Blacktail63
Well-Known Member
Opinions? or better option in the same price range.
Vortex Razor HD 16-48x65 or Leupold GR 12-40x60 HD for a spotting scope that gets packed?
- Thread starter Blacktail63
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I had both for a while and a Kowa 554. I did some fairly objective comparisons and included the link that discusses them (thread was about 18x binos but have some small parts about the spotter too). It has low light and edge to edge clarity comparisons in the link.
Also attached is a resolution chart comparing the three. Obviously their zooms are all a bit different but you'll get a feel for how they compare. Charts at 400yds in overcast skies.
General consensus is I like all three and they each have trade offs.
Weight. Kowa 8oz lighter than GR which is 8 oz lighter than Razor.
Length. Kowa is shortest. Close to GR (fatter though). Longest is Razor (only by a few inches).
Glass. The Kowa is the best. But has limited FOV and eye relief. The GR is about the same as razor IMO. The eye relief in GR is massive.
Ergonomics. I really like the finger tune focus (Kowa and Razor). I think the focus on the GR is stiff and tough to view and focus at the same time.
BL: I stuck with the razor. I like the focus the best. I got the LER 22x lens for it which was cheap and works well. And I got it for $575. Compared to $1000 for the GR and $1400 for kowa. All three fit in my pack and I didn't mind having an extra pound for the weight for the cost savings. I also like the 48x zoom. According to my chart with my eyes it did matter. Also in edge to edge the sample I had was nearly perfect. I am happy with it.
Many will say the GR is arguably one of the most well balanced spotters out there though. Another one Rokslide folks throw out a lot is Athlon Ares 15-45x65. I'd get the first gen on that one though because it's more compact and lighter.
Hope it helps.
www.rokslide.com
Also attached is a resolution chart comparing the three. Obviously their zooms are all a bit different but you'll get a feel for how they compare. Charts at 400yds in overcast skies.
General consensus is I like all three and they each have trade offs.
Weight. Kowa 8oz lighter than GR which is 8 oz lighter than Razor.
Length. Kowa is shortest. Close to GR (fatter though). Longest is Razor (only by a few inches).
Glass. The Kowa is the best. But has limited FOV and eye relief. The GR is about the same as razor IMO. The eye relief in GR is massive.
Ergonomics. I really like the finger tune focus (Kowa and Razor). I think the focus on the GR is stiff and tough to view and focus at the same time.
BL: I stuck with the razor. I like the focus the best. I got the LER 22x lens for it which was cheap and works well. And I got it for $575. Compared to $1000 for the GR and $1400 for kowa. All three fit in my pack and I didn't mind having an extra pound for the weight for the cost savings. I also like the 48x zoom. According to my chart with my eyes it did matter. Also in edge to edge the sample I had was nearly perfect. I am happy with it.
Many will say the GR is arguably one of the most well balanced spotters out there though. Another one Rokslide folks throw out a lot is Athlon Ares 15-45x65. I'd get the first gen on that one though because it's more compact and lighter.
Hope it helps.
Vortex UHD / Maven B5 18x56 Novice Comparison.
Folks Doesn’t seem like too many have had hands on the UHD and Maven 18xs together yet. Had the chance to demo so will give it my best shot at comparing. That said I will draft a couple initial posts and then encourage folks that have specific questions to reply and I will do my best to get...
www.rokslide.com
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gr8fuldoug
Official LRH Sponsor
Have you considered the Athlon Ares UHD 15-45x65?
- UHD Glass: Extra-low dispersion glass gives you an image with little or no chromatic fringe so the final result brings an ultimate clearest and sharpest image to your eyes
- Interchangeable: Eyepiece Interchangeable Eyepiece allows you to swap the standard variable power eyepiece with a fixed 24 power eyepiece with a MIL ranging reticle in it.
- ESP Dielectric Coating: ESP Dielectric Coating is a multi layer prism coating that reflects over 99% of the light to your eyes bringing you a clear, bright image that displays accurate color reproduction.
- Aluminum Alloy Chassis: Aluminum alloy chassis offers you the strength of a metal chassis and the life time durability.
- XPL Coating: XPL Coating gives you an extra protection on the exterior lenses from dirt, oil and scratches
- Bak4 Prism: Bak-4 glass prisms reflect more light to your eyes thus will give you brighter and sharper image.
- Advanced Fully Multi-Coated: Advanced Fully Multi-Coated lenses bring you better light transmission to bring optimum brightness and true color across the entire light spectrum.
- Argon Purged: Argon Purging uses the inertia gas with bigger size molecules to purge any moisture out of the tube giving you better waterproofing and thermal stability .
- Waterproof: Waterproof to protect the binocular in the harshest weather conditions or if accidently submerged underwater
- Rotating Ring: Rotating Ring allows you to rotate the scope around tripod supporting ring into the most comfortable and convenient angle for observation
Blacktail63
Well-Known Member
Thanks guys, I'll add the Athalon for consideration. What about the new Maven CS1?
Maven has my interest. I'd check it out for the price point. Guessing very similar to Athlon. I've had products from both companies and may favor maven in general but haven't compared side by side.
Buy the Athlon, demo the maven. Write up a good comparison! Then send back and sell if you wish! Fun $100 experiment.
Buy the Athlon, demo the maven. Write up a good comparison! Then send back and sell if you wish! Fun $100 experiment.
gopherslayer
Active Member
Definitely check out the Athlon. I received my 20-60x86 Cronus and am more than pleased with it. I bought through Cameraland. It is well worth the money. If my iPhone took a better pic I'd post some thought the scope pics.
