Leupold vs Vortex spotters

[tdcour]

I'm going to be in the market for a new spotter soon and am wondering if anyone has any feedback on leupold vs vortex spotters. I'm looking at either the vortex razor hd in the 16-48x65 or the smaller 11-33x50 vs the leupold gold ring spotters of basically the same size. The leupold spotters are the GR 12-40x60 HD or the smaller GR 15-30x50.

Both companies have excellent warranties which is why I'm looking at these two. The big sizes are pretty close to the same price and the smaller ones are pretty close to the same price, so I just need to decide if I want the bigger or smaller version and which company to go with. I'm sure both are great options. I have looked through the bigger razor hd thanks to Team Kabob and it is definitely a great scope. Any help is appreciated!

 

[buckbull]

functionality and usage trump all. I'd say warranty and service are a close second. if those things seem equal I would then see where they are made (USA or foreign) and then weigh how much the company gives back to conservation groups. I believe leupold gold ring products are still made in the USA and leupold has a good track record of donations to veteran's and groups like RMEF.

 

[crzy_cntryby]

Both great glass. Be sure to go with the larger Leupold. 30 seems like a lot until you are trying to decide to hike a mountain mile closer to get a better look. Used an old Leupold (12-40) and new Razor elk hunting this year. I packed the Leupold for outtings, lighter. Used the Razor from the truck, more magnification. If you are hunting huge open country; NV, AZ, NM, I would go with the Razor. Tighter more wooded and drawed country; western WY, MT, or CO mountains, Leupold.

 

[sneakypete]

Vortex, I have a 11x33x50 and love it! He's a picture of a buck my buddy took after I spotted it from a mile plus. The picture was taken holding my iPhone up to the eye piece.

 

[go_deep]

Sold my Leupold and bought a Vortex spotter 2 years ago. I'm glad I did, but that might just be my personal preference.

 

[Musket Man]

I had that same leupold 15-30x50 and I didnt like it at all. It was useless in low light and when it came down to it it didnt do much that my binos couldnt do and I decided it wasnt worth packing. Day 2 of the only hunt I took it on I packed it up in my truck and returned it when I got home.

 

[11C50]

Bought the Razor 12-48 last year and could not be happier. The micro focus adjustment is a very nice feature.

 

[Fink]

I was at Cabelas a while back, wanting to look at the 11-33 Vortex razor. The guy that showed it to me was a Leupold rep, and asked me to look at the comparable Leupold as well. They put both scopes on a tripod side by side for me. There was absolutely no comparison between the two. The Vortex is miles ahead of the Leupold, both in the quality of the glass, and the ability to dial in the focus.
I've always been a big Leupold fan, and have some rifle scopes, but there's no way I'd buy that spotter over the Vortex.
I ended up buying the Vortex 11-33 spotter, but I really wish I would have bought the 16-48. So much, that I may end up selling the 11-33, and I've only used it once.

 

[crzy_cntryby]

With a spotter I would say always lean towards more magnification.

 

[rcfireninja]

Vortex! I have a viper hd 20-60x80 and love it.

 

[DRUSS]

I got a nightforce this year, was looking at others but was told to check it out. I have been quite happy with it and it was similarly priced to the vortex. I have always been loyal to leupold(they are based close to home) but wanted to stay open minded while I was shopping?? I know its not on your list but just an idea??

 

[papabearxx]

My vote is Vortex. I have tried a couple of each and Vortex seems to be the clearer glass to me. I have not had the opportunity to try the compact Razor yet. But it is on my list.

 

[tdcour]

Didn't think it would be quite as one sided towards vortex, but I guess that gives me my answer! I'd like to save weight with the smaller scope but think I will be happier in the long run with the bigger scope. May not like it on long packs, but it could save more walking.

 

[hardstalk]

Just got mine back. After two seasons of not using cases, no eyepiece protection and minimal responsibility toward cleaning and maintenance they both had about had it. Sent em in. Said "I'm in the middle of sheep season! I need em ASAP!" I followed the tracking # there and back. They held the items for 48 hours for repairs and matched 3 day shipping return Cant ask for much more than that as for customer service and warranty work. (No I'm not a dealer anymore, first time I have used the warranty service personally.)

 

[packer58]

Good grief Hard Stalk............Your glass fall out of an airplane !!!! That's some hard use dude.......

 

[hardstalk]

Good grief Hard Stalk............Your glass fall out of an airplane !!!! That's some hard use dude.......

May or may not have been some negligence on my behalf.. Funniest part is that they basically zip tied lens covers for my binos onto the binos so I can't lose them.. I took it as "here you go stupid, keep em safe" all in good fun.

(Side note)That's just the first part of my warranty returns so far this season.. Bought a brand new pair of lowa boots a month ago because my old lowa baffins were looking like I let a commun of bums wear them for years. Somehow I broke the shank in the new pair. Lowa says they will refund as soon as they receive them so I can get another pair ASAP. Hopefully there customer service is on par with vortex. They said they haven't dealt with a broken boot shank ever that they recall.

 

[Shooter09]

Vortex Razor HD would be my vote. I think the Razors are better than anything offered by Leupold and the warranty is unbeatable.