Vortex Razor vs Meopta Meostar Spotters

[Ltsheets]

So I think I've pretty much narrowed my Spotter search down to 2 (assuming I get the blessing from the wife!). Through military discounts, the price difference between these 2 is only about $350 with the Meopta being the more expensive.

My first choice, and the one I was about to buy before seeing the new mil discount on the Meopta, is the Vortex Razor HD 16-48x65mm. I really like the fact that it's not the heaviest scope but still has a lot to offer as whatever scope I buy will be going with me on all of my DIY backpacking hunts.

The Meopta is the Meostar S2 HD 30-60x82mm WA. I don't think I've found a bad review of this or the Cabela's Euro which I believe are essentially the same. My biggest concern with this scope is size and weight as it weighs almost a pound more than the Razor and is obviously larger.

I'm curious what experience everyone has had with these 2 and whether or not you think packing the extra pound is worth the benefits of the bigger OBJ scope.

Any and all opinions will be greatly appreciated!

 

[Musket Man]

IMO 80 is to big if you are packing it alot and 65 is the best all around spotter. I know Meopta makes the cabelas euros but I havent used either.

 

[OregonJim]

Based on what you said I think you already have the answer.
Since you are asking the question, in regard to weight, it obviously is an pretty important factor.
I think that pound might add up if you are packing them around regularly.

The Vortex is cheaper and lighter and both are good glass. I haven't used a Vortex product but I would.
I have used Meopta Binos and they are quality optics. (My brother wasn't happy with how easy they scratched)
As I said in another post I'm pretty brand loyal to swarovski but I do wish I had something lighter because there are times that I leave them behind because of weight.
Take the wife out to a really nice dinner on the difference!!!! Just my opinion.

 

[Ltsheets]

I wish it was that easy. I already have the Meostar HD 10x42 binos and have been incredibly impressed which is why for me this is a tough decision. The only experience I have in packing a spotter was a Vortex Nomad which weighs less than 3 lbs and is a 60mm OBJ so it was smaller than either of these. If the mil discount on the Meopta wasn't such a good deal, it would be a much easier choice.

Based on what you said I think you already have the answer.
Since you are asking the question, in regard to weight, it obviously is an pretty important factor.
I think that pound might add up if you are packing them around regularly.

The Vortex is cheaper and lighter and both are good glass. I haven't used a Vortex product but I would.
I have used Meopta Binos and they are quality optics. (My brother wasn't happy with how easy they scratched)
As I said in another post I'm pretty brand loyal to swarovski but I do wish I had something lighter because there are times that I leave them behind because of weight.
Take the wife out to a really nice dinner on the difference!!!! Just my opinion.

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

I have used them both in the field.

The Meopta is better optically in every category.

The Razor is an excellent 65mm spotter and very good optically.

I would place the Meopta s2 on the level with Swarovski ATS 80HD, and I would much prefer Meopta's wide angle eyepiece to the Swaro's.

The Meopta has a top-shelf image with superior aberration correction. The one thing the 30-60WA does have a bit of is barrel distortion at the low end of the magnification range. I have not used the 20-70 eyepiece. The Swaro on the other hand has a bit of pincushion distortion.

I would say if price and weight are your top concerns, get the Razor. If you want the maximum optical performance, get the Meopta. Either way, great choices.

If you want spikey adjustments on your Meopta, you can get the Nightforce version, too!

Edit to add:

I have had some really rough field use with Meopta binoculars as well, and they have proven extremely durable. I actually had to send in my SLC neus for scratches though, so go figure.

 

[Musket Man]

Does the Meopta only come in 80?

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

Does the Meopta only come in 80?

So far.

As far as backpacking goes, I ran the 85mm Swaro ATX this past season, and it carried fine. The one area I always carry a little more weight is optics. An extra pound sure is nice when it saves you miles on your feet

Of course, where to draw the line is a personal decision.

 

[Musket Man]

Sometimes I think my 65mm Ziess is to big and heavy when Im backpacking. Sure happy to have it once I get there though!

 

[Ltsheets]

Thanks guys, this is a tough decision as I'm hoping either of them will last me many years. I do wish the Meopta came in a 65mm...would make the decision much easier.

Bitterroot...how did you pack that Swaro 85mm? accross the top of your pack or actually down in one of the pockets?

 

[OregonJim]

How does the warranty compare?

 

[Ltsheets]

How does the warranty compare?

Vortex is lifetime no hassle, Meopta is 30 yr no hassle if I'm not mistaken. I'm betting the turn around on issues with the vortex are faster but overall they are both good warranties.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

Thanks guys, this is a tough decision as I'm hoping either of them will last me many years. I do wish the Meopta came in a 65mm...would make the decision much easier.

Bitterroot...how did you pack that Swaro 85mm? accross the top of your pack or actually down in one of the pockets?

PM hardstalk. He is a Vortex dealer and may be able to sweetin the Razor price for you.

 

[hardstalk]

PM hardstalk. He is a Vortex dealer and may be able to sweetin the Razor price for you.

Vortex takes really good care of the troops. 9 times out of 10 the military pricing blows my dealer pricing away.

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

I carried my spotter in one long pocket of my pack and the tripod in the other.

Meopta USA's warranty is lifetime and transferable, and they have an excellent CS reputation, although you don't hear of it being used much.

http://www.meoptasportsoptics.com/us/warranty.html

Vortex' warranty is the industry benchmark, they just fix it.

http://www.vortexoptics.com/content/vip_warranty

 

[OregonJim]

Vortex takes really good care of the troops. 9 times out of 10 the military pricing blows my dealer pricing away.

Well there you go LT

Hardstalk: whats the best way to obtain military pricing. Factory direct?

 

[hardstalk]

Ya. I cant offer the prices they do for military. I would call vortex direct and ask for a price over the phone. 800-426-0048

 

[Ltsheets]

Hardstalk is right. A phone call or email to their customer service will get the process started for mil discounts. I'm comparing mil discounts for the Razor and the Meopta in this case. The difference is about $350. The best value is definitely the Meopta with that discount. I'm just torn between saving the 350 for a slightly smaller spotter, or get the better overall optics (seems to be the general opinion) in the larger slightly less backpacking friendly package.