Spotters: Razor or Viper

[hyena74]

Well, after reading all the good reviews on the Vortex Viper HD binos, I bought a pair and am impressed. I'm looking for a spotting scope now and am looking at the Vortex models. Is there a huge difference in the Razor and Viper spotters...or are they pretty close in performance like the binos? I'm debating on if I should spend the extra money on the Razor.

Also, which would be the better choice for general field choice...the 15-45 or the 20-60's? I'm leaning toward the smaller one, but don't wanna kick myself in the ass wishing I would have spend the money for more magnification.

Thanks

 

[wareagle700]

I have looked through both the Razor HD and the Viper HD. I own the Viper HD and am very pleased with its optical quality. Where I think the biggest difference in the Razor and Viper HD will be is in build quality. The Vipers are made in China. You can tell in some aspects of the scope. For my uses the Viper is fine. If I needed a quality spotter for hunting or other uses I would spend the extra for better build quality.
In the 15-45x65mm Viper HD, the glass is super bright and clear. No issues there. The "Made in PRC" sticker on the bottom bothers me a little though. The scope has a cheaper feel to it but functions fine. I'm sure I'm just a little too picky.

 

[scudzuki]

I'm a fan of buying the best glass you can afford.

Joe

 

[D_Lamz]

I have the 15-45x Viper HD and my friend had the Razr. I love the Viper but looking at the Razr was amazing, the field of view was wider and contrast was better along with image quality. But I'm not complaining since I got my viper before the price increase.

 

[hyena74]

I'm a fan of buying the best glass you can afford.

Joe

me too, but read the review by mike comparing the razor 8x42 to the vipers and he gave the edge to the vipers except in real low light condition and actually preferred them over the razors.

i was wondering if this carried over to the spotters. i can afford either, but dont want to pay double for quality that is equal to, or bests it by 1-2% is all.

 

[scudzuki]

Depending on how you are going to use a spotter, it can be the most demanding application in terms of resolution.
Spotting bullet holes in targets at 300 yards plus for instance.
I've seen the Razor 20-60x85 compared to high end (Swaro, Zeiss) spotters and it comes out looking pretty good.
Not an Alpha scope but almost.

Never seen any camparos featuring the Viper.

Joe