Vortex is one of the leading optics brands known to manufacture high-quality optics. The Vortex Viper HD 20-60×85 Spotting Scope is one of their best spotting scopes known to combine portability and powerful zoom range ideal for a multitude of outdoor activities.
This high-end optic is made of high-quality materials which ensures reliable performance in all outdoor conditions. Packed with a wide range of impressive features, avid hunters and nature fanatics are assured of superior optical performance and impressive image brightness and clarity at all lighting and climatic conditions.
Available in both angled and straight models, users have got the opportunity to choose a model that works best for them. Let’s look at this detailed review of the two models available.
Viper HD 20-60×85 Straight Spotting Scope Overview
Optical Features
- Armortek lens coating creates a scratch-resistant lens cover that protects exterior lenses from scratches, corrosive materials, and dirt. This coating also does a great job in shedding off dirt, oil, and fingerprints to provide clear image views all the time.
- A versatile 20-60 x zoom range is great for both short and long-range viewing. With an 85mm objective lens, optimum light passes through to deliver bright and crisp clear target views regardless of the lighting condition.
- Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission, especially under low light conditions. The anti-reflective coatings are applied on all air to glass surfaces result in the production of bright and clear target views regardless of the lighting condition.
- HD optical system and incredible glassing deliver high-end optical performance, minimize chromatic aberration and deliver outstanding color fidelity and superior edge to edge image sharpness.
Construction Features
- Heavy-duty aluminum construction enhances durability while keeping weight at a minimum
- O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to deliver reliable waterproof, fog proof, and dustproof performance.
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor provides an ergonomic, non-slip grip that stays in place even when it’s raining or when one is wearing gloves.
- Naturally contoured to perfectly fit your hands, promoting comfort and eliminating user fatigue.
- Large and smooth helical focus helps you dial the image for ultra-sharp viewing.
Read: Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting
Convenience Features
- Adjustable eyecups twist up and down for snug viewing with or without eyeglasses. The adjustable eyecups also provide customized eye relief.
- Tripod adaptable. For hands-free steady use, the scope can be mounted on a tripod using the separately sold tripod adapter. This is an essential feature for those who engage in viewing sessions.
- The Center focus wheel enables you to adjust the focus of both binoculars simultaneously.
- Built-in retractable sunshade pulls out to minimize glare when using the scope under broad daylight. It also protects the objective lens from mechanical damage.
- Lightweight, portable and great for travel.
- Angled design provides a much better setup for crowd sharing, Digiscoping and better for glassing up steep terrain.
Advantages
- Perfect neck and back relief.
- Uses a wide range of tripods, both short and long.
- Perfect for Digiscoping.
- Ideal for crowd sharing.
Disadvantages
- Difficult to pack or slide in a pocket.
- Can collect snow or rain if left unattended.
Read: Best Spotting Scopes for Backcountry Hunting
Vortex Viper HD 20-60×85 Angled Spotting Scope Overview
Optical Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission, especially under low-light conditions. The anti-reflective coatings are applied on all air-to-glass surfaces resulting in the production of bright and clear target views regardless of the lighting condition.
- HD optical system and incredible glassing deliver high-end optical performance, minimize chromatic aberration and deliver outstanding color fidelity and superior edge-to-edge image sharpness.
- Armortek lens coating creates a scratch-resistant lens cover that protects exterior lenses from scratches, corrosive materials, and dirt. This coating also does a great job in shedding off dirt, oil, and fingerprints to provide clear image views all the time.
- Adjustable, multipurpose 20-60 x zoom range suited for both short and long-range viewing. With an 85mm objective lens, optimum light passes through to deliver bright and crisp clear target views regardless of the lighting condition.
Construction Features
- Heavy-duty aluminum construction enhances durability while keeping weight at a minimum
- O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to deliver reliable waterproof, fog proof, and dustproof performance.
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor provides an ergonomic, non-slip grip that stays in place even when it’s raining or when one is wearing gloves.
- Naturally contoured to perfectly fit your hands, promoting comfort and eliminating user fatigue.
- Large and smooth helical focus helps you dial the image for ultra-sharp viewing.
Read: Best Spotting Scopes for Hunting
Convenience Features
- Adjustable eyecups twist up and down for snug viewing with or without eyeglasses. The adjustable eyecups also provide customized eye relief.
- Lightweight, easy to pack and great for backpacking and travel.
- Tripod adaptable. For hands-free steady use, the scope can be mounted on a tripod using the separately sold tripod adapter. This is an essential feature for those who engage in viewing sessions.
- The Center focus wheel enables you to adjust the focus of both binoculars simultaneously.
- Built-in retractable sunshade pulls out to minimize glare when using the scope under broad daylight. It also protects the objective lens from mechanical damage.
Advantages
- Rapid target acquisition.
- Best for hunting.
- Best spotting scope for beginners as it is easy to use.
- Easy to pack and great for backpacking.
- Quick to mount on a tripod or switch from one tripod to the other.
Disadvantages
- Difficult to use in severe uphill angles.
- Constant neck and back discomfort.
- Requires a tall tripod to work effectively.
- Not ideal for people to share.
Read: Vortex Solo 10×36 Monocular Review
Conclusion
The best spotting scope is one that gives you comfortable views of the target regardless of the viewing activity you are engaged in. Both models outlined above are quality products with their pros and cons.
The decision to choose between the angled or straight viper HD spotting scopes greatly depends on personal preference and the outdoor activity one intends to engage in. Whichever model you decide to go with, rest assured that you’ll have a decent optic that will take you years.