Spotting Scope Review: Vortex Razor HD 22-48×65 (Angled)

I first encountered Vortex Optics spotting scopes at a Government Training Institute – Legion long range shooting course. I’ll be honest and say that ALL of the spotting scopes I used, from a variety of manufacturers, seemed to have great clarity and phenomenal field-of-vision at distances from 70-850 yards.

The only aspect I found difficult was trying to use those spotting scopes that possessed reticles – the markings kept this relative newcomer to long-distance shooting from seeing some of the impacts.

All of the above is to say, when I was asked to review a Delta 5 rifle from Daniel Defense, I wanted a spotting scope that provided great clarity and field-of-view for the longest target distances I’d be shooting (i.e. 700+ yards), but at the same time avoid models equipped with reticles.

I knew that Vortex made such spotting scopes. I also knew that the Vortex Fury Laser Rangefinder I had been sent to use at the GTI course and for hunting (see review), was incredibly clear and easy to use (so good, in fact, that I purchased my own Fury). Vortex recommended the Razor HD 22-48×65 (Angled) model.

The angled eyepiece allows the user to reduce the height of the tripod base. This is actually quite useful in windy conditions, or when sitting in a chair at the range – both conditions encountered during the GTI course and our rifle review.

One other feature that came in handy for our early-morning range session with the Delta 5 was the built-in pull-out sunshade. It allowed us to view the targets when the angle of the sun would causing a glare. Finally, the angled eyepiece combined with the rotating tripod ring provides the ability to rotate the eyepiece to a variety of positions, thus allowing adjustable viewing angles.

Like the Vortex laser rangefinder, the Vortex Razor spotting scope is straightforward to use. The magnification and focus are adjusted using the rings located just below the eyecup and just in front of the tripod mount, respectively.

The eyecup was easily adjusted to accommodate the presence or absence of eyeglasses, and the facial shapes of the spotter, simply by twisting.

The final feature that will come in handy for competitive shooters (and presumably snipers) is the removable eyepiece. This allows the substitution of a Vortex Reticle Eyepiece that has the markings I found so difficult to use as a beginner. To exchange eyepieces, you simply turn the eyepiece lock ring from ‘locked’ . . .

to ‘unlocked’,

rotate the eyepiece counterclockwise until it stops (1/8th turn) and then pull it straight out of the body.

Reverse these steps to install the new eyepiece.

Rangework with the Vortex Razor HD 22-48×65 (Angled)

The workup at the range was challenging for both equipment and shooters. We shot over a 5-hour time period that included temperatures in a range from 32-50 degrees. Light conditions included deep shadows on some targets to full sunlight on others, and sun angles from near the horizon to almost straight overhead.

We fired the Delta 5 rifle at targets ranging in distance from 100-700+ yards,

The clarity and large field-of-view (across the wide range of environmental conditions and all magnifications) of the Vortex spotting scope made it possible to accurately call each other’s shots.

My only other experience with watching for target impacts at extreme distances occurred at the aforementioned GTI course. Frances had never used a spotting scope for this purpose. The results from both of us were excellent in that we were able to see the impact points and help each other adjust holds.

This resulted in repeated impacts and sub-MOA groups not only at the shorter ranges, but at 500,

600,

700 and

700+ yards as well.

Conclusions

The Vortex Razor HD 22-48×65 (Angled) spotting scope performed flawlessly in a variety of conditions with excellent clarity.

The Vortex Razor made hold dial adjustments straightforward by allowing us to call each other’s shots even at the farthest ranges.