Razor 16-48x65 or 20-60x85

[Tjv28]

Hey guys(and girls), I'm in the market for a spotting scope. I have it narrowed down to the razor due the quality/price advantages, but I'm unsure which one to go with. I will use it for hunting, general wildlife viewing, star gazing, etc.(multi purpose. I'm not gonna lie I don't get to hunt as much as I'd like). The hunts will include some hiking and backpacking. So I'm thinking the 16-48 for weight and pack ability, but let me know what you guys use and recommend. Also will need and decent tripod(with same parameters; quality, weight, pack ability). Thanks

[Bob33]

I would choose the lighter, smaller 65.

[Jonathan_S]

Are you really considering the Razor for such casual use?  If that works financially then go for it 

Whole lots of people trading up to the 85mm.  of course they aren't using them for casual recreation stuff as much.  Both are great scopes.  Get to a Cabela's or Sportsmans and handle them.  Without a doubt, the 85mm is going to be a better scope but it also costs and weighs more.

Overall, both good options 

[Tjv28]

When I say I don't get to hunt as much as want to that means I have a hard time waiting for September to roll around!

[deerhunter_98520]

I have the 85 and absolutely love it! I went from a cheap Bushnell trophy to this and it was such a huge difference...if weight isn't an issue go with the 85....but since you said you may be packing it then the 65 would probably be better....and don't skimp on the tripod...i did the first year and regretted it...i got a new vortex tripod and it made a huge difference...make sure the tripod/head is big enough for the scope you end up with

[Karl Blanchard]

Big glass always gets my vote.  It will save you a lot of leg work in the long run, as it eliminates those hikes to get closer because your small scope lacks magnification.   And yes I carry mine always

[Timberstalker]

Big glass always gets my vote.  It will save you a lot of leg work in the long run, as it eliminates those hikes to get closer because your small scope lacks magnification.   And yes I carry mine always

Solid advice.
Also, see if you can borrow a buddies for a trip. Just to see for yourself outside in actual conditions.

[Tjv28]

good advice. thanks guys.

[RallyDawg]

I am glade to see this topic because I was going online to post the exact same question.  I have been going back and forth for the last few weeks trying to figure out which one would suit me better.  With that said, I hope you don't mind that I just cribbing off your original post.  Figure that would help us both out. 

As I mentioned, I am also debating between the Razor 65 and the 85.  I would be packing it at least 75% of the time and I understand weight is weight but since this will be the only spotter that I plan on purchasing I am leaning towards the 85.  It's only about a pound more than the 65 but I plan on recovering a little of that weight buy pairing it with an Outdoorsmans tripod.  This is a big investment, at least for me, so I would hate to be sitting on the mountain wishing I would have stepped up to the 85. 

Thanks for everyone's feedback. 

[JDHasty]

I have a Razor 85 and also bought a 30 WA eyepiece w/MOA reticle and love it.  But I also have my old 12-40x60 GR and a 25x50 GR that I can pack. 

If you are thinking that you can get by with just one scope and the Razor 85 is "packable," it just really isn't.  Trust me, you will leave it behind more than you take it. 

You will be much better served with the Razor 65.  I will pack my 12-40x60 GR, but not the big Razor.

 As for tripoids I use an old Leupold Packer and have another but I don't remember what it is called.  I will see if I can find any markings on it.  I use a Manfrotto w/533 right angle bracket and manfrotto video pan head and love it when close to the truck.  But it is too heavy to pack.

Good choice on the Razors though.  They are awful darn good scopes.

[Karl Blanchard]

Don't tell my 85 that.  It's been in almost every state in the west, from 11 miles into the Idaho backcountry to 11k ft in Colorado.  Plenty of other places to shave weight, optics should be last on that list.  Few less milkshakes, and a few extra evening walks and most guys could shed a couple 85mm razors worth of weight from their mid section

[Timberstalker]

My Razor 85 never comes out of my pack.

[BULLBLASTER]

I also have an 85 razor that will be going with me all year. Last year I had a 60 mm viper and upgraded tripod and scope and am same weight with 85 razor and outdoorsman tripod.

[CaNINE]

I himmed and hawed over these scopes last year and after consulting with elknut decided to go with the 65.  I paired it up with the vortex summit tripod.  I hunted with this combo last year.  I packed it 11 miles into my backcountry elk camp in the blues and was able to count points with ease on bulls up to 2.5 to 3 miles away.  I'd say it gets the job done.  I'm sure there are times when the 85 would be beneficial but I'd rather have something that's more right sized in the backcountry, at least for me.  The weight difference between the two units isn't that big of an issue but the overall size of the 85 may be difficult to pack depending upon your pack set up.  It also requires a larger tripod which adds even more weight to the system.  Something to consider depending on your needs.  My family also used it this spring to count jupiters moons from our deck.  Now the 85 would have been nice for that use for sure.

[JDHasty]

I himmed and hawed over these scopes last year and after consulting with elknut decided to go with the 65.  I paired it up with the vortex summit tripod.  I hunted with this combo last year.  I packed it 11 miles into my backcountry elk camp in the blues and was able to count points with ease on bulls up to 2.5 to 3 miles away.  I'd say it gets the job done.  I'm sure there are times when the 85 would be beneficial but I'd rather have something that's more right sized in the backcountry, at least for me.  The weight difference between the two units isn't that big of an issue but the overall size of the 85 may be difficult to pack depending upon your pack set up.  It also requires a larger tripod which adds even more weight to the system.  Something to consider depending on your needs.  My family also used it this spring to count jupiters moons from our deck.  Now the 85 would have been nice for that use for sure.

That is pretty much the way I feel about it. 

[Tjv28]

I wish I could have one of each, but that ain't in the cards for me. Thanks for the intel. I'm going to check out the outdoorsman pod as well.

[Tjv28]

Okay, so I checked out the outdoorsman tripods and think my pocket book isn't quite deep enough for the scope and tripod... any other decent tripods for less than $200?

[Reidus]

Vortex summit panhead is a decent tripod for $130. Cant use it standing up very well but quite packable.

I went with a razor hd 85 and a razor hd 50 for those times when I don't feel like packing much weight like early season elk hunting.

[Reidus]

The promaster xc. 525 can also be found for less than $200. I use the xc525c which is the carbon version($300). They're very solid and well built. The aluminum version is about half a pound heavier if I remember correctly.

[deerhunter_98520]

I have the vortex pro GoT with the 85 and it works great...I'm pretty happy with this setup

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/pro-gt-tripod-with-3-way-pan-tilt-head