I have read the multiple other threads about spotting scopes and really am looking for some specific advice on spotting scopes. Basically, for lots of reasons that we do not need to get into, I have to decide between the Razor 11x33x50 and the Viper 15x45x65 or Viper 20x60x80. I know that the Razor has better glass but was wondering if the higher magnifications of the viper models trump the better glass. I like the smaller size and weight of the razor as well but am looking for some helpful info. We hunt in Wyoming in the Rawlins/Laramie area mostly for antelope, elk, and deer if that helps. We are also mostly meat hunters. Thanks a lot for any help!
Vortex Razor vs Viper Spotting Scope
- Thread starter jerm8352
- Start date
JPSeveland
Active Member
I have actually been doing alot of research on the razor and viper scopes. Yesturday i went to sportsmans and convinced them to go outside and set both the viper and razor up side by side so i could compair them (both were the 85mm and 80mm scope). I did this for the last 15 minutes of light and both were great scope and was watch and reading a street sign and about 700+ yards away and was extremely pleased with both of them and could not tell much diffrence at all. I personnely like big optics for antelope cause they are hard to judge but if your main goal is meat and want to stay under budge with a good optic that you can still pack around and wont cost a grand i think you would really like the Viper 15x45x65. I have lots of friends that use this scope for every hunt and is very versatile.
sambo3006
Member
I found the following: http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=212485.
I'm saving my pennies for the 16-48x Razor HD. It is higher priced but sounds like it is worth it. You know what they say, buy once, cry once. I don't want to be sitting on a ridge cussing my choice of spotting scope because I can't tell if the bull or buck on the other side of the basin is worth going for. Been there, done that, tired of it. Especially after driving 1000+ miles to get to that ridge.
I'm saving my pennies for the 16-48x Razor HD. It is higher priced but sounds like it is worth it. You know what they say, buy once, cry once. I don't want to be sitting on a ridge cussing my choice of spotting scope because I can't tell if the bull or buck on the other side of the basin is worth going for. Been there, done that, tired of it. Especially after driving 1000+ miles to get to that ridge.
Elkhunter96
Active Member
the 80 or 85 mm objective will bring in a lot more light than the 50 or 65. Depends on what you want, the first two are more back packing models in my opinion where the 80-85 are better all around options
rcfireninja
Active Member
I have the viper 20-60x80. It weighs 67 ounces vs the razo 11-33x50 only weighs 25 ounces. I do love the spotting scope for looking from the truck and also day trips. I will be buying the razor 11-33x50 for my next wilderness backpack hunt to save weight during the extended hiking. It really just depends on how you will be using it.
sneakypete
Veteran member
I have the 11x33x50 razor and I love it. I wanted great glass, packable. In my opinion what do you spend more time behind? For me it's bino's , and I'm sure it's probably the same for most of us. That's why I went with the 11x33 x50. If I need to reach out farther or get a closer look, I'm behind the spotter. My thoughts.
I have the Viper 15x45x65 and I think it's a solid spotter. Fairly light well made, very easy and smooth to operate. Only set back is once zoomed all the way or even close to it....fine detail focus becomes unattainable. It's very clear up til that point. We have used it both backpacking with tripod and lots from a truck window as well as long distance shooting both rifle and archery. When that animal is a 1/2 mile away and u need to make a decision to go or stay it made it tough when really trying to look for details. Other than that it's a great scope I'd buy again. I looked at Razors also but can't say how they would compare in those situations.
Each of the following pics was taken with the viper 65 and an iPhone with phone skope at 1/2 mile minimum distance. It's is actually clearer through the spotter the. Gets slightly blurry through the phone.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Each of the following pics was taken with the viper 65 and an iPhone with phone skope at 1/2 mile minimum distance. It's is actually clearer through the spotter the. Gets slightly blurry through the phone.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
maninthemaze
New Member
Not to high jack or anything, but is the Zen Ray spotting scope made by the same people who make the Vortex? It sure looks the same!!! Just wondering if it's the same glass?
http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/spottingscopes/primehd-spotter-2060.html
http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/spottingscopes/primehd-spotter-2060.html
Catahoula12
Very Active Member
I have the 20x60x80 Viper.... Excellent scope. However I may sell my Viper and just go with a 15x or 20x binocs...
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Another small scope that's impressed me is the Nikon ED50. I bought a re-furbished one from Natchez a few years back for around $400 I think. I eventually saved up enough for a 80mm Swaro, but the little Nikon worked pretty darn good while I was waiting. I still have it and take it when weight is a concern. On antelope hunts I keep it and a light tripod in my pack, keep the big Swaro on the window mount a lot of the time.
I haven't had the chance to try the new Razor 50mm scope yet so can't comment on it. Another option especially if you aren't a trophy hunter is just getting a real good 12x or 15x bino. Put something like the Vortex Kaibab on a tripod and you can find and judge game pretty well. I did a comparison one day with my ED50 on 25x against my Swaro 15x56 binos. I was looking at the freeze brands on some our cows 2200yds away and could see just as much detail with the binos. Better glass and being able to use both eyes helped them. I've read where several people say they can see as much detail with 15x binos as 25-30x from a spotter. After my test I think they may be right. I need to try it again comparing the two Swaros.
I haven't had the chance to try the new Razor 50mm scope yet so can't comment on it. Another option especially if you aren't a trophy hunter is just getting a real good 12x or 15x bino. Put something like the Vortex Kaibab on a tripod and you can find and judge game pretty well. I did a comparison one day with my ED50 on 25x against my Swaro 15x56 binos. I was looking at the freeze brands on some our cows 2200yds away and could see just as much detail with the binos. Better glass and being able to use both eyes helped them. I've read where several people say they can see as much detail with 15x binos as 25-30x from a spotter. After my test I think they may be right. I need to try it again comparing the two Swaros.
hferrin701
Member
- Mar 2, 2014
- 83
- 0
I almost bought a viper spotter, I compared razor glass to the viper and its not even close. I was actually surprised how much different they are. Save your money and get the razor of youll have headaches behind the viper
