Rifle Scopes Steiner 5-25 MSR and Vortex Razor 5-20 Ebr-2b

[ldunnmobile]

With all the reviews out there, I haven't seen a lot of talk of users who have put these two head to head... the Steiner 5-25x56 MSR and the Vortex Razor 5-20x50 Ebr-2b. I'm fixing to pick up one of these for a new build I have coming, and would love some input for some guys who have used BOTH of these scopes. Obviously the Steiner is more $$$, but its only running about $700 more at the most, which begs the question...is the Steiner worth the extra money? Some of you might say you prefer the Vortex even at the same price. Just looking for some feedback on two great scopes. Thanks.

Should I do a poll...why not...never done one before...

 

[2G5MK]

I know it is not the comparison you have asked for, however, I own a Razor 5-20 x 50 EBR-2B, a Steiner Tactical 3-12x56 G2 Mildot, and an SB PMII 5-25x56 P4f. I had a fair chance to compare all three. I am NOT an optics expert. I read several definitions of "chromatic abberation." I still can't tell you whether a scope suffers from the dreaded CA or not. If the Steiner 5-25 is as nice as my 3-12x56, I would take the steiner over the Razor. A friend of mine and I compared all three of my scopes at similar power settings recently. We set the scopes up on a 500 yard target just before sun rise. We started the scopes at 5x, then set them each at 10x followed by 12x. We both reached the same conclusions. Resolution: SB>Steiner>Razor (SB and Steiner were very close). Eyebox Steiner>SB>Razor. Light Gathering: SB=Steiner>Razor. Illuminated reticle: Steiner>SB>Razor. Zero stop: Razor>Steiner>SB. Turret indexing: SB>Steiner>Razor. Our ratings are purely subjective. They are merely a product of our personal preferences. All things considered I prefer the Steiner to the other scopes. I love my SB but, I absolutely hate the position of the SB illumination control. If you have the rifle in a sling you must constantly check the battery cap or it will fall off. If not for that annoyance, it would be my favorite scope.

I know this isn't exactly what you were looking for, but I hope it helps.

JDM

 

[hk dave]

Steiner Military 5-25x56 > Vortex Razor 5-20x50mm

 

[CSTactical]

They are both great scopes. I will say the Steiner has better optics and at top power you can use it. I feel the Vortex HD has a very nice image up to 18x but 20x it feels a little dark. There is a big price difference.

We sell both scopes so if we can be of help let me know.

cstactical

Mike @ CST

 

[bohem]

I own both, they're both excellent. I think the MSR is a superior reticle and the glass is better in the Steiner. It had better be considering the price premium. The Steiner is much more appropriately compared to the S&B 5-25x56 in my experience, both the features, glass clarity/quality, and pricing are more comparable.

I still own my Razors... they have their place and I really like them as well. I was very successful competing with my Razors for 2 seasons, I moved up for the MSR and the change in glass quality, no other reason.

 

[hk dave]

I think Bohem stated something pretty important in that, most folks don't lose matches or find themselves missing a shot because of the Razor. It's awesome to have uber glass but in the end, will it improve your shot? The Razor aint no slouch and their warranty is second to none.

 

[CSTactical]

The Razor aint no slouch and their warranty is second to none.

I agree 110%.

Mike @ CST

 

[EasternNChunter]

How is Steiner's warranty?

 

[Red_Beard]

How is Steiner's warranty?

I heard that some of the early Steiners had a 30 year warranty, but when I got it, they said it was lifetime. I can't speak to the customer service because there hasn't been a need to use it.

 

[Quickdraw40]

How is Steiner's warranty?

Lifetime warranty, send any problems to the plant in Greeley, CO and they will take care of you.

 

[NiteQwill]

The Steiner is an awesome piece of glass. However, I own a Razor 5-20 x 50 EBR-2B and feel, for the price and reticle (personal preference), it is a great scope.

 

[Doctorwho1138]

I think Steiner. I have a buddy who has a Vortex and I think it's great scope for the money but my Steiner is much clearer at max magnification in my opinion. My only issue with my Steiner is the turrets aren't as tactile as I would like and the magnification ring is somewhat difficult to turn. However, I haven't used it in the field yet but overall I think it's a great scope.

 

[windwardman]

I just received the Steiner 3-15x50, with the MSR reticle, from FinnAccuracy dot com at an appreciably reduced price. They have the 5-25x56, as well. They've been offering these scopes since before release to pre-orders, but you can still save a nice bit of change: top-notch company.

 

[CSTactical]

The Bottom-line whatever one you get you will love.

If we can be of help in getting a scope let us know.

