Vortex Viper 8x28 R/T User manual

1
The 28mm 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
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.
®

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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.
Optical Quality
Rugged Design
The 28mm 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.
Center Focus
Diopter Ring
Roof Prism
Housing
Objective
Lenses
Neckstrap
Attachment
Point
Adjustable Winged
Eyecup
Reticle Focus
With eyeglasses or sunglasses,
roll down the eyecups.
Without eyeglasses or sunglasses,
keep the eyecups fully extended.
Adjusting the Eyecups
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
inward or outward until you
see a single image that is free of
shading.
IPD
Adjust the IPD for a custom
fit and better views.
Binocular Adjustments
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.

45
Focusing the Binocular
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.
From this point on, you will
only need to use the center
focus dial.
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 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.
Adjusting the Reticle Focus
Reticle Focus
Diopter
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.
Caution

67
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.
1 mrad subtension marks
.5 mrad subtension marks
.5 mrads 1 mrad
Fine crosshairs
subtend .05 mrads
Heavy crosshairs
subtend .5 mrads
Reading the R/T Reticle
Using the Viper R/T Reticle
All silhouette dimensions are accurate at the listed ranges.
28cm / 11”
50cm / 20”
35cm / 14”
44cm / 17”
79cm / 31”

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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.
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.
Ranging a 6-foot man (2 yards) at 4 mrads yields 500 yards.
2 x 1000
4 mrads 500 Yards
=
Range (Yards)
=
Target Size (Yards) x 1000
Measured mrads
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.
Range (Yards)
=
Target Size (Inches) x 27.8
Measured mrads
Range (Meters)
=
Target Size (Meters) x 1000
Measured mrads

10 11
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
Caring for the Lenses
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:
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.
Other cleaning options:
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.
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 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
300m

12 13
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.
The Rainguard and Lens Covers
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.
The Case
Accessories
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.
The Neckstrap
1. Push a few inches of the strap
through the neckstrap attachment
point on the binocular.
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.
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.
Care of Optics

14
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:
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].
Unconditional Lifetime Warranty
• Fully transferable
• No warranty card needed
• No receipt needed
Vortex Optics
2120 West Greenview Drive
Middleton, Wisconsin 53562
USA
Visit Vortex Optics at vortexoptics.com.
vortexoptics.com