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Rifle Scopes Vortex Razor HD LHT FFP 4.5-22x50 Review and Comparison to Bushnell ET LRHSi 4.5-18x44
- Thread starter Glassaholic
- Start date
Update to my own post here: https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/vortex-lht-4-5-22x50.7088323/page-5#post-9701164
@Glassaholic you've written a lot about the Vortex AMG 6-24, how would you say the optics of this offering compare?
I have an AMG on a tactical style long range hunting rig and it’s pretty much perfect on that, but my next optics purchase is for a more traditional sporter style 280Remington that I am looking to put a scope on. I ran a VX5HD 3-15 on it for a while but since put that on another rifle. Now I am torn between going with another AMG or saving a bit of cash and getting something like this. Realistically don’t expect to shoot much past 400-500yds with it and a little bit lower magnification would be nice vs the AMG but in reality it’s only a few more feet FOV at 100yds, I’d also probably consider the 3-15 LHT if the reticles were better.
Are there other options of comparable quality to the AMG (or better) that you have experience with that should also be in the running?
I have an AMG on a tactical style long range hunting rig and it’s pretty much perfect on that, but my next optics purchase is for a more traditional sporter style 280Remington that I am looking to put a scope on. I ran a VX5HD 3-15 on it for a while but since put that on another rifle. Now I am torn between going with another AMG or saving a bit of cash and getting something like this. Realistically don’t expect to shoot much past 400-500yds with it and a little bit lower magnification would be nice vs the AMG but in reality it’s only a few more feet FOV at 100yds, I’d also probably consider the 3-15 LHT if the reticles were better.
Are there other options of comparable quality to the AMG (or better) that you have experience with that should also be in the running?
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The Big negative on the Vortex is that the elevation is hampered significantly with a zero stop. The 11.5 would still take everybody's favorite picking boy (6.5) to 1100 yards or so; but it seems like a heavy price. I think if Bushnell would put illumination in their new stuff coming out the Vortex probably wouldn't fair quite a well. I'll let Bill answer that if he choose to; but I'm with him - spending 1500 or so and not having illumination is a no-go for me. Lack of illumination, whilst some may see as a complete option, seems especially of value at my range sometimes which faces into the sun a majority of the day and has a tree line at the end, causing light-to-dark contrasting issues at targets close to the end of the range.
I'm not quite sure I understand your complaint as it being a heavy price?
This was designed to be a mid to long range hunting scope that also works as a crossover target shooting scope.
It was specifically designed to be light and affordable while being as feature packed as possible.
The dials were specifically designed with the average hunting / target shooting ranges for a typical SA cartridge.
11.5 mills will get you out to 1000 yards with a .308 that is zeroed at 100 yards and at least that or more with a 6.5CM
I seriously doubt anyone is going to be taking ethical hunting shots at 1000 yards with a 6.5CM or a .308
You don't have to use the zero stop, just leave it off if you don't want it on and you have the full range available.
I would also say the percentage of the target user base that would be target shooting with this past 1000 yards is also rather small.
If you do want to take this to the range and use it further than 1000 yards without using the reticle holds, then just pop the zero stop off for your range session.
If you are going to be just shooting at the range and actually want to go past 1000 yards and want your zero stop, there are lots of other options specifically designed for that which you would be better of picking instead.
No disagreement with your argument. From a design standpoint, it seems that perhaps a different/better method of a zero stop would not have taken out as much elevation. That was my main point. Yes, if you're using it just for hunting, I'd agree...that's PLENTY of elevation. If though, one crosses over with it (much like my own 4.5-18x44 Bushy)( then that 11.5 mils COULD be an issue. You know, we all want it all, but you're correct that it's primarily a hunting scope.
You get about 6 more mils of elevation by taking the zero stop off. So simply remove it if your planning on a long range target day.
Thanks for the detailed write up @Glassaholic. Looking like the Vortex LHT will pair nicely with the 6.5 PRC so I can keep the AMG on my 300 NM.
I’d also be interested in hearing your thoughts on the LHT vs AMG as @Tex_Hunter mentioned above.
