Vortex Razor HD 18-48x65 Scope

LaHunter · Jan 25, 2013

The Vortex web site says this spotting scope will be available Spring 2013. Is it for sale now? Looks like a perfect size and magnification. I am looking at getting a new spotter and this may be the one I buy. I would have to assume it would be of the same quality as the larger Razor HD.

Backcountry Stalker · Jan 25, 2013

I seen them at the SHOT show....their pretty decent to say the least. I looked over and held the razor binos and spotting scope. Both are above my price range.

Grantbvfd · Jan 26, 2013

hoshour said:
Sorry, I looked at the cameraland ny site and they are taking orders but it is for "spring delivery," whatever that means - hopefully, March.

What I am considering now is whether the 17 ounces less weight and $400 lower price are worth the step down in max magnification from 60 to 48 and the less light-gathering ability compared to the 20-60x85, especially if I can find a used one of the larger size for close to the $1,200 price of the 18-48x65.

Any thoughts on that?

It all depends what you are going to use it for. The difference in exit pupil is .3 which is next to nothing. If you aren't going to be packing get the 85. Otherwise id save a pound and get the 65. Or save even more and get the 50

Bitterroot Bulls · Jan 27, 2013

Grantbvfd said:
It all depends what you are going to use it for. The difference in exit pupil is .3 which is next to nothing. If you aren't going to be packing get the 85. Otherwise id save a pound and get the 65. Or save even more and get the 50

Grantbvfd,

I am not following your .3 difference in exit pupil.

The 85mm scope will have a significant exit pupil advantage over the 65mm at the same magnifications. The 85mm also has an advantage in magnification, and resolution capability(at least theoretically).

Grantbvfd · Jan 27, 2013

Bitterroot Bulls said:
Grantbvfd,

I am not following your .3 difference in exit pupil.

The 85mm scope will have a significant exit pupil advantage over the 65mm at the same magnifications. The 85mm also has an advantage in magnification, and resolution capability(at least theoretically).

At the same magnification that is correct but they have different eyepieces. The 65 is a 16-48 with a 1.4-4.1 exit pupil. The 85 has a 20-60 with a 1.4-4.3 exit pupil. I agree if you use the 65 and 85 at 48x the 85 will have a much greater exit pupil. At max power on both spotters there isn't a huge difference in exit pupil.

Bitterroot Bulls · Jan 27, 2013

Grantbvfd said:
At max power on both spotters there isn't a huge difference in exit pupil.

Now I see what you are saying. It just don't see the utility in comparing exit pupils at differing magnifications. Sure the maximum magnifications will have similar exit pupils, but the 85 has more magnification, so what are you really comparing? If I was just going for exit pupil, I would use a 7X50 binocular.

The 65 vs. 85 debate is always the same. The 65s are smaller and lighter, and the 85s have advantages in magnifcation and low light. I wrestle with this one all the time myself. Lately I have been hauling the 85mm spotter everwhere, while my 50mm spotter hardly got any use this past season.

Bitterroot Bulls · Jan 28, 2013

I am firmly in the angled camp.

Bitterroot Bulls · Jan 28, 2013

It allows for shorter, lighter tripods.
Easier for multiple people to use.
Less frequent tripod adjustments.
It is easier to bend me neck down than up.

cacklercrazy · Feb 3, 2013

spooter size

Bitterroot Bulls said:
Now I see what you are saying. It just don't see the utility in comparing exit pupils at differing magnifications. Sure the maximum magnifications will have similar exit pupils, but the 85 has more magnification, so what are you really comparing? If I was just going for exit pupil, I would use a 7X50 binocular.

The 65 vs. 85 debate is always the same. The 65s are smaller and lighter, and the 85s have advantages in magnifcation and low light. I wrestle with this one all the time myself. Lately I have been hauling the 85mm spotter everwhere, while my 50mm spotter hardly got any use this past season.

Bitterroot are you bivywacken or hunting out of camp. I want a spooter put just can't figure on what size. I love the Razor 85 I looked through, but was wondering if the weight will kill me in the high country.

Bitterroot Bulls · Feb 3, 2013

cacklercrazy said:
Bitterroot are you bivywacken or hunting out of camp. I want a spooter put just can't figure on what size. I love the Razor 85 I looked through, but was wondering if the weight will kill me in the high country.

I primarily backpack hunt (bivy camp) and hunt off horseback (wall tent camp). I have been using the 85mm spotter for both lately.

Bwht4x4 · Feb 7, 2013

I too prefer the angled over the straight spotters.

One thing I would probably do instead of the Vortex is find a used non-HD Swaro ATS spotting scope. The non-HD versions are cheap and a killer scope. I don't think the HD is worth the money personally. My older Leica's are not HD and I wouldn't trade them for anything.

I just picked up a used Swaro ATS-65 HD with the 20-60x eyepiece and the stay-on case for $1750 and the lenses look like new! New these would have been over $2,400.

Bitterroot Bulls · Feb 7, 2013

Personally,

When it comes to the 80mm class spotters, which I have used quite a bit, I would definitely go for a Razor HD over the non-HD Swaro. Much better CA control.

LaHunter · Apr 11, 2013

Finally received my new Vortex Razor HD 65mm spotting scope. This is my first spotting scope to own and my first Vortex product to own. I have had it out a few times over the past several days and I am impressed. The weather has been fairly wet and warm in North Louisiana, so I am getting a lot of mirage most days when I crank it up much past 32X. This spotting scope has a very sharp, bright, and clear image, minus the mirage. My son and I were watching 4 deer at over a mile away down a powerline right of way just before dark and the low light performance was impressive as well. This thing feels like it is built very solid too. Glad I read all of the Vortex reviews on this forum as well as other forums. I am glad I went with the 65 mm too. It is about as big as I want to carry around in a pack.

Muleys 24/7 · Apr 11, 2013

LaHunter said:
Finally received my new Vortex Razor HD 65mm spotting scope. This is my first spotting scope to own and my first Vortex product to own. I have had it out a few times over the past several days and I am impressed. The weather has been fairly wet and warm in North Louisiana, so I am getting a lot of mirage most days when I crank it up much past 32X. This spotting scope has a very sharp, bright, and clear image, minus the mirage. My son and I were watching 4 deer at over a mile away down a powerline right of way just before dark and the low light performance was impressive as well. This thing feels like it is built very solid too. Glad I read all of the Vortex reviews on this forum as well as other forums. I am glad I went with the 65 mm too. It is about as big as I want to carry around in a pack.

Try to get it out early in the morning, or the in the late evening. There should be no mirage at higher power.

Vortex Razor HD 18-48x65 Scope

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