Spotting Scope Input

[shleebs]

All,

I am deciding between the Vortex Razor spotting scope w/ either a 65MM or 85MM lens. Wondering what everyone would recommend. My hunting style is currently 65% out of a pack, hiking and the other 35% of the time is driving (depending on what I'm hunting and the area). Ideally, I want to be conscious of weight and pack ability of the scope but am not afraid of it being a bit larger if it is more functional and better performing.

Also, any suggestions for a good, light weight tri-pod to haul around with it would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[porthunter]

Just my opinion, but I'd save alittle more and go for the Swaro ATS 65mm. You're going to get abit more zoom than the 65mm Vortex, with more clarity. You can sometimes find some pretty good deals on used. I use an ATX 65mm and my combo is very similar to yours in terms of spent on road vs backpacking and I dont regret my choice of a 65mm at all.

In terms of Tripod, I just ordered the new Promaster XC-M 522C, pretty excited to get my hands on it, right at about 2.5lbs with a ball head. Under 2lbs with no head, will review and let you know in about a week.

[sako79]

Just my opinion, but I'd save alittle more and go for the Swaro ATS 65mm. You're going to get abit more zoom than the 65mm Vortex, with more clarity. You can sometimes find some pretty good deals on used. I use an ATX 65mm and my combo is very similar to yours in terms of spent on road vs backpacking and I dont regret my choice of a 65mm at all.

In terms of Tripod, I just ordered the new Promaster XC-M 522C, pretty excited to get my hands on it, right at about 2.5lbs with a ball head. Under 2lbs with no head, will review and let you know in about a week.

^^^^ what he said.plus you won't need to use their warranty three times in the first year

[boxhitch]

Viper 65 will do you fine for 96.5% of the time

[Weatherby Fan]

My brother has both the Vortex Viper and Vortex Razor 15-45x65, optically not a huge difference but I would go with the Razor based on functionality, it’s just a better scope to use, if your back packing a fair bit go with the angled 65mm version,
spotting scopes get used very little overall, I have the Leica 65 mm and optically not a lot different than the Razor,
If you do a lot of picture taking with your spotting scope you might want to consider the 85mm but other than that the 65mm is more than adequate.

[Darksith]

go with the 65mm lens vs the 85mm...its just more weight and volume to pack around IMO.

I might save a bit more and buy a swaro too...well except I have a swaro. Check bird watching sites for second hand stuff too fyi.

[warnniklz]

I'm running the 15-45x65 angle razor spotting scope. It's served me well.

This is probably 1000-1500 meters out taken with a phone on a clear day
https://scontent.fyyc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/38758308_128522778078969_4186161669719719936_n.jpg ?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ht=scontent.fyyc3-1.fna&oh=457fd4eed4690f11b87103b3ebdee7e9&oe=5D4DA003

https://scontent.fyyc3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/38744349_128522638078983_4235886773848244224_n.jpg ?_nc_cat=109&_nc_ht=scontent.fyyc3-1.fna&oh=775a25e19119142f1563eaecf76c65ec&oe=5D12C978

Solid tripod is key to keeping the image steady... the summit SS isn't that... but it is light.

[Norwestalta]

I've got the 85mm. I like the field of view but wish I would of went with the 65mm. The 85 seems big and cumbersome.

[srupp]

Hmmm..imo go with 65..versus 85..size..weight ..you carry it every step..it is substantially heavier, larger.
I prefer Swaro .period.
BigBoar ..Dave..his brother Rob and I sat for many hours..many days glassing morning afternoon. .Dave had tge 85..me tge 65..non of us could see a difference..even at extreme low light glassing the edges..back when grizzly hunting was fun and legal.
If price is the issue..buy what you can afford..but big difference moving up in quality to Swaro.
The angled body and 65 is great spotting scope for all reasons.
Srupp

[todbartell]

Ive been using a Vortex spotting scope since 2012. Viper, Razor 16-48x65, Razor 20-60x85, Razor 11-33x50, and now the newest gen Razor 22-48x65. I've liked them all, no failures. Vortex Summit SS tripod since the beginning

[geo guy]

go with the 65mm lens vs the 85mm...its just more weight and volume to pack around IMO.

I might save a bit more and buy a swaro too...well except I have a swaro. Check bird watching sites for second hand stuff too fyi.

What are some good bird watching sites to keep an eye on? Im on the hunt for a 65mm ATS Swaro. Cheers.

[shleebs]

I can pick the 65MM version up for $900, or the 85MM for $1,200. For the price difference, between these or the swaro I'm leaning towards getting the vortex and running it for a few years. I assumed that I would have people suggesting I step up into a swaro or leica.

[Weatherby Fan]

I can pick the 65MM version up for $900, or the 85MM for $1,200. For the price difference, between these or the swaro I'm leaning towards getting the vortex and running it for a few years. I assumed that I would have people suggesting I step up into a swaro or leica.

Like I said in an earlier post my brother has used the Vortex Razor for a few years and he's harder on gear than anyone I know and no issues so far.

[KodiakHntr]

I’ll go against the grain here, as a guy who runs upper shelf gear... I’ve used the Vortex Razor 65 side by side against my Swaro 65... And I’ll say that at last light watching animals at extended distance, the vortex was just a hair clearer, and was just a touch sharper to my eye. You won’t be giving up much in the way of optical quality by going with the Vortex for a few years.



