Vortex Razor HD Spotting Scope Review by Brett Grant

There are many spotting scopes in the market. The ones which are considered the best among all the scopes are the ones manufactured by Vortex Optics. In this article, we will be providing you with a vortex razor HD spotting scope review.

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Vortex Razor HD 11-33×50 Angled Spotting Scope Review

The first spotting scope in our list by vortex optics is the Razor HD 11-33×50 angled spotting scope. As mentioned in the name it is slightly twisted at one end giving it an angled look. This is a very good choice because of its weight. It is very lightweight and is the perfect choice for you if you plan on traveling with it.

There is a focus wheel that can adjust on micro and macro levels. At the macro level, you can focus on an object with speed while micro helps in making the image clearer and fine-tuning it. It has a close focus of up to 6.6 feet and is waterproof. The magnification can be adjusted with the eyepiece zoom too. There is also Triplet Apochromatic Lens which avoids color aberration.

Pros

• The glass is sharp and clear.
• Vortex Optics provides a warranty of repair in case of damage at no charge at all.
• It is lightweight.
• The eyecups are adjustable adding to the convenience factor.

Cons

• It is a little expensive for some users.

Verdict

This is one of the best HD spotting scopes offered and put forward by Vortex. They have included many features in this single unit and it gives out clarity in the viewing of the object.

Vortex Razor HD 11-33×50 Spotting Scope Review

Next up is another scope that is very similar to the previous one. The only major difference between both of these scopes is that this one is straight angled while the previous one was twisted or angled. This scope is perfect for bird watching or for gazing at objects which are at a straight distance ahead.

Straight scopes are relatively easier to use as compared to angled ones. If you are someone who is working with scopes for the first time, it would be smart to start with a straight one.

This scope has a Triplet apochromatic lens in it which gives it an exceptional functionality feature. This lens, when accompanied by a high-density glass, gives a very clear image. There are Armortek coatings on the lenses which helps you keep the lens free from any scratches. It is fog proof and can be used in harsh foggy conditions.

Pros

• The eyecups of this lens can be adjusted according to preference
• It is waterproof
• It is very lightweight
• It can be used in foggy conditions and is fog proof
• There is a rubber armor that adds to its life

Cons

• This one is expensive as well

Verdict

It is very similar to the other scope mentioned above. The only thing that sets them apart Is the angled and straight feature.

Vortex Razor HD 22-48×65 Angled Spotting Scope Review

The next product put out by Vortex in their long line of Razor scopes is the Vortex Razor HD 22-48×65 Angled Spotting Scope. It has an angled end which is optimum for bird watching and other tasks that require the user to move the angles of the scope.

It has adjustable eyecups. With the help of this feature, you can adjust the cups if you wear eyeglasses or have other issues. The eyepiece can be removed as well if one desires.  It gives a very clear view of an object placed at a huge distance and shows the image with clarity.

It has a close focus of 26.2 feet and eye relief of 16.7mm. Objects can be seen in harsh weather conditions and in dark as well. The glare and color resistance works splendidly too.

Pros

• Its magnification is very high and gives a clear image
• The adjustability of the eyepiece makes it very user oriented
• It works at a very long range
• It is argon purged

Cons

• It is heavier than other similar scopes

Verdict

This is a very well-preferred scope. Due to its long-range of scope and precision in showing images, it is highly favored. It is flexible, durable and has clarity.

Vortex Razor HD 22-48×65 Spotting Scope Review

Next in this list is the Vortex Razor HD 22-48×65 Spotting Scopes which is the same as the angled one reviewed before. It offers the same features. The entire purpose of making two editions of one similar scope was to give the users the choice between an angled scope and a straight one as well.

Angled scopes can be a bit technical to use. Straight ones are easier to operate. It has XR anti-reflective coatings on the lens which helps in increasing the brightness and adding to the clarity factor. There are helical focus dials which makes them easy to handle and use. There are a locking collar and built-in sun shades in order to get rid of the glare of the sun or any extreme light source.

Pros

• It is fog proof and can be used in harsh foggy weather.
• It is waterproof.
• The material used is rubber which makes it durable.
• It is very lightweight and easily packable.

Cons

• The grease inside the dial can be subjective to greasing and it might not work as efficiently in colder weather.

Verdict

This is the right device for you if you won’t be operating in very cold conditions. Other than that, this small scope offers tons of features and provides portability and functionality.

