Vortex is one of the most famous optical brands, and we’ve written many articles and comparison guides on the products. Each of their new launches is better than the previous. We have seen many people who are crazy about Vortex binoculars and are not willing to switch to any other brand. In this article, you will get all the information about two binoculars that fall under the umbrella of Vortex. Here is the Vortex Viper vs Razor Binoculars guide to ease your buying decision.
Are you one of those enthusiasts who love to stay in outdoor conditions without worrying about light conditions and weather? If yes, then these vortex vipers and razor binoculars should be your choice as they are so much capable of being used in all conditions. Are you worried about which one, Vortex Viper or Razor, is a better option for you? Here is the small answer to your query.
The Vortex Razor binoculars have open hinge designs that increase the barrel space to increase the grip on them. They also have an APO system for color correction and have better low-light usage. Moreover, the lightweight, minimal chromatic aberration, XR Plus fully multi-coated lens, and strong magnesium material used in the body help them stay ahead of Vortex viper binoculars. But if you have a tight budget, we recommend you choose Vortex viper as the razor is a bit more expensive.
It was a small introduction to these two giants. But we are not stopping our fingers. In fact, our aim is to guide you completely and make you able to decide which one is better than the other. Keep reading for in-depth details about theVortex Viper vs. Razor Binoculars.
Similarities between Vortex Viper and Razor Binoculars
In order to understand the differences between Vortex Viper and Razor binoculars, you should know all the common points that these two binoculars share. After guiding you about similar points, we will dive deeper to understand all the differences and tell you how these vortex binoculars are different from each other.
NOTE: Both of these Vortex binoculars are excellent in all aspects. The company considers both of them as premium and high-end products. There are small differences that set them apart from each other.
1- Coating on both lenses and Glassy parts
Coating in binoculars is one of the most important factors in giving you excellent clarity in the image. Moreover, it helps the lenses increase the transmission of light, which makes the image brighter. Luckily, both the Vortex Viper and Razor binoculars come with FMC lenses. FMC stands for fully multi-coating. Not only lenses, but all the glassy components used in these binoculars have a coating on them.
2- Dielectric coating on the Prism
Dielectric coating is very confusing to those people who are not very familiar with optics. It is a small coating or layer made of any dielectric material that reduces the reflection of light. The usage of this coating on the prism ensures the minimal reflection of light: giving a brighter, and crisper image to the users. The better-quality prism does half the job of providing high-quality images to the users. Both the Vortex Razor and the Vipers have prisms equipped with a dielectric coating on them.
3-Ability to focus
The focus of binoculars means how well they zoom the image of closely placed objects. It is important when you intend to see a butterfly or any other thing that is not far away from you. Better close focus helps you see all the minute details of the targeted objects. Both the Vortex Viper and the Razor have outstanding close focus and are very much capable of showing every small detail of the target and have a close focus of 6 mm.
Note: Close focus is important for those who buy binoculars to see the beauty of nature, like seeing all the details of butterflies etc
4- Proofing against moisture, fog, and shocks
Both Viper and Razor are brands, and it is obvious that they have good proofing against water and fog. The o ring sealing and nitrogen as a purging gas help them show good resistance against the entry of moisture. In fact, the nitrogen gas that is used for purging ensures that no moisture remains inside the binoculars. Suppose that if the water or moisture reaches inside, then gas will act and remove all the moisture. They have solid-body construction that makes them able to bear all the shocks and falls
5- Scratch resistance
Are you worried about the scratch that often comes when binoculars pass the test of time? Worry not, as these binoculars have ArmorTek Rubber Armoring, a coating that helps them to be scratch-free throughout their lifespan. The coating is scratch-resistant, and if the binoculars fall off accidentally, they will be fine without getting damaged. This coating increases the durability of the binoculars. During the shipping process. Binoculars are usually get affected. But with the ArmorTek coating, they will be in good shape.
6- Lens quality and Center Focus Knob
The lenses used in these binoculars are top-notch. You will never feel the inferiority of any component used in the manufacturing of these binoculars. The knob is located in the center of these binoculars, which helps in managing the focus of both eyes. Users can control the focus of their index fingers quite easily.
Difference between two binoculars: Vortex Viper vs Razor
You’ve got all the basic similarities between the Vortex Viper and Razor binoculars. Now, it will be easier for you to understand the differences between them. Before we start guiding you through the contrast, you should know that both of these binoculars are excellent. The differences that we’ve found are very small, and newbies won’t even feel them. Here we go to discuss the differences between the Vortex Viper and Razor binoculars.
1- Low light Usability
Low light performance is a major standard or selection criteria that define the success or failure of any binocular. As said earlier, both the Viper and the Razor have multi-coated lenses that make them able to give a brighter image. But are they really similar in terms of low-light usability?
The answer is no! The Vortex Razor consists of an APO color correction system that is very helpful in adjusting the color balance when light is too low. The viper binoculars don’t have an APO system.
No doubt that the viper and Razor both work fine in showing decent images in low light useability. But the Razor binoculars have a slight edge as they bring brighter images with proper color balance and corrections.
In terms of low-light ability, the margin of difference is very small. But Vortex Razor binoculars are on top due to their premium feature of color balance.
The area of coverage, or field of view, is the area that a user can see through binoculars without moving them. Every outdoor activity requires a different and specific field of view. For example, hunting requires a wider field of view than astronomy or sightseeing, which requires comparatively less FOV.
