Vortex Razor???

[Lambchop]

Hey all,

Looking into getting a spotter. 60-85mm objective lens. I have it pretty much down to a choice of two. I’m looking Leupold Gold Ring or Vortex Razor. The Leupold only being available in straight kinda bums me out as well as it not having a sunshade. I could live with 1 of those downfalls as a trade for that massive 30mm eye relief. I just don’t know that I can swallow both. Also I have heard it’s a pain to digiscope with and I am really wanting to do some down the road. Anyone have any experience with this? Do you really have to remove the rubber eye cup?

The real question though.

Why when you search Razor in the classifieds on AT, any other form, but especially here do you see a flood of Vortex Razor optics? I know more people probably have them than any other brand but I have seen several Gen 2 spotters and lots of binos as of late for some crazy low prices. Are they not as great as what the people who are paid promoters of them lead everyone to believe?

I have no real world experience with them so just wanted to hear what everyone has to say.

Thanks Alan

 

[dotman]

Because there are optics equal to it for less money and people upgrade to better optics.

 

[Lambchop]

What are some of the the ones that would be on par for less??

 

[dotman]

Some say the Cabelas Krotos is but from my personal experience after owning a razor, the Vanguard Endeavor HD is equal and half the price with same warranty.

Vanguard Endeavor HD Spotting Scope : Cabela's

 

[mfllood3800]

The Razor line is a decnt optic. Cant be the warranty. But when they break in the field that warranty is useless as I have yet to see a vortex dealer in the field with a stash of 10x42
lol
Mine did break, in the field.
I sent them in, repaired super quick and I then gave them to my wife, who loves them, then I bought some Swarovski's.

I have nothing bad to say about the Razors. Good glass and gets the job done.
Other brand to consider Meopta from stores like cabelas.
Been hearing good stuff on these as well.

But with so many Razors for sale used, you're bound to get a pair for cheap- you will be happy with them.
They aren't top of the line, but they get the job done
With that said I sold my Vortex spotter and got a Swarovski.
But my budget allowed and my glassing time increased so it was justified.

Just get out and enjoy it man !!

 

[Ronb]

The optics bug is a sickness! Vortex glass is very good, but its not a swaro. Haha! Anyway, I just think as one upgrades and finds how much more enjoyable great glass can be, its hard not to want the best.


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[Lambchop]

Anyone know how the Leupold glass compares to the glass on the Vortex? On par or better? I have two Leupold RX1000i TBR rangefinders and man are they slick. Not to mention they take an absolute beating and keep on working.

 

[Brodie]

Because there are optics equal to it for less money and people upgrade to better optics.

FYI they are $100 less at bhphoto


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[gr8fuldoug]

If you'd like an angled scope, better quality than a Vortex Razor, for less money than the Razor, take a look at the Athlon Cronus 20-60x86 ED and call us for your RokSlide price. You'' love this scope

 

[RMarciano]

I’m very happy with the 85mm Razor Gen 2. Vortex gets heat because it’s more expensive than other brands of the same quality glass but you’re essentially paying for the peace of mind that an accident won’t set you back a mini fortune to repair or replace. I’m pretty brand loyal to Vortex because they always make a solid product, the warranty is the best, and I can purchase their products from retail for decent savings. Dickssportingoods sends rewards members 20% off coupons all the time when combined with raise.com selling giftcards at %15 off can save you a ton on glass and close the gap between Vortex and the other options. With all that said Swarovski makes a superior product and there are even cheaper better alternatives to the Leopold and Vortex but I’d go Razor.


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[KyMountainMan]

Some say the Cabelas Krotos is but from my personal experience after owning a razor, the Vanguard Endeavor HD is equal and half the price with same warranty.

Vanguard Endeavor HD Spotting Scope : Cabela's

I picked up the Vanguard 82a and the Krotos 65 week before Last.....I had them set up side by side for a day...The Vanguard was no where near as Good as the Krotos....The Krotos is Brighter and sharper....Also the vanguards coarse Focus locked and ended the test....I kept the Krotos and sent the Vanguard back...I also sent the Krotos back for exchange because of metal shavings inside....I received the replacement last week... It is perfect no Metal shavings inside...I love this little spotter....Clear and Sharp all the way to max power.

 

[Lambchop]

Any one else??

 

[WRO]

Any one else??

You can fake it in bino's, not so much with spotters.

When put the limits in my experience, the razor always comes up lacking at that price point.

Save your money and buy a good scope.

 

[mlevimadden]

I owned the Vortex Razor 50mm spotter for awhile, and as others have said there is better glass for the cost. Vortex has done an exceptional job marketing their brand and are no longer the best value. If you ware willing to wait/look, you can occasionally find used leica or kowa scopes in the vortex razor price range that would be a step-up in performance.

 

[pacoalcracker]

Just save up your money for a bit, cut through the bullshit of wasting time and money on lesser quality optics and buy one of the top 3. Swaro, Zeiss or Leica and call it a day. No regrets, period. There is a very good reason they cost more...because they are more. I have 7x42 Leica Ultravid HD binos and a Swaro 65mm spotter with 25-50 wide angle eyepiece and a Leica rangefinder. I'm saving for a pr of Leica 10x42 Ultravid HD+ binos. Money much better spent..the first time. I believe 90% of adult hunters can afford the Alpha glass if they don't give in to buying lesser quality optics in the first place and just save for a bit. Lets face it, in this economy 2 grand or so ain't going to break the bank. Besides, in order to shoot the animal, you have to often times find it. If you have to, spend a bit less on the rifle itself and a bit more on quality glass.

 

[dotman]

Just save up your money for a bit, cut through the bullshit of wasting time and money on lesser quality optics and buy one of the top 3. Swaro, Zeiss or Leica and call it a day. No regrets, period. There is a very good reason they cost more...because they are more. I have 7x42 Leica Ultravid HD binos and a Swaro 65mm spotter with 25-50 wide angle eyepiece and a Leica rangefinder. I'm saving for a pr of Leica 10x42 Ultravid HD+ binos. Money much better spent..the first time. I believe 90% of adult hunters can afford the Alpha glass if they don't give in to buying lesser quality optics in the first place and just save for a bit. Lets face it, in this economy 2 grand or so ain't going to break the bank. Besides, in order to shoot the animal, you have to often times find it. If you have to, spend a bit less on the rifle itself and a bit more on quality glass.

I agree but you left off Kowa for spotters.

 

[pacoalcracker]

I can't comment on Kowa as I have no experience with that brand and have not researched it as I have no need to. The top 3 will get done whatever needs to be done, and do it quite well. Perhaps it does deserve mention.

 

[snakelk]

With all of the options and comments you've read, you're probably even more undecided, but that's not a bad thing. I have one more idea to consider. Look for a used Meopta S2, pay a few hundred more than the Razor, and you will have yourself a premium 82 mm spotter for a lot less than alpha glass.

 

[Lambchop]

What’s up with these Kowa scopes. That little Prominar 55 looks very slick.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

What’s up with these Kowa scopes. That little Prominar 55 looks very slick.

It is scary good