Binoculars are a helpful tool when out in the natural world. They help you focus on targets and examine the terrain ahead. Two of the best options include the Athlon Cronus and Vortex Viper. We will compare these to determine which is the best for your needs.
Technical Specifications
First, it’s helpful to consider the technical specifications of each product. In the case of binoculars, we will examine the prism type. The prism takes in light and inverts the image to a right-side-up position for the viewer's benefit.
The Athlon Cronus offers a roof prism. This type contains two faces at a right-degree angle, which splits the light into two separate components before bringing the beams back together. The Cronus has a BAK4 system, providing a clearer view and a strong prism.
The Vortex Viper has a roof prism too, but it doesn’t fall under the BAK4 category. You won’t get the same vision in the Viper as you will with the Cronus.
If we were to pick a winner in this category, it would be the Cronus. The BAK4 system sets it apart from the Viper, permitting a better viewing experience on the go.
Next, let’s dive into the performance of each product. This category will determine which allows better vision outside.
Performance
Performance is critical in a pair of binoculars. It doesn’t matter what it looks like or how large they are if it cannot do what they exist to do on the move. Let’s discuss the similarities and differences between Cronus and Vortex in this field.
There are many ways in which these products are the same. They both offer a magnification ten times that of the human eye, an objective lens diameter of 42 mm, an actual angle of view of 42 mm, and an exit pupil diameter of 4.2 mm.
Here are a few specifications where they differ:
- Field of View: 338' @ 1000 yd / 112.2 m @ 1000 m 341' @ 1000 yd / 113.2 m @ 1000 m
- Minimum Focus Distance: 6.6' / 2 m 6.5' / 2 m
- Eye Relief: 19.3 mm 17 mm
- Interpupillary Adjustment: 56 to 73 mm / 2.2 to 2.9" 56 to 75 mm / 2.2 to 3"
These set each pair apart when considering performance.
Each pair has a center focus type. This specification means there is a central knob, which users may turn to ensure the clarity of the image. It’s an excellent way to perform viewing adjustments on the go.
The winner in the performance category is the Viper. Although the Cronus has it beat in eye relief, the Viper wins everywhere else. It offers a wider field of view, a shorter minimum focus distance, and a wider interpupillary adjustment.
Now that we’ve gone over the performance specifications, let’s dive into the features. These items help determine how well each pair will perform on the field in various weather conditions.
Features
Waterproof and fog proof abilities are critical in a quality pair of binoculars. If they are not fog proof, humidity or tropical weather will fog up the lenses and prevent sight. Lack of waterproofing will render the products useless in any storm or puddle.
The Cronus and Vortex are fog proof. The manufacturers accomplish this process through argon filling, ensuring the lenses won’t fog up in humid conditions. You can use them anywhere.
Each product is also waterproof. They will resist water leakage, allowing you to use them in storms and other wet weather. It’s best to keep them out of puddles and bodies of water, but they will hold together for a period if the worst-case scenario occurs.
It doesn’t matter which pair you go with if water and fog features are your top priority. Both offer the same resistance to the user, ensuring the pair is more durable than other options on the market.
We’ve talked about technical specifications, performance abilities, and features. Now, let’s review general information about each product to complete our analysis. These will determine which is simpler to utilize and move from one place to another.
General
The general specifications reveal general size information about the Cronus and Viper. It’s helpful to know the dimensions and weight to determine how easy it will be to keep a pair with you when on the move. It’s ideal to have a more compact pair with a lighter weight.
The Athlon Cronus has dimensions of 6.3 x 5.1" / 16 x 13 cm. It’s just over half a foot in length and a little less than that in width. It weighs 33 oz / 935.6 g, heavier than the competing Viper.
Comparatively, the Vortex Viper measures 5.6 x 4.9" / 142.2 x 124.5 mm, just under half a foot in length and even less in width. It weighs 24.9 oz / 705.9 g, much less than the competing Cronus. Although the difference isn’t huge, it’s enough to be noticeable to users on the move.
Overall, the winner in this category is the Vortex Viper. It is almost ten ounces lighter than the Cronus and offers a length almost an inch shorter. It’s slightly shorter in width, making it easier to carry and operate on the field.
Now that we’ve gone over the specifications, it’s time to declare a winner. Let’s pick the best option out of these two to determine which you should invest in. They are both quality choices, but only one can come out on top.
Final Thoughts
Although both pairs have much to offer users, the Vortex Viper is the winner. It is much smaller and lighter than the Cronus. It also provides better performance features, including the field of view. The Vortex Viper boasts water and fog-proof abilities on the move.
We hope this information was helpful! It’s tricky to determine the ideal pair of binoculars, but these are excellent choices. No matter which option you choose, you are sure to have a quality viewing experience with these in your set of tools.