Dude, you have THE most honest well thought out comparisons of scopes by a wide margin. Thank you so much for the videos. I wish i had found them 4 months ago!
Thank you! I appreciate that. I'd love to get more comparisons like this on our channel, I'm hoping to get some time this winter. We sell a lot of this gear on our website so if you need more help, or are looking to make a purchase you can support us by buying from gearfool.com
Wow, great review. I can't think of an optical review that was nearly as well stated or had better visual examples. I have a Vortex Viper scope as well as 6x32 and 8x42 Viper bins. I find that Vortex is excellent value and they have (by far) the best customer service. Great job with the video ... subscribing.
it would be nice to compare these same three scopes as far as being able to actually see bullet holes in a target at 100-200 yards,,,,,but not a 30 cal bullet hole....something like a 20 and 22 caliber bullet hole..i really would like to see this type of comparison....ive looked for ever and have never seen this type of comparison...how bout doing a target bullet hole comarison?
Id like to see the same. Me and my brother shoot long range rimfire. Wanting something i can see holes at 300 yards minimum. 500 would be nice even with shoot and see targets.
picked up a diamondback 20-60X85 today from Bass pro shops. sadly in CAD$ its running $779.99. still the best deal going for spotters from my comparison of 4 similar units. thanks for the videos keep up the good work
This comparison was top notch. Would love to see something similar done comparing the high end spotting scopes from all of the biggest brands (Vortex, Swaro, Leupold, Leica, Zeiss, Sig, etc.) to see what kind of differences are unveiled. Is the most expensive glass truly worth the extra cost? Or do the most expensive brands just have the largest marketing budgets?
I think for the money, the Viper is hard to beat. That being said, I have loved my razor and it’s held its own decently well against higher end spotters
is it possible that the Razor tends to display warmer color-temperature? Personally I like the image of the Viper much better and it feels more natural to me.
It will look different for everyone's eye but in general, I think you may be right. They put different coatings on the lenses of the razor and that affects the color hue, I'm not entirely sure why the Razor looks so much different though. Go to gearfool.com next time you need some gear if you want to support us!
Spotting scopes can be confusing. I had a vortex. It was a great spotting scope. But I think it was like 40 x? But then I want to buy another one that was supposed to be 70x from a different manufacturer. I thought I'd be able to see the targets closer lol. When I bought the thing, I found out that it wasn't any closer than the last scope I had lol. I've seen this a few times.
This makes me feel a lot better about buying a Viper and not splurging on a Razor for my first spotter! And also reinforces the idea that if I ever want to upgrade, I should probably skip over a Razor (because it's not actually that big of an upgrade, relative to the price difference), and just go straight to Swarovski.
I think the diamondback darkens the “colored” portions of the image, so against a white snowy background, the contrast is better than the Vortex. That one image threw me off hard, but there’s no snow over here, so Viper fits my budget and works for me. Amazing review, thank you.
it would be nice with the same 3 spotting scopes and the same target with 5 bullet holes if you guys could demonstrate quality of pic. at 100, 300, 500, 700 and 900 yds for shooters who want one of these for use at the range. Move the same target to each distance before filming.
@@iancurrie8844 well start at 100 yds and move out and then we can see when bullet holes disappear and how fast for each scope. viewing bullet holes is why we buy these spotting scopes right ? this is a gun video right ?
@@DLN-ix6vf Yes. With many decades of experience behind the finest glass money can buy, I can tell you that trying to spot bullet holes in paper at 900m is a pipe dream. Atmospheric distortion alone makes that impossible, regardless the quality of optic used. You would need a remote camera.
I own the diamondback, and it's performed great for me. I met a hunter that spotted and killed a great buck on a cabelas budget spotter. I think knowing we're to look and experience outweigh the differences in the spotters.
