Vortex Razor spotter

Ryan55555 · Oct 7, 2011

I have the money saved up for a new spotting scope ($1500) and I am looking close at the Razor. My only concern is the size and weight of it, I will use it from my backpack about 1/2 the time.

What kind of tripod do you guys use when backpacking?

Do any of you guys use it for a backpacking spotter?

Is it too big?

Thanks for any input.

Foreman4x4 · Oct 7, 2011

No way I'd buy an 85mm spotter if I planned to pack it at all...YMMV

AWHOLELOTTABULL · Oct 8, 2011

Pack my Razor all the time, all day long and without any problems. I've been in too many situations where I needed a bigger scope and didn't have it with me. I don't pack a lot of other items that can do without so I guess it depends on what you consider to be needed items.

It's always an adventure!!!

Browningbar23 · Oct 9, 2011

backpack my Razor everywhere I go also. Its not that much heavier than my previous scope.

IHuntNUtah · Oct 9, 2011

+1 Awholelotabull, worth the weight

BIGJOHNT · Oct 10, 2011

LAST EDITED ON Oct-10-11 AT 02:10PM (MST)[p]I have a small 65mm scope for packing . I do pack it sometimes. But my Razor gathers light so much better I usual take it . My Razor is the straight one so I believe it fits in my pack better then the angled one. The animals are always coming out at last light or early morning. The razor is just a better scope and not to bad to pack anyways.
So +2 on Awholelotabull
Oh I am using the carbon fiber Vortex tripod. Works well for me. I tried using it on my smaller tripod and it is not stable in windy conditions. So I now pack the bigger tripod.

Ryan55555 · Oct 10, 2011

Thanks for the replies guys.

I am really leaning toward the Razor.

What backpack are you guys using to carry your spotter and tripod?

I have a BL2200 and it seems to be ok, is there something better out there?

All of my hunts will be up early and out all day, not staying overnight.

Thanks

Ryan

Browningbar23 · Oct 10, 2011

I have a Eberlestock X2. Razor fit perfect in the one side pocket and tripod in the inner pouch. Oh and I have the angled one.

bowhunt · Oct 10, 2011

LAST EDITED ON Oct-10-11 AT 09:39PM (MST)[p]I do BACK PACK hunts all the time, and pack my Razor. It does add a little weight when compared to maybe the Swaro 65, but I do not really notice it.
It fits well in many packs. I generally just stuff it in the main compartment, as I use larger packs when going in multiple days.
On day hunts I use: MR 3000, Eberlestock x2, Badlands 2200, Just One...etc. I find a way to make the scope fit in any of those packs.
It is a good scope, and I would no shy away based on wanting to pack. Optic are just too valuable to compromise on when packing.
Get a GOOD tripod, spotting scope are NO good on a wobbly cheap tripod. When I pack in I usually go with a tripod that does not extend very high, lower weight. On day hunts I use a GIANT tripod.
Good luck

mgutman · Oct 10, 2011

LAST EDITED ON Oct-10-11 AT 10:27PM (MST)[p]what tripod head you guys using with the Razor?

- Backcountry?
- Day packing?

bogey · Oct 11, 2011

outdoorsman with a Jim White head

bowhunt · Oct 11, 2011

Gitzmo Tripod or Really Right Stuff tripod, and a Really Right Stuff head.

mgutman · Oct 11, 2011

So it looks like both you guys are using top notch heads - I guess the question is ball or pan?

bogey · Oct 11, 2011

I wold say it depends what you like when trying them. I don't really like the ball heads.

mtmuleys · Oct 12, 2011

I don't feel packing 80+mm spotter a hurdle at all. I have sampled both Vortex Razor HD and ZEN ED2 spotters, they are identical in spec. Excellent optics, construction and finish. I got ZEN spotter after a $200 discount (coupon BIRDFORUM, not sure if it is still valid) for $999.

http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/spottingscopes/zenspotter82-angled.html

AWHOLELOTTABULL · Oct 13, 2011

If you are going to use the tripod head for video at all, get the pan head. It's really hard to video with the pistol grip heads. IMO

It's always an adventure!!!