Leupold vs Vortex spotting scopes

[timberghost72]

Between these two brands I am in the Leupold camp for rifle scopes and binoculars. I own both but I feel the leupolds are a better optic. I am now in the market to purchase a spotting scope and hopefully finding a good deal this upcoming holiday season. I wanted to ask and get some thoughts from those with experience with these two brands of spotting scopes. I wish I could afford top of the line but my budget is + /-  $1,500.00

So, what are your thoughts between these two comparisons?  I have not decided on power range but leaning towards 65 mm objective. Also I am looking at the straight spotter.

Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD 27-55x80mm vs Votex Razor HD 22-48x65mm (no 65mm option from Leupold)
And
Leupold SX-4 Guide Pro  vs Vortex Viper HD 15-45x65mm

I wear glasses and do have astigmatism if that makes any difference.

[bman940]

   It's not on your list, but Riton Optics 5 Primal 15-45X60 is worth looking at. I picked one up a few months ago because my compact spotter (Nikon) fogged up. While I wouldn't call the Riton Spotter full-size, I wouldn't call it a compact spotter either. It comes with a very nice case, and the spotter is small enough to easily fit into a backpack or on a window mount for glassing from a truck. I was impressed with the low light capabilities and the edge-to-edge clarity. When I'm at the range it's easy to flip up on its side so that I can check out my POI without having to get up each time. There will no doubt be a black Fri. sale on this optic which will make the sub grand price tag even nicer. Riton has a great LE/Mil/First Responder program for those who qualify. Another great way to save some $.

[huntandjeep]

Can't help you between the two brands . But at $1500 you can easily get a used Swarovski spotter.   

[C-Money]

I know this name isn't a luxurious name. But, Alpen is pretty good! I am very happy with my Alpen 15-45x60. I got mine on sale at Sportsmen's a few years back. I've taken some decent pictures of some nice deer though it. It gave me front row seats to watch my son get a 4pt last year. Pretty sure my Alpen was less than $300. As far as Leupold & Vortex, I'd lean Leupold, but Vortex makes some great equipment as well. I don't think you can go wrong!

[mburrows]

Can't help you between the two brands . But at $1500 you can easily get a used Swarovski spotter.   

 :yeah:Get a 65mm sts or ats used and you'll be happy

[dwils233]

I've always found my Vortex stuff to be passable, but not the best stuff in their price brackets. While their branding is solid and they have a good warranty, I just haven't gotten as clear a sight picture. Dollar to dollar, I've preferred Leopold for rifle, spotters and binos, but I'm usually at the sub-1k spending level.

I also wear glasses, if that matters

[buglebuster]

Both are 💩 I’d try finding a used swaro

[timberghost72]

Just realized the Viper and SX-4 are both made in China  .  I really don't want a made in China Scope. So it's either the Razor or SX-5 between my original picks.


I'd love to have a Swaro but out of my budget for now.

[huntandjeep]

I'd love to have a Swaro but out of my budget for now.

Used 20 x 60 x 65 Swaro over on Rokslide for $1400obo right now .  that's +/- your $1500 budget 

[fowl smacker]

Both are 💩 I’d try finding a used swaro

I love my Razor 27-60x85.  Clear, bright, easy to focus.  Far from 💩.   I bought it over the Leupold sx5 Santiam.

[xXLojackXx]

Straight or angled? Power range? I think 25x on the low end of a spotter is too much unless you're also running 12-15x binos.

Swaros take the cake on image quality but they have downsides. Price, lens caps and eye box. You literally have to have your eyeball touching the ocular lens on a Swaro, and for me I hate that. Vortex razor spotters are bricks, decent glass but they are heavy. Leupold spotters have the best eye relief and size/weight of them all, the glass is good enough to find animals and judge them. You might not be able to count rings on a sheep from 1,000 yards but if that isn't a necessity, I would strongly suggest a Leupold Gold Ring HD 12-40 spotting scope, and get the zippered cover for it also.

[Houndhunter]

I've always favored Vortex over Leupold for spotting scopes, I recommend vortex when it comes to buying the best reasonably priced spotting scope. 

If you want better glass I'd do what others recommended and look for a used swaro sts 65mm.

[jackelope]

Can't help you between the two brands . But at $1500 you can easily get a used Swarovski spotter.   

If I had $1500 to burn on a spotter, this is exactly where I’d be. There’s no comparison.

I have a Razor and it works fine for me. I have had 2 Vipers. They both failed.

[Karl Blanchard]

I'd love to have a Swaro but out of my budget for now.

Used 20 x 60 x 65 Swaro over on Rokslide for $1400obo right now .  that's +/- your $1500 budget 

This. They are definitely out there within your budget