Anyone been using the new Vortex spotter?

[Logan T]

Wondering if anyone has been using the new Vortex 85mm. Would love to go get a Swaro but I just couldn't find funds for that. Curious if the new Vortex has any noticeable improvements over the old one now that its been around for a fall.

 

[CorbLand]

I do not own one but did compare them when they first came out.

Noticeable improvements for me would be first and foremost, the change of the eyepiece. The three screws on the old model would wiggle themselves out on occasion and then you had problems. It is also brighter and clearer on 60 power. We were looking about 2 miles out and it was a noticeable difference in the look of the trees and grass.

Misses. the new locking system for the eye piece seems like a bad idea. Seems as if it could unlock itself easier than the old style. I also liked the eye cup on the old model a lot better but that is more of a personal thing.

If you can continue to save for the Swaro I would suggest that. It is hard to argue with the quality of glass and build of Swarovski. If not, the difference between the new and old model to me does not justify paying more. If you can find an old model for a good deal, most are around 1200 new in stores, then I would pick one of those up and save yourself some money. Nikon also just released a new Monarch line of spotting scopes in the same price range as Razors. I haven't looked through one but would suggest looking into them before buying a Razor.

 

[AGPank]

There is a review somewhere on here. I had the old one and the. Upgraded to the Cabelas Euro Instinct / Meopta Meostar. The Cabelas version goes on sale often and is a great buy.

 

[brettpsu]

Just got a sales flyer from Cabelas today. Razor 20-60x85 angled for $999. That's a heck of a deal.

 

[gbrim21]

I hate chiming in on a comparison post when I have not compared both the optics in question, but I figured I'd parrot what Corbland says about the old Razor at the full 60x. I have the old 20-60 Razor, and it is fantastic, super clear. Right up until you hit the 60x, then the image gets really dark.

I read multiple reviews out of curiosity, and in my case I was looking for whether people thought upgrading from the old model was worth it. The overall clarity of the new one seems to be slightly better in general, and noticeably better around that full 60x zoom. I won't go beyond that since i don't have first hand experience with the new, but thought I'd chime in since I have owned the old Razor for several years and quite a few days in the field.

 

[Logan T]

Thanks for the replies guys. I've spent a lot of time with the old Razor so I know what you mean about the high power clarity. I've also spent quite a fair amount of time behind a swaro as well and I know there is a big step up in glass. But I just can't spend that kind of money, and probably couldn't for several years at least..... getting married next summer so between that and life's expenses it probably won't happen. Trying to see what the new vortex is like compared to the old razor as well as the maven. I've read reviews here I could find, just looking for more info since they've been out for a season. I've only got an old Nikon spotter and it has found a lot of critters and treated me well, just want a little more till I can get a big swaro years from now.


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[dadsturntoplay]

Buy the swaros before you get married ......

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[AndyB]

Buy the swaros before you get married ......

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.......or just make sure the new one is the same colour as the old one, worked for me,

 

[Fireguy]

Vortex Razor HD 22-48x65 spotting scope review

They seem to feel there has been no improvement with the new glass.

 

[txdukklr]

hmm I had both . . .. upgraded to the new one and used them side by side. I like the ergonomics better, bit sleeker design and the optics were better.

I sold the old one on ebay for around $800 . . . . . eventually I'm going all in on the swaro STS in 85 but i can buy three of these vortex for what that costs.

 

[belly-deep]

Just got a sales flyer from Cabelas today. Razor 20-60x85 angled for $999. That's a heck of a deal.

Was that with a code? Their website doesn't have that price listed.

 

[gbrim21]

Vortex Razor HD 22-48x65 spotting scope review

They seem to feel there has been no improvement with the new glass.

Thanks for posting that review, I hadn't seen that one. Don't have the one I read off top of my head right now, but they mentioned a very slight increase in glass. I think it's fair to say the glass is pretty close between both models.

 

[wind gypsy]

Based on reviews, it seems the biggest change was wide angle lens and helical focus. You can decide if its worth it to you.

Sport Optics had the Meopta S2 package for $1860 shipped a month ago when I sprung for one. Pretty close to new razor prices.

 

[brettpsu]

Was that with a code? Their website doesn't have that price listed.

It was in the "Pre Black Friday" sales flyer. I don't see any codes. Dates are November 10-23. Item #3BH-03059817