Another spotting scope question

[jayson2984]

Ok so the question is, out of the three spotting scopes below which is better choice for my situation, of course i know the glass is significantly better on the Razor but i am looking for what is better for my situation. Situation will be a 7-10 Back country mule deer hunt in Idaho. I will be using 10*42 Vortex Viper HD binos. Which scope would suite that situation better? Is the 11*33 powerful enough? These will not be used to make a decision on inch judgements of racks, as we will likely take what we cant get. Lastly which one would have a place is a serious backpackers list of needed equipment? I have no desire to need to upgrade year to year, but have no issue buying different scopes for different applications, goat, sheep, elk, mule deer, etc


Razor HD 11-33x50 Spotting Scope
Magnification 11-33 x 50
Objective Lens Diameter 50 mm
Linear Field of View 191-96 feet/1000 yards
Angular Field of View 3.6-1.8 degrees
Close Focus 6.6 feet
Eye Relief 19-16 mm
Exit Pupil 4.6-1.5 mm
Length 10.3 inches
Weight 25.0 ounces
Price $999


Viper HD 15-45x65 Spotting Scope
Magnification 15-45 x65
Objective Lens Diameter 65 mm
Linear Field of View 140-65 feet/1000 yards
Angular Field of View 2.7-1.2 degrees
Close Focus 16 feet
Eye Relief 20-15 mm
Exit Pupil 4.3-1.4 mm
Length 15.8 inches
Weight 52 ounces
Price $849


Diamondback 20-60x60 Spotting Scope

Magnification 20-60 x 60
Objective Lens Diameter 60 mm
Linear Field of View 114-51 feet/1000 yards
Angular Field of View 2.2-1 degrees
Close Focus 20 feet
Eye Relief 17-14 mm
Exit Pupil 3-1 mm
Length 14 inches
Weight 33.8 ounces
Price $499

Also Vortex is the only brand I will use, so no other makers suggested please.

 

[bbrown]

For what you are asking for I would go with the Razor - shoot Elknut a PM. Bet he has the best prices you will find....

That said I really like my 65mm spotter for all around use - there are time I wish it had more magnification and other times I wished it weighed less. Its a trade off....

 

[dotman]

Your prices are way off, the razor 50mm street price is $699 and no one sells at vortex mfg suggested retail. Cameralandny is a sponsor here, checkout their demos (usually nib) they have the razor 50mm for $599.

 

[squeekieslayer]

easy answer.... Razor. To me it is not even a question. The razor is lighter, smaller, and has WAY better optics than the other. People get caught up in magnification issues. Here's the problem, crap glass at 65 power will be WORTHLESS compared to top end glass at 33. With these three options the razor is the easy winner.

If you could get the same quality glass in all options for this question, I would say get a 60-65mm scope with around 45X mag and you would be covered for everything at a decent size and weight. Problem is, to get razor type optics in this size scope you will need to spend at least double.

I have the little razor 50 and the big zeiss 85. Zeiss is the best quality optics and largest scope magnification and size available... but it sits in the closet behind the razor for MOST of my hunting trips. The 50 does more than you think it will an it does it in a very very small and light package.

Joe

 

[jayson2984]

Your prices are way off, the razor 50mm street price is $699 and no one sells at vortex mfg suggested retail. Cameralandny is a sponsor here, checkout their demos (usually nib) they have the razor 50mm for $599.

Thanks but its just easier to list mfg rather than searching for best price as it has no influence in the decision. I also receive a discount that beats camerlands demo prices

 

[dotman]

Then you would be crazy to not get the best quality (razor) you can afford

 

[squeekieslayer]

if price is not an issue... why not compare the razor 50 and the razor 65? Then you are comparing comparable glass and we can discuss what would work best for you.

I don't know if I could only get one scope if I would go with the 50, but against the inferior glass you posted, I would.

Joe

 

[jayson2984]

Then you would be crazy to not get the best quality (razor) you can afford

I understand that but i am looking for the best size vs quality. I don't wanna carry around an 85mm no matter how clear it is lol. I guess i could have listed the 16/48/65 razor but i opted for the viper instead bc i misread the specs. i though the razor was heavier. Still the question is the 11*33*50 or the 16*48*65 razors
4.6 inches shorter and 23 oz lighter
.

 

[dotman]

I'd still pick the 50mm razor over your other options, better glass and less weight. I meant pick the best glass in your list

 

[jayson2984]

I'd still pick the 50mm razor over your other options, better glass and less weight. I meant pick the best glass in your list

elk suggested the razor 50mm as well

 

[realunlucky]

65 will be all around better than the 50

 

[Shrek]

Have you looked at the Opticron mm3 60mm ed with the 15X-45X eyepiece at 35.9oz and @ $820 at B&H ? Opticron is a highly respected and well reviewed product in the birding community but is relatively unknown to the hunting community. It has the 360º adjustment ring which the Razor lacks in an angled scope. I wouldn't have a straight scope ever again and I wouldn't have one without an adjustable ring mount.

 

[jayson2984]

65 will be all around better than the 50

I believe I would rather have a light 50 and a heavy 85 than a 50 and a 65 or 65 and 85

Have you looked at the Opticron mm3 60mm ed with the 15X-45X eyepiece at 35.9oz and @ $820 at B&H ? Opticron is a highly respected and well reviewed product in the birding community but is relatively unknown to the hunting community. It has the 360º adjustment ring which the Razor lacks in an angled scope. I wouldn't have a straight scope ever again and I wouldn't have one without an adjustable ring mount.

I will be sticking with vortex. They offer a military discount and I will support them bc of that. Thanks for the info though, it is truly appreciated.

 

[Broomd]

For your multi day hunt, lighter is mo betta. You aren't counting sheep annuli, take the razor 50 and don't look back.

 

[stephen b]

I believe I would rather have a light 50 and a heavy 85 than a 50 and a 65 or 65 and 85

This is a very smart way to go. If you are only going to have one- the 60-65 mm is IMO the best choice. But, if you can manage justifying (2) spotters- then a 80-85 and a 50 covers most all your bases.

 

[jayson2984]

This is a very smart way to go. If you are only going to have one- the 60-65 mm is IMO the best choice. But, if you can manage justifying (2) spotters- then a 80-85 and a 50 covers most all your bases.

Thats the plan Brotha man

 

[Matt Cashell]

Jayson,

For the uses you listed in your OP, I think the 50 will serve you well. It is absolutely tiny and good enough optically for your needs as you described them.

 

[dotman]

I believe I would rather have a light 50 and a heavy 85 than a 50 and a 65 or 65 and 85



I will be sticking with vortex. They offer a military discount and I will support them bc of that. Thanks for the info though, it is truly appreciated.

I have heard recently that Meopta gives a better military discount then Vortex, just incase you didn't know. Might open up a few other options or not.

 

[jayson2984]

Jayson,

For the uses you listed in your OP, I think the 50 will serve you well. It is absolutely tiny and good enough optically for your needs as you described them.

Thanks!!! I think so too

I have heard recently that Meopta gives a better military discount then Vortex, just incase you didn't know. Might open up a few other options or not.

I appreciate that I will definitely contact them.

 

[ElkNut1]

I agree with most that say the 50 is the better choice of the 3 given! All in All your best bet when said & done is an 85 & a 50 combo, if you threw the 65mm in the mix you would notice you'd rarely use it! If you can only afford one spotter for years to come the 65 is best for an All Purpose Spotter!

ElkNut1