Spotting Scopes

[Grasp]

About to make my first spotting scope purchase. I have decided on Vortex. Currently trying to decide between 65mm and 80-85mm and between the viper and the razor. Obviously these are very different scopes ranging in prices from $1000 for the Viper 65 to $2300 for the Razor 85. I'm wondering what feedback people have for 65 vs 80-85 in general. The 65 is a full pound lighter. Perhaps a better question is the Viper 80 ($1400) vs the Razor 65 ($1800). I usually spend most of my time still hunting blacktail in the timber but I want to branch out this year to more spot and stalk. That being said I won't be glassing Dall sheep 3 miles away. More likely Elk or Mule deer 700-800 yrds away. My general rule of thumb is to buy the best I can afford at the time. I've never regretted buying the best. Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.

[Sharpish]

I vote for the razor 65. It will be sharper and clearer. And perhaps nearly as bright given the better glass. And if you decide to go or sheep or goats one day, it will be far more compact and lighter to pack around.

[Knute]

I would recommend the comment by Sharpish, it sounds like that is the way you are leaning already.

[Weatherby Fan]

I agree with what Sharpish said also, my brother has both the Viper HD 15-45x65 and the Razor HD 16-48x65 and he definitely prefers the Razor.

[RiverBear]

The weight difference between the razor 65 and 85 is only 9oz. To me the extra zoom and clarity in lower light conditions is worth the 9oz and a little more size, but it does coast more $$$$.

[bighornbob]

If you are looking at the Razor 65 look around for blowout prices as the new model of razor is out so some retailers are selling the old model of Razor HD for $1200. I picked one up for $1199 before xmas.

BHB

[RackStar]

I picked up the old razor 65mm for 1200. Best purchase I have made. Very happy.

[Sharpish]

Man that's a screaming good deal for alpha glass.

[Sharpish]

Another thing I will mention is the extra zoom is often useless in the field. I have a zeiss 18-45x65 and I find the image is often better around 30x.

I Have friends with Swarovski 20-60x85 and on a clear bright day the image is staggering at full zoom. But if there are any heat waves or it's overcast the image is no good a full zoom, it looks a lot nicer around 40 power because of the bigger exit pupil and less mirage.

[BCBRAD]

Within your budget include a very good tri-pod. Nothing ruins a sharp image that modern glass is capable of with a rickety tri-pod.

[Timberjack]

Another thing I will mention is the extra zoom is often useless in the field. I have a zeiss 18-45x65 and I find the image is often better around 30x.

I Have friends with Swarovski 20-60x85 and on a clear bright day the image is staggering at full zoom. But if there are any heat waves or it's overcast the image is no good a full zoom, it looks a lot nicer around 40 power because of the bigger exit pupil and less mirage.

I say you're bang on with that comment.I am a Swarovski fan and once tested two different eyepieces on the same scope side by side, the 20 to 60 and the wide-angle 25 to 50. I found that the wide-angle on 50 power was much clearer, and the extra 10 power going up to 60 power on the 20 to 60 eyepiece gave no advantage at all. Interestingly the wide-angle provides a much improved field of zoom and you actually have a greater field of view on 25 power with the wide-angle eyepiece then you can on 20 power with the 20 to 60 eyepiece.

Not sure if that logic applies to vortex scopes or if there are different eyepieces for them, but I do agree that highest magnification often Isnt fall that useful in the field.

TJ

[SaintSix]

I took a 65 razor with me last year into the mountains. I was very happy with it. Weight:size:$$$$ seemed like the ideal combo. I compared it to a swaro at the store and couldn't tell the difference from one to the other. On a normal sunny day.

[Timberjack]

Should've mentioned too, that it's been my experience to buy the best you can first time around. so if you're trying to decide between the lower or higher level scope, go with the higher one and you'll be happy you did in the long run.

[BC_Buck]

As mentioned by a few other guys. I also picked up the older model razor 65 for $1200. Only done a bit of testing but very happy so far.

[Lukeez88]

I can vouch for the vortex razor 65mm. Picked mine up 3 years ago and have absolutely no regrets. for the price, it is extremely highest quality. The only thing that would top it would be swarovski but you definitely pay for it. The vortex warranty is killer from what ive heard, Never needed to use it myself.

[The Hermit]

I say you're bang on with that comment.I am a Swarovski fan and once tested two different eyepieces on the same scope side by side, the 20 to 60 and the wide-angle 25 to 50. I found that the wide-angle on 50 power was much clearer, and the extra 10 power going up to 60 power on the 20 to 60 eyepiece gave no advantage at all. Interestingly the wide-angle provides a much improved field of zoom and you actually have a greater field of view on 25 power with the wide-angle eyepiece then you can on 20 power with the 20 to 60 eyepiece.

Not sure if that logic applies to vortex scopes or if there are different eyepieces for them, but I do agree that highest magnification often Isnt fall that useful in the field.

TJ


YUP!! If you have a choice of eye pieces on the Vortex go for the wide angle zoom.

[TARCHER]

I can vouch for the vortex razor 65mm. Picked mine up 3 years ago and have absolutely no regrets. for the price, it is extremely highest quality. The only thing that would top it would be swarovski but you definitely pay for it. The vortex warranty is killer from what ive heard, Never needed to use it myself. There are several high end scopes besides Swaro that beat the Vortex Razor IMO. Most cost a lot more but Leica, Howa, are the first two i'd name.

[Grasp]

Okay made the final decision. Vortex Razor HD 10-48X65. I found last year's model at sportsmans wearhouse and after some discount codes etc got it for $950 CAD. If anyone else wants one that's 50% less than this year's model. You need to have a CC with a US address though. I had to call the bank and temporarily change my address for it to work. Then shipped it to Sumas and will go pick it up when it arrives. Thanks for all the feedback guys, it's greatly appreciated.

[Sharpish]

Nice job man, sounds like a sweet deal and I guarantee you will be thrilled with it.

[Weatherby Fan]

There are several high end scopes besides Swaro that beat the Vortex Razor IMO. Most cost a lot more but Leica, Howa, are the first two i'd name.

My brother has the Vortex HD angled 16-48x65 which we picked up for $800 cdn and I recently purchased the Leica angled 25-50x65 with the 1.8 doubler, and a Leica case for $3100.00cdn, so it will be very interesting to compare the two side by side on our fly in sheep hunt this year.

I compared the Swarovski many times to the Leica but for me I just prefer the Leica glass, same as the binoculars, I was just at the SCI convention in Vegas and compared the 10x42 Leica HD-B to the Swarovski EL Range 10x42 side by side at one booth and I find the Leica glass clearer and sharper every time.

[BgBlkDg]

So do I, bought my first Zeiss bino in 1967, used many different makes since and now have Zeiss #2 and a Leica 10x42B, Trinovid. I am on my third spotter an armoured Leica 62-16x48 and like Swaro, but, good as they are, their glass never works for me quite as well as Zeiss and Leica.

I won't own any others, BTDT and now am happy with my choices.