Vortex Viper HD 6x32 Binocular

I own the 6x32 Viper non-HD but I wanted to try the HD version. It seemed worth the extra cost over the promotional great price to me. How could that be when they look exactly the same, comes in exactly the same package, case with the same specifications except for a little "HD" tag ??

If you are an owner of high end Zeiss, Leica, Swarovski, then you may find that the non-HD version is not quite as sharp, doesn't have that snap that you may be used to. Then for 100% increase in price, would the HD glass be worth it ? For these owners (I'm guilty of it) that are willing to spend $2000 on perfection, a $274 increase over the sale price of $275 at $549 to produce sharpness that can rival the best is a relative bargain ! In addition, the chromatic aberation is minimized, resulting in more vivid colors and less color fringing in difficult conditions.

Where the Viper HD 6x32 falls a bit short is in field curvature i.e. when the center is in sharp focus, the edges are not and vice versa. But overall I think this is a very fine pair of 6x32 that I'd be happy to carry when my 7x42 Leica or Zeiss is left at home. They are compact, steady and you'll be surprised at what you can see over a 7x or 8x.

If your eyesight is not great, you may not be able to see the difference but those with great eyes, you WILL see the difference !! It's very apparent to me.