I’d also be interested in hearing your thoughts on the LHT vs AMG as @Tex_Hunter mentioned above.
Great write-up as usual @Glassaholic!
We have one MOA and a few MRAD Vortex Razor HD LHT FFP 4.5-22x50 in stock right now
We have one MOA and a few MRAD Vortex Razor HD LHT FFP 4.5-22x50 in stock right now
I think you will be pleasantly surprised with how well the image quality of the HD-LHT holds up against the Mark5 or really anything in the $2k range.
ILya
I finally got behind mine. Windage turret feel sucks, quite a frustrating combination of firm and mushy with quiet clicks - but I don’t really care, I don’t touch it after zeroing.
Elevation turret is excellent for what it is, the 6 mil per rev spacing really helps this area. If it was ten mils with closer spacing it’d be nothing special. The locking mechanism lifts fairly easily, but the turrets are firm enough to begin with I’d be just as happy with the scope without the lock. Ergo, it’s a “nice to have”.
Zero stop was so easy to set I didn’t read any instructions, just followed my nose. Its also very quick to remove, so for anyone worried about not having enough elevation - it could literally be a field solution to just take the 30 seconds to take it out for really long shots.
Glass is excellent for the money. Depth of field is excellent. On low power ranges, set the Parrallax to 100 and you’re pretty sorted for snap shooting for any distance. This was something I didn’t initially notice as I wasn’t looking for it, it’s just a friendly scope to look through. It wasn’t till my mate looked through it and said something similar to, “Wow, you don’t even need to touch the parallax for quick shooting at mid range.”
Illumination is definitely only useful for shadows during the day, otherwise it’s a dusk and night time tool. No one should expect it to be daylight LPVO bright anyway, but just in case, there it is.
Love the magnification range. I grew up learning to snap shoot with fixed four power hunting scopes, so setting it on 4.5 power and shooting both eyes open was no issue for me and I didn’t feel lacking. I could get a very good sight picture quickly as I threw the rifle to the shoulder, so no issues there.
Ultimately It’s excellent for the money and I will own more of them. For the features it offers at this weight, it should be a standard package deal for every manufacturer of lightweight magnum alpine hunting rifles.
I would like to see a comparison done between the LHT and the TT M series 3-15 (@koshkin ??) My estimation is the TT is still the obvious king when it comes to optical resolution and overall quality.
But frankly for a hunting optic; the weight, price, and extra magnification may make this LHT hard to beat as the best utilitarian optic around.
Elevation turret is excellent for what it is, the 6 mil per rev spacing really helps this area. If it was ten mils with closer spacing it’d be nothing special. The locking mechanism lifts fairly easily, but the turrets are firm enough to begin with I’d be just as happy with the scope without the lock. Ergo, it’s a “nice to have”.
Zero stop was so easy to set I didn’t read any instructions, just followed my nose. Its also very quick to remove, so for anyone worried about not having enough elevation - it could literally be a field solution to just take the 30 seconds to take it out for really long shots.
Glass is excellent for the money. Depth of field is excellent. On low power ranges, set the Parrallax to 100 and you’re pretty sorted for snap shooting for any distance. This was something I didn’t initially notice as I wasn’t looking for it, it’s just a friendly scope to look through. It wasn’t till my mate looked through it and said something similar to, “Wow, you don’t even need to touch the parallax for quick shooting at mid range.”
Illumination is definitely only useful for shadows during the day, otherwise it’s a dusk and night time tool. No one should expect it to be daylight LPVO bright anyway, but just in case, there it is.
Love the magnification range. I grew up learning to snap shoot with fixed four power hunting scopes, so setting it on 4.5 power and shooting both eyes open was no issue for me and I didn’t feel lacking. I could get a very good sight picture quickly as I threw the rifle to the shoulder, so no issues there.
Ultimately It’s excellent for the money and I will own more of them. For the features it offers at this weight, it should be a standard package deal for every manufacturer of lightweight magnum alpine hunting rifles.
