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March 2010

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From:
Matt Valencic <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Matt Valencic <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:05:56 -0500
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After 4 nights on the road I returned home this afternoon through
Millersburg and stopped at Time and Optics to talk with Robert Hershberger
and his mother (who started the shop many years ago).  I looked through
several models (Vortex, Nikon, Eagle & Leupold) and power combinations
(8x42, 10x42, 8.5x43).  My max price was ~$500.  The ones that impressed me
most were the 8x42 Vortex Viper ($529) and a pair of 8x42 Leupold ($409) - I
did not notice the model because I did not even consider them in my research
- might have been Pinnacles.



I was fortunate that the afternoon was dreary and rainy because without the
limited light I could have been happy with either one.  The Leupold felt
lighter but it could just have been the design.  Both had a similar field of
view when I compared them against a distant fence line.  However, when I
really focused on some lichen attached to a fence post about 20 yards away
it was obvious to me that the Vortex Viper was brighter and gave more detail
of my 'target'.  I went back-and-forth many times until I was convinced.
Robert finally became non-committal and agreed that I had observed
correctly.



Just for 'grins and giggles' I looked through a pair of Leica's ($1,800) and
Swarovski ($3,000).  Yes, they were both brighter but not $1,000 - $2,000
brighter to me (to someone else with the budget they probably  are!).



Anyway, the icing on the cake is the incredible warranty from Vortex.



Thanks to all who helped me make this decision.



The take-away from all this . if you are going to spend more than $100 go
somewhere where you can compare side-by-side.  Then pray for a dreary day!
Robert said that if it were bright and sunny I would not have been able to
discern the difference between them.



Regards,



Matt Valencic

Chagrin Falls, OH


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