Rifle Scopes New Vortex Razor Gen? 1-?

CSTactical

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  • Nov 18, 2009
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    From Vortex this morning...

    Can you spot the difference? Coming 2018.

    Only one way to see it - sign up for our newsletter - drops 12/08/17 http://www.vortexoptics.com/content/vortex_enewsletter


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    Hmmm...
     
    There is no limitation on the magnification ratio per se. It is mostly a matter of making compromises and of manufacturing tolerances. In a 1-something scope you have to make sure the exit pupil at 1x is large and reasonably free of distortion. That is one of the compromises.

    Then you have to mind the depth of field. The higher the erector ratio the higher the ratio in physical sizes of the image between front and rear focal planes. Since there is an upper limit due to how much space you have, if you want to increase that ratio, you have to make the reticle cell size in the FFP smaller and the focal length of the objective lens system smaller. If you do that, you may need side focus (think March 1-10x and 1-8x) since short focal length means shallow depth of focus. Then, if the reticle cell is smaller, the lines in the reticle have to be made thinner to look the same in the image.

    As technology moves on, all of these things are more and more doable, but there are still compromises involved.

    ILya
     
    There is no limitation on the magnification ratio per se. It is mostly a matter of making compromises and of manufacturing tolerances. In a 1-something scope you have to make sure the exit pupil at 1x is large and reasonably free of distortion. That is one of the compromises.

    Then you have to mind the depth of field. The higher the erector ratio the higher the ratio in physical sizes of the image between front and rear focal planes. Since there is an upper limit due to how much space you have, if you want to increase that ratio, you have to make the reticle cell size in the FFP smaller and the focal length of the objective lens system smaller. If you do that, you may need side focus (think March 1-10x and 1-8x) since short focal length means shallow depth of focus. Then, if the reticle cell is smaller, the lines in the reticle have to be made thinner to look the same in the image.

    As technology moves on, all of these things are more and more doable, but there are still compromises involved.

    ILya

    I suppose all that explains why there is no 1-12x :rolleyes:
     
    1-10x with a parallax adjustment would create the perfect tactical AR scope and hunting scope for many, including myself.

    I would not mind one, as I am still on a search for a perfect light weight Grendel scope.

    In terms of functionality Spectre TR gives me more of what I want with it's three magnifications.

    ILya
     
    I would not mind one, as I am still on a search for a perfect light weight Grendel scope.

    In terms of functionality Spectre TR gives me more of what I want with it's three magnifications.

    ILya

    ILya,

    Can you tell me why none of the 1-6x, 1-8x, or even 1-10x options these days don't come with a slightly larger objective bell? Would it really hurt to put a 30mm or 35mm objective on the end of one of these scopes?

    I too am looking for the perfect light weight, "do it all" scope for my bolt-action Grendel. It will serve as a short to medium range hunting rifle, and it will also be the closest thing I have to a "do it all" bolt rifle. My big complaint about the 1-8x24mm Burris I have now is the fact that my exit pupil gets so tiny above 5x. A little larger objective would take care of this problem.

    What am I missing?
     
    ILya,

    Can you tell me why none of the 1-6x, 1-8x, or even 1-10x options these days don't come with a slightly larger objective bell? Would it really hurt to put a 30mm or 35mm objective on the end of one of these scopes?

    I too am looking for the perfect light weight, "do it all" scope for my bolt-action Grendel. It will serve as a short to medium range hunting rifle, and it will also be the closest thing I have to a "do it all" bolt rifle. My big complaint about the 1-8x24mm Burris I have now is the fact that my exit pupil gets so tiny above 5x. A little larger objective would take care of this problem.

    What am I missing?

    Objective lens system would get a little more complicated (unless you were willing to make the scope a bit longer, which would in turn make everything else a little bigger), but in general, you are right and I would not mind seeing something like that as well.

    Honestly, for my purposes, a good quality 1-9x or 1-10x FFP or DFP scope would work great and even a smallish objective in the 24-26mm range would not stop me in any way shape or form. I remember that reaching way out there with the 1-10x March was not terribly difficult and I am willing to trade some low light performance for compactness and speed at 1x.

    If you really need large objective and better low light, some of the modern high end hunting scopes are very impressive. I have a Leica Magnus 1.8-12x50 (and I have played with the 1.5-10x42) and low magnification with that day bright reticle, you can go pretty fast. These are SFP, though.

    ILya

     
    Thanks CSTactical .

    Interesting, 6x erector in a low-end model line. Still Philippines produced or Japan?

