Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scopes

I use the Razor HD 11-33x50 Angled for birding/nature watching at fairly close distances, usually to get a better look at smaller birds. I am a casual, fair weather birder...I am not using this at 04:00 or in a monsoon. I often bird in wooded areas, so it does need to peek into some heavily shaded areas. I prefer to walk then remain stationary, so size and handling are concerns for me. The first few paragraphs give a little background on my optics journey, feel free to skip down a little for the details on this scope.- - - - - - - - -*Current Binoculars and Past Scopes*For reference, my binoculars are Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32, which I really like and find to have great image quality for the price. I find the Razor HD 11-33x50 to be a similar value. While I am sure both of these would not hold up to Leica or Swarovski optics, to me they hit a sweet spot of cost vs. image quality.I tried two other scopes before this one, each one increasing in cost. The first was purchased a few years ago is no longer made (Alpen 15-45x60). I don't recall the specifics, but I returned it because the image quality was poor, very dark. It also seemed large at the time, and the build quality was average.The second (Celestron Hummingbird 9-27x56mm ED) was right before purchasing the Razor . At the time this was about half the cost of the Razor HD 11-33x50. While the small size was very easy to carry, the image quality was not even close to the level of my binoculars. While I could see the birds 'bigger'...the image was dark, esp. when looking into brush. And, the upper range of the magnification was not very clear. The build quality was mostly plastic, but acceptable at the price point. Overall, I did not find the image quality to be worth the cost or the hassle of carrying the scope and tripod.- - - - - - - - -*Razor HD 11-33x50 Review*After much research, I decided to make the investment in the Razor HD 11-33x50. Most of the reviews were from a hunting perspective, and many mentioned that the image quality was about on par with larger scopes they had used...but in a much smaller package that was easier to hike/follow game with.The cost of this scope is very close to the larger, lower-tier Viper. I spoke with a Vortex rep regarding the tradeoffs between size, image quality and cost. He strongly recommended the Razor.*Image Quality*I find the image quality of the Razor to be very similar to my Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32 binoculars. The picture is quite bright and sharp, you can easily see fine feather details. The image quality is pretty consistent across the entire image circle (esp. when compared to the quality drop-off toward the edges found in the Celestron Hummingbird).*Focus*As of 2019, the Razor HD 11-33x50 is still the older style of Vortex scope design with two protruding focus wheels (fast and fine) on the upper body. The newer style offered on the larger scopes is a single focus ring on the lower body (the Celestron Hummingbird has a similar design). While I cannot speak to the newer Razors, comparing the focus function of the 11-33x50 to the Hummingbird I prefer the separate fast and fine focus knobs. It is easy to quickly get a rough focus, and then carefully adjust for fine detail.The Razor HD 11-33x50 also has a very close focus of 6.6 feet (from website). This lets you get a good look at birds on your feeder or insects perched close to you. (attached photo shot through the scope with handheld iPhone 6S, Ebony Jewelwing was about 7-8 feet away.)*Zoom*The zoom range on this scope is 11-33, which is not as close as other (larger) scopes. But as someone who uses this at closer distances I find the smaller size/weight to be more of an advantage.*Scope Bag*The bag is functional, nothing crazy. It fits the scope well, even with a tripod plate attached. It is not heavily padded, I would make sure that the scope when into some other bag/case to protect it if traveling/hunting.*Warranty*While I am very careful with my gear, the Vortex warranty is pretty hard to beat. From their site: "We will repair or replace your Vortex® product in the event it becomes damaged or defective—at no charge to you. If we cannot repair your product, we will replace it with a product in perfect working order of equal or better physical condition."*You Need a Tripod*To get the most of this scope invest in a sturdy tripod and good head. I am using this with a Manfrotto 190 tripod. I also have a 055 which is sturdier, but the 190 is a bit lighter/easier to carry and is plenty to keep the scope stable. While not traditional for scope use, I am using a Sirui K-40X Ball Head. I already owned it for photography, so I gave it a try. While a little harder to control than a 3-way head, it is also very quick to center and level out. This version has a single knob to set tension and lock the ball. I find that easier to use than separate tension and lock knobs.*Things that could have been better*Overall, I am very pleased with this purchase. There are only two fairly minor things that I can comment on. First, the eyecup is a fold up/down style rather than a twist up. Not a big deal, but as someone who wears glasses I am folding it down for each use (the eyepiece cover only fits when the eyecup is turned up). I expect that this will be a wear point, but, hey...lifetime, no-questions-asked warranty for the win!Second, the loop for front optic cover does not stay on the front of the scope very well. It often comes off when removing the scope from the bag. Not a huge deal, but I usually leave it in the bag to prevent me from losing it. I have Vortex front covers on my Zeiss binoculars that have stayed put for years, so if the band were just a little bit smaller it would have worked better.*Would I Buy Again?*100%. I am very happy that Vortex put their top quality optics in a smaller frame and at a more approachable price point. I expect to get many years of enjoyable use from this scope.

