Vortex Razor vs Viper Spotting Scopes: Which is best for you? 

I purchased the Viper over the Razor because of your review. Thanks, for saving me $700.

Great review. You guys are killing it. One regret, too bad you didn't tell us how far this target was

Your analysis of various products is above and beyond any others. When I want a detailed “from a hunter” perspective on a product, yours is the posting I look for. Honest and unbiased…

a critical omission from this was a low-light test, that's when optics differentiate themselves (brightness, clarity, etc.). middle of the day, just about any scope will do.

Hello guys! I'm from Sweden and I bought the Viper, and I can tell you it's a fantastic price worthy scope. Don't hesitate - BUY! Take care!

That is EXACTLY why I love your channel. Honest and trustworthy reviews.

Great video. I'm a birder and have been weighing the two against each other. Thanks for a good "user friendly" video, focusing on user experience instead of just comparing the stats of the models

Even though I had 4/4 I much appreciate you setting things in perspective - thanks a lot.

Id be better off losing 11oz of fat and pocketing the $700 lol.

I’ve personally looked at a herd of elk at 2 miles through the Razor 85mm and a Swarovski STX 65mm. At that distance you could discern bulls from cows through the razor. We were counting points through the Swarovski. For the hunter that is looking to maximize their trophy potential I’d recommend the best glass one can afford. For the hunter that wants to shoot anything legal I’d suggest the viper or razor.

Love the content. Would be really interested in seeing the diamond back hd compared to these.

I really like how you guys did the comparison between the two scope. I've been in photography field for 30 + years. If I were to purchase the scope I would choose the viper for S700 less for spotting scope. Thanks for sharing.

Gents, Thank you for this comparison review. I currently own the previous model of the Viper HD 20-60x80 and was considering upgrading to the new Razor. After seeing this review, made me reconsider and have decided to just hang on my current Viper HD 20-60x80.

Haven't had a chance to test if it holds zero, but mounts just fine and has nice clear glass. Centered vertically true to a plumb line with the crosshairs which is always a plus!It's a great ru-vid.comUgkxc4K63Fd5LglDMObu7-Bgapxp_ef0W8hE scope. There's no parallax adjustment or focus ring, so may be limited to 3-7x, have to see how it is on the range. Also be aware that the rings are "look through" so you can still use irons, but they are really tall if you only intend to use the optics. On a 22LR no biggie since I'm not shooting competitions or worried about a hard cheek press. Will boresight and range test, if all goes well, I'll leave it at that!

As with most tools the key element is often ‘Time spent using it’. Enjoyed your review.

I love the unbiased reviews and the fact that you guy use your own cash!!! Not only that but you guys are knowledgeable. Subscribed fo I’ve!! Thanks guys! Keep up the good reviews.

Like mentioned before a low light test might show where the razor would stand far above the viper. Another thing I've noticed by attaching a phone or camera to an optic is they can correct any flaws from the optic. I've been using a cheap Redfield Rampage 20-60x60 and noticed the camera correcting its flaws. However in low light or reality bad mirage it don't fix. I've been switching to Meopta after spending a month looking through optics at local stores comparing. What I found was for the money it's far better than any America company branded optic, but that's my opinion. Great review thanks for posting

Thanks for the review guys. I know this review is about spotting scopes but believe the thinking “spend as much as you can on glass” is total BS. I’m not saying go for the cheapest option out there but I have a really hard time plunking down hard earned cash for brands like Swarovski given the incremental improvement is so minimal.

Good applicable content that is not skewed by sponsorship. That’s the reason I just subscribed. Keep up the good work!!!!

Well, you just made my decision on how to use my MAP certificate for europtic on vortex products that I got from the prize table. Thanks!

I own a viper pst and a razor rifle scope and the difference in the glass between the two is not that noticable. For the money saved I can get 2 viper pst scopes. Love the review... I will be getting the viper spotting scope when I'm ready to buy one.

When y'all did the side-by-side, I got it correct every time. They are close, but I thought the Razor was slightly clearer, slightly brighter, and more color correct. I will say the difference is not enough to justify the cost.

Thanks for the information 👍. I too chose the less expensive viper. When I considered all the adrenaline rush while hunting and spotting, I felt the same as you both. Besides, $700 is $700 that I can use elsewhere. Thanks.

