Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scopes
Sports & Outdoors > Hunting & Fishing > Shooting > Optics > Spotting Scopes
About this item
- The Razor HD 27-60x85 Angled Spotting Scope employs high-end optical technology, precision craftsmanship, and ultra-sleek functionality to make the Razor one of the finest spotting scopes on the market. Eye Relief is from 0.67 to 0.66 inches
- Triplet Apochromatic lens combined with high density, extra-low dispersion glass delivers unparalled resolution and color fidelity. XR Plus anti-reflective coatings were applied to the lenses to yield maximum brightness for critical low-light glassing.
- A smooth helical focus dials in razor sharp resolution and keeps the scope trim for easy packing. A multi-position eyecup twists up to give you proper eye relief with or without glasses.
- A locking collar allows you to rotate the scope to acquire the best viewing angle. A built-in sunshade pulls out to reduce glare.
- O-ring sealed and argon purged, the Razor HD delivers waterproof and fogproof performance. Armortek coatings protect the lenses from oil, scratches, and dirt. Rubber armor provides extreme durability..Close Focus: 16.4 feet. Multi-layer prism coatings provide bright, clear, color-accurate images
Reviews
★★★★★
Style Name: 11-33x50 - Angled | Verified Purchase
Excellent Value: great image quality, small/light enough to carry with you (birding/nature watching)
I use the Razor HD 11-33x50 Angled for birding/nature watching at fairly close distances, usually to get a better look at smaller birds. I am a casual, fair weather birder...I am not using this at 04:00 or in a monsoon. I often bird in wooded areas, so it does need to peek into some heavily shaded areas. I prefer to walk then remain stationary, so size and handling are concerns for me. The first few paragraphs give a little background on my optics journey, feel free to skip down a little for the details on this scope.
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*Current Binoculars and Past Scopes*
For reference, my binoculars are Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32, which I really like and find to have great image quality for the price. I find the Razor HD 11-33x50 to be a similar value. While I am sure both of these would not hold up to Leica or Swarovski optics, to me they hit a sweet spot of cost vs. image quality.
I tried two other scopes before this one, each one increasing in cost. The first was purchased a few years ago is no longer made (Alpen 15-45x60). I don't recall the specifics, but I returned it because the image quality was poor, very dark. It also seemed large at the time, and the build quality was average.
The second (Celestron Hummingbird 9-27x56mm ED) was right before purchasing the Razor . At the time this was about half the cost of the Razor HD 11-33x50. While the small size was very easy to carry, the image quality was not even close to the level of my binoculars. While I could see the birds 'bigger'...the image was dark, esp. when looking into brush. And, the upper range of the magnification was not very clear. The build quality was mostly plastic, but acceptable at the price point. Overall, I did not find the image quality to be worth the cost or the hassle of carrying the scope and tripod.
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*Razor HD 11-33x50 Review*
After much research, I decided to make the investment in the Razor HD 11-33x50. Most of the reviews were from a hunting perspective, and many mentioned that the image quality was about on par with larger scopes they had used...but in a much smaller package that was easier to hike/follow game with.
The cost of this scope is very close to the larger, lower-tier Viper. I spoke with a Vortex rep regarding the tradeoffs between size, image quality and cost. He strongly recommended the Razor.
*Image Quality*
I find the image quality of the Razor to be very similar to my Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32 binoculars. The picture is quite bright and sharp, you can easily see fine feather details. The image quality is pretty consistent across the entire image circle (esp. when compared to the quality drop-off toward the edges found in the Celestron Hummingbird).
*Focus*
As of 2019, the Razor HD 11-33x50 is still the older style of Vortex scope design with two protruding focus wheels (fast and fine) on the upper body. The newer style offered on the larger scopes is a single focus ring on the lower body (the Celestron Hummingbird has a similar design). While I cannot speak to the newer Razors, comparing the focus function of the 11-33x50 to the Hummingbird I prefer the separate fast and fine focus knobs. It is easy to quickly get a rough focus, and then carefully adjust for fine detail.
The Razor HD 11-33x50 also has a very close focus of 6.6 feet (from website). This lets you get a good look at birds on your feeder or insects perched close to you. (attached photo shot through the scope with handheld iPhone 6S, Ebony Jewelwing was about 7-8 feet away.)
*Zoom*
The zoom range on this scope is 11-33, which is not as close as other (larger) scopes. But as someone who uses this at closer distances I find the smaller size/weight to be more of an advantage.
*Scope Bag*
The bag is functional, nothing crazy. It fits the scope well, even with a tripod plate attached. It is not heavily padded, I would make sure that the scope when into some other bag/case to protect it if traveling/hunting.
*Warranty*
While I am very careful with my gear, the Vortex warranty is pretty hard to beat. From their site: "We will repair or replace your Vortex® product in the event it becomes damaged or defective—at no charge to you. If we cannot repair your product, we will replace it with a product in perfect working order of equal or better physical condition."