I would like to see a comparison done between the LHT and the TT M series 3-15 (@koshkin ??) My estimation is the TT is still the obvious king when it comes to optical resolution and overall quality.
But frankly for a hunting optic; the weight, price, and extra magnification may make this LHT hard to beat as the best utilitarian optic around.
I have both TT315M and the new HD-LHT. TT is clearly a better scope if money is no object. For the money though, the 4.5-22x50 Razor is probably my favourite general purpose scope on the market right now. For the price of one TT315M, I can get two and a half Razors. Now, does that mean I am getting rid of my TT315M? Absolutely not. It is still the best general purpose scope out there if money is no object.
ILya
Thanks for the feedback.
I’ll hopefully one day own an M or H series Tangent Theta, or even better; a Blaser 2.8-20 if they offer a modern reticle.
But in the meantime a stable of LHT’s will be just fine.
I have a Swaro Z-5 and looking to go up to 50mm objective and illumination. Also curious on the comparison to an Z-5? Thank you
Does anyone know where I can pick up a throw lever for the Bushnell LHRSI 4.5-18x44? Saw MK machining had one for the LRTSI 4.5-18x44, not sure if it would work on the LHRSI, anyone know or have any recommendations? Thanks
Ok. I’ve been following this long enough.
I’m an admitted poor.
I’m really torn between jumping on this new Vortex, or a used LRTS/LRHS with illumination for a 6.5 Creed.
@Glassaholic and a few others, is the cost difference really worth it between a used/discontinued Bushy vs the new Vortex?
I’m an admitted poor.
I’m really torn between jumping on this new Vortex, or a used LRTS/LRHS with illumination for a 6.5 Creed.
@Glassaholic and a few others, is the cost difference really worth it between a used/discontinued Bushy vs the new Vortex?
The LRHS/LRTS is still an outstanding scope. Make your decision based on reticle and other features. Yes, you could save some money with a nice used Bushy but talk to Scott at Liberty Optics and I bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you can get the Vortex for. Next ask yourself if you’ll ever regret not have more than 18x magnification, or not having 50mm objective for low light. Both scopes are excellent options for their respective features and price
I’m sure Bill will answer but figured I’d chime in. I’ve really been enjoying mine thus far, our tikka that it sits on is going through growing pains at the moment though. I’ll say the AMG is the better optic and truthfully feels more robust. For the money it should. But i don’t think for a second the LHT would prohibit you from taking that shot at low light that an AMG would grant you. The glass in the LHT for the money is pretty outstanding to be honest. Is it AMG glass? No but as ILya mentioned i think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how the LHT fairs against anything in the 1500-2000 range. If you don’t like MOA for whatever reason and you want a light FFP hunting optic in Mils with a quality reticle that isn’t $3000 there isn’t a better choice. The LHT covers that in almost every respect.
I will say i think the turret needs work. It works but for $1500 it doesn’t inspire confidence.
I’ve given thought to taking the AMG off my 7 Sherman short and putting an LHT on it to save 6oz.
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Will and I think alike here, the AMG is a fantastic scope but does have some limitations. LHT is surprisingly good for the price but also has limitations. Until Schmidt & Bender comes out with a 3-20x50 that only weighs 22 oz and sells for $1500 (which is never) I think you'll be hard pressed to find a better scope than the LHT 4.5-22 that checks all the boxes, like Will said, it could use better turrets but seems like all scopes under $2k have "meh" turrets, except for Leupold Mark 5 and a close second would be Burris XTR III, which reminds me, if Burris would come out with illumination for the XTR III 3.3-18 and a thicker reticle it would be more compelling in this market, and if Leupold would fire whoever is making decisions on FFP scopes and put an illuminated PR2 in the 3.6-18x44 without the laughable upcharge (for illumination) they too would have something very compelling.
So between the two, price not being a factor, would you lean more towards the AMG? Looking for a good crossover optic and I'm seeing used AMGs for 1600 which isn't too far from the LHT. My main concern with the AMG is the 6x on the low end being too much for close range hunting.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Thanks for your thoughts!
