china vs japan vortex razors

[bnsafe]

anyone know if there is a dip is quality with this change a few years ago. i assume there is. what about optical quality?

 

[JohnJohnson]

Are you talking about scopes, binoculars, or spotting scopes?

 

[FSB12B]

If you’re talking the bino’s then in my opinion yes. Maven C1’s were noticeably more crisp, especially at distance, over the China Razor. Again, everyone’s eyes are different.

I had the two extra sets at the same time. Came to my conclusion, and had my wife look through them both without knowing what differences there were between the two, including prices.

Her exact words “these are way better” in favor of the C1.

FWIW my vision is near perfect and hers is terrible with an astigmatism.

 

[CB4]

Can't speak towards quality in terms of durability. However it is widely accepted that clarity wouldnt be as good for anything made in China.

I do have a pair of UHD binos from them that were made in Japan and they are very nice. I won them so didnt spend a penny on them. Comparing them to Maven B series they are clearer and crisper.

 

[nm.otter]

I do have a pair of UHD binos from them that were made in Japan and they are very nice.

What model number?

 

[CB4]

I would have to look later. But they are the Razor UHD 8x32s

 

[flyfisher117]

I can’t tell a single difference between my buddies Japanese Razor, My Philippines Razor, and my wife’s Chinese Razor. I wanted to see a difference but couldn’t. All 3 are 10x42. Perhaps a larger 12x it would be more noticeable.

I’ll still take the Chinese razor over some of the cheaper Japanese wonder glass that everyone raves is better.

 

[nm.otter]

I would have to look later. But they are the Razor UHD 8x32s

Thanks -- unless there was an earlier version of those, probably an RZB-0832. I'm looking forward to trying a pair next month.

 

[nobody]

IME, a top tier China made razor HD is on par with the discontinued Japan made versions. However, the variance sample to sample on the Chinese razors is extremely wide. So the need to sample test when purchasing is higher.

I’ll echo what was said above though, the Maven C series is on par, and in many ways superior, optically with the Razor HD’s for a fraction of the cost.

The current production Japan made Razor UHD’s are fantastic. I stand by the fact that if Swaro had released them, made in Japan and QC by Swaro, as the “SLC2.0” or something, people would refer to them as alpha. They’re top shelf optically. But they do have some shortcomings in the aesthetic build quality department, lots of them have reports of the decals peeling off and falling off, and the rubber skin on the focus knob on the ones I had (UHD 10x50’s) wanted to peel off the inner knob portion. For the price, I personally would expect better aesthetic build quality, especially since they’ve increased the price on the full size UHD’s about $300 since release.

I’ve since replaced them with Maven B6 10x50’s and don’t regret the decision.