Vortex Razor HD 11-33×50 (mini) Spotting scope Review

Vortex Razor HD 11-33×50 (mini) Spotting scope
by Colorado Jake

Basic Description of Item:
Vortex Razor HD 11-33 x 50 is a small back pack style spotting scope. This spotting scope is ideal for pack trips, hiking, when you need lightweight, and durability.

Just the facts:
Magnification 11-33 x
Objective Lens Diameter 50 mm
Linear Field of View 191-96 feet/1000 yards
Angular Field Of View 3.6-1.8 degrees
Close Focus 6.6 feet
Eye Relief 20 mm
Exit Pupil 4.6-1.5 mm
Length 11 inches
Weight 25.0 ounces

Story:
As a backpack hunter. I am always trying to lighten my load. Unless, it limits my ability to sleep or find game. Those priorities are much too important to me to skimp on. So, I was a little hesitant to switch to such a small and compact spotting scope. Even as a big Vortex fan, my first impression wasn’t good. I didn’t believe this little guy would perform as well as it did.

I was very much surprised at the performance even in the last minutes of light. It gathered up light easily and was very clear. The dials were very easy to use. The course and fine adjustment knob was super smooth. It made getting fine detail at all ranges a breeze. I never needed more then the 33x. In my opinion and experience anything past that power with a smaller scope becomes too grainy to really be useful.

The adjustable eye piece is a rubber cup that is either out on folded back in for eye glass users. This was my only complaint. If you were to spend hours and hours behind the thin rubber eye cup. It slowly becomes a little uncomfortable. It’s not a deal breaker for me but hopefully they add the twist type in the future.

The weight and size of the Vortex Razor HD 11-33×50 is ridiculous. It looks like a toy but preforms at a very impressive level. My scale read a mere 1 lb 9 oz. I paired it with the Vortex Summit tripod (1lb 12oz). Total of 53 oz or 3.3 lbs. If you’re in the market for a ultra light setup. I highly recommend this mighty performer.

What they could do better:
The rubber eye cup creates some discomfort, this needs re-thought