Spotting Scope Help

[raptor16]

I need some input on spotting scope suggestions. I have the chance to buy a new Maven S1.2a 25-50x80 or new Razor HD 27-60x85 for the same price (deep discount). It seems like Maven has the edge from what I've been able to gather but looking for firsthand experience input. They're both the same weight. Obviously Vortex has higher power and slightly larger objective.

Also considering the Maven S.3a 20-40x67 but it's only 5 oz lighter so not sure it's really worth not having the extra magnification. If I can find a Kowa TSN 55 or 66 for a decent price I'd jump on that, but it's looking much more likely I'll be able to pick up the Maven or Vortex at a deep discount right now.

Thanks for bearing another one of these threads for me...

 

[Crockett]

I have no experience with the Maven but I have a Vortex Razor HD 20-60x85 and would like to replace it with a better glass. I've glassed game in the clear desert air at something like 2 miles and couldn't tell if they were deer or antelope due to poor resolution! It should be easy because of the stark white underside of antelope but they were just too blurry to easily identify!

 

[Echo]

I would recommend the maven if it’s just between these two. Better glass and better resale value.

 

[raptor16]

Thanks for the input!

 

[Tahoe1305]

The Rokslide Members' GIANT Optics Review

In this giant optics review, a group of Rokslide members got together to compare a long list of optics in real field conditions.

www.rokslide.com

I’d personally save the money and pick up a Gen 1 razor if that’s the plan. Will get for half the price and I prefer it.

If you can save a few hundred more you can get a Swaro ATC (seen them as low as $1700 recently) which will be able to see about as much as the 65mm spotters mentioned at a fraction of the weight.

Additionally for close to same price you can get a used ATS65.

My 2 cents is either get the $600 old vortex or make the $1k jump and go swaro or Kowa. The middle ground is not worth the effort IMO.

 

[Crockett]

raptor 16 - If you want it, you can have my Vortex Razor HD 20-60x85 for what Tahoe1305 mentioned.

​

 

[Tahoe1305]

I have no experience with the Maven but I have a Vortex Razor HD 20-60x85 and would like to replace it with a better glass. I've glassed game in the clear desert air at something like 2 miles and couldn't tell if they were deer or antelope due to poor resolution! It should be easy because of the stark white underside of antelope but they were just too blurry to easily identify!

IMO 2 miles is a lot to ask of a spotter.

If you read that review I posted we were trying to count tines of a full size deer at I think 1100yds or something. All the spotters could do it, but that’s a fraction of the distance of 2 miles.

That said I do think you should be able to ID big game type at that distance but I have never personally tried. I’d be a tad disappointed too.

I’m guessing some of the smaller spotters would not be able to count tines at a mile. And guessing none at 2 miles.

 

[Jtb.kfd]

The Rokslide Members' GIANT Optics Review

In this giant optics review, a group of Rokslide members got together to compare a long list of optics in real field conditions.

www.rokslide.com

I’d personally save the money and pick up a Gen 1 razor if that’s the plan. Will get for half the price and I prefer it.

If you can save a few hundred more you can get a Swaro ATC (seen them as low as $1700 recently) which will be able to see about as much as the 65mm spotters mentioned at a fraction of the weight.

Additionally for close to same price you can get a used ATS65.

My 2 cents is either get the $600 old vortex or make the $1k jump and go swaro or Kowa. The middle ground is not worth the effort IMO.

This post captures my experience as well. My brother has the Gen 1 Razor and its not bad. I have the Gen 2 Razor 22-48x65 and absolutely hate it. I will be going the Kowa or Swaro route this year. Wish I wouldn’t have wasted the $1,300 the first go around.
For reference, this past October we saw an elk pop out of timber at about 800yds on a clear, sunny day. Our unit is spike only and I couldn’t tell if this thing had something on its head or if it was the ears I was looking at through my Gen 2. We put up my brothers Gen 1 and could instantly see it was a spike. That was the point I was done with mine.