(And DAMN that pains me to type that out, believe me.)

As to the longevity or finish quality, you are paying $1000 less, you takes your chances.

[Ride Red]

I’m using the Vortex Razer HD 16-48 x 65mm without issue. They’ve been in my pack, riding on my quad/sled and bounced around in my boat and still going strong. Good glass for the money and paired with a Summit SS tripod. I’m a Leupold guy, but can’t complain about these for spending time behind.

[Ron.C]

I’ve used the Vortex Razor 65 side by side against my Swaro 65... And I’ll say that at last light watching animals at extended distance, the vortex was just a hair clearer, and was just a touch sharper to my eye. You won’t be giving up much in the way of optical quality by going with the Vortex for a few years.




I had the same results. I had both set on tripods in my yard glassing people at the top of a local trail viewpoint during the last hour of light. It was very tough for me to be able to see any difference between the glass. For my eyes, the Razor "old HD model" was easier to focus, and I liked it better than the new Razor HD Model. In the end, I picked up a new "old model" HD razor for a bargin price. Straight model with 65mm Obj.

[Norwestalta]

I checked out the viper, razor and Zeiss gravia. To me the two vortex were pretty damn close to the same and I found the Zeiss the worst. I've heard great things about the meopta. Wanted to buy a meopro but no one seems to carry them. Found a good price on the meopta @ $1800 but if I didn't like it I would of still had to buy it. I ended up with a 20-60x 85mm viper for $1000 and change.

[HarryToolips]

I recently picked up a 16-48 65 mm Vortex Razor and have used it very little in the field thus far but when I've had it out, I've been impressed...Vangaurd Veo tripod, very sturdy...

[Darksith]

I believe everyone about the quality of the good vortex, that being said though, I run a pair of viper binos that I have been very happy with. Recently I looked through the new swaro binos and there was a big difference. Maybe my old vortex are just losing some of their coating or something...makes me want to upgrade again...yes I know the razor is better than the viper but still haha

[tayleoscar]

Just picked up a razor 65 angled eye piece, absolutely love it! Extremely clear glass

[m5wilson]

I have the Swaro ATS 65. I have only compared it to the new viper 85 and a Diamondback 65. Everyone agreed the Swaro was noticeably better, the Viper was not terrible but was big and heavy.

[NMO]

65mm is a pretty versatile scope. I cannot speak to the Vortex specifically, but I've never felt "undergunned" with a 65mm while guiding. I know plenty of other guides who pack 65's as well. As long as the glass is up to par, it makes for a compact, relatively light package that gets the job done.

[twoSevenO]

I have the vortex razor 65mm. It's been fantastic bit like most it suffers two big problems at max magnification .... eye relief reduces and the optics get noticeably dimmer. Of course, 85mm model solves that but it is a much bigger and heavier scope.

To be honest, if I was buying again I would go Nikon. My friend just bought one and I cant wait to do a side by side comparison. I expect that it will be better than my razor.

At 82mm it fills the gap well between the 65 and 85. I've been using Nikons higher end binoculars for the last year and I couldn't be happier with them. I wouldn't be surprised if the spotter from their new line is top notch as well

In the USA it's about $1600 but I'm sure can be had for less on ebay or waiting for a sale.

https://www.nikon.com/news/2016/0714_monarch_fieldscope_02.htm

[Treed]

Ive been using a Vortex spotting scope since 2012. Viper, Razor 16-48x65, Razor 20-60x85, Razor 11-33x50, and now the newest gen Razor 22-48x65. I've liked them all, no failures. Vortex Summit SS tripod since the beginning


What do you think of the Razor 11-33x50? I love the small size but wonder about it maxing out. Would it be fine for hunting alpine mulies but a no go for sheep?

[Frank grimes]

I would look for a model that offers a wide angle fixed power eyepiece. Something like 30x. That’s the one thing I really wish my vanguard 65mm had. Then it is much more enjoyable to actually look for game, then you could switch to the higher magnification eyepiece to judge if you had to. If I could do it again I would look at the kowa 60mm or maybe the 66. If I had the money I would go for the kowa 55mm. Seems to be the best lightweight spotter in the market.

[madcalfe]

i run the leica 65 and absolutely love it. i looked through the razor and it was good but not 2500$ good in my own opinion. swarvos are nice as well. i was talking with a owner of a optics place and he said to go with leica over swarvo. he explained a few reasons why. swarvos do have excellent glass but he said swarvo makes their lenses so that green colors pop out more, hence why they look so good while glassing through them but in hunting situations makes it a bit harder to pick out animals in higher brush or treed areas.
Im also running a carbon fiber 3 legged thing, punk billy tripod with ball head. just under 3lbs with head. and load capacity is like 40lbs, super sturdy and light. can be bought at london drugs for i think 350$ hope this helps!

[tuffcityhunter]

has anyone ever owned or experienced kowa scopes? any good?

[IslandWanderer]

What do you think of the Razor 11-33x50? I love the small size but wonder about it maxing out. Would it be fine for hunting alpine mulies but a no go for sheep?

I had one, and found it crisp but a little dim. I sold it because I rarely used it.

[sillyghillie]

Go with a Leupold GR HD. Awesome glass and super compact for pack hunts

[Elkaddict]

has anyone ever owned or experienced kowa scopes? any good?

Kowa makes excellent glass. I have a 77 mm spotter and it wants for nothing