Spotting scopes are valuable selections if you want a high-powered eyepiece outdoors. The best scopes will assist in hunting, bird watching, and photography purposes. Two of the most popular choices are the Vortex Diamondback and Razor. Which is the better selection?
Technical Specifications
The best way to pick the ideal spotting scope for your needs is to check the technical specifications. These details make up these tools, from the general design of each product to the performance offered on the field.
Here are the categories included in the technical specifications:
- Design
- Performance
- Features
- General
These are the items that make up each spotting scope.
Let’s dive deeper into each specification to determine how the Razor and Diamondback stack against each other. The more you know, the easier it will be to determine the ideal spotting scope.
Design
The first item to consider on a spotting scope is the general design. From the viewing angle to the prism type, these details determine how the spotting scope can be positioned and what image comes through the lenses.
A shooting scope comes in an angled or straight viewing angle. The Razor and Diamondback products offer an angled viewing angle in their design. This shape permits a lower or smaller tripod position, allowing views in smaller spaces.
The prism type is also valuable to consider. This aspect of the spotting scope determines how much light comes into the device and how it filters through the system. The Razor's prism type is not specified, but the Diamondback boasts a Porro prism.
There is no winner in this category. Both products have excellent design specifications for a classy viewing experience.
We’ve talked about the design features of these products. Now, let’s jump into the performance abilities of each spotting scope.
Performance
Performance is another vital category to consider. These features help determine how far you can see, the angle of view you will receive, and the total field of view. The performance will change the way you use your spotting scope.
The magnification of each product is first up. The Vortex Razor has a magnification of 27 to 60x, while the competing Diamondback has a magnification of 20 to 60x. The Diamondback comes out on top, providing a wider range of magnification options for your eyes.
There is also the objective lens diameter, which reverses the winner. The Vortex Razor has an objective lens diameter of 85 mm, while the Diamondback has an objective lens diameter of 60 mm. The razor has a wider objective lens diameter of 15 mm.
Here are a few additional performance features:
- Angle of View: Not Specified for the Razor, Not Specified for the Diamondback
- Field Of View: "27x: 117.0' @ 1000 yd / 39.0 m @ 1000 m for the Razor, 60x: 68.0' @ 1000 yd / 23.0 m @ 1000 m" "20x: 114.0' @ 1000 yd / 34.7 m @ 1000 m for the Diamondback
- 60x: 51.0' @ 1000 yd / 15.5 m @ 1000 m" for the Diamondback
- Minimum Focus Distance: 16.4' / 5.0 m for the Razor, 20.0' / 6.1 m for the Diamondback
- Exit Pupil Diameter: "27x: 3.1 mm 60x: 1.4 mm" for the Razor, "20x: 3 mm 60x: 1 mm" for the Diamondback
- Eye Relief: 17.0 to 16.7 mm for the Razor, 17.0 to 14.0 mm for the Diamondback
There are many locations where these products go back and forth.
Although each product boasts excellent features, the Vortex Razor is the winner in the performance category. It will provide a better view for you through the spotting scope lens.
The performance category is critical, but there are additional features on the spotting scope. Let’s dive into these items next.
Features
The features are another critical part of using a spotting scope. These items will help determine how well you can utilize the spotting scope when the weather gets bad or if you accidentally drop it into a puddle of water. What can these products do?
The first thing to consider is the fog-proof ability of each product. Fog will block out a lens and make it impossible for you to see through the device. The Vortex Razor is fog proof, created by filling the system with argon. The Vortex Diamondback does not specify this ability.
Water resistance is another crucial aspect of owning a lens device. Both the Vortex Diamondback and Razor have a waterproof design. If you accidentally drop them in water or use them in rain, they will survive.
The winner in this category is the Vortex Razor because it specifies its fog-proof ability. However, both should be able to work well in poor weather conditions.
Our final category is the general features section. Let’s talk about these, then determine the winner.
General
The general features describe basic items about each product. These include the weight, length, and even the connection points for the tools.
Here are the general features you can anticipate between these products:
Tripod Mounting Thread: 1/4"-20 Female for the Razor, 1/4"-20 Female for the Diamondback
Dimensions: L: 15.5" / L: 39.4 cm for the Razor, L: 14.0" / L: 35.6 cm for the Diamondback
Weight: 4.1 lb. / 1.9 kg for the Razor, 2.1 pounds / 958.0 g for the Diamondback
There are some clear differences here.
The winner in this category is the Vortex Diamondback. It is smaller and lighter than the competing Razor, allowing simpler transportation from one location to another.
Final Thoughts
Overall, we would say the winner between the Vortex Diamondback and Razor is the Vortex Razor. This product offers excellent performance features and has a fog-proof addition to the lens system. Although it’s a little larger and heavier than the Diamondback, it’s worth the extra effort for an ideal viewing experience.
No matter which product you choose for your spotting scope, you will have an enjoyable time. Both products are made with care and designed to help you see as much as possible. Whether birdwatching or heading out on the field to hunt, a Vortex Diamondback or Razor will help.