Vortex Optics VIPER R/T 10X50 BINOCULAR User Manual

With a tough and durable roof prism design and
brilliant optics, the Viper R/T can be relied on in the

®

worst conditions thanks to
Vortex’s premium XD glass
and XR lens coatings.

The 50mm Viper R/T
binocular is equipped with
the Vortex R/T Ranging
reticle, designed to assist the
user in calculating distances.

Binocular Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Using the Viper R/T Reticle . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Caring for the Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Vortex Service and Repair Policy . . . . . . . 14

1

Optical Quality

The Viper R/T binocular features fully multi-coated
optics and phase-corrected prisms for the ultimate in light
transmission and brightness in any light condition.

Rugged Design

The 50mm Viper R/T binocular has a rugged roof prism
design. An internal focus mechanism, o-rings at all open
points, and argon purging contribute to the waterproof,
dust proof, internally fogproof design of this binocular.

Adjustable Winged

Diopter Ring

Tripod Adapter
Socket

Objective
Lenses

Eyecup

Center Focus

Reticle Focus

Neckstrap
Attachment
Point

Roof Prism Housing

Binocular Adjustments

Adjusting the Eyecups

The Viper R/T binocular feature winged eyecups that block
out stray light and rotate for a custom fit. These eyecups
roll up and down so any viewer can take advantage of the
long eye relief and enjoy comfortable, full-field viewing
even when wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses.

With eyeglasses or sunglasses,
roll down the eyecups.

Without eyeglasses or sunglasses,
keep the eyecups fully extended.

Adjusting the Interpupillary Distance

The interpupillary distance
(IPD) is the distance between the
centers of the left and right eye
pupils. Match the IPD of your
eyes to that of the binocular by
rotating the binocular barrels

Adjust the IPD for a custom

fit and better views.

IPD

inward or outward until you
see a single image that is free of
shading.

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Focusing the Binocular

Adjusting the Reticle Focus

Choose an object that is about 20 yards away from you
and follow this two-step process to properly adjust the
focus. Be sure to stay in the same spot until you have
adjusted both the center focus and diopter.

1. Adjust the center focus

Start by closing your right eye or
covering the right objective lens with
your hand. Adjust the center focus
wheel until the image is in focus.
Leave the center focus in this position
as you adjust the diopter.

2. Adjust the diopter

Start by closing your left eye or covering the left objective

lens with your hand. Look through your right eye and

adjust the diopter until the object

is in focus. Make note of this

diopter setting in case you need

to set it again.

The reticle focus is located on the left ocular as you hold the
binocular. This focus is used to adjust the reticle image until
it is clear and sharp.
Focusing the reticle

Reticle Focus

Diopter

is easiest when
closing the right eye
while setting this
focus. When looking
at a white wall or
the sky, adjust the
reticle focus until
the reticle image
is clear and sharp.
Once set for a
particular user, the
reticle focus can be
left in place.

From this point on, you will
only need to use the center
focus dial.

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Caution

Binoculars are not intended for looking at the sun, or any other intense light

source. Such viewing could damage the retina and cornea of your eyes—even

to the point of causing blindness.

Using the Viper R/T Reticle

Reading the R/T Reticle

The R/T reticle is based on a form of angular measurement
called the milliradian (mrad for short). These angular
measurements allow a user to calculate ranges when
comparing the
reticle to objects
of known
dimension. The
key to effective
ranging using
this reticle
is knowing
common objects
in your vicinity
and their
measurements.

The Viper R/T reticle also uses a secondary system of quick
ranging based on a human silhouette. See the section on Quick

Ranging with Silhouettes.

Heavy crosshairs

subtend .5 mrads

Fine crosshairs

subtend .05 mrads

1 mrad subtension marks

.5 mrad subtension marks

.5 mrads 1 mrad

All silhouette dimensions are accurate at the listed ranges.

79cm / 31”

28cm / 11”

35cm / 14”

44cm / 17”

50cm / 20”

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Precision Ranging with mrads

Mrad measurements are very effective for ranging using
simple formulas. Knowing the size of the target or a
nearby object is essential to using these formulas.

