The focus today is on Vortex Viper spotting scopes. When looking for a new spotting scope, you must have come across models from the Vortex brand. Narrowing down your options to Vortex is a great decision to make especially if you are in the market for the first time.
Vortex spotting scopes are simple to use and are known to have excellent expertise in technology advancement which results in the production of high-quality products.
Why Choose Vortex Viper Spotting Scopes
- Versatile magnification is ideal for both close- and long-range viewing.
- Built to last with minimal maintenance required.
- Ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities that include birding, wildlife viewing, hunting, and tactical shooting among others.
- Lightweight, packable, and perfect for backpacking and traveling.
- Tripod mountable for comfortable, long viewing sessions.
- High-end optical performance and more image contrast compared with reflector telescopes or binoculars.
4 Best Vortex Viper Spotting Scopes
Vortex offers several product lines when it comes to spotting scopes. These lines include the Crossfire Series, Diamondback Series, Razor HD Series, and the Viper Series among others. The Vortex viper spotting scopes are designed to meet the demands of a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.
Built on a true strength platform, the Vortex Viper spotting scopes are made to last and easy to use as well. Below is a detailed review of the best Vortex viper spotting scopes.
1) Vortex Optics Viper 15-45×65 Angled Spotting Scope
If you are in the market for an angled spotting scope suitable for a wide range of outdoor applications, look no further than the Viper 15-45×65 Angled Spotting Scope. The Viper 15-45×65 ranks high among the best Vortex Viper spotting scopes as it competes at the highest level of performance.
This high-end Vortex spotting scope is equipped with a wide range of impressive features at a not-so-high-end price tag. Featuring an HD optical system, every user is assured of crystal-clear image views regardless of the lighting conditions.
The XR anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces enhance light transmission which results in bright image views. An Armortek coating protects the lens from scratch and dirt, to give you clear views of the target.
To ensure reliable performance in all weather conditions, the Viper is O-ring sealed and argon purged to deliver reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance. A shock-absorbing rubber armor enhances the optics durability while also providing an ergonomic, non-slip grip.
Every user with or without eyeglasses gets a comfortable view of the target thanks to the multi-position eyecups. Also included is a built-in retractable sunshade to help minimize glare and protect the objective lens from mechanical damage.
Key Features
- Lightweight, portable and perfect for travel.
- Armortek lens coating.
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor.
- Versatile zoom range.
- XR anti-reflective lens coating.
- Fully waterproof, fogproof, and dustproof.
- Easy to handle thanks to the ergonomic, non-slip rubber handle.
- Built-in retractable sunshade.
- HD optical system generates high-end optical performance.
- Multi-position eyecups.
- Intuitive and easy to use.
- Extremely durable with incredible glassing.
- Tripod adaptable.
2) Vortex Optics Viper 15-45×65 Straight Spotting Scope
Most outdoor activities such as birding, hunting, and ocean viewing are best enjoyed with a tactical scope rather than naked eyes. This high-end Viper straight spotting scope had a versatile zoom range ideal for both close- and long-range views. What makes this scope one of the best Vortex Viper spotting scopes are the best-in-class optics that befits the needs of a high-end spotter.
Suitable for a wide range of outdoor applications, this optic is lightweight, portable, and great for travel. It has a smooth helical focus that helps dial in your target for ultra-sharp viewing. Made to last for decades, this optic is crafted from high-quality composite material and has shock-absorbing rubber armor to enhance its durability.
The multi-position eyecup accommodates all users with and without eyeglasses while a locking collar enables you to rotate the scope into different viewing positions. For all-weather reliability, this optic is fully waterproof and fog proof.
While the HD optical system provides high-definition image clarity, the incredible glassing is fully coated with XR anti-reflective coatings to enhance light transmission and deliver bright and clear image views even in low light conditions. This spotting scope is packed with a whole lot of incredible features worth investing in.
Key Features
- Lightweight, packable and ideal for travel.
- Fully waterproof and fog proof.
- Incredible low light performance.
- Multi-position eyecup.
- Tripod adaptable.
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor.
- XR anti-reflective lens coating.
- Superb image brightness and clarity.
- Easy-to-rotate locking collar allows different viewing positions.
- Built-in retractable sunshade.
- Suitable for a wide range of outdoor applications.
3) Vortex Optics Viper 20-60×85 Angled Spotting Scope
Whether you are in the market for a new hunting spotting scope or an upgrade to a worn-out one, look for the Vortex Viper 20-60×85 Angled Spotting Scope. This budget-oriented spotting scope offers great value for money thanks to impressive features and high glass quality.