I couldn’t agree more. We’ve spent time in Mexico with guides using glass that was hardly visible and they found more bucks than all of us with swaro and Leica glass. Experience makes up for optics 9 times out of 10! -Brady
your review was excellent in concept...above the crowd. However, your analysis is not strictly consistent. i.e. the color in the razor showed up at the start, but your comment came much later. this much color shift must be explained considering only one of the 3 stood out AND it is the most cost. Sharpness is tricky because you can't focus each scope every time exactly at the point of maximum sharpness. in one comparison (about 5:49) the viper and diamondback edge qualities were shown but I wonder if the zoom on each was identical. nit picks but your approach is so goo I thought it deserved it
Thank you! You are correct, there is always going to be variables that are imperfect, especially when you're not in a controlled environment. However, I can assure you that the "zoom" was identical enough to prove a point that stood out clear when you had your hands on either of these scopes. Although the footage itself was not perfect, I did my best to rely on my actual experience, and let the footage prove what I had found when using my eye with each scope. Thanks for the in-depth comment!
Best comparison guys good job. I’m really trying to decide between the Razor HD x65 and Viper HD x85. Is there really a big difference between 65 and 85?
I’d love to have saw bullet holes in paper at distances too. 😳 Good comparison video. I’m wanting a spotting scope and it’ll be used for looking at hits on targets more so than long range scouting. Any suggestions on the three, because I’d like to spend as little as possible?
I would definitely recommend the Viper over the Diamondback for paper targets. Whites will promote chromatic aberration, and the viper will handle that much better than the diamondback. Reach out to us directly at gearfool.com and let us know that you want to make a purchase based on this video, we can likely give you a pretty good deal.
Respectfully, I believe there has been something of a miscommunication on the optical design of the Viper. When you say "has more optical stops" I believe you mean to say that it has a smaller aperture. The aperture is like the iris on your eye. When an aperture is smaller, it has a large f/stop. So, for example, f1.4 lets in double the light of f2, f2.8 is half of f2, f4 is half the light let in as f2.8 etc etc. These are called "stops of light." Each "full step" is a stop (1.4,2,2.8,4,5.6,8). All Vortex are really saying is the Viper has a narrower aperture. This allows the optic to use only center sweet spot of each lens since the aperture isn't wide enough to use the rest of the lens. This allows for very good optical performance using more affordable glass. How is less light being admitted through the lens expressed in the end? (on this type of optic) Why by a smaller exit pupil, of course! A smaller aperture (more stops) can also result in detraction which I believe is what you're seeing in that scene which surprised you. Everything in optical design is a compromise. It's clear to see what they chose here. It's a sensible choice BUT to the naked eye which can open its aperture far wider than the exit pupils of these scopes, the Viper will appear noticeably less bright and more "tunnel like". This won't be captured with the digicam since it has a very tiny aperture, comparatively. For this reason alone, for hunting in low light, actually the diamondback would probably be superior. The Razor more so, obviously.
TBH, I am more in the Crossfire/Diamondback price point. After watching this, I don't feel too bad about that. While the difference is obvious, I think the DB acquitted itself well. I would like to see a comparison with the Crossfire, but I might be a little afraid of losing more contrast. Of course, with my old eyes, I might not be able to see the difference in the real world.
Hi. I’m shooting 17hmr on paper @200-300m and not my diamondback viper scope 4-16x nor my entry level spotter 20-60x can see the holes. Is this just not achievable with 22lr sized holes at distance or do i need to invest substantially in spotting glass? There’s a 30-90x alibaba scope I figure is worth trying before giving up and just getting a bigger calibre, but was interested in your opinion. Great video!
At 4:40 I mention that the razor's image is easier to interpret due to higher contrast, however a lot of these detailed observations will vary based on each person's eyesight as well. I think overall the Razor is still better than the Viper, but for the cost, the Viper is a better value. Go to gearfool.com next time you need some gear if you want to support us!
I feel obliged to stop and Thank you. now I know which one is for me. And now they have crossfire tier you might want to include. and Razor is much lighter so if carrying on long distance it does make a significant difference.
