{"id":195148,"date":"2024-07-08T17:22:56","date_gmt":"2024-07-08T22:22:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=195148"},"modified":"2024-10-03T12:16:55","modified_gmt":"2024-10-03T17:16:55","slug":"hunt365-vortex-razor-hd-27-60x85-spotting-scope-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hunt365-vortex-razor-hd-27-60x85-spotting-scope-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Vortex Razor HD 27-60X85 Spotting Scope Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Vortex<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While the Razor HD 27-60X85<\/a> has been around for a while now, it has maintained its spot as one of the best high-end spotting scopes on the market. I have a lot of time out in the field with this optic and look forward to deep-diving into it with y’all. From great edge-to-edge sharpness, and excellent clarity, to an integrated Arca-Swiss mount, this Vortex Razor HD has a lot going for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vortex Razor HD 27-60X85 Specifications:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Magnification: 27-60x
Objective Lens Diameter: 85 mm
Linear Field of View: 117-68 ft\/1000 yds
Angular Field of View: 2.2-1.3 degrees
Eye Relief: 16.7-17 mm
Length: 15.5 inches
Weight: 65.6 oz
Close Focus: 16.4 feet<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of the Box<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From the factory, Vortex includes eyepiece caps, an objective lens cover, a user manual, and a custom-fitted neoprene sleeve with the Razor HD. The lens covers fit snugly which helps give me peace of mind when transporting this spotting scope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Vortex
Vortex Razor HD 27-60X85 with all included contents<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Glass<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to optics, everyone wants to know how clear the glass is. Well, when it comes to good glass there is a surprisingly wide range of factors that play into a great optic. Vortes utilizes Index-matched lenses to correct color across the entire visual spectrum. The lenses then feature an ultra-hard ArmorTek\u00ae scratch-resistant coating to protect from dirt, oil, and scratches. The HD lenses are also XR\u2122 Plus Fully Multi-Coated. The Razor HD is also Argon purged to improve waterproofing and mitigate fogging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"85mm
85mm objective lens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Eyepiece On The Razor HD<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The eyepiece that comes with the Razor HD is effective and simple. Clarity is great, and the magnification adjustment is well-labeled and firm to keep from slipping around. It also has adjustments for the eye-cups to fit comfortably when used with glasses or without.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Eyepiece
Eyepiece with magnification adjustments and markings labeled on it <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A feature I appreciate is that the whole eyepiece is removable. This allows for swapping out with other options if desired. While the eyepiece that comes with the Razor HD is just clear, Vortex offers eyepieces in both MOA and MRAD<\/a> configurations with reticle subtension markings to help with calling shots or measuring objects. I have used other spotting scopes with reticles and I am a big fan when it comes to distance shooting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Removable
Removable eyepiece<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Housing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like most of Vortex’s binoculars or other spotting scopes, the Razor HD has a durable rubber armor that provides a secure and non-slip grip. The has held up well throughout my time with this optic and feels like it lasts forever. I have always been a fan of the robust rubber armor Vortex utilizes in its optics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Robust
Robust housing featuring durable rubber armor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Razor HD also has an integrated sunshade. Simply pull forward on the housing to extend it, or push it in to keep the whole setup nice and compact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Integrated
The integrated sunshade can slide forward when needed<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Focus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Featuring a firm non-slip focus ring, fine adjustments are easily made. Since this focus ring wraps around the entire body of the spotting scope, it is easy to make ultra-fine adjustments when focusing on objects at varying distances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The focus is located just forward of the Vortex label and wraps around the housing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mount<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vortex has been following industry trends and utilizes an Arca-Swiss compatible foot on the Razor HD. I have exclusively run this spotting scope on various Arca-Swiss compatible tripods without issue. This foot also can rotate about the housing to allow for quick leveling when mounted to a tripod that is not on level ground. There is a small set screw which can be used to adjust the retention on this. I kept it snug so I could always make some movements if desired, but tight enough to where it wouldn’t slip when hiking around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Vortex
Vortex Razor HD Arca-Swiss mount<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Razor HD Clarity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So how clear is the Razor HD 27-60X85 spotting scope? Well sometimes these things are hard to describe with words alone, but it is impressive. Light transmission is impressive, and it allowed me to spot and watch bucks where they couldn’t yet be seen by other high-end optics. It provides sharp images with vibrant colors and an impressive 117-68 ft field of view at 1000 yards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shown below are some pictures I took at various distances. Keep in mind that all pictures were taken with a phone held up to the eyepiece, and the clarity in person is better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Top
The top row of pictures at 27x, bottom row at 60x. From left to right: 217 yards, 929 yards, 1400 yards<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Picture
Picture of the “Blue” Supermoon <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Langjokull
Langjokull glacier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Large
A large group of elk in Valley Caldera National Preserve<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Hot
Hot air balloons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Packability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is a large spotting scope well-suited for range use, and hunting when you need to see at extended distances. It weighs in at 65.6 ounces but needs to be used in conjunction with a tripod of some sort adding to the overall useable weight. I spent a week backpack hunting in Colorado using the Razor HD and a shooting tripod. While it was a bit hefty, it allowed me to glass things at vast distances. It fits without a problem in the side pocket of my Eberlestock Team Elk V2 pack. However, the area I was hunting was more wooded than open so a smaller spotting scope with a lower magnification range would have been a better fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

READ MORE: Leupold Carbon Fiber Tripods<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Looking
Looking for elk in Colorado <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For those who want to record videos or take pictures through this spotting scope, Phone Skope<\/a> makes handy adapters. Simply mount their case to your phone, and pop it onto the spotting scope. Then you can easily video yourself shooting, or steadily record a buddy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"iPhone
iPhone mounted to the Razor HD utilizing a Phone Skope adapter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I also spent time glassing waterfalls and glaciers in Iceland, shooting long-range, competing in a PRS match, as well as hunting for whitetail, pronghorn, and elk with the Razor HD. I have never seen bullet traces as clearly as I have with this spotting scope and the video below shows this effect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by That_gun_guy_ (@that_gun_guy_)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>