mattnduke Report post Posted September 2, 2011 Torn between the two for big eyes. Cost is a concern, but I guess I'm willing to spend the extra money if I can justify that it will help me out. I haven't spent a ton of time long range glassing, but know I will start now that I'm hunting this region rather than Alaska. What are your thoughts on each? I know Swarovski's are the real way to go, but plan on upgrading over the years as budget allows. Please let me know if you've owned either, or better yet, both, and which you prefer. It looks like the Vipers are a little lighter, which may make me think they would be a little better to carry around the neck when not spotting. Thanks!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
arizonaelitefreak Report post Posted September 2, 2011 Torn between the two for big eyes. Cost is a concern, but I guess I'm willing to spend the extra money if I can justify that it will help me out. I haven't spent a ton of time long range glassing, but know I will start now that I'm hunting this region rather than Alaska. What are your thoughts on each? I know Swarovski's are the real way to go, but plan on upgrading over the years as budget allows. Please let me know if you've owned either, or better yet, both, and which you prefer. It looks like the Vipers are a little lighter, which may make me think they would be a little better to carry around the neck when not spotting. Thanks!! i would really think about going with the kaibabs they are so much cleared than the vipers, yes they are heavier but if you put them in a chect pack like the alaskan or the badlands bino pack they are not that bad. I have the kaibabs and I wear them around my chest every time i am out. But you really need to do a side by side comparison on them and make sure that they are comfortable for you! just my 2 cents. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
R/C Report post Posted September 2, 2011 I just purchased the Kaibabs a month ago and I am very happy with them. Went out scouting a couple weeks ago carrying them around with just a Sportsmans Warehouse Bino Harness System and they were not very heavy at all IMO. My Uncle has a pair of the Swaro's and compared side by side there is a slight noticable difference however, the difference to me wasn't worth the extra $ and you can't beat the Vortex Warranty. IMO Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues79 Report post Posted September 2, 2011 I haven't owned a pair of kiababs but I have glassed with them. If you plan to do a lot of free standing glassing then you'd want the lightest of the two.... however, you may not want to sacrifice quality. there's a big price difference between the two because the kiababs are better glass. side by side comparison in low light conditions will tell you what you want; make sure to do this on a tripod where you can switch back and forth very quickly. I have done side by side comp on kiabab and swaros during the daylight hours. IMO and for my eyes the kiababs were not very close in comparison to swaros. edge to edge clarity on the kiababs lacked. center image was OK. However, I did like the ergonomics of the kiababs.... felt very good in the hands and the focus was easy to use. kiababs are good glass for the money. get the best that you can get at the time of your purchase. I love good optics and I know its exciting to be in the process of a purchase. have fun and good luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