The AMG has great FOV even at 6x. My brother shot his deer this year in timber at 55 yards from a tripod. Drove the deer to him and he had no issue shooting it in the neck/head quick. Illumination was on. He’s shot plenty but not regularly, for reference.
I agree with YodaEar above, don't let the magnification fool you, always look at those FOV numbers. Check out the new Gen III Razor 6-36 mentioned in the other thread, if the specs are right it will have 20.5' FOV at 6x which is close or better than many other 5-25 scopes at 5x...
That all makes sense for sure. That new gen 3 looks cool but the weight (if the specs are right) still looks really heavy.
Would the LHT have an eye box advantage over the AMG with the longer eye relief?
Would the LHT have an eye box advantage over the AMG with the longer eye relief?
Yes especially when you can find them for 1200-1380 with a phone call..
I've been back and forth between my LHT and AMG all week and I think the AMG is more forgiving all around. Eyebox on the AMG is better as is the glass. FOV I haven't really compared. If you can stomach the 6oz difference and don't mind the price increase there isn't a question IMHO. My intention isn't to undersell or knock the LHT, it just to bring to light that we're talking about two very different classes of optics, in price, functionality, durability, fit, and finish. The LHT fills a niche in the market that no other optic does but within reason it has it's limitations given the price. It's still an outstanding optic. I think all things being equal though if you can stomach the weight you'll be happier with the AMG.
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The new Burris will be very interesting in this market I think, potentially the best crossover scope on the market.
A little heavier than the LHT but you get some benefits with the weight.
-excellent FOV
-capped windage
-less than 30oz
-good glass with good depth of field
-illumination (apparently)
-reticle thick enough to be useful at 3.3x (hopefully!)
100% agree about the Mark 5, the FOV is a little narrow for my liking but the reticle/illumination options are just ridiculous.
I'm still unreasonably annoyed about the choice of a 35mm tube too.
Lack of PR2 in the 3.6-18x44 and as mentioned cost of illumination is the biggest downfall of the MK5 as it sits now. Still one of my favorite optics in recent memory. It wasn't without it's faults but I genuinely loved mine and had the PR2 reticle been available then, I'd likely still own it.
Who's the best vender to snag a 4.5-22 from? Has this level of Vortex had warranty/replacement issues that I've heard a number of people complain of on the other models?
I personally recommend Scott at Liberty Optics.
Call him and you will probably be very happy to work with him.
Definitely reach out to the dealers on here, @CSTactical and @LibertyOptics. I've communicated with them and they seemed great and had great prices. I would message them on here.
As far as the warranty/replacement problems, I'm not sure, at this level these scopes are made in Japan, presumably by L.O.W. which has a great reputation and makes alot of other people's scopes. Someone said this about Vortex and I think it's logical- Vortex does have scopes go back and people talk about it but it's a bit misleading because they make a ton and sell a ton of optics, so by sheer volume they are gonna have more scopes needing warranty or replacement overall, but I doubt percentage wise it's much more then any of the other companies out there, especially in this price bracket. Maybe someone else on here more in the know then me can chime in.
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Considering the LHT, but have one question that isn’t straightforwardly answered by my observation or research.
Does the Razor LHT give any indication of what revolution the elevation turret is on?
Not a big deal if using the zero stop, but a huge deal for me if zero stop is out for long play, especially with 6mil/rev-that’s right around 900 for the 280 Ackley I’m considering putting one on.
Yes, I’m the guy that can hit the line/field forgetting if I returned my scope to zero.
Does the Razor LHT give any indication of what revolution the elevation turret is on?
Not a big deal if using the zero stop, but a huge deal for me if zero stop is out for long play, especially with 6mil/rev-that’s right around 900 for the 280 Ackley I’m considering putting one on.
Yes, I’m the guy that can hit the line/field forgetting if I returned my scope to zero.
Does down bias (20 MOA) change the 11.5 available up with a zero stop? Or is it a mechanical rev limiter?
Mechanical brother, but it’s a piece of plastic and can be removed easily (probably even in the field)
