Vortex Razor HD 20-60x85mm vs. Swarovski 20-60x80mm non HD older models

[Karl Blanchard]

Just got an email from Outdoorsmans about their used optics.  They have an 80mm STS for 2k.  Hmmm.......

[Bean Counter]

HD model?

[Karl Blanchard]

HD model?

non HD.  They do have an HD model for $2100 but I'm skeptical on its condition for that price.  I sent them an email so we will see what they shoot back with.

[Bigshooter]

At cameraland ny you can get the Nikon Fieldscope 20-60x85 EDG, $2000 for a demo last time I checked.  Brand new I think they are real close to $4000.  I am a huge swarovski guy but this is going to be my next spotter.


I just checked they still have demo's for $2000.

[columbiaman]

You can want to check Zen-Ray ED2 spotter for $900.  Optically, it is much brighter than the Vortex Razor, very similar to Swarovski ATS spotter. By much brighter, it means that you can really tell the difference.  I suspect some coating in the Razor is not up the standard.  Resolution wise, they are all well made.

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

[JPhelps]

You can want to check Zen-Ray ED2 spotter for $900.  Optically, it is much brighter than the Vortex Razor, very similar to Swarovski ATS spotter. By much brighter, it means that you can really tell the difference.  I suspect some coating in the Razor is not up the standard.  Resolution wise, they are all well made.

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

What Razor spotter did you look through?  All of the razors I have looked through are right on par with the upper end Swarovski glass.

[JPhelps]

I say that after using a $4000 Swaro 85 STX last year.

[jjhunter]

I use an 80 HD, but to tell you the truth, I have never been really impressed with any spotter.    One thing a lot of guys don't take into consideration is how glass performs after a couple seasons of use.  The high end stuff doesn't waiver - a lot of stuff that looks good at first, starts to slip over time...

[Bean Counter]

Huh? What glass are you using?? 

I love my high end Nikon stuff now more than ever. Opening morning every fall I continue to be pleased when I  look through it.

[Benny]

I hate spotters. I could sit behind a set of 10's or 15's for twenty hours a day, smiling and loving every second of it, 20 seconds of looking through a spotter and I'm ready to take a nap. Unfortunately spotters are a necessary evil.

[jjhunter]

Huh? What glass are you using?? 

I love my high end Nikon stuff now more than ever. Opening morning every fall I continue to be pleased when I  look through it.

I've owned 12 pieces of Alpha glass from the top 3 and either owned/demo'd most everything else on the way up.   I'd say that qualifies me to an opinion?

Benny - right there with you brother.

[MtnMuley]

I'd personally take a non-HD Swaro any day over the Razor HD.

I hate spotters. I could sit behind a set of 10's or 15's for twenty hours a day, smiling and loving every second of it, 20 seconds of looking through a spotter and I'm ready to take a nap. Unfortunately spotters are a necessary evil.

I agree as well.  Have you used the newer HD Swaro with the 95mm obj yet? 

[SCRUBS]

I use an 80 HD, but to tell you the truth, I have never been really impressed with any spotter.    One thing a lot of guys don't take into consideration is how glass performs after a couple seasons of use.  The high end stuff doesn't waiver - a lot of stuff that looks good at first, starts to slip over time...

What causes the glass to deteriorate?

[Benny]

I agree as well.  Have you used the newer HD Swaro with the 95mm obj yet? 

Just a peak but haven't really sat behind them for any time. Sure are cool.

Have you seen the new 15s? Worth every red, financed penny.

[jjhunter]

I use an 80 HD, but to tell you the truth, I have never been really impressed with any spotter.    One thing a lot of guys don't take into consideration is how glass performs after a couple seasons of use.  The high end stuff doesn't waiver - a lot of stuff that looks good at first, starts to slip over time...

What causes the glass to deteriorate?

I am not making a blanket statement here, but my guess would be inferior lense coatings and seals.