I'm comparing the Razor with the Opticron for a walkabout very compact scope. We're used to 32mm binos, so feel that the 50mm size will be just fine. Various reports online have the two roughly equal for image quality. The Razor is Chinese, the Opticron Japanese manufacture. Opticron has interchangeable eyepieces, a plus since a low power wide field eyepiece would fit our style of often hand-held viewing. Razor about $700 vs $700 to $1000 for the Opticron, depending on eyepiece. Razor also a little less weight. Angled model Opticron has advantage of rotating collar for more flexibility in viewing.
Angled vs straight: still up in the air about which. Straight through likely better for hand-held or monopod, and low-level observing up close or down from high places. Angled better for phone digiscoping and sharing view when on tripod esp with shorter folks since tripod can be set up lower.
I've found conflicting info about the eyecup design. BH Photo says for sure it's twist up, though their photos appear to show folding. Vortex says no, it's folding. At this price range I expect a scope to have the superior twist up design, as we both wear glasses and will be switching off with/without glasses at times, esp when sharing the view with friends. Maybe there is a newer model with the twist up? Can anyone verify a recent purchase, which type of eyecup?
Your thoughts?
Regards,
Larry Burt
Portland, Oregon
Angled vs straight: still up in the air about which. Straight through likely better for hand-held or monopod, and low-level observing up close or down from high places. Angled better for phone digiscoping and sharing view when on tripod esp with shorter folks since tripod can be set up lower.
I've found conflicting info about the eyecup design. BH Photo says for sure it's twist up, though their photos appear to show folding. Vortex says no, it's folding. At this price range I expect a scope to have the superior twist up design, as we both wear glasses and will be switching off with/without glasses at times, esp when sharing the view with friends. Maybe there is a newer model with the twist up? Can anyone verify a recent purchase, which type of eyecup?
Your thoughts?
Regards,
Larry Burt
Portland, Oregon