Honest review here….I compared my old Redfield Rampage spotting scope 20-60X 80MM to my buddy’s Vortex Diamondback 20-60X80MM and aimed them both at same objects and we could not tell the difference, now looking to upgrade, I looked through the Razor before and it was CLEARLY better than my Redfield, that Razor has an amazing picture when you look through it in person, heard the Meopta is even better

Honestly been fighting myself a ton on this decision and this just helped me make mine. Personally gonna be going with the viper

When you have to be a professional photographer to spot the difference, there's no point in wasting the money on the more expensive Razor. This would not be used to take high resolution photos at maximum magnification. 60x lenses that attach to cameras and take a damn good picture are usually around $15k. Just accept what purpose this tool actually fulfills and save the money. Great review, thanks for your hard work.

I used the new Diamondback HD 20-60X85 last season. Not bad at low to medium power and decent in low light but trying to range bullet holes at 200 yards no way! I was able to pick out a buck at 700 yards but hard to get much detail. If I had to pay full pop on it, I would probably go the extra mile to upgrade to at least the viper. Thanks for the review.

I would be interested to see you compare the difference now between the viper/razor and the diamondback for us less wealthy individuals who would really have to save up for one of these two…

Super helpful. Thanks guys! Viper for me too. The image quality on the Razor doesn't justify the extra dough for me.

One of my favorite channels on RU-vid keep the content coming

Love the channel! Bought the viper this video made huge impact on my decision. Thank you

Interesting review. I would have like to have known the power and distance you reviewed at. I own a razor 85, Nikon 85 and have looked at both against a swaro atx 65. What I’ve found is that the razor has good clarity up to about 30x. Past that unless light conditions are perfect(seldom are in hunting) the razor loses image sharpness that is critical for glassing big game.

Both great optics & review, but from my experience the razor will catch more light in the shaded areas, at first light and last light although not a huge biggie for most, preferences.

I'd love to see a similar comparison with the 10x42 vortex bino's.

Excellent Review, Backfire guys! Thank you! You gave us the facts and allowed us to draw our own conclusions.

Way to go guys! I did well on the viewing test but I tended to like the color on the viper. Both are awesome spotting scopes! I’d keep the $700.00 :)

This is the most helpful content I've found on these scopes. Thank you guys!

So it really sounds like the only major difference is going to be the weight?

Thanks guys for the review! In some of the side by sides I chose the viper and some I chose the razor so I totally get your drift.....guess I'll be sewing 11 oz. Into my bag as well lol

The gen 2 razor doesn't focus nearly as well as the gen 1 razors did. I don't like the central focus wheel because as you point out most folks won't ever find that exact level of precision. Great video! Long live the Gen 1!

Once again. Thanks for the great content. Thinking the viper will be my next purchase for next year elk hunt through the mountains

Low light test may be where the difference is and that's typically what counts most for hunting

Appreciate the review, it helped me make my choice for my next spotting scope thank you!!!

There is no comparison between the viper and the HD glass. If you spend a week in real world conditions looking at Mule deer, Elk, or any other big game you will see the difference. I had the opportunity to set up optics in Wyoming at 10,000 elevation. My hunting partner had Viper optics on a tripod and I had Razor optics set up. after about two hours he put his away and used mine for the rest of the week. Both of us felt the Viper optics were great at the rifle range and in our back yards, WOW what a difference when we put them to the test out west!!

love the 2160p video quality!

Nice video! - It is probably worth mentioning that some viewers will see more substantial differences in terms of image quality between the Viper and Razor. When I compared them, both in 85mm, I found the Razor to be significantly brighter, with superior edge clarity and definition in the centre. The FOV also seemed more immersive. These differences might have been created by environmental factors, but I also found the build quality of the Razor to be significantly better than the Viper. There was very little difference between the Viper and Diamondback bodies, but a noticeable improvement with structure and material on the Razor, to say nothing about the weight factor. I found the Razor to come close to the Zeiss Gavia, in several respects (the Zeiss Harpia and Swarovski ATX outperform it significantly in several ways); I certainly couldn't say the same about the Viper. Thanks for the engaging review!

There is the Yellow Color Cast on the Viper, and some colors doesn't render as well. (More of a Monochrome Look) But for the money, I will take the Viper.

awesome channel. you guys are great reviewing items that the average Joe can afford

I talked to a vortex rep when I bought my binoculars based on my type of hunting the rep recommended the Viper. He said I wouldn’t see the difference. Viper series is a great product for the money!

