Vortex Viper HD 15x50 vs. Kaibab HD 15x56

[Pine Donkey]

I went with the kiababs and have not regretted it. Swarovski's are great no doubt, but the difference is not worth the money in my opinion. I have looked at many animals through both, and there is a difference, but it is pretty slight.

 

However, there is a world of difference between the kiababs and the vipers.

[Shawn]

If you haven't already you might want to look at the Minox 15X56. I like them and they are $900.

[kazpilot25]

I went with the kiababs and have not regretted it. Swarovski's are great no doubt, but the difference is not worth the money in my opinion. I have looked at many animals through both, and there is a difference, but it is pretty slight. However, there is a world of difference between the kiababs and the vipers.

 

That's what I was hoping. I'll probably be buying the Kaibabs in the next day or 2. Once I get them, the Vipers are for sale!

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help.

[Kaffer62]

I dont think you will regret the upgrade! Let me know if you want to go "break" them in one morning ha ha!

[kazpilot25]

That's what I'm hoping! We'll definitely have to go break them in!

[Eagle Eye]

How much for the vipers?

[kazpilot25]

$550 on the Vipers. Used for 1 season. Took them out for a 1 day scouting trip, and 3 days for the hunt. Have original box and packaging.

[rageinthesage]

Are the swaros really $800 better than the Kaibabs?

Yup!

[AverageJoe]

 

Are the swaros really $800 better than the Kaibabs?

Yup!

+1 having had lots of time behind both

[catfish campbell]

Have both and compared the Swaro's side by side with the Kaibab's, the difference is not worth spending the extra $800... just plan on getting a good tripod and using it....

[BowhunterAZ]

I have a virtually brand pair of Kaibabs for sale if you are interested. The ad is posted in the classifieds section.

[kazpilot25]

Ok, so after buying the Kaibabs and trying them out on my javelina hunt this past weekend side by side with the Vipers, I am very pleased with my purchase.

 

Side by side, the Kaibab HD 15x56s are hands down a much better optic than the Viper HD 15x50. Wider field of view, much brighter, much higher resolution, and much more vibrant and accurate colors. I really didn't think there would be too much of a difference, but after I emailed Vortex and was told they're completely different from the ground up, I took the leap. I also happened to have a pair of the Diamondback 10x50s sitting around for comparison, and holy crap! There is a huge difference from one to the next on up the line.

 

Just in case anyone else is ever wondering, the Kaibabs are much better and well worth the extra dough.

[camoremi]

Lol I was just mulling this one over between viper and Kaibab

[rageinthesage]

I know its a long ways away, but I just went to the Cabelas in St Louis and they had a brand new pair of the swarovski 15x56 NEU's for $1299, I had to rub my eyes a couple of times to make sure it was right. There's guys in the classifieds trying to sell used ones for more than that!