Target Size (Yards) x 1000

Measured mrads

=

Range (Yards)

Accurate measuring will depend on a very steady hold.
Be sure to solidly brace the arms when measuring or use
a tripod mount for maximum accuracy. Once you have
an accurate mrad reading, use one of the formulas to
calculate the distance.

Target Size (Inches) x 27.8

Measured mrads

Target Size (Meters) x 1000

Measured mrads

=

=

Range (Yards)

Range (Meters)

Be sure the reticle is in focus before ranging (see
Adjusting the Reticle Focus). Using either the vertical
or horizontal mrad scale, place the reticle on the target
of known dimension and read the number of mrads
spanned. Maximum accuracy in ranging will be obtained
by calculating exact mrad measurements—try to
estimate mrad measurement in 1/10s if possible. To help
calculate fractions of mrads, the Viper R/T reticle uses
both 1 and .5 mrad graduations on the crosshair. Fine
crosshairs subtend .05 mrads.

89

Ranging a 6-foot man (2 yards) at 4 mrads yields 500 yards.

2 x 1000

4 mrads

=

500 Yards

Quick Ranging with Silhouettes

The human silhouettes used in the Viper R/T reticle are
based on an average 20-inch shoulder
width and 11-inch head width. To use,
simply match the person being ranged to
the closest silhouette in shape and read the
indicated yardage. As before, best accuracy
will be obtained by bracing the arms or
using a tripod mount.

300m

Other dimensions of the silhouettes may be used to
compare to objects of known dimension to obtain
range estimation. In this
example, a deer is ranged
using the silhouettes. Using a
deer’s typical back-to-brisket
dimension of 17 inches, the
17-inch shoulder height of the
silhouettes can be used for quick
range estimation.

300m

Caring for the Lenses

Maintain the optical brilliance of the Viper R/T
binocular by keeping the lens surfaces free of dirt,
oils, and dust.

Protect Lenses While Out in the Field

Make use of the rainguard to protect the lenses when
not viewing. Store the Viper R/T binocular in its
carry case.

Keep Lenses Clean

Along with normal use comes the need to clean the
binocular lenses. Follow these guidelines for cleaning:

1. Remove any dust or grit from the lenses before
wiping. Use a can of pressurized air or a soft camel
hairbrush (acrylic optical brushes also work well).

2. Clear lens of smudges, fingerprints, or eyelash
oil. Fog the lenses with your own breath and wipe
with the non-abrasive lens cloth included with the
Viper R/T binocular.

Other cleaning options:

Cleaning fluid and optical paper can also be used. However, you should

never use facial tissue, heavy cotton, or flannel clothing on lenses—these

materials can scratch the lens surfaces.

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Accessories

The Case

The soft case of the Viper
R/T provides protection for
the binocular when not in
use and allows for an easy
carry in the field.

Care of Optics

If the optics are exposed to moisture, keep the caps off and allow the optics to

dry out completely before putting them in the case for storage.

The Neckstrap

Attach the padded neckstrap to the binocular in three
simple steps. Begin with the right barrel of the binocular
and repeat the process for the left barrel.

1. Push a few inches of the strap
through the neckstrap attachment
point on the binocular.

The Rainguard and Lens Covers

The Viper R/T binocular comes with a soft, waterproof
rainguard that
completely covers
the eyepieces. For
convenient use, simply
snap the rainguard
around the neckstrap.
Tethered objective
lens covers protect
lenses.

12 13

2. Loop the strap over the attachment
point, then thread the strap through
the strap buckle.

3. Secure the end of the strap by slipping
it through the strap loop.

Vortex Service and Repair Policy

Unconditional Lifetime Warranty

Vortex Optics wants you to use
your Viper R/T binocular under
any conditions with complete
confidence—that’s why our
VIP warranty is straightforward
and simple:

Unconditional Lifetime

• Fully transferable

Warranty

• No warranty card needed

• No receipt needed

Rest assured, if this binocular should ever require repair, all
you need to do is contact Vortex for absolutely free service.
Call 800-426-0048 or e-mail [e-mail].

Vor tex Opt ics
2120 West Greenview Drive
Middleton, Wisconsin 53562
USA

vortexoptics.com

Visit Vortex Optics at vortexoptics.com.

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