vortex razor hd lht 3-15x42 for a Sako S20

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Tubgoat

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Newer hunter here recently ordered a Sako S20 and now looking at scope options, I was wondering if the vortex razor hd lht 3-15x42 would be a good fit for Alberta Elk hunting. I read a few reviews that said it did not perform well in low light conditions. Is there a better option in the $1500 range?

Thanks!

Edit* Forgot to mention it's 300WM
 
Leupold VX5HD 3-15x44 and Zeiss V4 4-16x44 are the two that comes to mind. Similar magnification, features and price.
 
Tubgoat said:
Newer hunter here recently ordered a Sako S20 and now looking at scope options, I was wondering if the vortex razor hd lht 3-15x42 would be a good fit for Alberta Elk hunting. I read a few reviews that said it did not perform well in low light conditions. Is there a better option in the $1500 range?

Thanks!

Edit* Forgot to mention it's 300WM
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Yup, amazing glass for the low light stuff. I had a razor spotting scope (sold) and a first gen razor hd lh 3-15×42 scope on my rifle . The amount of light that got picked up in the last half hour was incredible. I got kids now so my gun/scope combo is now an amazing safe queen.
 
The Razor LHT will perform well in low light. I've been eyeing up one of those scopes myself, maybe next year
 
I emailed Prophet River about the Razor LHT and the VX5 HD. They said the Razor had just slightly better glass than the VX5 HD, which surprised me. So I went with the Razor based on their recommendation.
 
todbartell said:
The Razor LHT will perform well in low light. I've been eyeing up one of those scopes myself, maybe next year
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Ok thanks, there was a review on Cabels that said it did not, but he may not have know what they were talking about! Are you looking at the 42 or 50?
 
freddyfour said:
I emailed Prophet River about the Razor LHT and the VX5 HD. They said the Razor had just slightly better glass than the VX5 HD, which surprised me. So I went with the Razor based on their recommendation.
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oh, thanks! are you happy with it so far?
 
Tubgoat said:
Thanks, of the three which would you pick?
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I think they’re all pretty much even. I’m a Leupold fan so I would probably go with the VX5. The Zeiss is a few ounce heavier. Vortex is Vortex but has a great warranty. Never handled any of them just being doing research like you to upgrade one of my VX3’s
 
Tubgoat said:
Ok thanks, there was a review on Cabels that said it did not, but he may not have know what they were talking about! Are you looking at the 42 or 50?
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I'll go 42mm. I don't put too much faith on a single online review. Most people are pretty fukin dumb
 
Tubgoat said:
Do you think that's a better option if you had to pick?
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I have a gen 1 Razor hd light Hunter with the 1" tube and my VX-5HD is a much better scope. Not much difference in glass clarity in daylight but the Leupold is a bit better when it's getting dark. But I suspect (because I've never used) the new model Razor hd lht with the 30mm tube and useable turret will be a big improvement over the gen 1. The 30mm tube should help in low light.

Also, I like the reticle on the Vortex better.

Is there any way you can handle both optics somewhere before dropping the cash?
 
jiffx2781 said:
I have a gen 1 Razor hd light Hunter with the 1" tube and my VX-5HD is a much better scope. Not much difference in glass clarity in daylight but the Leupold is a bit better when it's getting dark. But I suspect (because I've never used) the new model Razor hd lht with the 30mm tube and useable turret will be a big improvement over the gen 1. The 30mm tube should help in low light.

Also, I like the reticle on the Vortex better.

Is there any way you can handle both optics somewhere before dropping the cash?
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Tube diameter has negligible effect on light transmission, but a 30mm scope will weigh more. If you want maximum low-light transmission you’re going to need a larger objective and better quality glass/coatings. The main advantage of 30mm is increased adjustment range.

So, the next question is do you like to dial? I’d assume yes given the features of the Razor, but if you’re not opposed to using a reticle you can save some weight. At $1500 I’d be taking a hard look at the Swarovski Z5. For less weight than the Razor you can have a 50mm objective and great glass.

The last big piece for brightness at low light will be magnification. All other things being equal lower magnification will be brighter. The 15x magnification of the LHT in a 42mm obj will give an exit pupil of 2.8mm. So realistically, in low light to maximize usable exit pupil, you’d be restricted to about 7x magnification. Is that sufficient for the shots you want to take?

I’ve never owned a Vortex nor a VX-5, but have had many excellent dealings with PR. If I were you I’d give them a call and trust their advice.
 
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TT1900 said:
Tube diameter has negligible effect on light transmission, but a 30mm scope will weigh more. If you want maximum low-light transmission you’re going to need a larger objective and better quality glass/coatings. The main advantage of 30mm is increased adjustment range.

So, the next question is do you like to dial? I’d assume yes given the features of the Razor, but if you’re not opposed to using a reticle you can save some weight. At $1500 I’d be taking a hard look at the Swarovski Z5. For less weight than the Razor you can have a 50mm objective and great glass.

The last big piece for brightness at low light will be magnification. All other things being equal lower magnification will be brighter. The 15x magnification of the LHT in a 42mm obj will give an exit pupil of 2.8mm. So realistically, in low light to maximize usable exit pupil, you’d be restricted to about 7x magnification. Is that sufficient for the shots you want to take?

I’ve never owned a Vortex nor a VX-5, but have had many excellent dealings with PR. If I were you I’d give them a call and trust their advice.
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thanks for all the info and suggestion!
 
Any of the scopes mentioned will be just fine in legal hunting hours. Get the brightest binoculars you can afford, they are what you need for finding game on the edges of darkness. Scope is primarily an aiming device.
 
I have the 50 version I was going to get a 42 but once I looked at the reticle on the 50 I was sold so far it is reasonably bright I haven't used it a lot but seems to be comparable to my z5 Swarovski for brightness only reason I went this way was to dial more and I'm not particularly bias towards mills or MOA used the holds on the reticle on steel out to 625 no problems
Will report back as I use it
Cheers Tony
 
tony d said:
I have the 50 version I was going to get a 42 but once I looked at the reticle on the 50 I was sold so far it is reasonably bright I haven't used it a lot but seems to be comparable to my z5 Swarovski for brightness only reason I went this way was to dial more and I'm not particularly bias towards mills or MOA used the holds on the reticle on steel out to 625 no problems
Will report back as I use it
Cheers Tony
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Thanks Tony! what did you like about the reticle on the 50? I was leaning towards the MRAD 42, but to be honest I have no idea what I am doing ;) so I appreciate your thoughts
 
I just found it to be a very simple clear reticle without too much clutter illuminated and very appealing at least to me its my first vortex and Im generally a sworovski snob so to speak really try and look through all your options before you commit would really be my advice
cheers Tony
 
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