Vortex Razor HD 27-60×85 Spotting Scope Review

This spotting scope by Vortex Optics in their Razor line has the features 27 -60×85. This spotting scope offers a larger magnification range than the other two mentioned above in the list. But it is not necessary that larger magnification can lead to a clearer image. The trick is to first test every feature of each scope and then decide upon one.

This is another angled spotting scope that can be twisted at a certain angle. It comes with a locking collar. With the aid of this collar, you can easily turn the angled scope to your required end and lock it there. It is O-ring sealed and can be used in foggy conditions. Other than that, the waterproof aspect of it makes it very versatile. This scope also has an armored coating which makes it grease resistant.

Pros

• It has a multi-layer prism coating which gives you brighter and more prominent colors.
• It gives a view of objects at a very large distance.
• The range is long.
• The image displayed has clarity.

Cons

• The higher magnification might lessen the image quality a little.

Verdict

This is a good choice as well in the variety of angled scopes available. It is perfect for you if you are planning to use it for long ranges.

Razor HD 27-60×85 Straight Spotting Scope Review

The last spotting scope in this list is the Razor HD 27 -60×85 spotting scope. This has been made with ultimate art and skill. Designed to make your viewing experiences better and smoother, it has top-notch optical technology used in it. The close focus of this unit is up to 16.4 feet.

The eyepiece has been improved with higher magnification and is still interchangeable. It has a strong glass which is high density and has extra-low dispersion.

Pros

• The glass quality is great.
• The price is affordable.

Cons

• There is no ranging reticle given out with the scope.

Verdict

This is the best and the most efficient scope in this Razor line. It has the most improved technology and offers a variety of features.

History of Vortex Optics

Vortex Optics was founded by Daniel C and Margie Hamilton. It has been owned by a family of veterans since the year 1985. They are based in Wisconsin and it started out as a family business in a small rental shop. It was based entirely on the idea of providing excellent customer support and service. According to them if the customer service, needs, and requirements of the customers are the only goal then success can be easier to achieve.

The company then started to progress and by the year 2002, they had established a well-managed company and brand with over 200 American people included in the team.

What Is A Spotting Scope?

Spotting scopes are instruments that are used by people who are interested in the field of hunting and bird watching mostly. A spotting scope is basically an instrument that is used to gaze at faraway objects with clarity. These are more powerful than your normal everyday binoculars but less intense than telescopes. This makes the perfect intermediate object.

Not only meant for astronomical viewing but it can also be used if you are someone who is an active participant in bird watching, hiking, or even hunting. For all such activities, you need a good pair of scoping scopes to have a clear look at the object in question.

Below are the vortex razor spotting scope review and various factors that should be kept in mind while purchasing a spotting scope. Some of the crucial ones are mentioned below:

Magnification

Spotting scopes are used specifically to view objects that are placed at a distance. These objects are at such a distance that they can’t be viewed with a naked eye hence a scope comes in handy during such situations. The magnification of the scope determines how clearly you can see an image.

The optimum spotting scope would have magnification and the zooming ratio of 15x to 45x, also having a ratio 20x to 60x is fine as well. Going above this range can cause hindrance to viewing objects as the weather conditions might interfere. If you are getting one with more than 60x then it is suitable to use it only during dry weather.

Objective Lens

The objective lens is a very important aspect that one should always keep in mind when going to buy a spotting scope. These objective lenses help in viewing objects clearly. A scope with a large objective lens will show you the object very clearly. But, the problem that arises is that these lenses can also be quite heavy.

If you are planning on traveling with a scope then get one with normal size as it won’t be as heavy. If your work is stagnant then you can get one with a larger objective lens. It will be heavy but will show a very clear image of the picture.

Clean Focus

This is an added feature that can help a lot. The trick is to get a spotting scope that has a clean focus of less than 20 feet.

Eye Relief

Since this process revolves entirely around your eye and the scope, eye relief is a major factor. It is necessary to keep the relief of your eyes in mind. This is the distance at which your eye will be from the lens. While getting a scope it is important to test one repeatedly and check whether it’s good and comfortable enough. If you are a person who has to wear spectacles then you should get a scope with an eye relief of around 16mm or even farther depending on your preference.

Lens Coating

As the name suggests, some scopes have lenses coated in different types of ways. Some lenses are multi-coated or fully coated. These multi-coated lenses help in making the colors more prominent.

Image Quality

The image quality of your scope should be commendable. It is important that the image shown should be clear.

Conclusion

In case you are looking for a spotting scope then Vortex Optics is your answer. Their extended Razor line offers tons of spotting scopes. In this Vortex Razor HD spotting scope review, we have outlined all of the features of each product with some cons that might come with them as well.