Vortex Spotting Scopes Viper vs Razor

[antlerjunky2020]

I am in the market for a new spotting scope and I have narrowed it down to the vortex viper and razor. Is the razor worth almost double the price of the viper? The second question I have is the 15x45x65mm vs the 20x60x 85mm. Both models come with either package, for judging deer/elk at around 1,500 yards is the 45x65mm enough? Does the 85mm low light capability justify the extra size and weight? I will be doing quite a bit of hiking/packing with the spotter so the size/weight of the 65mm seemed favorable but if the 85mm is substantially better then it would be worth the extra weight to me.

[Jellymon]

I’m able to count points on bulls with my 45x65 viper at well over a mile, deer are a little tougher but with no wind shaking it around 1500yds is doable. The 65mm viper is pretty heavy and I personally would never use the 85 for hiking. I’m very happy with my 45x65 viper though. Only negative I have is the eye relief at 45 power is very little. I have to have the eyecup fully closed without glasses to use it. I have no experience with the razor.

[ShaneTyTrey]

I am in the market for a new spotting scope and I have narrowed it down to the vortex viper and razor. Is the razor worth almost double the price of the viper? The second question I have is the 15x45x65mm vs the 20x60x 85mm. Both models come with either package, for judging deer/elk at around 1,500 yards is the 45x65mm enough? Does the 85mm low light capability justify the extra size and weight? I will be doing quite a bit of hiking/packing with the spotter so the size/weight of the 65mm seemed favorable but if the 85mm is substantially better then it would be worth the extra weight to me.

How much time are you going be spending behind the glass?  If time is significant and you can afford I would pay to have the razor.  I had a viper for one season, sold it and upgraded years ago.  I originally bought the 65MM and ended up adding an 85MM.  I believe the 85MM is about one pound more.  It is really a personal choice on what you are willing to carry, but if you are going to spend a lot of time using it, I would go 85MM Razor.  Just my 

[Duckhunter14]

I've had both and upgraded to the Razor HD in 85mm. The problem I had with the Viper was blurry images at full zoom and poor low light performance. The Razor is definitely more clear and I am able to take better photo/video through it. The only negative is that it is heavy! But even if I'm hiking a long ways, if I know I will be glassing long distances I take it. Spend the extra money.

[jeffitz]

Havent owned either - but im in the same boat needing to upgrade - wish we could demo each model for a couple weeks. Almost bought a Zeiss Dialyt (lighter weight) at the Sportsmans show but couldnt decide - anybody know if the Vortex Razor is better than a Zeiss spotter ?

[dmoua]

I own the Gen 1 Razor 65mm. Never really looked at any other spotting scopes but I feel it's mediocre at best. Max power just seems useless majority of the time. Maybe I just have to high of an expectation but I was never really impressed with it from day one.