Vortex Optics Razor HD 11-33x50 Angled Spotting Scope, Green

2023-08-10T20:00:00

This Razor HD 11-33x50 spotting scope (both straight and angled versions) are MADE IN CHINA. This information is only available by calling Vortex or noticing the very tiny clear sticker on the bottom of the scope when you get it. They do not post country of origin on their website. Very disappointed after long hours of researching a packable spotting scope and spending hard earned money, especially from their top "Razor" line. Don't assume Razor is made in Japan or elsewhere.

CO H.

Originally posted at

2023-05-18T20:00:00

I used this spotting scope for a season, purchased it because of how compact it is and it does weigh a lot less then others I have used. The issue I have with it is it does get very dark when going to higher power. I found myself using the binoculars way more then the spotting scope for this reason. Glassing at dawn and dusk made it unusable with how dark these optics are. Pros; weight, compact, easy to use. Cons; dark

Up H.

Originally posted at

2023-05-18T20:00:00

Bought this 7 years ago and have loved it. Light weight and great clarity and FOV. Did have the eyepiece go bad but had it replaced inside a week. Can't recommend them enough

L8seasonLC

Originally posted at

2023-01-21T19:00:00

Super clear, light, robust. Just missing reticle eyepieces! That would be a dream come true.

Daniel

Originally posted at

2022-03-21T20:00:00

As an avid birdwatcher, I travel a lot, which is why I chose this scope. It easily fits in my backpack if I ever feel the need. However, It's almost always attached to my tripod slung over my shoulder. If you are like me and have wandered miles of beaches or wastewater treatment plants to gawk at shorebirds, then this ultralight scope is an excellent choice. It's light and small enough that it never really feels like a burden. Pair it with a lightweight tripod and it hardly feels like it's even there at all. I don't know what kind of wizardry the folks at Vortex are up to, but I honestly have no idea how they manage to get the crystal clear resolution from such a small chassis. While It doesn't have the high magnification of other scopes, I've found it doesn't really need it. I've used this scope to pick out distant petrels and shearwaters while seawatching and on the flip side can quickly plop it down and get close focus on on a surprise night-heron or even a warbler. It is only rarely where I wish I had slightly higher power, yet as I said only rarely After 7 years of regular weekly use, some of the components it seemed had finally met their match. The only thing that really happened is that the ocular magnifier stopped focusing. The glass itself had no noticeable degradation over that time. The chassis seems basically indestructible. I contacted customer support to let them know I wanted to have it serviced. Their response was a 10/10. They even sent me a shipping label, saving me the hassle!!! Turnaround was only about 3 weeks from the time of dropping my box in the mail to having another box delivered. I was astounded when I opened the package to find a brand new scope in sealed packaging. The only thing I don't like about this product is the zippered soft shell case. It does a fantastic job at protecting the scope, so that's not the issue. It takes almost no time to unzip the case and have the ready for viewing, but it does take a bit of focus to completely unfold it and secure it with the velcro. That the only con I have to offer.

Vincent W.

Originally posted at

2020-08-03T20:00:00

I'm a naturephotographer, mainly birds and like to walk middleshort distances with quite have stuff like a 500/f4 Canon when I explore an area. I realised that in the open terrain I now and then miss a scope, for example waders in the distance. Although the magnification is not as strong as the bigger ones I can perfectly safe myself. The view is very sharp and bright. Above 22x the view is somewhat darker but still very good, also at 33x it's still very sharp and got lots of details. I don't have the feeling that I miss more magnification. I have bought this scope very recent, so the quality I don't know yet but it looks very sturdy. I like the combination of lightweight, compactness and very, very good view. And it's so easy to take with you! The bag I use only for transport, not for on the tripod. That doesn't work well. Are there more pratical bags for sale for this scope?

fdroge

Originally posted at

2020-04-13T20:00:00

Very happy with the function and ease of use with my RazorHD(Angled)20-60x85, it served me well since I purchased it 5 or 6 years ago. Very crisp optics. The soft case that came with it on the other hand, Not So Good.! The seam came apart the first time I used it. Looks like the person on the sewing machine was in a hurry and missed his sewing line in a quite a few places completely . I would purchase the spotting scope again and have recommended it to my shooting buddies, the soft case “No”, !!