*You Need a Tripod*
To get the most of this scope invest in a sturdy tripod and good head. I am using this with a Manfrotto 190 tripod. I also have a 055 which is sturdier, but the 190 is a bit lighter/easier to carry and is plenty to keep the scope stable. While not traditional for scope use, I am using a Sirui K-40X Ball Head. I already owned it for photography, so I gave it a try. While a little harder to control than a 3-way head, it is also very quick to center and level out. This version has a single knob to set tension and lock the ball. I find that easier to use than separate tension and lock knobs.
*Things that could have been better*
Overall, I am very pleased with this purchase. There are only two fairly minor things that I can comment on. First, the eyecup is a fold up/down style rather than a twist up. Not a big deal, but as someone who wears glasses I am folding it down for each use (the eyepiece cover only fits when the eyecup is turned up). I expect that this will be a wear point, but, hey...lifetime, no-questions-asked warranty for the win!
Second, the loop for front optic cover does not stay on the front of the scope very well. It often comes off when removing the scope from the bag. Not a huge deal, but I usually leave it in the bag to prevent me from losing it. I have Vortex front covers on my Zeiss binoculars that have stayed put for years, so if the band were just a little bit smaller it would have worked better.
*Would I Buy Again?*
100%. I am very happy that Vortex put their top quality optics in a smaller frame and at a more approachable price point. I expect to get many years of enjoyable use from this scope.
★★★★★
Style Name: 27-60x85 - Angled | Verified Purchase
Amazing scope!
I got this scope 4 months ago. Since it first came out.
I used to own the older model too. Sold it and got this one.
And here are my honest thoughts about the new model compare to the old model.
They are both sharp, amazing glass. I honestly can't see a difference in clarity between new model and old model.
New model is for sure better looking. And I feel like it's more rugged ( I say I "feel" because I haven't actually drop them to find out ) The slim shape of new model makes it easy to handle, pack, and I can grab it with one hand better since it has the focus wheel around the body. I didn't like the fact the old one had two focus wheels. Always ended up using the fine focus anyways. I also like the green color better. Looks a lot likely the Swarovski.
I was also able to use the same black cordura nylon fitted case they sale separately for the old model for 50$ On this new model. Since the case they give u with both are just crap, and don't want the body to get scratches.
I've used it for wildlife viewing have watch from elk at dawn, chipmunks, squirrels, eagles, hummingbirds etc, the details are amazing....The hood really works nicely when sun it's out and bright. (With both scopes, the experience was the same)
When i got the new model the eye cup was super loose. I don't wear glasses so really need the cup all the way up. So I sent it to vortex and they took care of it. And send it back to me within 2 weeks. I didn't even pay to send it. They sent me a prepaid label.
Bottom line. If u don't care about the color, the two wheels that take some extra room, the fact that the new one is made in japan and assemble in the US and old one made in China, and want to save like 400-500 bucks, buy the old model for sure!! You will see your game with the same clarity. They will also weight about the same so no big change.
Also I got a manfrotto aluminum tripod with a pistol grip head. I find the pistol grip to be the best. Takes less room and it's faster to move.
★★★★★
Style Name: 27-60x85 - Angled | Verified Purchase
great scope
Can clearly read the 1” high numbers on a target at 800 yards. Very clear.
★★★★★
Style Name: 11-33x50 - Angled | Verified Purchase
Light weight and great optics for price
Given the $699 price it's hard to find fault with this scope. I purchased the 11-33X50 to reduce my field load after years of packing a Leica 77 APO & field case with Manfrotto 3221G tri-pod at 20+ lbs. The Razor HD scope & Vortex SS-P tri-pod are less than 5 lbs combined, so a big weight savings. Scope performance is superb for this price point and my only nits are with coarse focus wheel stiffness (fine focus wheel is silky smooth) and the field case is bulky and loose fitting as others have mentioned. Low light transmission is as expected from a 50mm objective, magnification adjustment is both smooth and positive throughout its range, and lens edge aberration is surprisingly minimal. An unexpected benefit of its small size and weight is that it can easily be used without a tri-pod for distant viewing while on the move. Highly recommend this scope!
★★★★★
Style Name: 27-60x85 - Angled | Verified Purchase
Far exceeded expectations.
Better than I had hoped. I previously bought a Diamondback 20-60x60 and this is nowhere near the same category. I recommend anyone wanting an amazing spotting scope to start here.
12 Feb 2020: my eyepiece relief broke when a gust of wind took my scope and tripod down onto nearby rocks. Sent it in, received it back, no cost, like brand new. The lifetime guarantee is a supreme value.
★★★★★
Style Name: 27-60x85 - Angled | Verified Purchase
Super birding scope!
