Vortex HD Razor spotting scope

[Mark D]

Does anyone know anything about this scope?  I've found reviews for this new Vortex scope that say it's as good as the high end ones like Swarovski, Kowa, and Leica but is much cheaper.  Has anyone seen/used this scope and is it as good as these reviews say?  Also, as I haven't purchased a scope before, does anyone have suggestions on other models or just things to look for when buying a scope?  Thanks in advance.

Mark

[Michael Tam]

I have never used the Vortex products.  Perhaps you can post the review so that everyone can assess its source.  Cornell Lab of Ornithology did a review on spotting scope, please see:

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/NetCommuni ... x?pid=1039

Otherwise, Pelee Wings has one of the largest collection of birding optics.  Try to consult one of their staffers, eg. Tom who is very knowledgeable.  Please see:

http://www.peleewings.ca/index.php

In general, in the area of optics, one gets what one pays for although once reaching a certain reasonable baseline, the incremental improvement in relation to cost diminshes.  Hope it is helpful.

[Mark D]

Thanks a lot for the suggestions.  I've already emailed Pelee Wings and am awaiting a reply.  I've also taken a look at the Cornell article and their comparison chart, and its very informative, although the Razor was released after that comparison was done and is not in their reviews.  I figure I'll do a bit more research, but then go down to Pelee in the spring and some scopes for myself.  Thanks again for the help.

Mark

[Brian Bailey]

I have no experience with Vortex products, but I've seen them around.  Internet research is great, but there's no substitute for hands-on side by side comparison at a place like Pelee Wings.  Other considerations:

Leave room in your budget for a tripod and head.  You want something sturdy, light, and tall enough that you don't need to bend down even if the scope is downhill from you.  My Manfrotto has been going strong for over 20 years, but I'm also very impressed with the Induro tripod I use for photography.  A video or "fluid" head is a must for smooth panning.  I have a large Manfrotto, but I think they make a smaller, lighter version now.

You get a lot more "bang" for buck from good binoculars than a good scope.  Some people opt for good bins and a cheap scope for a variety of reasons.  You will often not see the full potential of your optics because of atmospheric conditions and wind.  (The classic case is looking across mudflats on a sunny day.)  Deciding how good is good enough is a personal choice.

Also, sturdiness: they tend to get banged around a lot.  Waterproofness:  rain happens.  Controls:  can you focus with mitts on?

BB

[Mark D]

Thanks Brian for the suggestions.  As I'm new with scopes, all of this information is very useful and greatly appreciated.

Mark

[strimackus]

@Mark D: Did you end up buying this scope? I'm in the same boat as you, trying to decide between Vortex and the much more expensive Swarovski/Leica/Kowa scopes. Any insights would be appreciated.

You may find this review useful. The Vortex scope is included: http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/2009 ... index.html

I wish there was a place in Toronto to try out all these scopes side by side.

[Mark D]

Unfortunately, I haven't had a look at one yet, so I can't really help you.  I had been hoping to make a trip to Pelee this May and stop by at Pelee Wings, but it looks like I'm going to be too busy to.  As for the review, I've seen the one you suggested, and it was very useful.  Here are some other reviews I've found http://www.optics4birding.com/vortex-ra ... eview.aspx http://www.birddigiscoper.com/2010/01/v ... scope.html .  I hope these are helpful.

Mark

[RKD]

Have you tried Efston Science in Toronto. You may want to call them as I know their stock may differ from their website listings
http://www.escience.ca/telescopes/RENDE ... W1040.html

[Michael Tam]

There is no place like Pelee Wings Nature Store just outside the national park entrance:  http://www.peleewings.ca/index.php  

When I upgraded my spotting scope over 10 yrs ago, I made a special trip to Leamington off migration period.   Both Mike & Tom, as well as other staff are very knowledgeable and accomodating.  With Kowa, Leica and Swarovski as the finalists, I spent over 3 hrs through detail examination by viewing over the wooded area and across the lake in front and back light condition outside the building.  It is most important to assess the optics in where you will be using it afterwards, not overlooking the mall parking lot in city traffic haze through store window.

One important feature to consider is the angle of view.  The off-set or angle viewing was not common in those days.  I chanced to select it since my old spotting scope was straight view.  The disadvantage being time needed to learn in aiming and not able to use window mount on vehicle.  The main advantage being able to accomodate viewers of different height as well as setting the scope lower, therefore less vibration in high wind.  I also discovered by tilting the head down on off-set viewing, together with the cap shade protects the eyes from icy wind in waterfowl or shorebird viewing over long period of time.

Hope it is helpful in your decision.  Good birding.

[Michael Tam]

For those lucky birders visiting Point Pelee National Park the comming weekend, there will be an Optics Expo at the Pelee Wings Nature Store on May 8 & 9 between 10 -5.  All major manufacturers will be displaying their goods.  If you are shopping for new birding gears, this has been a wonderful occasion to see everything together in the past years.

Good birding.

[Will]

I recently purchased the Vortex Razor HD spotting scope from the Wild Birds Unlimited and Eagle Optics Store in Guelph. They are very knowledgeble there and after much evaluation and saving I bought it along with the Vortex STX tripod. It was a purchase i will never regret. For the price, this scope delivers an exceptional image from 20x-60x. It is just over 4 pounds, and for and 85mm scope it is a relativley compact size. The focus wheels work great and it is overall and outstanding scope for the money. Sure you can get a slightly better image with a scope like the Kowa 883 or Swarovski ATM, or the Leica APO Televid, but is that tiny bit of detail worth twice the price??? I don't think so. Anyone who is thinking of purchasing a new scope should definetly consider the Vortex Razor as a serious contender. Also, with Guelph being close the the GTA (I am in Mississauga) I reccomend checking out the Wild Birds Unlimited/Eagle Optics store. Vortex also has a lifetime no-fault warranty on all their products so if you damage the scope then they will fix it, and if they can't fix it then they will give you a new one for free. Also, if you are into digiscoping you can purchase a separate Vortex Razor digiscoping adapter that comes in multiple sizes to fit your camera. Also, the Vortex Razor just recently came out with the straight eyepiece model which should be available very soon (it was previously only available in angled).

[newfoundlander61]

The current edition of BIrders World Magazine has a scope review, you can read a copy at your local Chapters.