Nice review. Everyones eyes are different so like everything else go with what works for you. Id even check multiple examples of the same model because each has its differences.

Field of view with the different oculars !!!

Well, this video helped me a lot today. I'm starting my bolt action build now and spotting scope is on my list. Debating these 2 options. I don't predict that I will be needing much low light performance, I'm going to be mainly doing PRS style stuff and practicing during the day. Not into hunting. This really helped me save a few bucks and plan on the Viper instead of waiting to afford the Razor. I'm in for an Impact action, picking chassis next, Triggertech Diamond trigger and EC tuner brake. This is a pricey build, so if I can save some money on things I don't really need, I'm taking that chance. I'd rather put that extra cash towards higher end reloading tools for getting my 6CM dialed in!! Appreciate this one a lot, Jim!!

3 /4 on the clips the second one got me

Thanks for your honesty during this review.

If you looking this on this for long time on a hunt or birding, that’s where the difference price count. If you just glance at it of course you can’t tell the different. Razor is my choice for those reasons.

Great content, really thankful you covered these two spotting scopes. Now I just have to decide how big of a snob I truly am. It’s a lot of money either way, and I typically prefer to but once cry once. But you might have convinced me otherwise this time around.

I just compared them at a Sportsman's Warehouse. They let me mount them on a Vortex tripod and glass the massively large parking lot, across which was a Supercuts barber shop probably 1000 yds away or more. I bought the Viper HD. I could read the info pasted on the Supercuts door. Crystal Clear. Viper HD alllll the way.

someone prob already said this, but the main difference practically for western hunting besides weight is magnification. 15 vs 22 as min magnification is a significant difference for panning and field of view when spotting a large area. I WISH the razor started at 15 or 16. I would have bought it. But the advantage of scoring a bull at a mile with 45 vs 48 mag is marginal, and the benefit to getting down to 15x can be meaningful. So that magnification difference is what caused me to buy the viper instead of the razor. I had the money for the weight diff, but I couldn't buy the magnification I wanted. But in that mag range, the leupold gold ring is much lighter than the viper and has better eye relief.

Thanks for the review. Looks like the Viper HD is the best bang for your buck. If you need a Mil ranging reticle adapter(separately), it's the Razor all the way.

Just found your channel. Watched two videos And hit subscribe. I see a lot of ya but you did not do this or compare to something else. I think you are doing a good job. Keep it up

Good video pointing out the diminishing returns. It comes down to the purpose. As a spotting scope for gun games or just looking at scenery, even on my cell phone you can clearly see the sharpness and contrast difference with the higher end Razor. Is it worth it? Depends on your goals. Is a $4,500 Swarovski better than a $2,500 Leupold, better than a $500 Vortex? Yes... BUT it really comes down to if your eyes can see the difference and if you can take advantage of the difference. If the cheaper tool can get the job done just as well... buy the cheaper tool.

I own both of these scopes (although the Razor is an earlier model with the focus knobs on top instead of the ring). I compared both scopes side by side and decided on going with the Razor but with the Viper eyepiece installed. The eyepiece that came with the Viper seemed to be less sensitive to proper eye alignment and have less shadow. But I liked the top knob focus of the older Razor better and the lighter weight of the Razor was a big thing for me as I'm using it in high power rifle competitions where you need to cart them around mounted on tall scope stands.

I needed to see this video before making a decision. Thank you!

Would love to hear your view on the Viper HD 15-45x65 vs the Razor HD 22-48x65. The 65mm scopes are much more packable and these two are only 2 oz different with the Razor at 56.8oz and the Viper at 58.8 oz. Razor goes for $1,199 and the Viper for only $650. At essentially the same weight, I wonder if for the extra $550 if there is any noticeable difference.

Fantastic review! Well done guys!

You brothers are awesome! I really enjoy your reviews. Thanks much!!

EXCELLENT video guys! You say what we are thinking which is pretty rare these days. You missed one very important factor though and that's the country of origin for these two scopes and that has more to do with the price difference AND the most important deciding factor for some people (like me!). The Viper is of course China and the Razor HD Gen II is assembled in USA with Japanese optics. So Vortex apparently see the value in this also hence two scopes with nearly identical specs only significant differences being where they are made and in turn price.