We love this birding scope and it's sharp image. The zoom is very powerful, you can see birds way across the water, even in the trees. We also bought an iphone attachment that lets us not only take photos and video through the scope, but also lets us view with 2 eyes through the phone.
★★★★★
Style Name: 11-33x50 - Angled | Verified Purchase
Super Impressed!
Wow this is an incredible scope, I've had a Nikon 15-45 scope for 25 years and the Vortex outshines my Nikon in every way.
Most scope zooms are of limited usefulness, The Nikon image at 30x or more was pretty lousy.
The Vortex is super sharp at the lower end of the magnification and pretty darn impressive even at 33x.
Dual focus is very useful.
The small size and lightweight are amazing.
So FIVE STARS for the scope.
The cover that came with it I would give maybe 3 stars.
It looks like a cover that could be used in the field but really is not designed well for that.
I'll have to get the better field cover they sell for another 50 bucks.
I wish they would just ship it with the good cover and charge 10 more bucks.
★★★★★
Style Name: 27-60x85 - Angled | Verified Purchase
Great for stationary setups for birding.
I needed a spotting scope to help me identify birds out my kitchen window. My binoculars were not strong enough nor good enough in low light conditions. With the larger objective lense, I can easily see birds in low light. With the variable zoom, I can identify birds that I could not even see with the naked eye. Very pleased with this purchase.
★★★★★
Style Name: 11-33x50 - Angled | Verified Purchase
Superb Optics AND customer service!
Best price anywhere for what I consider the cat's meow in smaller spotting scopes. My nephew has one and I was so impressed I looked all over to track one down. Excellent clarity and light gathering like you expect from Vortex Razor products. After my order was accepted, Optics Planet called me and said due to holiday glitch they were out of the angled model and offered to ship it later or replace it with another product. They even shipped me the straight model at the same price even though it usually sells for $100 dollars more at sale pricing. This was great for me as I prefer straight scopes but didn't want to pay the extra money for it. Optic's Planet went above and beyond and will be my go to source for my hunting optics from now on.
★★★★★
Style Name: 27-60x85 - Angled | Verified Purchase
very high quality scope
This is an excellent scope. From viewing the moon to viewing the bird feeder from 10 yards away the image is excellent. I use it mostly as a spotting scope for rifle shooting and for that purpose it the perfect optic. I have the 60 power model. The focus ring is smooth and very easy to focus exactly. Same with the zoom ring on the eye piece; smooth and easy to operate. It's built like a tank and the glass is clear. I love it.
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Question & Answer
Question :
Can the eyepiece be removed and is there another eyepiece option available? Such as 30x wide for example. Thanks.
Answer :
the eyepiece can be removed but I don't know what the options are. I have the 60 power and that's all I need.
Question :
How does the razor hd 27-60x85 compare optically to the meopta meostar s2? is the glass quality & image clarity close?
Answer :
best spotting scope I've ever had or looked through by far
Question :
Can you buy a higher power eye for this unit
Answer :
RZR-30-RT-A Razor HD 30x Tactical Eyepiece with R/T Ranging Reticle (MOA | 85 mm models)
, RZR-30-RT-M Razor HD 30x Tactical Eyepiece with R/T Ranging Reticle (MRAD | 85 mm models)
, RZR-LER1 Razor HD 18x/23x Long Eye Relief Eyepiece (65 mm / 85 mm models)
These are the option Eyepieces for the Razor Scopes. The are special order.
Dave Greig
801 Tactical
682-422-6667
Question :
Can this be used without a tripod satisfactorily?
Answer :
It can on low power. It is bulky though. You can get a cheap handheld tripod and it will work fine.
Question :
Can you see 1000 yard group?
Answer :
Hello,
On paper, that would be a tricky thing to spot. We can barely see them under absolute perfect conditions with a $4000 Swarovski. Mirage, even in its slightest will be harmful to seeing groups. Those black shoot-n-see targets would help. If you shoot steel, it will be very easy to see a group at 1000.
Question :
which case is the most recommended for this scope?
Answer :
If I had kept mine...I would have bought a pelican case for it. For that much money. But that’s me. But pelicans are bulky. Consider that if you’re hunting.
Question :
Is the view through case the model rz65 as shown on the vortex website?
Answer :
Yes that is the one
Question :
How do I get reticle information? Does this come with a Mil dot reticle?
Answer :
This does not come with a reticle. It is similar to a binocular view.
Question :
Im getting this scope for my sons birthday. Which is the best tripod for this scope?
Answer :
Vortex makes a PRO-2 tripod that could easily be used with this spotting scope at a great value for the price. We recommend this tripod because it comes with the Vortex unconditional warranty that they are so well known for.
Question :
What tripod are people using for birdwatching with 27x60-85?
Answer :
I using a Manfrotto MT190XPRO4 aluminum. And a pistol grip head. It’s heavy but provides good stability while in the field.
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