Post by: Wolfdog2314 on July 11, 2017, 09:03:00 AM
I'm looking at the Swarovski ATS/STS for 2,268 vs the Vortex Razor HD for 1,200. Both in 65mm objective.
I may be able to get a deal on the Swarovski. Not sure how much. I've got a couple hundred $ in cabelas bucks to throw at either also.
Looking for personal experiences with them both. I've never hunted with one before. I don't do a TON of "higher mountain sit all day on ridgetop glossing" type hunting. More so out of state stuff. My use for it wouldn't be frequent I'd say/think. I just want to have one for when the type of hunt does arise that I would use it, I would have one.
(I know I can look at them side by side at the store)
Thanks for any suggestions!
Post by: Stein on July 11, 2017, 09:07:24 AM
Unless you just have a grand laying around with nothing to do, I couldn't justify the extra money for the Swaro if you don't anticipate needing it a bunch.
Post by: ctwiggs1 on July 11, 2017, 09:51:15 AM
:twocents:
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on July 11, 2017, 10:20:54 AM
I've got vortex viper 10x42 binos that are pretty good and I like a lot
I'm just not sure for how much I will use it if the 1000 will be worth it. I'm not an inch counter with my animals anyway. What I hear the benefits are with the Swarovski is mainiy low light conditions.
A lot of hunters are using these razors it seems these days. Seems like a real nice affordable option
Thanks for the input all!
Post by: Stein on July 11, 2017, 10:37:22 AM
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on July 11, 2017, 10:44:24 AM
To further complicate things, I just got an ad from Cabelas that has the Vortex angled 20-60x85s on sale for $1099.99 if you are looking for bigger glass.
I saw that too.... thanks!
I'd like something I can put in the pack too. I'd like to get in to some backpack style hunts in the future. Those 85's are hogs!
I think I'm pretty well decided on a 65 size.
Thanks again
Post by: Crunchy on July 11, 2017, 11:01:19 AM
Post by: JDHasty on July 11, 2017, 11:26:38 AM
To further complicate things, I just got an ad from Cabelas that has the Vortex angled 20-60x85s on sale for $1099.99 if you are looking for bigger glass.
Buy it if it is not too big/heavy for your application! We have the same scope and that is a heck of a deal on it.
We use our Vortex Razor 85 side by side w/Swaro and it is does not have not quite as high resolution, but you really have to be looking to see the difference.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on July 11, 2017, 11:41:01 AM
And have good eyesight - if you have less than good vision you may notice little difference.To further complicate things, I just got an ad from Cabelas that has the Vortex angled 20-60x85s on sale for $1099.99 if you are looking for bigger glass.
Buy it if it is not too big/heavy for your application! We have the same scope and that is a heck of a deal on it.
We use our Vortex Razor 85 side by side w/Swaro and it is does not have not quite as high resolution, but you really have to be looking to see the difference.
Post by: highside74 on July 11, 2017, 11:46:10 AM
Post by: JDHasty on July 11, 2017, 11:50:52 AM
And have good eyesight - if you have less than good vision you may notice little difference.To further complicate things, I just got an ad from Cabelas that has the Vortex angled 20-60x85s on sale for $1099.99 if you are looking for bigger glass.
Buy it if it is not too big/heavy for your application! We have the same scope and that is a heck of a deal on it.
We use our Vortex Razor 85 side by side w/Swaro and it is does not have not quite as high resolution, but you really have to be looking to see the difference.
Very true
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on July 11, 2017, 11:54:31 AM
So I could potentially end up paying well over 1,000 to get the Swarovski. (Unless I can get a deal on one)
I think I'd like to stick with the 65. The 85 just seems huuuge to try and pack around in a pack??? :dunno:
Thanks for all insight and help!
Post by: White Pass Outfitters on July 11, 2017, 12:31:13 PM
But if you dont use one all that much the vortex spotter will do the job.
Post by: G-S on July 11, 2017, 12:38:47 PM
Post by: Mossyoak on July 12, 2017, 12:09:15 AM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on July 12, 2017, 06:21:56 AM
Post by: Bushcraft on July 12, 2017, 08:22:34 PM
If you do a reasonable side-by-side comparison during all hours of the day you'll find that the Swaro glass provides more information to your eye(s) than Vortex, particularly during the all important early dawn and late dusk hours. That is - as other's have stated, assuming you've got good vision.
Now, what is your objective? Simply trying to find critters?...Answer, save your money and buy Vortex. Or, do you want to find and study in detail a possible OIL animal?...Answer, Swarovski.
I'd note that Swarovski products seem to hold their resale value dramatically better than Vortex.
Good luck with your search.
Allen
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on July 21, 2017, 09:29:39 AM
I bought the Swarovski 65 today with the 60 zoom. Dealer said I can exchange the zoom for the wide angle if I ever decide to. Having little experience behind a spotter I don't have much of a preference anyway. So I'll see how I like it.
Got to get to cabelas now to use my points there on a tripod!
Post by: JDHasty on July 21, 2017, 09:35:34 AM
Thanks all for your input!
I bought the Swarovski 65 today with the 60 zoom. Dealer said I can exchange the zoom for the wide angle if I ever decide to. Having little experience behind a spotter I don't have much of a preference anyway. So I'll see how I like it.
Got to get to cabelas now to use my points there on a tripod!
We use our fixed power eyepieces more than our zoom eyepieces on scopes that have interchangeable eyepieces. But only you can make the determination what is best for your situation.
Post by: OLYTAX on October 03, 2017, 08:51:12 AM
Post by: T-Dozzer on October 03, 2017, 04:22:50 PM
The Razor is still nice glass though.
Post by: Edward Cullen on November 03, 2017, 02:30:31 AM
Post by: teanawayslayer on November 03, 2017, 05:44:38 AM
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on November 03, 2017, 07:38:00 AM
:) Did you buy the Swarovski 65? I think it's a good scope. Good luck! ;)
Yes I did! It made its first voyage to Idaho last week. And man did I need it. It's an absolute must have for big country.
-I can see how I may definitally want the wide angle lense. The shop I bought it from said I could exchange my 20-60 and pay the difference if I wanted. Although it was real nice zooming to 60.
-I will probably be upgrading the tripod to one of the ones suggested in the future. The vanguard I bought is "okay". Biggest problem is when I try and lock it down it settles up and to the left a little bit. Not bad when zoomed out, but at almost full zoom it takes the target out of center.
Overall super happy!
Thanks again all.
Post by: jjhunter on November 03, 2017, 07:49:44 AM
Be careful though, good glass can become addictive! :chuckle:
Post by: 2MANY on November 03, 2017, 08:15:24 AM
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on November 06, 2017, 12:43:35 PM
Binos are my next upgrade.
Although I've been looking at a new scope for my rifle too...
Post by: Tundra on November 07, 2017, 07:05:55 AM
I did save cash on the optics cover by using the Scope Coat covering vs. the Swaro brand. I got mine off of Optics Planet, but I did notice King's Camo sells them as well. Around $50 or so.