The superior construction that incorporates premium components cements this scope’s reputation as one of the best Vortex viper spotting scopes. Weighing just 5.25 pounds, this optic is lightweight, packable and suitable for traveling.
Its O-ring is sealed and argon purged to deliver reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance. Built to last for decades, this optic is made of heavy-duty composite material and has shock-absorbing rubber armor to enhance its durability.
A built-in retractable sunshade protects the objective lens from mechanical damage while also minimizing glare when using the scope under broad daylight. The HD optical system delivers high-end optical performance.
Moreover, the spotting scope boasts of XR anti-reflective lens coating on exterior surfaces that enhances light transmission even in low light situations. Also included is a multi-position eyecup ideal for those users who put on eyeglasses.
Key Features
- Small, lightweight, and easy to carry around.
- Element-proof, waterproof, and fog proof.
- Durable, shock-absorbing rubber armor.
- Built to last. Made of high-quality and hard-wearing composite material.
- Carrying case included.
- High-end optical performance.
- High-quality XR anti-reflective lens coating.
- Armortek lens coating.
- Built-in retractable sunshade.
- Multi-position eyecups provide customized eye relief.
- Substantial 20-60x magnification.
- Tripod mountable.
4) Vortex Optics Viper 20-60×85 Straight Spotting Scope
A good and high-quality optic such as the Viper 20-60×85 Straight Spotting Scope is a useful tool to any nature enthusiast. Designed for a wide range of outdoor applications, this spotting scope is durable and rugged enough to withstand any outdoor impacts.
Being a straight scope, it’s ideal for hunting as it allows the hunter to easily keep track of the animal while being easy to use from a tree stand. For all-weather reliability, this optic is fully element-proof, waterproof, and fog proof.
A shock-absorbing rubber armor enhances durability and also provides a secure, non-slip grip for the user. Made to accommodate different users, this spotting scope has a multi-position eyecup which provides unlimited eye relief ideal for those who put on eyeglasses.
Furthermore, a locking collar is included to allow the scope to easily rotate in different viewing angles. An Armortek lens coating shields the lens from scratches and dirt, to provide clear target views all through.
Well, that’s not all. The HD optical system comprises premium high-end components to deliver high-end optical performance regardless of the lighting condition. Another awesome feature included is a built-in retractable sunshade which protects the objective lens from mechanical damage while minimizing glare during bright, mid-day viewing.
Key Features
- Handy multi-position eyecup.
- Ultra-smooth helical focus.
- Unlimited eye relief.
- Waterproof, fogproof, and dustproof.
- Protective, shock-absorbing rubber armor.
- Armortek protective lens coating.
- Built-in sunshade to help reduce glare.
- XR anti-reflective lens coating.
- High-end optical performance.
- Ergonomic, non-slip rubber grip.
- Close focus: 36 feet.
- Lightweight, packable and portable.
- Tripod mountable.
Related Posts
- Best Spotting Scopes for Long-Range Shooting
- Rifle Bipod for Long-Range Shooting
- Best Long-Range Binoculars
- Best Rangefinder Scopes for Rifles
Best Vortex Viper Spotting Scopes Buying Guide & FAQs
Criteria For Choosing the Best Vortex Viper Spotting Scopes
Here are some of the key factors to consider when shopping for a new Vortex viper spotting scope.
Intended Use
The activity you intend to engage yourself in will have a major impact on the qualities and features you’ll require. For hunting, you’ll need a straight, lightweight, portable, and durable spotting scope capable of handling hard and rough environments.
As for birding, a spotting scope with an adjustable magnification will do well, as will help you spot birds both close and long-range. If you plan to use the spotting scope for photography, you’ll need to pair it with your camera or smartphone. This calls for an optic model that included a T-mount adapter.
Lastly, look for a spotting scope with a large objective lens if you intend to use it for astronomy. To have great value for your money, look for an optic that’s suitable for a wide range of applications, not just one activity.
Angled vs Straight
The two basic designs of spotting scopes are straight and angled. A straight scope has its eyepiece in line with the objective lens. This design is easy to use and ideal for use by first-time viewers.
Additionally, they are easy to pack and ideal for traveling. On the downside, straight scopes are uncomfortable to use for extended viewing sessions. On the other hand, an angled spotting scope has the eyepiece set and angle from the objective lens.
Suitable for extended viewing sessions, angles scopes reduce stress on the neck and back. However, they tend to be difficult to pack and not ideal for traveling or backpacking.
Tripod Mountable
Since spotting scopes come with high magnification, mounting them on a tripod helps reduce external movement at the highest magnification level.
To get the best performance especially at the highest magnification, a tripod will provide a sturdy viewing platform for a snug and convenient viewing experience.