I got this scope 4 months ago. Since it first came out.I used to own the older model too. Sold it and got this one.And here are my honest thoughts about the new model compare to the old model.They are both sharp, amazing glass. I honestly can't see a difference in clarity between new model and old model.New model is for sure better looking. And I feel like it's more rugged ( I say I "feel" because I haven't actually drop them to find out ) The slim shape of new model makes it easy to handle, pack, and I can grab it with one hand better since it has the focus wheel around the body. I didn't like the fact the old one had two focus wheels. Always ended up using the fine focus anyways. I also like the green color better. Looks a lot likely the Swarovski.I was also able to use the same black cordura nylon fitted case they sale separately for the old model for 50$ On this new model. Since the case they give u with both are just crap, and don't want the body to get scratches.I've used it for wildlife viewing have watch from elk at dawn, chipmunks, squirrels, eagles, hummingbirds etc, the details are amazing....The hood really works nicely when sun it's out and bright. (With both scopes, the experience was the same)When i got the new model the eye cup was super loose. I don't wear glasses so really need the cup all the way up. So I sent it to vortex and they took care of it. And send it back to me within 2 weeks. I didn't even pay to send it. They sent me a prepaid label.Bottom line. If u don't care about the color, the two wheels that take some extra room, the fact that the new one is made in japan and assemble in the US and old one made in China, and want to save like 400-500 bucks, buy the old model for sure!! You will see your game with the same clarity. They will also weight about the same so no big change.Also I got a manfrotto aluminum tripod with a pistol grip head. I find the pistol grip to be the best. Takes less room and it's faster to move.

I had a much larger scope with twice the zoom, but found I left it in the car because it was so heavy to lug around. This is lightweight, and while the magnification capability isn't as great, the image clarity is superior. Can't beat the quality. I've not missed the greater magnification as much as I though I would. I've taken the scope to Texas and Arizona for birding trips, and it's small enough to stick it in my carry-on bag.

..could be this good! When you unpack the Razor 11-33x50 scope it looks tiny and it weights less than many books. Set it up and it's an optical powerhouse. At 11x it can be used like a binocular, hand-held and useful for scanning for things. If you set it up on a tripod or monopod and crank it up to 33x you can identify birds at a hundred yards. The image is bright up to about 27x and then gets a little dimmer up to the max of 33x. The fold-down eyepiece is essential for people who wear glasses, but I found that even for viewing without glasses, folding it down made it easier to position your eye for the smaller exit pupil at 33x. The scope is lighter than my tripod at 25 oz, and it has Vortex Razor optical quality. The two-stage focus knobs are easy to turn and so is the eyepiece power selector, and that's great because you don't wrestle either and pull the scope off target. I was really concerned that this scope wouldn't measure up, but the quality of the build and the image are way better than I'd even hoped.

This is a great score for the money. I prefer the higher end scopes if you have money to burn, but this one is a decent mid level scope for under 1k$.

This is an excellent scope for birding when you need something small, relatively light, yet still able to pull in distant shorebirds, ducks, etc. Vortex has wonderful, fast customer service.

Super powerful, clear, and bright views, even in low lighting. Highly recommend.