Vortex Razor HD 13-39x56mm

[TradLife406]

I've got just a thousand bucks to spend on a compact spotter.

How bad is the little Vortex? Will I be disappointed? Kinda leery of Vortex and budget spotters. Nothing worse than a bad spotter. But this is their Razor line so it should be better than nothing. Right?

I've read a few reviews that are a little dated.

I've been looking for a used Kowa too. I packed in the older Diamond back spotter my buddy lent me a couple weekends ago. It was pretty horrible Had me wanting to get a swaro on the scheels card

 

[flyfisher117]

You can get used Kowa 553/554 on here for less than the price of a new baby razor. I borrowed a 554 last year and really enjoyed it.

I finally got eyeballs behind a baby razor this weekend. My local shop had them on a decent sale. I went in ready to buy. I walked out glad I got eyes behind it. They took it outside and threw it on a tripod for me. It was nice but I wasn’t in love. The 2 I sampled had a stiff focus ring, stiff enough it was hard to keep the vortex tripod aimed where I wanted it. I didn’t like the eye relief at max mag, it was borderline not useable for my eyeballs. Side by side with a 65mm razor I much preferred everything about the 65 other than the size.

 

[Tahoe1305]

I like a mini razor over other minis in that price range. That said not sure I’d pay $1k. Should be able to pick up closer to $750 or so used.

it is a good glassing piece for what it is. Which is limited zoom and lightest mini spotter out there. The glass is better on the old Kowa 553/4 but the FOV and eye relief really suffer IMO. Like mentioned above it’s the likely competitor. The focus is nicer on the Kowa but my mini razor doesn’t bother me much.

ATC is an upgrade to both if you can save a bit more it would be worth it.

I have alpha glass but still rock the mini razor. Again it is good for what it is.

 

[TradLife406]

Ha posted this then found a Baby Kowa for a good deal on here. A 553. Buddy has one and swears by it for the size and price.