Spotting Scope (again)

doz · Jun 2, 2017

So I am looking for a spotting scope. Been doing lots of research. I know everyone says "just save up". Well, its not even about saving as I could afford a Swarovski today, but the wife might just lose her ##### as I need a couple other things this year.

So, to get by for the next year or three, I was looking at a mid range SS. I know everyone knocks Vortex for being mediocre glass and not worth the money, but I found a sale on the older Razor HD 16-48x65. $764 shipped brand new, from authorized dealer. I am pretty rough on equipment so theres also that warranty I can fall back on.

Being that the price seems right, can I really go wrong? I have never owned a spotting scope. Everything Ive read and watched tells me this is a pretty smoking deal in the end but theres always that fear of disappointment.

Any thoughts would be great!

Fishingkid · Jun 3, 2017

What brand optics do you currently use? I am switching over to all the viper HD grade glass from vortex I have not had a problem with any of it. It's a upgrade from what I was using in the last 2 months I purchased vortex 10x42 viper binoculars a vortex rifle scope in 4-16 x44 viper and a vortex 1000 range finder. So far I love these products and looking into buying a spotting scope as well I have been getting great deals on the vortex glass price has been right for me.

doz · Jun 3, 2017

Pretty crappy really! Like I said, I try to buy an item or two every year to build up my hunting equipment (not necessarily glass only).

I have 8x42 Vortex Diamondback binoculars. I plan on upgrading this season to the BX-3 Pro Guide HD 10x42. I know a lot of people hate Vortex glass and claim its overpriced, but where is that break point more or less where they become a good value?

So really, my optics are lacking. We are still able to find animals, but we put in a lot of foot time. WIth 2 buck tags this year, Id like to be a bit more efficient even though we will still hike that extra ridge as normal but it might save us 2-3 ridges with some better optics.

Vortex Diamondback 8x42
Leupold RX-600 range finder
Vortex 8x32 Monocular (I am blind in one eye, was my first purchase optically figuring I really do not need binoculars and while its true, quality monoculars are not really existent).

Weiserbucks · Jun 3, 2017

Get what you can afford. Not everyone can go into the field with $5000 worth of gear , doesn't matter. If you can find game, you can do it with budget gear .

If you can't find game, a $3000 spotter won't fix the problem.

doz · Jun 3, 2017

>Get what you can afford. Not
>everyone can go into the
>field with $5000 worth
>of gear , doesn't matter.
>If you can find game,
>you can do it with
>budget gear .
>
>If you can't find game, a
>$3000 spotter won't fix the
>problem.

Now you have me thinking I dont need anything

Would be nice to be able to see a bit clearer though, especially the horns from a distance.

muleymaddness · Jun 3, 2017

I was in the same boat. And I bought that same scope - the older model razor. I have Swaro riflescope and Swaro binocs and Razor spotter. I'm happy with it. Like you, I needed other things as well so I got the Razor.

Weiserbucks · Jun 3, 2017

For my type of hunting, I use the binoculars 1000x more than the spotter . I have an alpha spotter and cheap binoculars.

I should have done it the other way around.

doz · Jun 3, 2017

>For my type of hunting,
>I use the binoculars 1000x
>more than the spotter .
>I have an alpha spotter
>and cheap binoculars.
>
>I should have done it the
>other way around.

Yeah, I have been debating that too. It would be nice to have a high end spotter for looking up, but I like to get a canyon or two over where a spotter cannot see. I was debating a mediocre spotter and better binocs, maybe 12 or 15x. Or I might just pull the trigger tonight we will see.

fatrooster · Jun 4, 2017

Go ahead and get the Vortex optics. It's all about hunting and vortex can get it done. If you want to upgrade later then that is fine. Fatrooster.

BIGJOHNT · Jun 4, 2017

Just take baby steps. Nothing wrong with a Razor spotting scope. It beats not being able to see. Divwarski's are not always a option. It's about the hunt not whats around your neck. I use to buy a 90.00 Tasco once a year before I could afford a nice piece of glass. It worked just not at low light and would fall apart at the end of the year.

Go out and hunt have a fun time.