Mike @ CST

 

[Captramrod01]

Just the thread I was looking for. I've been running a Razor with the 2b ret for a little while now but have been dying to try out the Steiner 5-25. Probably going to order in the next couple of days but what ret do you guys prefer? Is the MSR worth the extra 100 bucks over the g2 mildot? The only ranging I do is if its required for a stage during our monthly comp down here and once in a while out target shooting.

 

[The King]

Used both a lot. The Steiner is nice in the extreme. There probably isn't anything at all to complain about on the steiner FWIW. There is 0 doubt I'd rather have the steiner than the vortex, and I liked the vortex a lot.

 

[Bulletmoto]

I just got my 5-25 msr and love it! No complaints yet, the only negative I read before purchasing was the feel of the elevation turret I have not found this to be an issue at all. My clicks are very tactile band firm, so far I am extremely impressed

 

[reximus]

The Vortex is a great scope. I just ordered another one. Don't even get me started on the events that lead up to that decision...

Who knows, maybe in 10 years Vortex will upgrade to some good German glass. Then we can all run over our current Razors and send them in to get the new ones... Now what other company can you think of that will replace a run-over scope? For me, their warranty to REPLACE a broken scope is hands down the BEST IN THE BUSINESS. While placing the fact that they make a pretty darn nice scope aside, it was their warranty that sold me on the Vortex above the others.

If I had enough money to have more than one scope, I'd probably rock scopes made by all the high-end manufacturers. But for me, in my current situation, I can only have one. And for me, that one is a Vortex.

 

[Sako man]

With all the reviews out there, I haven't seen a lot of talk of users who have put these two head to head... the Steiner 5-25x56 MSR and the Vortex Razor 5-20x50 Ebr-2b. I'm fixing to pick up one of these for a new build I have coming, and would love some input for some guys who have used BOTH of these scopes. Obviously the Steiner is more $$$, but its only running about $700 more at the most, which begs the question...is the Steiner worth the extra money? Some of you might say you prefer the Vortex even at the same price. Just looking for some feedback on two great scopes. Thanks.

Should I do a poll...why not...never done one before...

I'm an optics nerd. Currently own Snb25x, Kahles 24x, Steiner 25x, Premier 25x. Have had every other high end brand.

Steiner has better glass at the high end of mag, nice bright image. I as well prefer the Steiner turrets over the Razor turrets, much less easy to get lost. Lastly the eye box and relief on the Steiner is very forgiving, probably the most forgiving I own.

It would be nice to be able to upgrade to the newer more positive turrets on the Steiner however.

 

[Sako man]

There probably isn't anything at all to complain about on the steiner FWIW. .

Like I said, unless you have one of the earlier gen 25X where the turrets are mushy.

 

[TheGerman]

I have both the exact Steiner you are thinking about as well as a few Vortex scopes and have looked through the 5-20. While Vortex is quality, Steiner is just overall a better optic.

 

[FALex]

Not to throw this thread completely off topic, but can any of you folks provide a comparison of the Steiner 5-25 MSR vs. the Kahles 6-24 MSR? I am assuming we're pretty much nit-picking at this juncture, but just curious if people know of any dramatic differences?

 

[Sako man]

Not to throw this thread completely off topic, but can any of you folks provide a comparison of the Steiner 5-25 MSR vs. the Kahles 6-24 MSR? I am assuming we're pretty much nit-picking at this juncture, but just curious if people know of any dramatic differences?

Few people have purchased the MSR yet from Kahles, as it's just come out. I own a Mil4. That said the Kahles glass is slightly better and I mean very slight. The turrets are great. I actually prefer my Kahles over the SnB25x I own.

For what it's worth.

 

[hk dave]

Not to throw this thread completely off topic, but can any of you folks provide a comparison of the Steiner 5-25 MSR vs. the Kahles 6-24 MSR? I am assuming we're pretty much nit-picking at this juncture, but just curious if people know of any dramatic differences?

When you're playing at that level of optic, it's all very similar in quality. Have to be really nit-picky to notice differences. Thing is... folks that buy optics like this, are as nit-picky as they come.

I go back and forth on liking S&B over Premier constantly. This month I like my S&B better, last month, the S&B was def my least favorite.

 

[Pleistarchus]

Not to throw this thread completely off topic, but can any of you folks provide a comparison of the Steiner 5-25 MSR vs. the Kahles 6-24 MSR? I am assuming we're pretty much nit-picking at this juncture, but just curious if people know of any dramatic differences?

I believe the difference between the Kahles and Steiner MSR reticles is the center (Solid center cross on the Steiner) (Free floating dot on the Kahles). With the thickness of the reticles at high power it can be a comforting addition to have a floating dot on that reticle.

