New Vortex Razor HD.

[archerylife]

how many guys out there have the new razor spotting scope in the straight body? i have just ordered one and was wonder what guys think about the new design and how it is to use in the field. thanks

[Ride Red]

I have a 16-48 Razor HD straight body and have used it from my window mount, over my pack to sitting beside my boat in the river(waders on) watching goats. So far it's been great glass for the money.

[archerylife]

is that the newest body style ride red?

[Ride Red]

Not the newest, no.

[Ride Red]

Did you order the 85mm?

[archerylife]

yeah thats the one i am wondering about because its so different. and yeah i ordered the 85, pretty excited

[Ride Red]

I'm sure you'll be happy with it, especially with that huge lense. It'll be like watching TV.

[archerylife]

yeah and not only does it have a bit lense but its also wide angle so on 27 power it has the same field of view as the older 85's had on 20 power. im just wonder if its more awkward to look threw or not mostly, i feel like your typod would have to be higher up and what not

[Lastcar]

I have the new one in 65...oh wait...we went over this in PMs. Took me a second to realize.

I'm on the fence when it comes to the 65. But I only used it on a November 5 day trip. The focus dial on the body didn't grow on me but I'm open minded about it and hope to fall in love with it next season.

As far as the 65 goes, not sure it is worth the extra 8oz. Vortex claims the glass is improved slightly, but without putting them side by side in various conditions we have to take their word for it.

Still half a pound is nothing to sneeze at if hauling a heavy pack a lot of miles.

[archerylife]

yeah i was really looking for an 85 because i want 60 power they are the same weight as the older 85's but it is still going to be pretty heavy

[Lastcar]

Ya, it is odd the 65 is the one that put on the most weight in the new model.

I packed my 85 around a fair bit, including a bunch of miles this fall on a goat hunt.

Like anything if it is a heavier version of what you'd have brought anyways you really are only adding the weight difference.

Some guys are "like holy hell man, that is 5 lbs!."

Ignoring the fact that if I brought the 65 it'd be 4.5lbs. So really it is adding a half pound. If that extra zoom is important to a guy, small price to pay.

Now the previous model of 65s was a full pound lighter. So maybe one thinks twice depending on distance you'll be carrying it.

As far as a rubberized body and center focus dial on the body, I am not excited enough about it to have the new 65 is a half pound heavier.

But will give it more time to see if I can get over it.

The main issue with the 85 and backpacking is the volume. That piglet is taking up a lot of space. If you find a way to strap it and a tripod to the side of pack opposite the rifle it can balance your pack out nicely.

Challenge again, it is pretty damn big and was tricky to do on my Stone Glacier. I did try rigging a SG spotting scope pocket on the side straps but it was kinda sloppy.

Off to take year-end inventory of the gear, weigh stuff, test gear and play around with the things I got late in the season.

I am sure I'll be firing some more things up on the classifieds by the end of the day. :)

[archerylife]

do you have the straight body 85?

[Lastcar]

I had the angled 85 previous model. Sold it on here to a member in PG. I can never remember most things, never mind names.

SR80 gets mad at me cause I make him carry more weight and forget that I did.

[archerylife]

i guess no one has a straight 85mm in the newest body style?

[Ride Red]

Try this; http://www.muleycrazy.com/new-vortex-razor-hd-review.html

[todbartell]

I'll be picking up the new style 22-48x65 angled soon. Have had the previous generation 16-48 and 20-60x85, both angled, they were great. Miss having a spotter