viper 15x50 versus kiabab 15x56

[craggar]

i need some help.i am going to purchase one of these two binos and was wondering if it is worth the extra 500.00 for kiababs.any help would be appreciated.

 

[SteveC]

When you get into 15x binoculars, you have gotten yourself into the need for using them from a tripod. Almost nobody can handhold that much magnification steady enough to use the 15x to its capability (even those that think they can). You are going into another world going there from 8-10x. I have not used either one very much, but what I have says the Kiabab is worth the extra $$$. The extra glass really comes into play as distance increases or light gets dim.

 

[redrabbit]

I was not impressed with the new pair of 15x50 Vipers that I looked through. It did not have the resolution and contrast that I think glassing at long range requires. I would be happy using a pair of Kaibabs as their rez is nipping on the heals very closely with the Swaros and Leica Duovids I tested them against with a res. chart.

You are welcome to visit my Photo Gallery here http://dougkoepsel.smugmug.com/