Spotting Scope Advice?

[O'Really]

Are the Swarovskis better than the Vortex Razor HDs?

Yes

 

[boom]

Yes

No. Hell yes !

 

[bigeasygator]

Are the Swarovskis better than the Vortex Razor HDs?

I have a Swarovski spotter and binoculars with Swarovision. The short answer is yes, they are better glass. The real question is whether that quality is worth the money. I've looked through less expensive glass and at times wondered if my Swaros were worth the money. Against certain glass and under certain conditions the answer is definitely yes, but I'd say at other times the difference isn't that overwhelming.

 

[Beastmode]

Are they better? Yes. Is it worth the price difference? Not for me. With all the other hunting gear I use and buy I can't justify spending 2 times more for something that isn't 2 times better. Just my $ .02

 

[tipsntails7]

Yes they are better, but to me really not worth the price tag they command, especially wih how little I really use it. I have a pair of vortex viper HD's 10x42's and a buddy has a pair of swaro's. There is no doubt they are better but to me not enough to justify spending 3 times as much. That's a lot of gas, other gear , or just plain money I could have.

 

[Stid2677]

Where Alpha glass earns it's money is not in the spotting of game but in the judging. I'm a sheep hunter and when you start trying to count age rings from several hundred yards or count brow tines on moose,, it IS worth the money. If I was just using one to spot game, then many of the spotters for less money would fit the bill.

 

[tipsntails7]

Where Alpha glass earns it's money is not in the spotting of game but in the judging. I'm a sheep hunter and when you start trying to count age rings from several hundred yards or count brow tines on moose,, it IS worth the money. If I was just using one to spot game, then many of the spotters for less money would fit the bill.

That's a good point, that's never really occurred to me as I've never hunted sheep.

 

[Bighorse]

I hunt the rainforest of SE Alaska and know that most of the game I'm after doesn't travel alone. If I find an animal a good Swaro spotter can help find that sneaky buck, bull, or billy hanging with the group. You may only get a fleeting glimps and your glass better perform in that moment because your about ready to make a six hour approach across a trailess canyon based on a brief impression from your glass. You need to be very humble about your optical ability and use that glass more often than you want to. It makes a difference. I keep mine at the ready attached to a tripod most of the time until I get game down.

How about bears? Judging bears is difficult!!!!!!!!!! Use your glass before you get in close. Maintaining a safe scent free distance with Brownies is important. Alpha glass can really make a very expensive bear hunt come together for you.

 

[Rich.]

Thanks for the info guys, I have some thinking to do.

 

[Stid2677]

At or near darkness, last light, first light is also were good glass will give you 15 to 30 minutes more use.

 

[jherald]

I used several spotters until I settled on a Swaro. I would agree with Stid that the Pentax was very good. I've had experience with zeiss diascope as well and that is an extremely good spotter. If you do some searching around online you may be able to find a used swaro or zeiss for around a grand. A lot to be said for good optics. The swaro 20-60x65 seemed to be the best balance to me overall with the quality, size and weight.

 

[Lexington]

I had a Vortex Viper HD and finally decided to upgrade when the mirage got so bad I couldn't pick bullet holes out of the paper at 300yds...

Did a lot of research and went with a lightweight rig - Minox 62ED w/L.E.R eyepiece. This, plus the Nanomax tripod all weighs a little more than 4.5lbs AND I can see details on pine ones at 600yds and was picking up mulies at near 2mi this fall.

I've had it next to friends Swarovski and Zeiss spotters at dusk and it was perfectly competitive in low light conditions.

Just to plug it... I do have it got sale in the classifieds - I upgraded my Binos this season to the FL 10x42s and no longer see a reason to backpack in with it!

 

[Rich.]

The main thing drawing me to the Razor HD spotter is the lifetime warranty. It'll be a tough decision for me.

 

[Beastmode]

The main thing drawing me to the Razor HD spotter is the lifetime warranty. It'll be a tough decision for me.

The optics far exceed the price. Even without the warranty. With the warranty its a great deal. unless you have 2500 to burn to get a swaro i think the razor is a great pick.

 

[Matt W.]

Anyone had to use a Swarovski warranty claim? Curious how it went. ??

 

[luke moffat]

I did on a pair of 8x30 SLCs...they upgraded my glass to the newer style for free since one of the lenses came loose internally and they had to work them over anyways...awesome warranty!

 

[Matt W.]

So I guess that means the vortex warranty vs. the Swarovski warranty is a non issue? Yeah?

 

[Beastmode]

So I guess that means the vortex warranty vs. the Swarovski warranty is a non issue? Yeah?

Swaro isn't unconditional. If you drop swaro and it breaks there goes $2500. If you drop vortex and it breaks they give you new glass or fix yours.

 

[Matt W.]

Swaro isn't unconditional. If you drop swaro and it breaks there goes $2500. If you drop vortex and it breaks they give you new glass or fix yours.

Thanks

 

[luke moffat]

So I guess that means the vortex warranty vs. the Swarovski warranty is a non issue? Yeah?

Not sure...have heard others had to pay some to upgrade their optics with Swaro.

Vortex warranty is pretty tough to beat IMO along with their pricing. Top tier optics they aren't. Flagship Swaro line vs. Flagship Vortex the Swaro will when, but for the $$$ the Vortex is plenty for me atleast and my budget. Would rather have a $1K set of binos and $1500 in spotter and pocket the $2500+ dollars to use for plane flyouts and what not.

I know I know says the guys with a Zeiss Diascope 85 mm spotter

What can I say I'm not brand loyal in the least, Zeiss spotter, Vortex Binos, Leica Rangefinger....they all work, it really comes down to personal preference IMO.