Vortex spotting scopes

[Methow Packer]

Looking to buy a Vortex HD spotting scope. I'm thinking about their 16x48x65mm scope. I know they have even a smaller design but I'm thinking the 48 power could be the best of bough worlds. Question for anyone that has seen or used this scope. Is it generally enough power for spotting compared to 60 power. Is it noticeably smaller in size and weight to the popular 20x60HD? My idea is a more compact scope for back pack carry. Another question is which tripod has been working the best for the same application.

 

[Chugach]

I have the viper HD 15x45. It's a good spotter. Built tough, decent glass. I'm able to clearly see .270 bullet holes at 200 yds. It's a far cry from my hunting partners swarovski but works for the day to day stuff. Elk, deer, moose, no problem. Sheep.....not so much. It suffers when the light starts fading. For the $$$ I feel it's a good deal. Check out this forum:

Alaska Hunting

search spotting scopes and you'll find no shortage of sheep hunters putting in their .02$

I see your near Wintrop. I have a friend who lives there and did pretty good with his Muzzle loader this season. Nice country and good Mtn. Biking.

 

[JoeS1044]

Vortex Optics - Razor HD 16-48x65 Angled

I have this spotting scope and love it one of my buddies has the largest viper spotting scope and I was able to see the deer at sun up 10-15 minutes before he could see them this year. The weight is perfect on it I just throw it in the pack and you dont realize you are even packing it. Im also using the vortex high country tripod

 

[Elite Muzzleloader]

Vortex Optics - Razor HD 16-48x65 Angled

I have this spotting scope and love it one of my buddies has the largest viper spotting scope and I was able to see the deer at sun up 10-15 minutes before he could see them this year. The weight is perfect on it I just throw it in the pack and you dont realize you are even packing it. Im also using the vortex high country tripod

How do you like the high country tripod

 

[JoeS1044]

How do you like the high country tripod

its nice and light weight sometimes its a pain in the rear end if you dont have the ball joint it allows the scope to rotate loose enough it wont move and if you make it to loose it just falls over but for the area in idaho where i hunt it does great to stand up against high winds and isnt a burden to pack

 

[Lrt307]

I have the 20x60x85 razor hd and love the scope. The 16-48 isn't much smaller in size then the 20x60 so I don't think there is going to be much weight savings with the smaller scope. Personally why get off in Chicago on the way to New York?

 

[JoeS1044]

the 85 is just over 4 pounds while the 65 is just over 3

 

[mbarnsr2]

We hunted last fall with both the 20x60 and a Leupold 15x45, and to tell you the truth, the Vortex put that Leupold to absolute shame. Don't get me wrong, I am fully aware that the 15x45 Leupold is not some of their better stuff, but when compared to Vortex glass of similar price range, I was totally blown away. Having been a very long time Leupold consumer of mroe than 30 yrs, it took a lot for me to make that statement. I was able to clearly see a piece of antler of a bedded buck from over 2 miles away. I could not get enough resolution with the 15x45 to even see that kind of detail.

But on the other hand, I have had to return 3 separate pieces of Vortex glass for replacement due to problems, and after only 6 or 8 months of ownership and use. Compared to Leupold, of which I finally had to send a pair of glasses I bought in the 1980's in for alignment and resealing, I would say Vortex has a ways to go in durability. But considering their no questions asked policy, I had new optics in my hands in less than 2 weeks, so...