Vortex Viper 15-45x65 Spotting Scope (Pictures)

[50calshooter]

So I went on a bit of a Vortex spending spree this past weekend and I picked up a new spotter and tri-pod.

For 2011 Vortex has revamped their spotter line. They've discontinued the NOMAD and now just have the Razor HD, Viper HD and Viper. I bought the Viper, I figured if I want to go to real HD glass I'll go with the Razor HD. Plus I couldn't really tell a big difference between the two Vipers. All in all I'm happy, the glass is superb and for my first spotter it's prolly more then I need. My buddy has a $1000 Nikon and he thinks my Viper is a better optic all around.

As far as the tri-pod goes, I was looking for one I could back pack so weight and size was important. I bought the Ridgeview model and after playing around with it, i like it. It's well built, and has tons of adjustability. It's the perfect unit for back packing.

A couple of nice features,

-Dual focus knobs, 1 for fine and 1 for course.
-Picatinny rail on top (still trying to figure out what thats for)
-The zoom eyepiece has a huge eye lens
-Angled version swivels 180 degrees
-Built in sunshade
-Rubber lens caps
-Soft case included

 

[LuckyLuc82]

How much was it?

 

[50calshooter]

Scope $499
Tri-pod $150

 

[KDX]

Nice looking scope. I like the idea of the two separate adjustments.

 

[CV32]

-Picatinny rail on top (still trying to figure out what thats for)

That's for the laser designator.

Great post/review!

 

[50calshooter]

Nice looking scope. I like the idea of the two separate adjustments.

It is actually quite nice, I was looking at the moon yesterday and it was really hard to get focused perfect from just using the course knob, with the fine knob it made it really easy. For the money you just cant beat this unit alot of bang for the buck, I guess thats the same for most of the Vortex product.

That's for the laser designator.

Are you talking about the lasers that the military use to paint targets? Cuz that kind of makes sense then. I got the new Vortex Tactical 2011 catalog and alot of the product inside is geared toward Mil/LE guys. The presentation of the catalog seems to speak to that crowd in general.

 

[CV32]

Are you talking about the lasers that the military use to paint targets?

Yup.

 

[TV-PressPass]

Pretty slick! I'd say the picatinny is for mounting a rangefinder or a red-dot. I know the red-dot sounds silly, but if you look at the leica iron sights, and the swaro sight tubes a red dot scope could be used in the same way to aim your angled scope.

I'm a big fan of the viper glass. But I bought the Razor HD for myself

 

[50calshooter]

I'd say the picatinny is for mounting a rangefinder or a red-dot. I know the red-dot sounds silly, but if you look at the leica iron sights, and the swaro sight tubes a red dot scope could be used in the same way to aim your angled scope.

Hey now this is a neat idea when seconds count if a red dot could get you close to your target to identify then that may be helpful...

 

[CV32]

Pretty slick! I'd say the picatinny is for mounting a rangefinder or a red-dot.

I'd say so too, to be honest.

 

[Blindeyes]

No it's so you can mount it on your pistol to use as a high power scope.LOL