Spotting scope?

[texas bound]

Im looking at the Vortex Razor and Viper line of spotting scopes. I am going to use this for PRS and long range shooting only. Is there a big enough difference between the Razor and Viper lines to justify the cost difference? Also what are some good tripods for them?

[BobsAndBlues12]

Very interested in what comes from this thread

[trophy8]

Yes. But buy used. You'll save a ton. I use a manfrotto. Bought it used too at precision camera in Austin.

[sir shovelhands]

Vortex just updated their razors, so you can get the older models for pretty cheap right now, as long as they last.

[bk_tradguy88]

I have had viper and razor. The vipers are good scopes for what you can pick them up for used. The viper pst gen 2 looks really interesting, I would like to see them in person.

My Razor HD Gen II is a world of difference from the viper I had. It's incredible. Not even in the same ballpark.

Yes. But buy used. You'll save a ton. I use a manfrotto. Bought it used too at precision camera in Austin.

This is true in the viper line, I have to disagree on the Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56. These are holding value really well. Still selling easy on snipershide for $2,100-$2,200. I bought mine for $2,000 shipped brand new a few months back. Just have to do some searching and email a few to see what you can work out.
B

[trophy8]

I have had viper and razor. The vipers are good scopes for what you can pick them up for used. The viper pst gen 2 looks really interesting, I would like to see them in person.

My Razor HD Gen II is a world of difference from the viper I had. It's incredible. Not even in the same ballpark.





This is true in the viper line, I have to disagree on the Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56. These are holding value really well. Still selling easy on snipershide for $2,100-$2,200. I bought mine for $2,000 shipped brand new a few months back. Just have to do some searching and email a few to see what you can work out.
B

Those are rifle scope prices. Not spotters. I've seen the 27-60x85 gen 2 spotter regularly sell for 1000-1100. As far as the gen 2 razor rifle scopes, I've seen them go for 1700 if you're patient. A ton have sold under 2000. Now if you're wanting one right now can't wait then yeah.

[bk_tradguy88]

Those are rifle scope prices. Not spotters. I've seen the 27-60x85 gen 2 spotter regularly sell for 1000-1100. As far as the gen 2 razor rifle scopes, I've seen them go for 1700 if you're patient. A ton have sold under 2000. Now if you're wanting one right now can't wait then yeah.

I'm not sure how I missed in the OP's title and post the "Spotting" scope. But I dang sure did. I have to agree with you in respect to spotting scopes. You are correct there. Sorry for the derail there fellas, my bad.
B

[trophy8]

I'm not sure how I missed in the OP's title and post the "Spotting" scope. But I dang sure did. I have to agree with you in respect to spotting scopes. You are correct there. Sorry for the derail there fellas, my bad.
B

No worries!!

I will say the only reason I don't own a gen 2 razor spotter or rifle scope is the weight. Idk what vortex is thinking making 4 lb optics lol

[texas bound]

Trophy8 what are some other spotting scopes you recommend?

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[bk_tradguy88]

No worries!!

I will say the only reason I don't own a gen 2 razor spotter or rifle scope is the weight. Idk what vortex is thinking making 4 lb optics lol

The rifle my gen II is on weighs 15 pounds before optics. So I wasn't too worried about the weight, lol. If I was I would have probably gone the AMG route.
B

[Horitexan]

No worries!!



I will say the only reason I don't own a gen 2 razor spotter or rifle scope is the weight. Idk what vortex is thinking making 4 lb optics lol

I'm looking at a Swarovski spotter (85mm modular) and it's within 1/2oz of the Razor Gen II 85mm spotter, in terms of weight. The comparable Leupold is only 6oz lighter. Who makes a lighter spotter with top tier glass?


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[trophy8]

I'm looking at a Swarovski spotter (85mm modular) and it's within 1/2oz of the Razor Gen II 85mm spotter, in terms of weight. The comparable Leupold is only 6oz lighter. Who makes a lighter spotter with top tier glass?


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That's why I'm not getting an 85mm

I'm eventually going to get the 65mm swaro. I'd rather save weight. I had the 85mm gen II razor. It wasn't near the glass swaro was and both are heavy. If I'm gonna carry around a brick it's gonna be a dang nice brick. I do think the razor was very good for the cost. BUT if you wait you can find a deal on a used swaro that's not much more than the razor at retail. Should be able to get the razor used for $1100 easily.

[Horitexan]

That's why I'm not getting an 85mm

I'm eventually going to get the 65mm swaro. I'd rather save weight. I had the 85mm gen II razor. It wasn't near the glass swaro was and both are heavy. If I'm gonna carry around a brick it's gonna be a dang nice brick. I do think the razor was very good for the cost. BUT if you wait you can find a deal on a used swaro that's not much more than the razor at retail. Should be able to get the razor used for $1100 easily.

Got ya. I've decided to bite the bullet and get the modular Swaro. That way, one day, I'll be able to swap configurations. I'll start with a 85mm lens and an angled eye piece. If I need something lighter I can always get a 65mm tube and put the eyepiece on it. What I like about the modularity is being able to break it into 2 pieces for fitting into my pack. Sometimes the weight is less of an issue if it can be placed close to you; rather than on the outside of your pack where it causes an unbalanced load. I made a BIG mistake by looking through the 85mm ATX recently. Lol! God help me if I ever look through the new BTX binocular eyepiece! Lol


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[JustinJ]

I have last years Razor HD 16-48x65 and the precursor to the Viper. The Razor HD is far and above better glass. I got the Razor new from Cabelas after the new version came out and saved quite a bit of money. I think I paid 700 bucks, though they're listed on Cabelas for $1100 now.

I will eventually upgrade to a Swaro, but I would think the Razor is the best glass you can get for $700.

Also, theres no such thing as a "lightweight" 85mm spotter, but if you're gonna go big, might as well go big and get the Swaro 95mm

[trophy8]

Got ya. I've decided to bite the bullet and get the modular Swaro. That way, one day, I'll be able to swap configurations. I'll start with a 85mm lens and an angled eye piece. If I need something lighter I can always get a 65mm tube and put the eyepiece on it. What I like about the modularity is being able to break it into 2 pieces for fitting into my pack. Sometimes the weight is less of an issue if it can be placed close to you; rather than on the outside of your pack where it causes an unbalanced load. I made a BIG mistake by looking through the 85mm ATX recently. Lol! God help me if I ever look through the new BTX binocular eyepiece! Lol


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I'm staying away from the BTX