Vortex talon or viper bino

[jlmoeller]

My friend and I are planning a high country mule deer hunt. I have been saving up for a decent pair of binoculars. I still have a lot of other gear to buy but I want to get decent optics. I am debating between the vortex talon and the vortex viper 10x42's. I have searched the forum and see both get good reviews. I have looked through both but not side by side.

Are the vipers worth the extra $100+ dollars?
How much of an advantage is the wider field of view of the talon?

Thank you,
Jason Moeller

 

[Musket Man]

PM hardstalk. He is our Vortex man and he is also a vortex dealer.

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

Jason,

The Talon is Vortex' badged version of a popular binocular. Optically it is very close to the Viper HD, and has a wider FOV. The Viper HD is a great overall binocular, and probably has the slightest optical edge over the Talon in the center field.

The biggest difference IMO is build quality. The Viper is built like a brick and inspires confidence when you pick it up. The Talon is built OK, but has a little "cheaper" feel.

Both are backed up by the best warranty in the business.

I can't say if the $100 is worth it to you, but it would be to me.

 

[jlmoeller]

Thanks BB, I appreciate your expertise. Back in 2011 you posted on the Zen Ray ED2 binos, I believe these are the same as the vortex talons. Do you still think as highly of them? Any updates on current performance?

Thanks again.

Jason Moeller

 

[jlmoeller]

PM hardstalk. He is our Vortex man and he is also a vortex dealer.

Good to know. Thanks for the tip.

Jason Moeller

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

Thanks BB, I appreciate your expertise. Back in 2011 you posted on the Zen Ray ED2 binos, I believe these are the same as the vortex talons. Do you still think as highly of them? Any updates on current performance?

Thanks again.

Jason Moeller

Their durablility became a minor issue, and customer service that started out great turned a bit sour.

I heartily recommend Vortex as a company that stands by their products.

 

[hardstalk]

I think the difference in feel may have something to do with the open hinged difference in the two. If it were me vs. a mean animal I wouldn't hesitate to beat it over the head with either choice! I used the talons for a couple months and then the vipers right after. My eyes preferred the talons for some weird reason. To me the talons rank at the top of my preference in the +/- 200 dollar range (compared to others in the same range) if you choose the talons I don't think your losing anything. They differ in build slightly but that is a personal preference.

P.s my eyes without correction (eyeglass or other) are junk. This may be the difference I see in the two. Im not sure my vision is great enough to really pick apart the performance in glass side by side when they are similar clarity wise.

 

[jlmoeller]

I just found another option. Awhile back I compared the zeiss terra 10x42 to the vortex talon 10x42. I thought the terra was almost as good as the talon in a smaller slightly lighter package. I just learned tonight that zeiss is running a $50 rebate right now and an online retailer has a $45 off discount code on orders over $300. This makes the Terra's $305 vs $450 for the talon's. How does the Terra stack up to the talon?

Thanks for the help guys, I really appreciate the advice.

Jason Moeller

 

[hardstalk]

No experience with the terra personally, I'm sure someone around here can help

 

[jlmoeller]

Thanks for all the help guys. I went ahead and bought the vortex viper hd 10x42's from Hardstalk. They are awesome. Nice bright clear view, feel nice in the hands and aren't real heavy. I went to some local public hunting land and watched some deer the other evening. I could easily see a small fork horn buck at 464 yds. I am extremely pleased.

I also got a tripod mount and I really like that. I can see the tripod mount is a very efficient way to glass an area.

Hardstalk, thanks for the great service and quick delivery. Now I have to start saving for a spotting scope!

 

[dihardhunter]

I'll let you know in a couple weeks - got a set of 10x42 Viper HDs coming in the mail.

 

[jlmoeller]

I'll let you know in a couple weeks - got a set of 10x42 Viper HDs coming in the mail.

Let me know what you think. I love mine! I was amazed at what I could see when they were mounted on a tripod.

 

[NVBird'n'Big]

I am about to pull the trigger on some Vipers here soon. Thanks to this forum especially this thread, my decision was easy. I went to cabelas last weekend and looked through a bunch of glass and what I saw on top of the information I got here turned me leaning toward the Vipers to a definitive yes. Keep an eye out for a PM in the next few weeks Hardstock!

 

[hardstalk]

I am about to pull the trigger on some Vipers here soon. Thanks to this forum especially this thread, my decision was easy. I went to cabelas last weekend and looked through a bunch of glass and what I saw on top of the information I got here turned me leaning toward the Vipers to a definitive yes. Keep an eye out for a PM in the next few weeks Hardstock!

Inbox is clean! Send em!

 

[hardstalk]

Thanks for all the help guys. I went ahead and bought the vortex viper hd 10x42's from Hardstalk. They are awesome. Nice bright clear view, feel nice in the hands and aren't real heavy. I went to some local public hunting land and watched some deer the other evening. I could easily see a small fork horn buck at 464 yds. I am extremely pleased.

I also got a tripod mount and I really like that. I can see the tripod mount is a very efficient way to glass an area.

Hardstalk, thanks for the great service and quick delivery. Now I have to start saving for a spotting scope!

Glad I could help!

 

[dihardhunter]

I sure will. Purchasing the new for 2014 - Summit S/P tripod as well. Glassing from a tripod definitely changes things for the better! Thinking the Vortex Vipers and my Minox compact spotter will make for a deadly backcountry combination.