The new Vortex Razor HD 13-39x56mm, The Mini Razor

Tahoe1305

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Concur. I really like mine. Only thing better IMO is swaro ATC. I haven’t looked thru new mini Kowa (guessing it will be better by a bit) but I preferred it to the old Kowa 55. I’m a minority here but will stand by it.
 

Hnthrdr

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Concur. I really like mine. Only thing better IMO is swaro ATC. I haven’t looked thru new mini Kowa but I preferred it to the old Kowa 55. I’m a minority here but will stand by it.
I have an ATC, but have thought about picking up a mini razor for kids/ loaner spotter someday
 

Tahoe1305

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I have an ATC, but have thought about picking up a mini razor for kids/ loaner spotter someday
Exactly why I have one.

It’s for the buddy/kid/etc that wants a closer look but not worth having another 65+ mm on board.

Not many hunts it will replace a full size spotter, but for weight and cost I can justify a solid backup/compliment.
 

Hnthrdr

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Exactly why I have one.

It’s for the buddy/kid/etc that wants a closer look but not worth having another 65+ mm on board.

Not many hunts it will replace a full size spotter, but for weight and cost I can justify a solid backup/compliment.
You rocking a 65mm now or just the baby scopes?
 

Tahoe1305

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You rocking a 65mm now or just the baby scopes?
So I snagged an older STM 65. It weighs 43oz if I recall. It’s my primary and can resolve a good amount more but only because it’s a solid 60x zoom (zoom is king always IMO).

I use the mini razor as described above. BUT.

I can’t get rid of my OG 16-48x65 razor. My model is just solid and hangs with the nicer glass better than it should. No it isn’t as good as swaro but for the $$ I can’t sell it.
 

Hnthrdr

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So I snagged an older STM 65. It weighs 43oz if I recall. It’s my primary and can resolve a good amount more but only because it’s a solid 60x zoom (zoom is king always IMO).

I use the mini razor as described above. BUT.

I can’t get rid of my OG 16-48x65 razor. My model is just solid and hangs with the nicer glass better than it should. No it isn’t as good as swaro but for the $$ I can’t sell it.
Yeah I kind of regret selling my gen 1 since now I only have 85 gen 1 razor and an atc… 65 may be in the works sometime of a 77mm kowa but I fear they will get left at home a lot in favor of the atc….
 

Tahoe1305

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Yeah I kind of regret selling my gen 1 since now I only have 85 gen 1 razor and an atc… 65 may be in the works sometime of a 77mm kowa but I fear they will get left at home a lot in favor of the atc….
Fwiw I compared a 85mm gen 1 to a 65. The 85mm I had wasn’t as strong. Using charts I could resolve the same element at distance and it frustrated me (was supposed to be 60x vs 48….but didn’t seem like it). I actually took it back and kept the 65mm. Again I think the one I have isn’t normal (maybe).

A good deal on a 77 is a great buy. But if you aren’t looking past a mile….may be tough to beat an ATC.

If I was shopping, I’d probably go mini razor and 77 and feel fairly well covered for ALL hunting I can imagine. (Plus a backup).
 
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