Vortex Viper HD 8x42 Review

Performance Comparison

Clarity

The Vortex Viper HD 8x42's high-definition glass really shines when it comes to clarity. For this very important metric, we viewed signs and objects through the lens of each pair of binoculars to see how well we could make out the images.

This pair of binos provides a nearly crystal clear view. In fact, the Viper is nearly as good as some of the multi-thousand-dollar models we tested, which is an exceptional benchmark for its tier of optics. Only one other similarly priced model was able to provide almost as clear of a viewing experience.

Viewing an ISO 1233 chart designed for measuring sharpness, the Vortex Viper HD 8x42's provided exceptional clarity, and in our observations our team only noted very slight chromatic aberration, mostly near the top edge in the form of a magenta hue.

Brightness

Our brightness testing is based on observed brightness, measured brightness, and exit pupil size. The Vortex Viper HD 8x42 did exceptionally well in these tests.

The Vortex Viper HD 8x42 has high-density glass, and the lenses are multi-coated with what Vortex calls their XR anti-reflective coating, which helps to reduce the scattering of light inside the binoculars. Vortex also incorporates a phase correction coating on the roof prism in combination with a dielectric coating. The result is a bright and clear viewing experience with great color accuracy and contrast. Only two multi-thousand dollar models with the same size objective lenses were able to gather and transmit more light than the Vipers.

The exceptional light transmission achieved by this model should help hunters watch their quarry as they bed down in the evening light, and help acquire targets in the early morning light. Or it will give the nature watcher, or birder, the edge to achieve a more enjoyable viewing experience as the sun rises and sets without spending thousands.

Comfort

Eye strain, shaking hands, and poor ergonomics can really detract from field use and nature viewing enjoyment, so we scored comfort across a few different features of each model in our product lineup. We specifically took a look at the ergonomic grip of each model, as well as eye cup comfort, and an included neck strap.

Across the board, Vortex binos are about average with regard to comfort, but this is due to the fact that we are comparing them to other compact and travel binoculars that are so light they're hard to compete alongside. In the land of full-size products, the Vipers behave similarly to other aspects of our testing, where they sit between the low-quality and higher-priced pairs in our lineup. They come in at a measured weight of 25.4 ounces, which doesn't help escape the ergonomics of viewing, but aren't as heavy as other serious contenders. It does have a great feel in hand, aided by a texturized rubber coating, ensuring you'll never lose your grip.

Soft and flexible rubber eyecups make it easy to maintain the measured 18 millimeters of eye relief and make the Viper a comfortable pair of binos to look through for long periods. We also recognized how easy and comfortable this model is to use for those with glasses.

The included neck strap has a soft, stretchy rubber section that goes around your neck and distributes the weight nicely, and makes resting the binos on your neck while not in use much more tolerable than most other models.

Field of View

We measured the field of view using a standard vertical fence with boards at a fixed distance in order to create a realistic, tangible, and repeatable test, as different manufacturers seem to play by their own rules, and our endeavor at GearLab is to capture objective test data and present honest metrics to our readers.

The Viper Vortex HD 8x42 surpassed the competition, including other more expensive models. We were able to clearly see and count 64.5 fence boards, which is nearly twenty percent better than the average for the test group of 54.1 fence boards. Our team really enjoyed the wide field of view on this model, as it makes finding objects an easier task. Hunters, bird-watchers, and nature lovers of all kinds will also appreciate how easy it is to spot game on the move as it creeps in and out of the brush and shadows of a tree line or a bird in the densely obstructed canopy of a tree top.

Ease of Adjustment

The Vortex Viper HD 8x42 has one large central hinge to adjust the interpupillary distance. The hinge moves smoothly and easily, like on other top-scoring binoculars.

The diopter on the Vortex Viper HD is located on the right lens and is operated by pulling up on the diopter to adjust it. While in the down position, the diopter is locked in place. It was easy to adjust the first time with no stiffness. The locking diopter is not present on all of the binoculars we tested, especially cheaper ones, so it's nice to see it executed well in a relatively approachable pair.

Close Focus Range

We tested the close focus range of the Viper at 6 feet, which is spot on with the manufacturer's claimed focus range but also on the better side of the average recorded for the entire test group. In day-to-day use, it's very unlikely you're going to want to focus on anything closer than a few arm lengths unless you're lucky enough to have a butterfly land on your shoe or a hummingbird hover near you.

Should You Buy the Vortex Viper HD 8x42?

You can easily spend multiple paychecks on a premium pair of binoculars, and they'll likely look fantastic. However, the Vortex Viper HD 8x42 earned a top spot for offering an experience similar to those very high-priced models at a fraction of the price. Yes, that fraction is still a relatively large number, but if you're looking for high-quality optics, we think you will not only be very pleased but recognize, as we have, that the Viper HD offers buyers one of the best values available on the market today.

What Other Binoculars Should You Consider?

Though we love the Vortex Viper, we understand that it's still outside of some budgets. For a slightly less expensive but still impressive pair of binoculars, check out the Nikon Monarch M7 10x42. These are nearly equal in overall performance and have exceptional ease of adjustment at an approachable price. At around half a grand, the Monarch M7s may not be for the budget user. For that, Vortex offers its next tier down from the Vipers in the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42, which also uses Vortex's HD glass but costs less than half the price of the Viper. If you like the superior ergonomics of the Vortex line of products we tested, then the Diamondback HD deserves your serious consideration.