🤮

 

Use mavens 4 month payment plan and buy the b series.

if I didn’t own swaros I would own mavens.

 

Price wise - Maven B series also opens up the door to Zeiss Conquest HDX.. Still go Maven B series over the Zeiss Conquest HDX?

 

^^^^^^^this^^^^^^^^^^

 

I agree with you Atlon Cronus but I would look at the Kowa BDll. There's a reason they are popular with bird watchers.

 

Don’t seem to hear too much about the Maven C series?

 

I think they are super crisp. Narrower field of view (314ft at 1000 yards) but the whole image is usable, unlike other "budget" 10s

 

I have never had my viper hd 8x42 fog up…. Knock on wood… so clear and crisp, and really pops in low light. They are perfect for PA timber hunting. Yes, I also looked at Maven, but a nice pair of vortex came cheap in classifieds. So I figured I’d try them. I have no reason to look for others right now, unless these fail and I have issues with warranty.

 

you'll never have any issues with warranty with Vortex..The whole business model is amazing marketing and lowest production cost
Good glass shows in poor light, field of vision, when it rains, and extreme temps. Never buy retail Vortex..Look up forums or market place. Many gets 40% discounts and buy to resell

 

Suggestions? Use for bowhunting in the Midwest. 50/50 fields and woods.

For bowhunting I'd get the Vortex Diamondbacks AND a rangfinder for the same $500.

 

Already have a Vortex Ranger 1000. Been great, had it for 10 years now easy. Very reliable.
Demoed the Diamondbacks and Viper both, the Viper HD has much better glass for another $200 or so.

 

Nikon - can’t beat the quality, service and warranty. Free annual cleanings and adjustments.

 

Won’t support nikon due to them supporting tree hugger photographers