You guys didn't give any distances. If this is at 1200 yds then hey cool but I personally don't need a spitting scope that fits what you're comparing. Obviously the more you spend the better it should be. So Obviously why do a review that only proves what the price tag proves.
Honestly one of the best comparisons I have ever seen on youtube.
We appreciate your taking the time to say that!
Dude, you have THE most honest well thought out comparisons of scopes by a wide margin. Thank you so much for the videos. I wish i had found them 4 months ago!
Thank you! I appreciate that. I'd love to get more comparisons like this on our channel, I'm hoping to get some time this winter. We sell a lot of this gear on our website so if you need more help, or are looking to make a purchase you can support us by buying from gearfool.com
Compare the new Crossfire HD and Diamondback HD scopes
I don't know how you guys don't have more subscribers. Your gear reviews are phenomenal.
This is exactly the review I was looking for
By far the best review and comparison I have seen on these products. Thank you for putting in the work to answer so many questions we all have had.
Glad it was helpful!
Wow, great review. I can't think of an optical review that was nearly as well stated or had better visual examples. I have a Vortex Viper scope as well as 6x32 and 8x42 Viper bins. I find that Vortex is excellent value and they have (by far) the best customer service. Great job with the video ... subscribing.
A very well done, discriminating review. Your guidance in pointing out differences in contrast, sharpness, color integrity, etc. were spot on.
I am looking at a 10x vortex bino. Is the viper worth the upgrade over the diamondback?
it would be nice to compare these same three scopes as far as being able to actually see bullet holes in a target at 100-200 yards,,,,,but not a 30 cal bullet hole....something like a 20 and 22 caliber bullet hole..i really would like to see this type of comparison....ive looked for ever and have never seen this type of comparison...how bout doing a target bullet hole comarison?
Id like to see the same. Me and my brother shoot long range rimfire. Wanting something i can see holes at 300 yards minimum. 500 would be nice even with shoot and see targets.
What is the mounting adapter? Does it work on straight scopes?
picked up a diamondback 20-60X85 today from Bass pro shops. sadly in CAD$ its running $779.99. still the best deal going for spotters from my comparison of 4 similar units. thanks for the videos keep up the good work
Glad to hear it, go to gearfool.com next time you need some gear if you want to support us!
This comparison was top notch. Would love to see something similar done comparing the high end spotting scopes from all of the biggest brands (Vortex, Swaro, Leupold, Leica, Zeiss, Sig, etc.) to see what kind of differences are unveiled. Is the most expensive glass truly worth the extra cost? Or do the most expensive brands just have the largest marketing budgets?
We will likely do that video in the future!
I think for the money, the Viper is hard to beat. That being said, I have loved my razor and it’s held its own decently well against higher end spotters
Great comparisons, fellas. I needed this, as I am just branching out into that need for a spotting scope.
Right on, give us a call when you’re ready to purchase and we can help you out!
is it possible that the Razor tends to display warmer color-temperature? Personally I like the image of the Viper much better and it feels more natural to me.
It will look different for everyone's eye but in general, I think you may be right. They put different coatings on the lenses of the razor and that affects the color hue, I'm not entirely sure why the Razor looks so much different though. Go to gearfool.com next time you need some gear if you want to support us!
Spotting scopes can be confusing. I had a vortex. It was a great spotting scope. But I think it was like 40 x? But then I want to buy another one that was supposed to be 70x from a different manufacturer. I thought I'd be able to see the targets closer lol. When I bought the thing, I found out that it wasn't any closer than the last scope I had lol. I've seen this a few times.
You guys should do this with the 10x42 or 10x50 binos from vortex also! Great review btw
That is in the plans! Probably this fall.
@gearfool I'd love this as well, I'm signed up for a long range course with bruiser industries and was hoping to pick up a pair before then!
This makes me feel a lot better about buying a Viper and not splurging on a Razor for my first spotter! And also reinforces the idea that if I ever want to upgrade, I should probably skip over a Razor (because it's not actually that big of an upgrade, relative to the price difference), and just go straight to Swarovski.