The majority of spotting scopes come with their tripods while others have a tripod mount that matches with a wide range of standard camera tripods.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the maximum distance between the eyepiece lens and the position at which your eye rests. Eyeglass wearers should pay keen attention to the amount of eye relief offered by the spotting scope.
An optic with long eye relief directs the focal point farther behind the eyepiece so sunglass/eyeglass wearers have a complete field of view. Given in mm, the best spotting scope should have at least 12-15mm of eye relief. This way, every user with or without eyeglasses will be assured of comfortable viewing.
Durable Construction
A majority of outdoor activities that require the use of a spotting scope require you to move from one location to the other. Since you’ll be carrying the spotting scope across miles on rough and uneven surfaces, odds are that you will occasionally bump or accidentally drop the scope along the way.
This calls for a spotting scope that’s rugged and sturdily made to withstand shock and impact without sacrificing its performance.
The Vortex Viper spotting scope that you choose should also be all-weather reliable. It should be gas purged and sealed to prevent internal fogging caused by rapid temperatures changes. The optic should also be fully waterproof to prevent mold or fungus from growing inside.
Most of the Vortex Viper spotting scopes listed above feature shock-absorbing rubber armor which not only enhances durability but also provides a secure, non-slip grip. Having a spotting scope that’s built to last will ensure great value for money.
Light Gathering Ability
Like any other scope, the light-gathering ability of the vortex viper spotting scope is indicated by the size of the objective lens. Vortex viper spotting scope’s objective lenses vary in size from 50mm to 100mm.
In general, large-sized objective lenses will produce brighter image views, however, they make the optic much heavier and difficult to carry around. For best optical performance, look for a scope with HD or ED glass as well as fully multi-coated lenses.
Portability
If you’ll be engaged in an activity that requires you to move from one location to the other, choose a scope that’s lightweight and easy to carry around. A lightweight scope also becomes easy to pack and ideal for traveling and backpacking.
Furthermore, if you intend to engage yourself in an activity that requires multiple sets up and takedowns of the spotting scope, go for one that’s easy to mount and easy to take down as well. Also, look for a scope that’s tripod mountable if you plan to engage yourself in long viewing sessions.
Magnification Range
Lastly, you must consider getting a spotting scope whose magnification range suits your intended use. Typically, vortex viper spotting scopes have their magnification range between 15-45x and 20-50x.
That magnification is great for a wide range of both closes- and long-range viewing. While many people think that the higher the magnification the better the scope, this is not always the case. The more powerful your lens is, the clearer your image views become.
However, at the highest magnification, images start to become blurry even with the clearest lenses. The best spotting scopes have a magnification power that ranges from 15x to 60x. Anything more than this will affect your field of view and result to blur images.
Read: Best Western Hunting Scopes
Best Vortex Viper Spotting Scopes FAQs
Q: Which is the Best Spotting Scope for Starters?
If you are new in the world of spotting scopes, it’s recommended that you go for a straight spotting scope. This design is intuitive and easy to use, lightweight, packable and great for travel.
Q: Can You Use a Vortex Viper Spotting Scope for Astronomy?
Of course, yes. Vortex viper spotting scope both straight and angled offer high magnification, excellent optical brightness and clarity. They do a tremendous job even under low light conditions which makes them equally great for astronomy as much as binoculars and telescopes.
Q: Which is Better, Straight or Angled Spotting Scopes?
Angled spotting scopes have the advantage of using a lower tripod height which enhances stability as well as being a much better setup for Digiscoping. On the other hand, straight scopes are typically simpler to use and are generally sought after by those known in the optics world and those looking for land observation because they enhance rapid target acquisition.
Q: What Do Numbers on the Spotting Scope Represent?
If you are wondering what the numbers on the spotting scope represent. For instance, in a 20-60×80 spotting scope, the first two numbers. That is 20-60x indicates the magnification power of that scope. The third number which in this case is 80, indicates the diameter of the objective lens.
Q: Are Vortex Viper Spotting Scopes Worth It?
Yes, they are. Broadly speaking, these spotting scopes are built to last. They provide better, more detailed image views with a high and versatile zoom power that enables you to use the scope for a broader range of outdoor activities.
Conclusion
In a market that offers a multitude of spotting scopes from different manufacturers, the quality of the optic is crucial to having a great outdoor time. Vortex is a reputable brand known to make high-quality optics with the superb optical performance.
Vortex viper spotting scopes are great options for observing the beauty of nature and the wonders of the universe as well. If you are looking forward to getting a spotting scope, all the spotting scopes listed above are quality, easy to use, and the best spotting scopes for getting close to nature.