I came to the same conclusion a couple months ago and got the Viper. I determined that the Razor wouldn't ever be the difference in me getting a deer or not getting one sonIbgot the cheaper one.

This helped make my decision and very fun to watch! Great video!

I love this channel! Can't find it but will you ever do a review of the best value hunting scopes?

For $700 I could hire someone to. Carry the scope for me! Loll

Sure wish you'd do a similar comparison between the Viper and the Celestron Regal.

Have you guys every done a comparison video between vortex and Maven spotting scopes? If not would love to see that. Great review!

Love the channel, any way you could include the diamondback

I have to agree with you guys...if I had the money it would be Swaro BTX all the way...but since I dont...its Viper and very happy with them.

These reviews are great. Keep it up, very much appreciated.

I don't own a spotting scope never been a fan of them but, clearly the Razor has a sharper image.

I must have really weird eyes. I picked the Viper as the better picture 3 out of 4 times. Great comparison.

Thank you so much for the review. You made my decision easy and I'm going to go with the viper over the razor.

I'm an automobile painter... In our training for color matching we learned that the majority of men in general have less ability to distinguish color separation over women. I was staring at these clips picking out what shades I see being pushed & for $700 - That's definitely a top of the line hunting Pack & a set of Binos,, a Bow or rifle even...... Save the $$$

I really enjoy you guy's reviews. Thank you for sharing with us.

Y’all did help, I won’t be buying one. Assumed it was a must have item but why spend the money if my binoculars work just as well

Your review saved me $$$. Thank you

Good video. I was hoping that you would have said something about the construction quality, such as, durability/ruggedness and ease of use of the scopes. I have the same, old, spotting scope since the 1960's, still works but I have to be careful when handling it and the focusing ring is still hard to turn and couple of eyes pieces don't work.

Going with the Viper. Thanks guys.

Thank you so much! This helped me make my decision.

Great review guys!! So many guys equate more $$$$$ spent to extreme performance. The law of dimishing returns is certainly a huge factor here. The money saved could buy a new rifle.

Go sit behind them for 10 hours and see which one hurts your eye more at the end of the day. That little bit of clarity and color correctness is going to be more of a factor after hours and hours of glassing day after day.

You guys are way too honest. Keep up the good work.

Awesome comparison! Could you guys do the same thing between the Diamondback and Viper? I know the viper is a big step up - but can't find any videos showing the comparison for those 2.

You guys didn’t mention one of the most important things. The field of view with the razor is much better.

I have the viper 15-45x65. In real life hunting situations there’s not a ton of difference, until there is. My buddy has a razor. In low light, the razor makes a small difference. At 500 yard in the middle of the day, no there’s not much difference. At 1500 yards in the shade the razor can be the difference in counting points on a buck / bull vs seeing that it’s a buck or bull and having a general idea how big it is but not being able to tell specifics. The further the distance the more than razor shines. The same is the difference with the razor and Swarovski. Like i said, you’re not going to tell any difference in the middle of the day looking at a hill at 500 yards. You’re going to tell the difference looking at a buck at 1500-2000 yards trying to count points. I’ll still keep my viper, it’s way lighter, but that’s just my personal, true, in field experience with them.

I think the third clip the focus on the razor wasn’t adjusted properly but other than that I got all of them correct. After looking through good glass for a while you can tell the difference and even more so at lower light. Viper just won’t give you the contrast and ability to spot in lower light like the razor. During mid day hunts, sure viper but for all day the razor is best.

With that extra $700 you could buy a whole complete other spotting scope... the 11-33x50mm scope for those times when compactness REALLY matters to you... plus you’d have two scopes! 🤷🏼‍♂️

Awesome review! I ended grabbing a gen 1 Razor 20-60x85 for $899. Think I made a wise choice. Thanks

Great review guys. Appreciate it

This was a timely video for me because I’m in the market for a better spotting scope for ELR shooting. 700 dollars can buy a lot of other stuff

Maybe you answered this already, but at what magnification were your tests done at? would be nice to see each at low, then high magnifications. Great vid tho. thanks

I didn't hear you guys say sportsman's warehouse but I saw the background at 1:54 and I said "that looks a lot like Idaho" and air enough I was right haha nice to see local guys on here

great honest review. Thank you