For spotter: Leica or Vortex?

[elkstabber]

A buddy of mine wants to sell his Leica 77 spotting scope. It's a couple (5?) years old I think.

But I can also get a used Vortex Razor 85 for about the same price.

Since the price is about the same and I can't afford to go higher what would you do? Have you looked through both? Help! I'm looking for a big spotter and have narrowed it down to these two.

 

[WRO]

Leica

 

[Sam Millard]

Leica!

 

[kodiakfly]

Leica.

 

[BackcountryMT]

Leica, zero comparison between the two

 

[Justin Crossley]

I've used both and agree with everyone else. Leica is superior.

 

[Matt Cashell]

Is this the older Televid 77 APO or standard Televid?

If it is the non-APO, I will go against the grain of the others here and say the Vortex should perform a little better, as long as you get a good unit.

I even think the Razor HD performs pretty well next to the APO version.

Also, one thing to consider is that Leica's Warranty does not transfer, so you are on your own with a used unit. With Vortex you are covered.

 

[RMLamp]

Given the choice I'd go for the Leica. The best place I've found for reviews on optics are bird watcher reviews, they have to be some of the most anal people on earth when it comes to color and clarity of optics.