New Vortex travel scope (2 Viewers)

[dw87]

Surprised there has been no mention of this new scope from Vortex, a lower cost alternative to the offerings from Kowa and Swarovski (perhaps at same level as Opticron MM or Nikon ED50?).

Razor HD 13-39x56 Spotting Scope (Angled)

Built to seamlessly fit the packs of today’s weight-wary, backcountry hunters, this reimagined Razor HD 13-39x56 perfectly balances premium optics and an incredibly compact package.

vortexoptics.com

 

[4John]

Thanks. I missed this. 808g including the eyepiece for my preferred straight version is pretty good. And it has a removable lens, which will please those who aren't fans of zooms, although I don't know what fixed mag eyepieces Vortex offers. It certainly goes on my list of alternatives to look at/through if my ED50 breaks in half !

 

[MiddleRiver]

Surprised there has been no mention of this new scope from Vortex, a lower cost alternative to the offerings from Kowa and Swarovski (perhaps at same level as Opticron MM or Nikon ED50?).

Razor HD 13-39x56 Spotting Scope (Angled)

Built to seamlessly fit the packs of today’s weight-wary, backcountry hunters, this reimagined Razor HD 13-39x56 perfectly balances premium optics and an incredibly compact package.

vortexoptics.com

not cheaper if competing with 553 and ATX…

 

[4John]

not cheaper if competing with 553 and ATX…

Based on the $1,999.99 price on the link I agree. However, if you follow the link to Vortex's site the MSRP is $1,299.99, which IIRC is cheaper than the Kowa 553 and the Swarovski ATX.

 

[dw87]

Based on the $1,999.99 price on the link I agree. However, if you follow the link to Vortex's site the MSRP is $1,299.99, which IIRC is cheaper than the Kowa 553 and the Swarovski ATX.

£999 here in UK, so a lot cheaper.

 

[peterginsburg]

I know nothing about this scope or the seller but it's here for $999 USD: Vortex Razor HD 56mm Angled Spotting Scope
Peter

 

[dunder]

This is an interesting development. I’m not a fan of zooms on small scopes, so a removeable eyepiece is hopeful. From the video on the Vortex website it looks like a different connection to other Razor scopes (bad). It looks like a simple screw collar arrangement (good?), which may potentially allow some other manufacturers thread-type eyepieces to be adapted. Baader, Rafcamera and Opticron produce a number of thread adapters; we’ll have to wait to see if any of them could be used on this scope

 

[mbb]

Interesting! Actually, how interesting it is will probably depend both on its optical quality and on the compatibility with other eyepieces. (It won't be easy for it to e.g. do better than the Opticron MM4 scopes I suppose, on both fronts.)
If Vortex made it compatible with Swarovski ATS eyepieces (like their former/older Razor 80mm was), I would be hugely tempted to try it out. But I guess that this is wishful thinking...

 

[mbb]

From the video on the Vortex website it looks like a different connection to other Razor scopes (bad).

I just saw the fragment in that video where he pulls out the eyepiece. Indeed, not similar at all to Swarovski bayonets. My hope was wishful thinking
But indeed, maybe some Opticron eyepieces might work on it, though probably with some adapter and not sure if it would make much sense considering the MM4 60mm exists.

 

[Peregrine Took]

I've just posted my first impressions of this scope. Hope it helps.

 

[4John]

I've just posted my first impressions of this scope. Hope it helps.

Where did you post them please ?

 

[Peregrine Took]

Where did you post them please ?

Vortex Razor HD 13-39 x 56 - first impressions

 

[Steve Babbs]

It'd be interesting to see how it compares to the old one.

Vortex Razor HD 11-33x50 Angled Spotting Scope | Buy Online at CleySpy

The quality Vortex Razor HD 11-33x50 Angled Spotting Scope is available from CleySpy with a wide range of accessories (other filter)- buy online at fantastic prices

www.cleyspy.co.uk

Presumably a big improvement with the huge price increase.

 

[Peregrine Took]

It'd be interesting to see how it compares to the old one.

Vortex Razor HD 11-33x50 Angled Spotting Scope | Buy Online at CleySpy

The quality Vortex Razor HD 11-33x50 Angled Spotting Scope is available from CleySpy with a wide range of accessories (other filter)- buy online at fantastic prices

www.cleyspy.co.uk

Presumably a big improvement with the huge price increase.

I saw a video somewhere where they made the comparison and it was night and day. I actually moved mine on for something a bit brighter than 56mm allows - not a fault of the scope, of course.
.

 

[Steve Babbs]

I saw a video somewhere where they made the comparison and it was night and day. I actually moved mine on for something a bit brighter than 56mm allows - not a fault of the scope, of course.
.

I use mine as a travel scope and when I'm not keen to carry much. It's pretty good but I wouldn't have it as my only scope. This new one may be a realistic option as a main scope.

 

[Steve Babbs]

I'd love to know if anyone has compared into to the Swarovoski 56mm.