Vortex Optics show off their new binoculars at Shot Show 2014

Vortex decided to spill the beans and show us some of their new binoculars for 2014 at the Shot Show Las Vegas, NV.

In a video (which you can view at the bottom of the page), Zach at Vortex Optics goes through their three new models for 2014:

Vortex Vulture 15x56 Binoculars

Vortex Vulture 15x56 BinocularsDue to be released in spring 2014, the new 15x version adds more magnification power to the already popular 10x56 and 8x56 Vortex Vulture binoculars.

The large 56mm objective lenses make these ideal for low light conditions however remember the added magnification on the new 15x56 model means that it produces a smaller exit pupil that is 3.7mm in diameter. This means that in theory it will not have the low light capability of the 8 and 10x versions, but it will have a better image resolution and it still compares reasonably well to 10x42 binoculars for example which have exit pupils of 4.2mm.

Main Specifications:

  • Extra-low Dispersion Glass Lens Elements
  • Fully Multi-Coated Optics
  • Dielectric Prism Coatings
  • Phase Correction Coatings
  • Eye Relief: 15 mm
  • Exit Pupil: 3.7 mm
  • Field of View: 226 feet/1000 yards
  • Angular Field of View: 4.3°
  • Close Focus: 15 ft
  • Interpupillary Distance: 59-74 mm
  • Width: 5.8 inches, Height: 7.6 inches, Weight: 43.6 oz

Price Range

In the US, these will have a MSRP of $599.00, however the 10x and the 8x versions are now already available for under $400.

 

Vortex Viper HD 12x50 Binoculars

Vortex Viper HD 12x50 BinocularsOnce again these new Viper HD binoculars will be available from spring 2014 and once again Vortex have added a new more powerful model to an already popular line of theirs.

I have actually tested and reviewed the Vortex Viper HD 8x42 Binoculars, which performed very well in all my tests scoring an Outstanding 85% overall with 9/10’s for body stats, optical components quality and image quality and there is no reason why these should not perform just as well as they share all the same features and components:

Main Features & Specifications:

  • Extra-low Dispersion Glass Lens Elements
  • Fully Multi-Coated Optics
  • Dielectric Prism Coatings
  • Phase Correction Coatings
  • Eye Relief: 15 mm
  • Exit Pupil: 4.2 mm
  • Field of View: 252 feet/1000 yards
  • Angular Field of View: 4.8°
  • Close Focus: 8.5 ft.
  • Interpupillary Distance: 59-75 mm
  • Width: 5.2 inches, Height: 6.7 inches, Weight: 28 oz

Price Range

In the US, these Viper HD’s will have a MSRP of $759.00, however I expect this price to come down fairly soon as most of the other Viper HD models can now be purchased for between $550 and $650. in the UK Viper bins cost around £430 to £500:

 

Vortex Kaibab 20x56 Binoculars

Vortex Kaibab 20x56 BinocularsAnother new model for spring 2014 is the highly powerful Kaibab 20x56 binoculars Whilst they already have a 15x56 version they say popular demand prompted them to introduce a 20x magnification version.

Apochromatic (APO) Lenses
A huge highlight of these is like the Vortex 8x42 Razor HD Binoculars that I reviewed, these have an Apochromatic optical system which rather than two like on most lenses, these are able to bring at least three visible wavelengths of light into focus at the same point behind the lens for a even higher quality and sharper image.

Whilst you get a huge amount of power and potential image resolution, it does mean that image shake may be a little bit of a problem without any form of stabilization (like attaching them to a tripod).

It also means that they produce a fairly small exit pupil that is only 2.8mm in diameter. This means that they will probably not be the ideal choice should you regularly glass in low light conditions.

If you are worried about any of these drawbacks, you may wish to consider their lesser powerful 15x56 Kaibab that will for the most part address these potential issues.

Main Features & Specifications:

  • Apochromatic optical system
  • Extra-low Dispersion Glass Lens Elements
  • Fully Multi-Coated Optics
  • Dielectric Prism Coatings
  • Phase Correction Coatings
  • Eye Relief: 15 mm
  • Exit Pupil: 2.8 mm
  • Field of View: 168 feet/1000 yards
  • Angular Field of View: 3.2°
  • Close Focus: 23 ft.
  • Interpupillary Distance: 60-76 mm
  • Width: 5.7 inches, Height: 7.7 inches, Weight: 43.5oz

Price Range

With an initial a MSRP of $1699.00, these are never going to be cheap, but they really are a very high end product and I am sure like the other Kaibab models, they will in time come down in price. Take a look at the link below to check the latest prices, includes US, UK, Canadian & German retailers:

New for 2014 Vortex Binoculars

Further Reading

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