Is the Razor 13-39x56 really that subpar?

[gooberfish]

For anyone else comparing the Kowa 553/554 to other compact spotters, it's worth noting that their FOV is quite narrow:

Kowa 553/554: 2.5-1.3 degrees from 15-45x
Vortex Razor 56mm: 3.2-1.7 degrees from 13-39x
Kowa 55a/55s: 3.6-2.0 degrees from 17-40x
Swarovski ATC/STC: 3.5-1.9 degrees from 17-40x

Obviously there's a whole other conversation about usable FOV and edge to edge clarity, as well as $1k+ separating the 550 and Razor from the most recent alpha glass, but definitely still a factor worth considering. It seems like the 550s are the best glass you're going to get in that range by far, but might be a headache if you plan on doing a lot of scanning with your scope.

I'm personally struggling with whether to pick up a 56mm Razor or spend the extra money for the new Kowa or Swaro... I have no reason to think the Vortex wouldn't meet my needs, but I'm worried that I'll just be wasting money if/when I inevitably want to upgrade to alpha glass.

 

[Tahoe1305]

For anyone else comparing the Kowa 553/554 to other compact spotters, it's worth noting that their FOV is quite narrow:

Kowa 553/554: 2.5-1.3 degrees from 15-45x
Vortex Razor 56mm: 3.2-1.7 degrees from 13-39x
Kowa 55a/55s: 3.6-2.0 degrees from 17-40x
Swarovski ATC/STC: 3.5-1.9 degrees from 17-40x

Obviously there's a whole other conversation about usable FOV and edge to edge clarity, as well as $1k+ separating the 550 and Razor from the most recent alpha glass, but definitely still a factor worth considering. It seems like the 550s are the best glass you're going to get in that range by far, but might be a headache if you plan on doing a lot of scanning with your scope.

I'm personally struggling with whether to pick up a 56mm Razor or spend the extra money for the new Kowa or Swaro... I have no reason to think the Vortex wouldn't meet my needs, but I'm worried that I'll just be wasting money if/when I inevitably want to upgrade to alpha glass.

Buy used on here. Minimal money wasted.

If you only want one spotter you’ll likely always wonder if you should have got the alpha. If you want more than one spotter it’s perfect.