VortexOptics Viper HD Spotting Scopes

I didn't realize it would be so much larger than my Leopold (my fault). You need a sturdy mount and be careful, it's very front heavy. The image quality and clarity is the best I've seen and also have other products from Vortex in this category (Viper) and very pleased. This perfectly suits my needs at the range where I can make out .17 caliber holes at 200 yards and .22 caliber holes at 300 yards.

I’ve had my eye one one of these for several years. It’s used for birdwatching and also stargazing. The straight scope is easier to locate target than angled. I paired this with the vortex ridgeveiw tripod.

The variable eyepiece that comes with the Viper HD 85mm spotting scope is great at shorter ranges, but struggles at long range in both image quality and field of view. Fine if you’re scanning for deer in the hills, not as good if you’re looking for holes in a target at 500 yards. This VS-85 REM (MRAD reticle version) is fixed at 33.5X, but the picture and field of view looking at the same target with the stock variable eyepiece are hands down better. I can read Texas on a Texas license plate at 550 yards with no problem as long as it’s not too distorted in the heat of the day with heat waves. And even then, I can read the larger license number. The field of view is vastly wider and edge to edge picture is solid. If you’re buying the Viper 85mm spotting scope, you really need to pick up this reticle eyepiece. Game changer. As an aside, you really need a decent tripod and some time learning how to operate the scope to reap the full rewards of the setup. Too many reviewers describing problems that are almost certainly user error. Just my two cents, hope it helps others.

Very good quality, packaged well.

Unbelievable clarity. Expensive but worth it

Dad joke aside, this scope is really something. It's easy to adjust and use, light enough, and does a great job for quick setup and good viewing. The neoprene sleeve is helpful (it comes with that), although I've yet to understand *exactly* how to use the sleeve and pull the sunshade out without it getting awkward. That being said, I've loved this thing, and for me the 45x is plenty (compared to the 60x). In my area, heat shadows or air conditions make it hard for the 60x to help too much more anyway. Compared to the Razor HD i've powered before, it's hard to really tell the difference unless you're an expert on optics (I've been told). Plus, the Vortex guarantee...need I say more than that. Love it!

WORKS GREAT FOR LONG-RANGE STOOTING.

It is a very nice scope if you restrict the zoom to 35X. Some place between 35x and 45x (max) focusing is a challenge.