Curly

Originally posted at

2020-01-01T19:00:00

I got this spotting scope passed down to me and I love it. It is very clear, light and packable. Best of all is their warranty! It had an issue with the eye piece being loose and stripped out. I sent it to Vortex for a warranty repair and they were amazing! Not only did they keep me up to date and get it repaired, they expedited the shipping and even threw in some extra swag when I get it back. Their customer service and warranty is why I will keep using their products!

Mike

Originally posted at

2019-09-20T20:00:00

Loved this little spotting scope for packing. Unfortunately when I had it at the range I noticed an issue. The eye piece was not functioning properly. It was bound up while rotating. I called and spoke to tech support, they felt perhaps there was an internal issue. I told them I’d send it in after hunting season because I didn’t have a fallback.. I was leaving to the Snake River in three days. The rep then connected me to Jen who arranged an exchange at my local Cabela’s store. If that’ wouldn’t have worked Jen was going to next day ship a replacement eye piece. Cabela’s had the same scope and I was able to stop by after work for a complete replacement. Wow how impressive. I own other Vortex products which have served me well. I’m sure the problem was an anomaly, but the extra mile traveled by Vortex was above and beyond.

Oregonhunter541

Originally posted at

2019-06-19T20:00:00

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. 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 Viper. I spoke with a Vortex rep regarding the tradeoffs between size, image quality and cost. He recommended the Razor for my needs. *Image Quality* 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. *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. I like 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 specs). 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. *You Need a Tripod* To get the most of this scope invest in a sturdy tripod and good head. While not traditional for scope use, I am using a larger 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 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. 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 package and at a more approachable price point. I expect to get many years of enjoyable use from this scope.

Fishbulb

Originally posted at

2019-05-31T20:00:00

Last year while deer hunting I saw a buck about 400 yds away through my 9x rifle scope, but I couldn’t tell exactly how big the rack was. The image wasn’t clear enough. It was at that point I decided I needed a quality spotting scope. Since I live nearby, I visited Vortex’s headquarters and checked out all of their spotting scopes. I immediately liked the 11-30x50 Razor HD due to its clarity and compact size. It gave me all the magnification I need, and the image was clear and bright. If I’d been looking at that deer at 400 yds. with this scope I would’ve clearly been able to count the points on its rack. I’ve since gotten an adapter to mount my phone and take pictures through the scope, and the results are amazing. Here are some pictures I’ve taken through it.

RyanN

Originally posted at

2019-05-29T20:00:00

I purchased this spotting scope to use at PRS/NRL matches. It is light weight and makes for easy packing from stage to stage. I have no problem spotting hits on steel at 1000 yrds. It is a great tool. I observe the other shooters engaging the targets. I can see splash on the plate or off the edge to work on a wind call. If the dust moves off to right rather quickly I can generally shoot it for a ten mile per hour wind and be in the ball park.

Hiketohunt

Originally posted at

2019-05-28T20:00:00

This little spotting scope works great on long hikes. I've used cheaper spotting scopes and the clarity on this is dramatically better quality. I wish it had a little more power, but I don't think I'd sacrifice the packability for power. The photos were taken with a handheld phone, so don't fault the scope for the distortion.

Danson D.

Originally posted at

2019-05-28T20:00:00

I have had Leupold, Bushnell, and Alpen spotting scopes and binos and wonder why I waited so long to spend just a little bit extra. The clarity, smooth operation and light gathering are fantastic. The size is perfect for back pack hunting. Vortex has earned my respect and business with a great product.

Yeti M.

Originally posted at

2019-05-03T20:00:00

I bought this spotting scope after packing around a much bigger one on a mountain hunt in wyoming. I wanted a smaller lighter spotter that could still give me clarity. This one does it perfectly!

Hold o.

Originally posted at

2019-04-30T20:00:00

I settled on the 11-33x50 due to the size and weight. This is super packable and you almost dont realize you have it.

TDub

Originally posted at

2019-04-30T20:00:00

I have been running this spotter for a couple years now on backcountry hunts. Paired with my Razor HD 10x42 binos, it's a great setup for when you need to take a closer look, but still want to save some weight in your pack. I love the micro adjustment on the focus. It allows you stay on target and still adjust the focus to get the perfect field of view.

Huntair23

Originally posted at

2019-04-30T20:00:00

This spotting scope is perfect for hunting whitetails in the midwest. Glass is extremely clear and the zoom range is more than enough to meet my needs.