    Are they so backed up on AMG production that they aren't introducing a new AMG product?
     
    Thanks CSTactical .

    Interesting, 6x erector in a low-end model line. Still Philippines produced or Japan?

    Are they so backed up on AMG production that they aren't introducing a new AMG product?


    Still made in Japan and is their high end LPV still. Summary of the Vortex line off of memory

    Majority AMG made in the USA
    Razor line Japan rebuilt in the US
    PST Phillipines
    Strike Eagle Chinese

     
    Sorry I wasn't clear, I meant the Strike Eagle line. Forgot it was China made. Overall these developments aren't really that interesting for the mid-end market. Maybe they'll have some surprises for SHOT.
     
    Only thing of interest to me there is bringing back the reticle spotter eyepieces, as had written Vortex off when they'd canceled them.
    Lighter 1-6 is 'good,' but it's not lighter AND 1-8 FFP, so another yawn here. Little interest in their low-end/China lineup.
     
    Disappointment is all that comes to mind as far as the LPV. Honestly to me it always was the really low weight optics or the Razor 1-6. Freaking hell, you can save the 4oz in the mounting options if you choose right.

    The new crossfire is interesting...
     
    Last edited:
    I know lot of folks have a great fascination with the idea of a 1-8 or 1-10 but there are so many drawbacks to those types of designs that with today’s current tech, I personally prefer a 1-6.

    If I need more range I’d rather get something like a 2.5-10 or 3-12 and mount a red dot for the close stuff.
     
    I know lot of folks have a great fascination with the idea of a 1-8 or 1-10 but there are so many drawbacks to those types of designs that with today’s current tech, I personally prefer a 1-6.

    If I need more range I’d rather get something like a 2.5-10 or 3-12 and mount a red dot for the close stuff.
    It's all down to intended use, I guess..including more than a bit of hope that sooner or later someone will make the right reticle compromises that it works out for me.

    I do a fair amount of 3gun so need close to 1x on the low end, while soon enough I'm at 2 semis needing glass, including a.308 MDR (yeah, unicorn actually in hand..)I'd like to do some matches with for shits and grins and reliability testing. I do run a 1-6 SFP on my primary 3gun rifle from close in to 300yds or so, in 5.56.

    Meanwhile I have one range going to 800 and another to 1k for steel...not that I'm expecting to reach that with a 16" barrel, but a solid 1-8x makes sense to me, assuming I can find one with a 'just right' reticle, and was thinking it might have been Vortex to pull it off. If nothing impressive shows up at SHOT, will either spend more than I wanted to to try a Minox ZP8, look for a light-hearted ~2.5-10 + RMR or Deltapoint, or leave the relatively heavy dmr2 + RMR or dp. All in all, considering the rifle, barrel length and intent, still hoping for a solid 1-8 as I'm not shooting bench rest or high precision at distance with the rifle in question.
     
    Last edited:
    I know lot of folks have a great fascination with the idea of a 1-8 or 1-10 but there are so many drawbacks to those types of designs that with today’s current tech, I personally prefer a 1-6.

    I'll be the one guy here who agrees with you. Not to say I'm not somewhat underwhelmed by the announcement, I just haven't been blown away by any 1-8x scopes to the point I think they're a game changer or that I need one.
     
    At this point all I care about is when the discounting on the Heavier ones will start. I would prefer a heavier one 40% off on the price over a newer one 40% off in weight.
     
    ILya,

    Can you tell me why none of the 1-6x, 1-8x, or even 1-10x options these days don't come with a slightly larger objective bell? Would it really hurt to put a 30mm or 35mm objective on the end of one of these scopes?

    I too am looking for the perfect light weight, "do it all" scope for my bolt-action Grendel. It will serve as a short to medium range hunting rifle, and it will also be the closest thing I have to a "do it all" bolt rifle. My big complaint about the 1-8x24mm Burris I have now is the fact that my exit pupil gets so tiny above 5x. A little larger objective would take care of this problem.

    What am I missing?


    Unless you want exposed turrets, the Vortex Razor HD LH 1.5-8x32 may fit what you're looking for. Unless a true 1x is important. I have the 2-10 model and 3-15, both great light weight hunting scopes, excellent glass for the price and very light weight.
     
    I agree, has to be 1-8, anything less and they are going to have some really disappointed customers. Like all their other Razors im sure its going to be phenomenal. The 4.5-27 is a joy to own, I still cant believe how nice it is to look through compared to what I've had in the past.