Razor spotting scope opinions

Mark Watson

Sergeant of the Hide
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 5, 2019
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Found a good price on last years model, wondering if the fine focus is better than the new model one piece?
Also, anything comparable at the 1k price point?
Tx
 
I have the 20-60x85 which is an older gen but am not sure how many gens there are now. Only two, I think. Mine has the duplex focus knobs. I don't have anything to compare it to but I'll say I'm happy with it and don't regret the purchase. Focus is precise IMO.
 
Two weekends ago I spent a good bit of time behind a Vortex Razor HD 27-60x85 with MRAD eyepiece and was really impressed.

It is no Hensoldt Spotter 45, but right now I think it is the best compromise.

Depending what your intended use is I might recommend binos if you are going to be using them all day and don’t want a reticle.
 
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Before I got my Vortex, I RO'ed at a few matches and got to use a bunch of different types incl Hensoldt and Swaro. I agree the vortex is not a Henny. However in the daylight the vortex is almost as good to my eye as the swaro. I've used it for hunting and could see through it as long as I was willing to take a shot (using an S&B PM II on my rifle) and pick out antlers 200-300 yards away. I also have the 22x reticle eyepiece on mine. I think it is a great spotter.
 
Take a look at the Athlon Ares 20-60x85 ED Spotting Scope I think if you check reviews you'll find it is a superior optic and will cost you less. Please give a call, 516-217-1000, to discuss it


Doug, have you gotten any recent feedback on the athlon with the reticle in it? I haven't been behind either the razor or the athlon spotters, but I've been impressed with my athlon scopes. Are you saying the Ares is better than the gen 1 or gen 2 razor? Or both?
 
The current Razors are hard to beat for the $1,500ish price point. I the model you're referring is the older model with the white bodies, the optics in those are pretty much the same as the current production Viper spotters, which I also think are great values at their respective price.
 
I agree, especially in the newer Razors, I found the adjustment to be smooth. Glass quality was very impressive and granted in broad daylight, mirage was not bad at all. However, the older razor aren't as clear as well. If you are looking for something top notch the razor is the way to go for the price point!
 


These are what every scope is judged by. It's the only logical step down from a Swarovski in my opinion.

I ended up with a sx-4 since they didn't have hd glass in the 12-40 when I bought mine. Wish I would have waited to get a lighter scope, but the glass is spot on.
 
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I have used both and didn't feel limited with out the fine focus on the new model. I did end up moving from the Razor line however to get a reticle that would go more than 30x, (But not in the 1k budget you outlined)
 
Cronus 20-60x86 ED Spotting Scope on sale for only $999.99
  • Aprochromatic Lens System: Apochromatic lense system gives you the result of images which have greater contrast, sharpness and color definition
  • ED Glass: ED glass gives you an image with little or no chromatic fringe so the final result brings a clearer and sharper image to your eyes
  • ESP Dielectric Coating: ESP Dielectric Coating is a multi layer prism coating that reflects over 99% of the light to your eyes bringing you a clear, bright image that displays accurate color reproduction.
  • Magnesium Chassis: Magnesium chassis give you the strength of a metal chassis while reducing the weight as much as 30%
  • XPL Coating: XPL Coating gives you an extra protection on the exterior lenses from dirt, oil and scratches
  • Bak4 Prism: Bak-4 glass prisms reflect more light to your eyes which will give you brighter and sharper image.
  • Advanced Fully Multi-Coated: Advanced Fully Multi-Coated lenses gives you better light transmission to bring optimum brightness and true color across the entire light spectrum.
  • Argon Purged: Argon Purging uses the inertia gas with bigger size molecules to purge any moisture out of the tube giving you better waterproofing and thermal stability .
  • Waterproof: Waterproof to protects the binocular in the harshest weather conditions or if accidently submerged underwater
  • Dual Focus: Dual focus has dual speed focus knobs that offer both faster and finer focus adjustment
  • Rotating Ring: Rotating Ring allows you to rotate the scope around tripod supporting ring into the most comfortable and convenient angle for observation
 
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For matches, as earlier mentioned, binos are the way to go. I have the Razor HD 18X and absolutely love them. I have compared them many times side by side with the Swaros and feel like the only difference in optics is a coating or two on the Swaros and the difference between 15X and 18X.
 
I have a Kowa, it has gotten very un clear for some reason. They only have a 2 year warranty what I saw on their site. So I ordered a Razor HD 11-33x50. It is F ING awesome. Better than the Kowa when it worked correctly.