CoachG16

Originally posted at

2018-11-30T19:00:00

I have owned the Razor HD 11-33x50 spotting scope for several years now. It has been on three elk hunts to 11,000 ft elevation, as well as on outdoor vacations with my wife. We keep it at our lake house which overlooks a bluff. This morning I used it to figure out what some birds were doing on the water about a 1000 yds away. While there are unquestionably better spotting scopes on the market, I know of none that are SO light yet of decent optical quality and good value for the money. The thing that differentiates this scope from all others that aren’t “toys” or garbage is it’s incredible lightness. FYI- I believe the housing is made of some sort of high-impact polymer, not metal. Nevertheless, it has held up for me on the rugged trips described above, and if a scope is too heavy for you to put it in your pack, it won’t do you any good on the mountain! This one is one you can take with you without a big weight penalty!

Dave

Originally posted at

2018-03-28T20:00:00

This is my first spotting scope I have owned. The Vortex Razor HD 11-33x50mm has worked out quite nicely. Whether using it at the local gun range or high up in the Absaroka/Beartooth mountain range in Montana it has yet to leave me hanging. The optical quality is paramount and is perfect for backpacking due to its compact size. The focus adjustment is simple and quick. My girlfriend ends up using it more than I do when we take it out into the field.

JJL

Originally posted at

2018-03-28T20:00:00

I spent several days straight behind this scope on a recent Alaska black bear hunt and it was indispensable. The weight an clarity are the selling features on this model and it certainly has those. At times i would have liked a little more magnification but the clarity made up for it and allowed me to spot a load of bears through rain and intermittent fog.

DSID

Originally posted at

2018-03-27T20:00:00

I bought this amazing spotting scope about 4 months ago and it has been the best spotting scope I have ever purchased

Hunt

Originally posted at

2018-03-27T20:00:00

So much power, light and clarity in one small, light package. I'll never again go on a brutal hunt and leave a spotter at home to rely solely on binos. It's one of those products you have to use to appreciate. I bought this for a sheep hunt, and I'll be taking it on a mountain goat hunt hunt this fall.

Transient O.

Originally posted at

2018-03-25T20:00:00

My favorite spotting scope, simply because of its size. Although it is small, that does not limit its capabilities. This has extremely clear glass and I am able to glass hillsides for hours without any eye fatigue. Vortex nailed this scope just like many other of their products!

kev96

Originally posted at

2018-03-25T20:00:00

After having used this spotting scope for the last 6 months I have mixed feelings on it. The clarity of the glass is impeccable. I feel like this small scope's focus ability wasn't much better than my binoculars which provided better eye relief so I found myself using those more on my tripod. I'm interested to try a more powerful scope of this calibre. In the meantime, I'm actually buying a more powerful binocular from Vortex.

SeanLoganP

Originally posted at

2018-03-04T19:00:00

I bought this after getting into sheep hunting. I liked the pack-ability of this scope and how light it was. The clarity of the glass is unlike anything I've used before. At full magnification I did not lose any of the clarity which surprised me. Eventually I could see myself purchasing a more powerful one but don't think I would ever replace this one due to the versatility this scope offers. It's extremely helpful being able to identify a Ram or from 1,000 yards away and not need to worry about hiking closer and potentially spooking a group that may not contain a Ram. I was torn between going angled or straight and am glad I went with the angled. It really helps looking down into it and not into the sun when the sun starts creeping over the mountains in the morning.

Sheep H.

Originally posted at

2018-02-28T19:00:00

I’ve owned this compact spotter for a few years now! It definitely exceeds expectations for its size!! The compact design coupled with being lightweight makes it an easy decision on whether or not to throw it in the pack for days of hunting up and down the mountains and the clarity CLEARLY exceeds its price point. Spot on with this product Vortex!!

Elk A.

Originally posted at

2018-02-28T19:00:00

This scope is lightweight performer. The glass clarity is fantastic and the weight is unbeatable. It is my go to spotting scope on any backpack adventure.

Otghunting

Originally posted at

2017-12-12T19:00:00

I pack this in my pack EVERYWHERE I go it is great for puling that buck that lays down in the oak out so I can check him out. I used it on my elk hunt to size up a bull before making a stalk. great size and clear as a bell I love it

Gobbler

Originally posted at

2017-11-30T19:00:00

Perfect for spotting at the range and stuffing in a pack for a hunting trip. Crazy clear glass. Cant go wrong here

Nick D.

Originally posted at