Thanks for the kind words!

Unless you happen to have a 1st generation Bushnell Elite (not likely - they are a rather rare bino) or their new Forge model, then I would agree that the Viper HD mentioned in the original post would be a substantial improvement over a "cheapo" Bushnell. I think that any of the (normally) ~$500 binos can be a "lifetime" bino for most people.

As for a possible different recommendation - sure you can always get a better bino than the Viper HD, but it would take going to the $900-$1k level to get an improvement that would be worth the effort. And the others that the Viper typically competes with (Monarch 7, Pro Guide HD, Meopro) would not be worth getting as you would have to spend close to $140-$150 more to get them, and you still wouldn't be ahead enough to be worth it.

hth,
C

Is it just the viper hd 10x going on sale or will the 12x and 8x also going on sale?

Last year BF and this year in October it was just the 10X.

Perfect - that's what I needed to know. Sounds like these Vortex HDs are exactly what I'm looking for. And no, my Bushnells aren't a collectible - got them as a gift but pretty sure they're the $40 Walmart variety. I'll probably keep those as an extra pair to keep in the truck, let the kids use, etc.

Greatly appreciate your expertise!

C, would my Bushnell Legend 8x42 WP Porro's qualify as "el cheapo's" that the vortex's would be a significant upgrade over? They are about 8-10 years old at this point and still in good shape.

I'd sell my Leica Trinovids. I love them but wouldn't mind upgrading to a swaro el.

rab79 said:

---

C, would my Bushnell Legend 8x42 WP Porro's qualify as "el cheapo's" that the vortex's would be a significant upgrade over? They are about 8-10 years old at this point and still in good shape.

---

I've not ever used a Porro Legend (Legend - and not Legacy - they made both) since you just don't see them out in the wild. The roof-prism Legends performed decently well, so I would think that the Porro would too. My estimation is that the Viper HD will be a step up, but I would hesitate to estimate that one could call it a "significant upgrade". You'll just have to try it and see.

One thing is for sure, and that is the Viper HD is a much more handsome binocular….. ;-)

C

Caladan said:

---

One thing is for sure, and that is the Viper HD is a much more handsome binocular….. ;-)

C

---

Thanks, and here I always thought binoculars were to look through, not at....

Thanks for heads up. Gonna try to snag one of these next week. As for me, I have zero optics so anything that is a good deal by Caladan's book will be useful to me.

Deals are one thing but what are you using them for and what conditions?
Glassing elk from a motorized vehicle in low light at 3000 yards then good glass and larger fov like the 12x50s on a tripod are great, but once you start climbing good glass 10x42s is all you'll want to pack. The new ones w built in range finders are great. If ur watching white tails come to ur feeder 200 yards out no need for a big budget.

So is this going to be at both Bass Pro and Cabela's stores? I know they are owned by same company but didn't know if they were running the same deal.

I'm looking for a good pair of binoculars in the $100 range. I don't hunt so these should not be compared to this model. I will mainly use them when on excursions during cruises or other trips.

PlanoAg98 said:

---

I'm looking for a good pair of binoculars in the $100 range. I don't hunt so these should not be compared to this model. I will mainly use them when on excursions during cruises or other trips.

---

If you want something small enough to put in a jacket pocket, look at:
Nikon Travelite 8x25
Pentax A-Series or U-Series 8x25
Vortex Vanquish 8x25
Leupold BX-1 8x25

If you want something a bit bigger and that performs a bit better in low light but yet is still a fairly small size (but not pocketable), look at:
Kowa YF II 8x30

If you want a (more or less) full-size 42mm, look at:
Athlon Argos 8x42 currently on sale at Cameralandny.com for $109.99
Athlon Neos Gen II 8x42
Nikon Prostaff 3s 8x42

C

PlanoAg98 said:

---

I'm looking for a good pair of binoculars in the $100 range. I don't hunt so these should not be compared to this model. I will mainly use them when on excursions during cruises or other trips.

---

I feel you, but $100 binos are mostly crap - junk glass that is hazy & will fall apart after a few years. If that's your budget & you're holding firm, just throw a dart at any pair - they are all about the same in that range.

Spending $225-ish on Vortex DBs, at minimum, will get you a good, clear, long lasting product with a warranty.

If you want a great, very clear, long lasting product, the buy-in starts around $4/500 typically.

These are $175 right now at Amazon, but highly recommended by birders in all of my recent research.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MFBSL4/?coliid=I3C6JTSTYCZ9LD&colid=VUP2TP0DIZPV&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it


The larger 10x42 Leupold BX-1 recommended by Caladan above will be at Bass Pro/Cabelas for $130 on BF as well.
https://slickdeals.net/coupons/cabelas/black-friday-deals/#ad-scan-94873

I wanted something to upgrade my 30 year old Nikon Travellites for general use and backyard birding, so I grabbed a pair of the new Monarch 5's off REI with the member discount for $251 delivered.

https://www.rokslide.com/forums/threads/vortex-viper-hd-10x42-only-299-at-cabelas.195191/

These should be the same discussed in this thread

That was actually the purpose of the OP, so yeah I guess you could say it's worth discussion…

BDJ_AG said:

---

That was actually the purpose of the OP, so yeah I guess you could say it's worth discussion…

---

…?…
I don't follow what you're saying. It's presumably the same binos from the OP just in last years Black Friday sale. That thread there's actually guys who have bought the binos, they talk about China vs Japan. Just more info on these binos for everyone.

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/vortex-viper-hd-binoculars

They are $299 at that link now. I just bought mine

Had the same thing happen erlier. They showed up at the original price when I looked around 6:30. By the time I got to work and checked, the price was down to $299 as the poster above stated.

Just bought mine too, thanks for the heads up on this deal!

Yeah I couldn't find the deal on Cabelas but found it at Bass Pro. Free express shipping too.

I ordered 2 at the sale price. Thanks to Caladan for the heads up.

Any other outdoor related good deals this week. There are several items on the Cabelas site, but wondering what anyone has seen elsewhere.

Got a set at the store this morning. Thanks ad always to the OB for helping find things to spend money on.

Got a set at the store this morning. Thanks as always to the OB for helping find things to spend money on. Thanks for the advice Caladan!

I got in line at 6am at the San Antonio Bass Pro. By the time they opened at 7am, there were about 5 other people buying the same Vortex Vipers you recommended. Bass Pro had a whole cart of the Vipers ready to go in the binocular section.

Caladan, thanks for sharing your knowledge about these binoculars and for sharing this sale!

Care to share what kind of carrying bag came with them?

Also, I assume these aren't old enough to be the MIJ versions and are all from China?

You can always add these to your cart for free pickup at your local store. That way you don't have to stand in line or beat a crowd.

SAVE10 coupon got another $10 off.

Thanks!!

Got the very last pair at my local Bass Pro. Sold out by 10AM

https://mavenbuilt.com/products/c-1-8x42-10x42-12x42?variant=32127693979726

Haven't seen proof, but read these 10x will be going 25% off on Wednesday. Probably a better buy than the Vipers if you miss out on them.