Evilflee · Jun 5, 2017

I would have to agree with fatrooster and BIGJOHNT. Getting out and hunting no matter what is the best option with whatever optics you have. It all boils down to, are you a meat hunter or a trophy hunter? I thought upgrading to Vortex several years ago was great and I was able to see a lot more game with clarity from the pervious optics I had before. The only time I really wish I had a spotting scope was when I was helping a buddy out in the sand hills of southeast NM.

That being said, it all changed for me when I was able to help another buddy out with a desert bighorn sheep hunt last winter. Looking at the top-end optics at Sportsman's Warehouse or Cabelas, comparing them to the midgrade optics, it is really hard to compare when you are not in a hunting situation. However, on that hunt, I was able to look through Swaro's, Zen Ray's, Vortex, and Lecia. There was an obvious difference once you are able to make a comparison in a hunting situation. Needless to say, after the hunt I decided to change my optics and I did a ton of research. Found a really good deal on a pair of SLC 15x56 Sawro's and later bought a MeOpta S2 spotting scope. If you are willing to spend a little extra, you can find the deals to get optics that will last years and years. I plan on keeping mine for 15-20 years before I decide to upgrade or replace with newer optics.

doz · Jun 5, 2017

Thx for responses. Yeah, I went to Sportsmans and looked through everything. Its difficult to see differences in such a close area. The Razor vs Swaro did not yield a $1400 price difference thats for sure, but I can see how in the field everything changes.

For now, I picked up a 15x56 Vulture set of eyes. Going to test it out this weekend and see what they can do. I may also grab the BX-3 Mojaves as well then possibly a Razor.

SheepHntr83 · Jun 6, 2017

I have the Vrotex razor HD 85mm and absolutely love it. I agree that you buy what you feel you need and can successfully hunt with. I run an older pair of leupold acadia 10x42 binos(200$) and love them as well. sometimes its not about the name brand or amount you spent on them

doz · Jun 6, 2017

Just pulled the trigger. Optics Planet had a 12% off spotting scope code for Fathers Day (FDSS if anyone is interested).

Got the Vortex Razor 16-48x65 for $747 shipped.

adamhoward · Sep 4, 2018

You can try this one: https://spottingpro.com/roxant-blackbird-spotting-scope-review/

Adam Howard

goinhuntn · Sep 8, 2018

I have a pair of 10 x 42 vipers that I got to replace a pair of nikon monarchs. I also have the vortex 15 x 56 vultures & a vortex spotting scope. I have no complaints with any of them. They are what I could afford & I'm happy. There are alot of Vortex haters out there, and they say you will need the warranty. I say so what if I need it its there so no big deal. I have no problem spotting animals in any light situation!

HIcountryman · Oct 15, 2018

I have Vortex diamondback spotter (20 -60) x 60 angled and am happy with it. A friend with Swaro's looked through it and was impressed - given the price difference. I dont even want to look through the high end glass cuz im sure they blow cheaper ones away, but i dont want to hate my cheaper glass because i cannot afford or justify spending that much on glass. If you have the mean$ im sure spending more will result in happiness! But i dont think you ll regret vortex unless you hunt alongside someone with more expensive glass...

ammoman16 · Oct 30, 2018

I used to have that same Vortex spotter you are looking at but upgraded to the Swaro ATX this year. I am glad I did and can definitely see the difference, but it most assuredly is a big price to pay for a relatively small gain in performance.

CMF · May 20, 2019

>You can try this one: https://spottingpro.com/roxant-blackbird-spotting-scope-review/
>
>
>
>Adam Howard

Has anyone tried this spotting scope?

Homer · May 20, 2019

LAST EDITED ON May-20-19 AT 07:13PM (MST)[p]>>You can try this one: https://spottingpro.com/roxant-blackbird-spotting-scope-review/
>>
>>
>>
>>Adam Howard
>
>
>Has anyone tried this spotting scope?
>
a 12x spotting scope with no price????

no....I doubt anyone here has tried it

lmmfao....$79.95 ???

and the cons are it is high priced????....sweet jeezus

Zeke · May 22, 2019

>For my type of hunting,
>I use the binoculars 1000x
>more than the spotter .
>I have an alpha spotter
>and cheap binoculars.
>
>I should have done it the
>other way around.

So much truth in this post!

Zeke

#livelikezac