Vortex Spotting Scope Decision 50 vs 65
Contributors to this thread:Equipment
From: climb.on
20-Sep-14
I love the binos you guys helped me decide on last year...Vortex Viper 8x42. So give it to me again with spotting scopes. I've narrowed it down to the Vortex Razor 11-33x50mm (leaning toward) or the Viper HD 15- 45x65mm. Primary use is backpacking Colorado Elk hunt. Price is about the same for both. Weight is 25 oz vs 52 oz. I will have a good quality tripod as well. I can live with the extra weight in the 65 mm, if it's really going to be worth it.
No one near me has both to compare side by side, so I wonder if the larger 65mm objective will be much better even if it's not as high quality glass as the smaller 50mm objective in the razor.
Thoughts?
From: bburen
20-Sep-14
I just went through this myself! I opted for the 11x33x50 razor hd, actually just picked it up yesterday. I was wanting something that was more backcountry packable. I set the 2 side by side and they were both great but for me came down to the physical size of the razor. Compact easy to fit in my pack. The 27 oz lighter wasnt a big deal as much as the physical size. Glass is great in either.
I purchased for backcountry elk and prarie hunting antelope
From: climb.on
20-Sep-14
Bburen...did you see much difference when looking through the two side by side?
From: bburen
20-Sep-14
Honestly they seemed similar, with the magnification cranked up the razor was clearer, obviously not as magnified. I would be happy with either, It is hard to see how they truly will be until you get it out in the woods, looking through at a store just doesnt compare to out in the daylight. I set mine up on the deck yesterday and was very happy with the scope.
From: climb.on
20-Sep-14
Thanks. It might be tough to find someone that has field experience with both scopes, but even maybe there are owners who can share where one or the other excels and where it falls short?
From: YZF-88
20-Sep-14
I was in the same boat this past summer. I actually sold my 50 and went with the 65. The extra weight hurts...but I burn fewer calories with my eyes once I'm up top.
From: climb.on
20-Sep-14
Nice shot YZF-88! What specifically do you like better about the 65? Was it mainly a distance improvement or clarity & low light improvements too?
From: YZF-88
20-Sep-14
I like the extra magnification and low light capabilities. The extra weight...not so much.
From: climb.on
21-Sep-14
I'll be ordering something early this week...I'd love to get other thoughts if anyone has them.
From: TINES UP
22-Sep-14
i have the Vortex Razor 11-33x50mm and wouldnt trade it for the world. size, weight and clarity. Well it has it all.......
From: Backstraps
22-Sep-14
I have owned both these scopes. I kept the 50's. Very happy with this scope. If you backpack, it's the one to own. If you go bigger, stay with the Razor over the Viper.