[Neoprene] I had originally order the Vortex Diamondback 20-60X85 scope, but was quite disappointed with it (reviewed separately). The chromatic aberration was the main problem, but not the only one. The sharpness at the extreme end was pretty bad and the scope was basically unusable as I approached the 60 mark. I talked to a B&H optics expert about the problems and asked if the Viper 15-45X65 scope would be a better choice for me. He said that the Viper having new lens coatings would probably be better with respect to CA but didn't think there would be much improvement in sharpness. When I received the 15-45X65, I immediately noticed an improvement in both the CA and the sharpness, especially at the upper limit. The difference with respect to the levels of chromatic aberration was most obvious. It was almost non-existent in the 15-45. Of course, I am comparing two different range scopes here. I figured that if the Diamondback was basically unusable at the upper magnification why get a scope with that range,. Maybe a shorter one would provide better quality in a smaller package, and that is exactly what I think I got with the Viper. For a little be more money, I ended up with a more usable scope for my purposes, one with less tele range, but with better sharpness and much less chromatic aberration. I'm glad I switched.

[Black] Great build quality and optics are very clear. Vortex customer service is also top quality. Make sure to get a solid tripod for viewing at 60x

[Neoprene] Easy to use bright optics and very powerful.

[Neoprene] On par with a scope that my friend has and he paid 3x as much

[Neoprene] I got this for birding, and selected over the cheaper Diamondback 20-60X60 model. The reviews on that one seemed to indicate that it got darker/fuzzier at higher magnification, so I figured what's the point in having the extra magnification if it doesn't work great. It also seemed this would be more clear at the edges of the image.


I gave it a test run in the yard tonight and I'm extremely pleased. It's easier to acquire the target and get it focused than I anticipated. I was able to zero in on some birds at relatively close and far distances without difficulty. The various knobs and controls are all easy to use and grip.


My only complaints that were after putting it in the included neoprene protector, it wasn't as easy to access some of the knobs, so I took it off. I'd maybe prefer to just have some sort of carrying case.


I considered getting one of the digiscoping mounts to take pictures with my phone or camera, but thought I'd try doing it by hand first. Had difficulty with the phone getting the camera over the image, but the camera was a big success, better than I hoped for. I'm using a point and shoot zoom camera, Sony RX100 M7, and luckily the end of the lens housing fits right over the scope eyepiece without touching the lenses together. So I can place it flush on there and it takes a really clear image.


I'll attach some photos - camera with no zoom at 28MM, camera with full zoom at 200mm equivalent, and shooting through the scope, with the scope at 45X and camera not zoomed in at all. Note that the bird picture is clearer and sharper than it appears, I just shrunk it for upload purposes.

[Neoprene] Love this scope! A bit heavier than expected, but not really much of an issue. Bright, sharp picture through the entire zoom range. Perfect for birding open spaces, and with the angled eyepiece it works nicely for amateur astronomy as well. The fitted neoprene case is an awesome added bonus. Excellent value overall, and a lifetime warranty too!

[Black] We are looking into Ospray's nest a mile away, and we can see three babies while the mother feeds bites of fish to each of them.

[Neoprene] I bought this scope for digi-scoping the bluebirds that now occupy the first bluebird box I've ever put up. I had tried DSLR zoom lenses including a 200-800 lens. The lesser lens didn't get close enough and the 200-800 didn't focus clearly enough. I had intended to use the spotting scope with the DSLR but I've found that my iPhone with a phone mount on this scope works great. The attached photo was taken at about 18-20 zoom from about 75 feet. See how clear it is! It's so fun to watch the brooding female poke her head out of the box. I assume that's to cool down a bit and get a breath of fresh air. Photo was taken through window glass and not necessarily in the best lighting conditions. Videos taken with the iphone through the scope are just as good or better.

[Black] My wife is a birder, I purchased this for her birthday and she loved it. It is definitely a bright scope for our use. I would like to own a Swarovski but these are great and don't cost two arms and a leg. Vortex also has the best warranty in the business.

[Black] I use It for HawkWatching. Very nice, good quality. The view Is clear and crisp.