It is recommended to choose binoculars with a wider field of view as they are capable of being used for almost all outdoor activities. In the case of the Vortex Viper vs. Razor binoculars, both offer optimal FOV. But the Razor Binoculars have a slight edge as they provide a wider field of view.
Field of view of Razor = 362 feet
Field of view of Viper = 341 feet
The Vortex Viper binoculars offer 21 feet more than the Viper and win the battle in terms of providing a wider FOV.
3- Eye Relief and Comfortability
If you aim to use binoculars for a long period of time, then the ease or comfort of using them should be a key factor for you. Bad Eye relief directly affects the ease of useability of binoculars. Better eye relief means ease of use of binoculars.
Vortex Viper binoculars offer 17 mm of eye relief whereas Vortex Razor binoculars provide 16.5 mm of eye relief which is a very small difference.
Those people who wear glasses due to weak eyesight should consider the Vortex Viper as they are comparatively more comfortable. Viper binoculars also have adjustable eyecups, which further enhance the user’s comfort.
Both of these binoculars have differences in their construction materials. Strong magnesium material is used in the makeup of Vortex Razor binoculars, whereas polycarbonate plastic is the major construction material used for Vortex Viper binoculars.
Magnesium is very robust in nature and gives enormous strength to Razor binoculars. Its usage makes the binoculars able to face harsh usage, shocks, and accidental falls from heights. In contrast, polycarbonate is also strong, but when compared with magnesium, it does not match. The binoculars constructed from polycarbonate material are slightly less durable than those that are built with magnesium material.
If you’ve rough usage then we recommend you to opt for vortex razor binoculars instead of viper as you will get a more durable and robust option to enjoy your outdoor activities.
5- Body designing
Body shape and design are very important in giving you a comfortable viewing experience. The Vortex Razor Binoculars have a slight edge over the Viper as they have an open hinge design. The design creates more space between two barrels. More space provides a more comfortable grip on binoculars. It is fair to say that gripping on a Vortex razor is both stronger and more comfortable as compared to that of a viper.
6- Chromatic aberration
It is also called color distortion, and it produces unwanted color to be shown on the edges of the image provided to users. But vortex razor binoculars have almost negligible chromatic aberration, whereas there is a slight chromatic aberration in viper binoculars, and you will clearly see some unwanted color fringes on the corners.
7- Weight
Both of these binoculars are lightweight and very capable of being used for hunting, birding, and other outdoor activities that require holding binoculars for a long period of time. YOu won’t feel tired at all.
By the way, Vortex Razor binoculars have a total weight of 24.8 ounces, whereas their counterparts have a total weight of 24.9 ounces. The difference is very minimal and it can be ignored. The size of these binoculars is almost the same. Weight and size will not affect your experience.
Note: During testing, we felt that their weight was the same. In fact, we did weigh them both and they had the same numbers in terms of weight. The figures mentioned above are claimed by the company, and we don’t agree with them. There is no difference in terms of weight.
8- Price
The price of a product is the major deciding factor for many buyers out there. We also consider pricing while comparing two products. No matter how good a product is, if its price is too high then there is no logic in buying them. Budget is a key factor.
In the battle of Vortex Viper vs Razor Binoculars, the price of Vortex Viper is comparatively lower than that of Razor. If the budget is your biggest worry, then we never recommend you go out and buy vortex razor binoculars.
There are small differences that can be overlooked if your budget is tight. But if you have a handsome budget and want premium binoculars then we will recommend you choose vortex razor and enjoy the premium features and uplift your fun.
Who is the winner of Vortex Viper vs Razor Battle?
It is difficult for us to announce one product as one and the other as a loser. Both the Vortex Razor and the Viper are high-end binoculars and provide an outstanding outdoor viewing experience. The differences between them are quite small.
Due to small but premium features, Vortex razor binoculars are slightly better than Viper binoculars. Our announcement does mean that it is mandatory to prioritize razor vs. viper. If you have a tight budget, then don’t force your pocket to spend more.
What is the difference between Vortex Viper and Razor?
Both the Vortex Razor and Viper are premium products, however, the Razor has a minor advantage over the Viper due to superior body material, a wider field of view, an APO system, and the ability to be used in low light. No doubt vortex viper is also a top product with reasonable pricing.
Are Vortex Viper binoculars worth it?
Viper binoculars are reasonably priced and offer all the necessary functions. People with tight budgets can get them as they come equipped with everything needed to enjoy any outdoor activity.
Are Vortex Razor binoculars worth the money?
Razor binoculars come with premium features like low light useability, an APO system, minimal chromatic aberration, and an open hinge design that enhance their performance. Due to these features, Vortex Razor binoculars are worth the money.
Conclusion
We’ve been asked so many questions about Vortex Viper vs Razor Binoculars. Today, we have written an extensive guide that will help you to decide which one is better than the other. Our aim is to ease your buying process by providing resources that are not available to you. Keep in mind that we’ve tested these binoculars and given you honest reviews about them. Hopefully, our efforts will be fruitful for you in your decision-making process.
I am Richard from Michigan, and who has a craze for hunting. I have been around optics especially binoculars since 2001 and have gotten decent experience while using them to hunt. I have made this website to share my experience with those who are new in the field. My guides & reviews will help my readers to get in-depth information about binoculars. Let’s hunt for binoculars NOW!
