65mm vs 85mm

[Pilgs]

I'm looking at purchasing a Vortex Razor HD Spotting scope. Other than having more magnification and a little better light gathering quality at dusk/dawn, what(if any) are the main advantages of going with the 85mm?


The hunts I plan to use it on are antelope, mule deer, and elk. For antelope it will be used to glass from the vehicle some, but the rest of the hunting will be walk-in/backpack hunting.

I know the 85mm is heavier an bulkier. However, is it worth the extra weight? Is there a difference in clarity between the 2 scopes at the same magnifications during good light? Does a 65mm at 30 power have the same quality as an 85mm at 30 power? How is the clarity on higher powers of a 65mm?

 

[fire652]

Subscribed

 

[bates]

I ran an 85mm for a little bit more for shooting and spotting. It's a beast of a scope I think like a pound heavier than other 80mm scopes that would be biggest drawback for me

No experience with the 65


How particular are you looking at judging animals? You trying to pick them apart and judge? Or just want to know generalities?

 

[realunlucky]

Larger sweet spot with larger lens

 

[Pilgs]

I'm not scoring animals through the scope. Not counting inches. I just want something that will give me a good look at an animal after spotting it with binocs. How is the clarity on the 85mm at higher powers?

 

[MontanaMarine]

I've got a 65mm Razor. It's a nice scope, and I have no interest in anything larger/heavier.

That said, the 85mm will be brighter and offer a better resolution at equal power, just given the larger objective of equal quality. The question is can your eyes tell he difference, and are you willing to carry the extra size/weight, and probably a heavier tripod to keep it stable.


Shane

 

[FURMAN]

I would suggest you try to compare two side by side. I personally feel the larger scope is worth the weight. The larger objective gives a few more minutes of glassing and the larger magnification could save a little boot leather.

 

[Pilgs]

Thanks for the responses

 

[kodiakfly]

I don't carry a scope when hunting, but I do keep a scope in my truck. I went with the 85 since weight wasn't an issue for me. If I carried a scope, I'd have to say I'd probably go with the 65. Especially since I'm not a ring-counter.

 

[Clinch]

I was able to try all three razors side-by-side. With the conditions that day, they 85 mm was good up to 40 to 45 power, and the 65 mm was good up to about 30. Of course this depends on whatever the conditions are on any given day. I ended up going with the 85 mm because I have a small compact scope to pack around if I don't want to pack the big dog. One day I hope to be able to get the 50 mm. I'm not one to count inches, I just really like looking at the animals up close so that's why went with 85 mm. Most of the time the scope as a means to confirm what I'm looking at it long distance.if I were going with one scope I would go with the 50 mm and it would be with me all the time.

 

[Clinch]

Sorry I should edit after doing talk to text

 

[bcimport]

I've had a 50 (vortex razor), 65 (swaro)and 85 (vortex razor) I am finally back at the 65 and think I will stay here. The 85 is great optically other than the size and weight. The 50 wasn't enough magnification to justify carrying it over 12x binos. The 65 swaro is just about perfect for all around use. If it stays in the truck or doesn't get carried much go 85. If you think you will be carrying it around much go 60-65.

 

[Pilgs]

Thanks for the info.