 

[MTETM]

We own both the Vortex and the Steiner. My wife has had the Vortex for almost 4 years and has several thousand rounds through it, i have had the chance to use it on occasions.... I bought the Steiner after I sold my PH and have a couple thousand rounds under it this year...Thoughts....
Both have proven reliable and we have not had a mechanical issue with either optic.
The Vortex has been used as a hunting optic and a match optic. My bride packs it everywhere and it has plenty of character to it these days.. The scope's tracking is repeatable and the large spacing with the 5 mil turrets are solid and as she says, "I can feel and see the adjustments when I am in a hurry and when my hands are cold".
The power adjustment is smooth, but a cattail was added to aid in the speed of adjustments. The parrellex works as it should and the the image is clear. We both prefer thicker reticles, so we don't have any issues with the reticles in either optic... Though my wife prefers the open reticle of the EBR2B, while I prefer the solid reticle in the MSR.
Steiner...You can read my review here: http://www.snipershide.com/shooting.../191151-steiner-5-25-my-initial-thoughts.html.
Compare them. Both are very good, they are several differences in features... 5 v 10 mil turns, Steiner has windage stop at 6 mils, Vortex keeps tuning...Yes, you can buy the Vortex with 10 mil turrets. Eye box is much more forgiving in the Steiner and I prefer it, but if the scope and rifle are well setup for you, the tighter eye box of the Vortex is hardly noticed.
We have not had any issues seeing and engaging targets from 15 to 1580 yards with either optic.
Repair work, both done on shore and the reports for both company's are excellent. We have not had to use either for these scopes.

My thoughts, try to get time behind them both and decide which features you prefer, you won't be upset with either.

 

[ldunnmobile]

FWIW.... I bought the Steiner a couple months ago from Scott @ Liberty. Very Happy!

 

[RJN]

We own both the Vortex and the Steiner. My wife has had the Vortex for almost 4 years and has several thousand rounds through it, i have had the chance to use it on occasions.... I bought the Steiner after I sold my PH and have a couple thousand rounds under it this year...Thoughts....
Both have proven reliable and we have not had a mechanical issue with either optic.
The Vortex has been used as a hunting optic and a match optic. My bride packs it everywhere and it has plenty of character to it these days.. The scope's tracking is repeatable and the large spacing with the 5 mil turrets are solid and as she says, "I can feel and see the adjustments when I am in a hurry and when my hands are cold".
The power adjustment is smooth, but a cattail was added to aid in the speed of adjustments. The parrellex works as it should and the the image is clear. We both prefer thicker reticles, so we don't have any issues with the reticles in either optic... Though my wife prefers the open reticle of the EBR2B, while I prefer the solid reticle in the MSR.
Steiner...You can read my review here: http://www.snipershide.com/shooting.../191151-steiner-5-25-my-initial-thoughts.html.
Compare them. Both are very good, they are several differences in features... 5 v 10 mil turns, Steiner has windage stop at 6 mils, Vortex keeps tuning...Yes, you can buy the Vortex with 10 mil turrets. Eye box is much more forgiving in the Steiner and I prefer it, but if the scope and rifle are well setup for you, the tighter eye box of the Vortex is hardly noticed.
We have not had any issues seeing and engaging targets from 15 to 1580 yards with either optic.
Repair work, both done on shore and the reports for both company's are excellent. We have not had to use either for these scopes.

My thoughts, try to get time behind them both and decide which features you prefer, you won't be upset with either.

MTETM, Many thanks to you and your bride for the thoughtful review. I am, as many are, hesitant to plop down the money on mid to high end optics before doing a lot of research. your post was very helpful. I hope to spend some time this weekend behind a Razor to help w/ my decision. RJN

 

[varmint slayer]

Has anybody had an issue with the Steiner 5-25 clarity and brightness going downhill at about 18-20x and getting to the point where at 25x you feel like you are looking through a cheap high mag scope? It's clear and crisp right up until about 18x and then it's like a switch is turned off and the clarity and brightness go to hell. I noticed it a little on a really bright day although not terrible bad but on a overcast day, 18x plus is basically worthless as its too dark? My NF 5-22 was way brighter at 22x than the Steiner was which really surprises me for the cost of the Steiner.

 

[Steiner Optics]

Not heard of this before. Might have to get this one back from you so I can see this for myself.

 

[varmint slayer]

Not heard of this before. Might have to get this one back from you so I can see this for myself.

Well it appears it was just a combo of overcast skies and my eyes because I took mine and a buddies 5-25 out yesterday afternoon and compared them. It was a nice bright sunny day and the brightness at 18x plus was considerably better. I've never ran a 25x scope of this quality so I guess I just figured it would be as bright and clear at 25x as it is at 18x. Even the S&B 5-25 that we had out there showed a very slight dimming effect past 20x so I'm going to say everything is fine. Sorry to kinda jump the gun a little. I'm really liking the 5-25 so far other than I may have got an older one with the mushier turrets but sounds like that can be fixed very soon. Thanks for the reply though.