Glad we could help! We also sell Swaro so when the day comes that you are ready to upgrade, give us a call 😎
Compare Athlon to vortex?
Amazing review.....By the way WHERE TO PURCHASE THE PHONE HOLDER
Phone holder attachment name please??
I think the diamondback darkens the “colored” portions of the image, so against a white snowy background, the contrast is better than the Vortex.
That one image threw me off hard, but there’s no snow over here, so Viper fits my budget and works for me. Amazing review, thank you.
I think you're right, it threw me off as well. Go to gearfool.com next time you need some gear if you want to support us!
100%. I’ve had all 3. Now own a razor. Id tell most to save some money and get a viper.
Glad to hear others are coming to the same conclusion as us!
Would be great to see a comparison between eg the Vortex and a Swaro or Zeiss
it would be nice with the same 3 spotting scopes and the same target with 5 bullet holes if you guys could demonstrate quality of pic. at 100, 300, 500, 700 and 900 yds for shooters who want one of these for use at the range. Move the same target to each distance before filming.
You want to see a bullet hole at 900m? Good luck with that.
@@iancurrie8844 well start at 100 yds and move out and then we can see when bullet holes disappear and how fast for each scope.
viewing bullet holes is why we buy these spotting scopes right ?
this is a gun video right ?
@@DLN-ix6vf Yes. With many decades of experience behind the finest glass money can buy, I can tell you that trying to spot bullet holes in paper at 900m is a pipe dream. Atmospheric distortion alone makes that impossible, regardless the quality of optic used. You would need a remote camera.
@@iancurrie8844 I think you need help with you reading skills. Get some help then comment then your replies won't appear so lost.
I own the diamondback, and it's performed great for me.
I met a hunter that spotted and killed a great buck on a cabelas budget spotter. I think knowing we're to look and experience outweigh the differences in the spotters.
I couldn’t agree more. We’ve spent time in Mexico with guides using glass that was hardly visible and they found more bucks than all of us with swaro and Leica glass. Experience makes up for optics 9 times out of 10! -Brady
your review was excellent in concept...above the crowd. However, your analysis is not strictly consistent. i.e. the color in the razor showed up at the start, but your comment came much later. this much color shift must be explained considering only one of the 3 stood out AND it is the most cost. Sharpness is tricky because you can't focus each scope every time exactly at the point of maximum sharpness. in one comparison (about 5:49) the viper and diamondback edge qualities were shown but I wonder if the zoom on each was identical. nit picks but your approach is so goo I thought it deserved it
Thank you! You are correct, there is always going to be variables that are imperfect, especially when you're not in a controlled environment. However, I can assure you that the "zoom" was identical enough to prove a point that stood out clear when you had your hands on either of these scopes. Although the footage itself was not perfect, I did my best to rely on my actual experience, and let the footage prove what I had found when using my eye with each scope. Thanks for the in-depth comment!
Best comparison guys good job. I’m really trying to decide between the Razor HD x65 and Viper HD x85. Is there really a big difference between 65 and 85?
Just watched this video as I’m in the market for a spotting scope. I have a budget of $1,000. Any suggestions?
Looking through 74 year old eyes with issues,,,,,they all look fine…..
😅
Sounds like all you’ve ever done is look through them at a store.
I’d love to have saw bullet holes in paper at distances too. 😳
Good comparison video.
I’m wanting a spotting scope and it’ll be used for looking at hits on targets more so than long range scouting. Any suggestions on the three, because I’d like to spend as little as possible?
I would definitely recommend the Viper over the Diamondback for paper targets. Whites will promote chromatic aberration, and the viper will handle that much better than the diamondback. Reach out to us directly at gearfool.com and let us know that you want to make a purchase based on this video, we can likely give you a pretty good deal.
@@gearfool I went to website and sent email.
@@xforce708 Reply sent!
Really good comparison. I guess there is no need to ever consider the Vortex Crossfire version.
Feel the viper is lacking in big open areas. Like it didn’t know what to focus on. But I’m sold on the viper.
