Looking for a spotting scope around $1K; Vortex, Leupold, Athlon

[ThunderMass]

Like the title says, I'm looking for a spotting scope. I don't hunt, so weight isn't super important, but still relevant. It'll mostly be used at the range, and potentially digiscoping in national parks for wildlife.

I was about to pull the trigger on a Vortex Razor 27-60, but reconsidered after trying the old 20-60. I didn't really notice much difference between the two, the focus was better on the gen 1, but not bad on the gen 2. The gen 2 seem slightly sharper at 60X, but the target was 9 miles away; so that might not be super relevant. I was a bit disappointed to find out that both gens are made in China; I was under the impression the Razor line was all Japan. Despite that, I liked my 4.5-27 Razor, and my current 6-36.

I can get the 1st gen for $800 this weekend only, and the 2nd gen for $1300 pretty much whenever.

Other considerations were Leupold SX-5 27-55 for $1500 (hopefully $1100) , and Athlon Cronus 20-60 for $850.

Definitely looking for angled, not straight. I'm open to other options, but I think I'm mostly interested in the 4 mentioned, primarily the Vortex. But if I'm about to make a big mistake, please lemme know.

 

[BCP]

I have a Chinese razor 20-60 and comparing it to a swaro the difference was mostly low light performance. Also heard that you can put the Burris signature eyepiece on it that’s fixed 24x with a mil reticule. That would be nice to have for calling corrections vs “it hit just to the right about a foot maybe”.

 

[ThunderMass]

I have a Chinese razor 20-60 and comparing it to a swaro the difference was mostly low light performance. Also heard that you can put the Burris signature eyepiece on it that’s fixed 24x with a mil reticule. That would be nice to have for calling corrections vs “it hit just to the right about a foot maybe”.

Thanks for the insight.

I ended up going with the 20-60 today, largely due to cost and the ability to resell later if I choose to upgrade. And while every review of the newer model called it a massive upgrade, nearly every personal review said the 1st gen was equal or greater.

I ended up getting it for a steal; $700 out the door. I figure I can't go wrong with that.