I'm looking at getting a new spotting scope. Particularly the razor hd 16-48x65 or the 20-60x85. I already have the razor 11-33x50 and really like it. Just want something that can reach out there a bit farther. So my question is, what's everyone's thoughts on them two scopes? Is there something else out there in that price range that is better?? Any input or personal experiences with these scopes would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!
Need advice on a new spotting scope
- Thread starter droptine
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I have the 65 and love it. No reason for me to look at any other but maybe a Ziess. The price is well worth the Vortex.
rjroberts15
Member
Depends on how far you want to carry it. If happy with the 50mm in the pack, I'd lean towards the 85mm for close to the rig stuff, but if I wanted more scope in my pack it's the 65mm I'd choose. If you are a Sherpa, you can pack the 85mm... They are very good scopes.
ore hunter
Very Active Member
- Jul 25, 2014
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I have the 65 strait razer hd and love it,,very good for the price,and packable size,I also have a Nikon ed-50 for packing up the steep rugged ones{very light},but has its limitations.
ore hunter
Very Active Member
- Jul 25, 2014
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when I was in Idaho last November the glassing conditions were great,,,could litererally see 5" rocks clearly from 4 miles away!!didn't get a deer there though,but was sold on the strait vortex razer hd 65 mm spotter,,,{older version}it is awesome.
NDAnchorPoint
New Member
I have the new Razor HD 85mm and love it. Yes it's kind of big but it helps determine if it's worth walking all the way to put a stalk on.
hoshour
Veteran member
laxwyo
Very Active Member
I had the old version of the 20-60x85mm and I really liked it. It was my truck scope and took many pictures and found a lot of deer. Didn't use it on full power all too often. I just sold it for $825 so I could buy the Kowa 88. Waiting on eye piece to come in. Can't remember but did the vortex eye piece have fixed eye relief through the magnification range?
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I was in a similar situation with a Nikon ED50 for packing and Swaro ATS 80 for truck use. I ended up still buying a used Swaro STM65 when I didn't draw any tags one year. The 50mm spotter is enough for elk, but not always enough for muleys in my view. If I could only have one spotter it would be a 65mm.
ore hunter
Very Active Member
- Jul 25, 2014
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I really like my 65 strait razer hd,,but now that I drew a Nevada sheep tag,i just got a nice deal on the 20-60x85 razer hd,,,for more precice spotting,,should be here fairly soon and ill see how much better it is than the 65 mm strait,,optics planet had a good price on the older version that's just like my 65mm..$1169 we will see.
Good deal, sounds like a great price.
I ordered a new option to replace both my Swaro 65 and Nikon 50mm. Kowa is bringing out a 55mm spotter that weighs 28.2oz and is said to run darn close to the Swaro 65mm spotters. The early reviews I read have it really close to the best of the 65mm glass and better than the Razor 65mm. It is pricey too, but with the pre-order and a discount code through S&S Archery I decided to go for it. After selling my Swaro 65 and Nikon 50mm spotter I'll be money ahead. I hope it lives up to the hype, it will be in my pack this fall.
I ordered a new option to replace both my Swaro 65 and Nikon 50mm. Kowa is bringing out a 55mm spotter that weighs 28.2oz and is said to run darn close to the Swaro 65mm spotters. The early reviews I read have it really close to the best of the 65mm glass and better than the Razor 65mm. It is pricey too, but with the pre-order and a discount code through S&S Archery I decided to go for it. After selling my Swaro 65 and Nikon 50mm spotter I'll be money ahead. I hope it lives up to the hype, it will be in my pack this fall.
A very tempting one, that Kowa. Their optics get little play in hunting circles, but optically, their spotting scopes often at least equal and can top the German glass.
MOHunter
Member
mnhoundman
Veteran member
Dam, Reed's hooked you up! Good deal, you'll have to let us know how you like it.
That place has a crap load of stuff in it, seems I can look there for hours and not see everything!
I have a Wyoming muley hunt lined up this fall. It's a easy draw unit as we burned our few points last year. I'm headed up on a scouting trip later in August and then will get there a couple days before the hunt. It's new country for us so we want to get a look around before season hits. I have a ranch rodeo I have to help put on and compete in on Oct 7th so we are going to hunt before it. Then it's whitetail around home, coyotes, and planning for Alaska next fall.