Happy to hear that our comparison here may have assisted you in your decision making. Give us a call at (435) 263-0207 when you have a moment!
Great comparison, helpful 🤝❤️👍🏻
Respectfully, I believe there has been something of a miscommunication on the optical design of the Viper. When you say "has more optical stops" I believe you mean to say that it has a smaller aperture. The aperture is like the iris on your eye. When an aperture is smaller, it has a large f/stop. So, for example, f1.4 lets in double the light of f2, f2.8 is half of f2, f4 is half the light let in as f2.8 etc etc. These are called "stops of light." Each "full step" is a stop (1.4,2,2.8,4,5.6,8). All Vortex are really saying is the Viper has a narrower aperture. This allows the optic to use only center sweet spot of each lens since the aperture isn't wide enough to use the rest of the lens. This allows for very good optical performance using more affordable glass. How is less light being admitted through the lens expressed in the end? (on this type of optic) Why by a smaller exit pupil, of course! A smaller aperture (more stops) can also result in detraction which I believe is what you're seeing in that scene which surprised you.
Everything in optical design is a compromise. It's clear to see what they chose here. It's a sensible choice BUT to the naked eye which can open its aperture far wider than the exit pupils of these scopes, the Viper will appear noticeably less bright and more "tunnel like". This won't be captured with the digicam since it has a very tiny aperture, comparatively. For this reason alone, for hunting in low light, actually the diamondback would probably be superior. The Razor more so, obviously.
Good comparison thank you.
Best way to tell the differences is low light and when theres snow.
Great job guys!!!!!
TBH, I am more in the Crossfire/Diamondback price point. After watching this, I don't feel too bad about that. While the difference is obvious, I think the DB acquitted itself well. I would like to see a comparison with the Crossfire, but I might be a little afraid of losing more contrast. Of course, with my old eyes, I might not be able to see the difference in the real world.
Good video review
Superb!
Hi. I’m shooting 17hmr on paper @200-300m and not my diamondback viper scope 4-16x nor my entry level spotter 20-60x can see the holes.
Is this just not achievable with 22lr sized holes at distance or do i need to invest substantially in spotting glass?
There’s a 30-90x alibaba scope I figure is worth trying before giving up and just getting a bigger calibre, but was interested in your opinion. Great video!
Try the targets that show a contrast with hole. Worth the little extra cost for your scenario
That razor picks up great colors and great definition.
4:27 none of this is accurate to what I’m seeing. I wanted the viper to be better but it’s just not. The Razor has a far better detailed picture here.
At 4:40 I mention that the razor's image is easier to interpret due to higher contrast, however a lot of these detailed observations will vary based on each person's eyesight as well. I think overall the Razor is still better than the Viper, but for the cost, the Viper is a better value. Go to gearfool.com next time you need some gear if you want to support us!
I feel obliged to stop and Thank you. now I know which one is for me.
And now they have crossfire tier you might want to include. and Razor is much lighter so if carrying on long distance it does make a significant difference.
Vortex all the way. Although the optical performance is a bit worse than Zeiss or Swarovski, their warrenty is unbeatable.
Razor first position other two fk😀😀
“Budget”
Hunting anything 500yards. The diamond back is totally fine
If you’re only looking at something 500 yards away, you don’t need a spotting scope at all..
$500 good not big different
Great job! instant Subscrition from me.
Thank you! We'll have more content like this coming!
$900 is not a budget.. lol
Compared to a 3k Swaro it is
You guys didn't give any distances. If this is at 1200 yds then hey cool but I personally don't need a spitting scope that fits what you're comparing.
Obviously the more you spend the better it should be. So Obviously why do a review that only proves what the price tag proves.
You must have missed the messaging throughout the video concerning the Viper HD series in comparison to the Razor HD.
The comparison is , How much better is the Razor with its significant price point. The answer was marginal>> Obviously
Razor 2nd on the log diamond 1st.🎉
viper? hahahah