wbyfireman Report post Posted September 15, 2008 A group of us got together and compared our 15 power binoculars on tripods looking at papago park and south mountain from decent distances the other day. The binos were Swarovski 15X56, Minox ED BR 15X58, Vortez Viper 15X50, and Fujinon 15X60's. The results we ALL agreed on were.... -- To no suprise the Swarovski were the best overall. -- To ALL of OUR our suprise however was the Vortex was agreed uopn by all to be the second best Bino. in the group!!! Just a shade behind the Swaros. and ahead of both the Minox and the Fujinons. The light gathering was awsome in the evening, and the color was brilliant all the way out to the edges. What seperated them from the Minox and Fujinons was not so much the difference in clarity, but of all the detail we were able to see in the shadows cast by trees and bushes. This put them ahead of the Minox and Fujinon's as agreed upon by everyone Not a scientific study, just regular ethical hunters looking at some mountains. In fact three of us now have gone and bought the Vortex. One of whom owns the Minox. Take it for what you will. Be safe this season Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coach Report post Posted September 15, 2008 Vortex really did redefine the world of mid-range optics. Up until recently I was reluctant to recommend any binocs to people who were looking for a good pair of binos at a reasonable price. That's all changing now. I have swaro 10s and 15s and I'm buying a pair of Vortex for my sons to use and to take to football games, etc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wbyfireman Report post Posted September 15, 2008 Well put sir!! I'm sure ill get blasted by a few on this board, but until you have compared binos side by side like we did I hope those who do critisize have put forth the effort just like we have; and dont just argue for the sake of argueing. But I always like to hear different opions, ideas, and info that can help the rest of us suceed in hunting and buying gear.... especially when your talking about spending hundreds and sometimes even thousands of dollars!! Good luck to all this season!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kphunter Report post Posted September 15, 2008 Very interesting comparison. I've only looked at the Swarovski's and Vortex, so I don't know about the other two but the Vipers were impressive and cost nearly a 1/4 of the Swarovski's. KP Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snapshot Report post Posted September 15, 2008 I have been interested in the Vortex 15x, but have yet found an honest opinion on them from more than one person. You may have just persuaded me to try a pair. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatfootdoc Report post Posted September 16, 2008 I have thought about getting a vortex spotting scope for my son so he can learn to use one, have not pulled the trigger because like snap shot I have not heard an opinion on one. Maybe I will try one now. thanks for posting your results!! ag Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DesertBull Report post Posted September 16, 2008 You could always just rent one for a day and check it out 1st hand. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
4Falls Report post Posted September 16, 2008 I bought a pair of Viper from Jim White and have been pleasantly suprised with the quality. For the price they cant be beat. Another benefit in my mind is there size, about that of a pair of 10x binocs. I am now considering a Vortex spotter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bobbyo Report post Posted September 17, 2008 No you guys are barking up the wrong tree. Coues are only visible with Swarvos. Sure you could see the shadows, but deer will be invisible. Swarvos can cure cancer also. Bob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cubsfan Report post Posted September 17, 2008 No you guys are barking up the wrong tree. Coues are only visible with Swarvos. Sure you could see the shadows, but deer will be invisible. Swarvos can cure cancer also. Bob That is pretty funny Bob! I recently got a pair of 15x Vipers and put them to the test last evening. They were great. Not Swaro's, but not 2K either. They have great glass. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eagle Eye Report post Posted September 17, 2008 Whats the cheapest price i could get those 15x's for? and where? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cubsfan Report post Posted September 17, 2008 Whats the cheapest price i could get those 15x's for? and where? I got mine from a dealer on Archerytalk.com. He has a website that is jayhawkoptics.com. His handle is Jayhawk. They were $599 shipped, no tax. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wbyfireman Report post Posted September 17, 2008 599$$ at outdoorsman, bear mountain archery, just to name a couple. Also look online you can avoid tax and get them for an even 600$$, dont wait too long, I spoke to some Bino dealers and they said the prices are going to go up considerbly in the near future . Another interesting fact about Vortex-- a lead engineer from Swarovski jumped ship three years ago to work for Vortex (I'm sure the money did the talking). Anyways he took many of the concepts, ideas, and technology along with him and assisted in making the Razor, as well as the Viper line of optics. There are patents that Swarovski owns that he couldn't touch obviously, however both lines of Binos look suprisingly similar to the Swaro's. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kphunter Report post Posted September 17, 2008 Cameraland NY has the Vortex Viper 15x50 demo for $499. http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex....ortexviper15x50 KP Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
