Swarovski ats 20-60x 65mm VS Vortex Razor 27-60x 85mm

[Vargasm]

I'm in the market for my first quality spotting scope and have narrowed it down to these two. Weight is not a huge issue, however I will be using it for backpacking on occasion. I do want the 60x magnification, which is why these two are my choices. The swaro is on the very edge of my budget, where the razor is more reasonable.
I guess the two things pulling me towards the razor is the price and unconditional warranty. I would hate to buy a swaro, drop it the first trip I use it and have wasted my money. Any opinions you guys have would be great.
Also with the swaro being better glass will I notice a difference between the two even though the swaro is a smaller objective?
Thanks

 

[Beastmode]

Get the Swarovski if you can afford it. I have the razor and love it but it isn't Swarovski.

I have never had to use the warranty and I am hard on gear.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[Steve O]

You will spend a lot more money after you use the Vortex for a year or two and THEN buy the Swarovski. If the Swarovski is even at the very edge OUTside of your budget, I would get it. I bought a Zeiss 15 years ago and I have NO desire to upgrade. And my cost has been $100/ year and going down every year. That wonderful spotter has saved me hundreds of miles of hard walking. You get what you pay for...

 

[elkguide]

Welcome to the forum


I love my Swarovski products.
As to service, I tripped and fell on my EL's and sent them to Swarovski and they were returned within the week repaired at no cost.

 

[Vargasm]

Thanks for the replies, anyone have anything to say about the difference in objective size?

 

[mmw194287]

Thanks for the replies, anyone have anything to say about the difference in objective size?

Check your PMs.

 

[Blockcaver]

My 2011 angled, magnesium Swarovski 20-60x65 HD has a lot of miles and days in sheep hunting in BC. Love it for the purpose and find it optically what I need and still packable. Wouldn't consider a larger/heavier scope for backpacking, and don't use my lighter smaller Nikon Ed50 on sheep hunts either.