Binoculars are excellent tools, whether you want them for birdwatching, hunting, or anything in between. Two of the best options on the market are the Vortex Viper and Vortex Razor. We will discuss these products to determine which is better for you.
Technical Specifications
The most vital topic to cover when picking a pair of binoculars is the technical specifications. These items include design, performance, features, and general items. Each section influences your experience with the binoculars.
Let’s talk more about the technical specifications of these products. The more you know about the Vortex Viper and Razor, the easier it will be to determine which pair of binoculars are ideal for your needs.
Design
First, the design features of the Razor and Viper. Every pair of binoculars is designed differently to angle and direct light for an optimal image. The Vortex Viper and Razor are no different.
Both binoculars offer an angled viewing angle. This vantage point makes it much easier to see through the pairs, even when looking up. Angled lenses permit easy access to see in the natural world.
The prism type is not specified in either pair. However, they determine how the light shifts through the system. This item will alter how the image hits your eye.
In terms of design, it’s a tie between the Viper and Razor. They offer an angled viewing angle and do not specify the prism type.
The design features determine how you will see through the lenses and what type of viewing angle the binoculars boast. Next, let’s talk about how well the binoculars will perform with their structure.
Performance
If a pair of binoculars has a less-than-ideal performance, you won’t be able to have a good experience with them. Rather than focusing on a bird or your next target, a proof performance will drastically hinder what you can do. What do the Viper and Razor offer users?
First, the magnification. The Vortex Razor has a magnification of 27 to 60x, while the Vortex Viper offers 20 to 60x. One has a slightly smaller range of view than the other.
The minimum focus distance for the Vortex Razor is 16.4’ / 5.0 m and 36.0’ / 12.0 m for the Vortex Viper. It takes much less for the Razor to come into focus than the competing Viper.
Another vital component is eye relief. The Vortex Razor has an eye relief of 17.0 to 16.7 mm, while the Vortex Venom has one of 19.6 to 17.9 mm. The Vortex Venom is the winner in this category.
Here are a few additional performance features in the Razor and Viper:
- Objective Lens Diameter: 85 mm for the Razor, 85 mm for the Viper
- Angle of View: Not Specified for the Razor, Not Specified for the Viper
- Field Of View: "27x: 117.0' @ 1000 yd / 39.0 m @ 1000 m 60x: 68.0' @ 1000 yd / 23.0 m @ 1000 m for the Razor, "20x: 101.0' @ 1000 yd / 34.0 m @ 1000 m 60x: 50.0' @ 1000 yd / 17.0 m @ 1000 m for the Viper
- Exit Pupil Diameter: "27x: 3.1 mm 60x: 1.4 mm for the Razor, "20x: 4.25 mm 60x: 1.4 mm for the Viper
We’ve gone over the performance potential of each pair based on various technologies and features built inside the system. Now, let’s dive into the additional features of the Viper and Razor, impacting how they handle the natural world.
The winner in the performance category is the Vortex Razor. It has a better magnification ability and minimum focus distance, although the Viper does much better with the field of view and eye relief.
Performance impacts how you see the world through binoculars. Now, let’s talk about the general features of the Vortex Viper and Razor.
Features
Additional features are added to each product to ensure it will survive in outdoor conditions. Every pair of binoculars is different, so it’s vital to determine which will perform the best in the weather.
Both the Vortex Viper and Razor are fog proof. The company completes this process by using argon to fill the glass, providing a more permanent fog-proof ability than without that addition.
The Vortex Viper and Razor also offer excellent waterproof ability. Although you should not submerge it in water, it can handle rain and sit in a puddle.
There is no winner in this category. They will work well in fog and water.
We have one more category to touch on with the Viper and Razor - the general category. Let’s discuss the mounting thread, weight, and length.
General
Last up are the general features. These influence how easy it is to mount the product and how big it is, including how easy it is to carry and transport to your location.
Both products have the same tripod mounting thread of ¼ inch, female. It’s small and simple to attach to any firearm you have.
The dimensions are different in each item The Vortex Razor offers a length of 15.5 inches, while the Viper boasts 17.5 inches. The Razor weighs 4.1 pounds, and the Viper weighs 4.8 pounds.
The winner in this category is the Vortex Razor. It is two inches smaller than the competitor and almost .7 pounds lighter than the Viper. It’s a little easier to transport and use, even if you don’t have free hands.
We’ve gone over all there is to know about the Vortex Viper and Razors. Which is the better choice? Who is the winner of the Viper and Razor?
Conclusion
Although there is much to offer in either pair of binoculars, the winner is the Vortex Razor. It is smaller, lighter, and has a slightly better performance ability than the Vortex Viper. It’s more equipped to provide a good view than the Viper.
No matter which pair of binoculars you choose, you will have an excellent experience. Although one is better, the Vortex Viper and Vortex Razor have plenty of practical features to serve you well.