Is magnification power a primary factor for you when you go out shopping for a riflescope? Which between the Vortex Viper and Vortex Razor is the better choice?
The higher the magnification on a riflescope, the shorter and wider the field of view they provide. There are varied types of hunters all with specific preferences in regards to their needs while out in the field. Some like to hunt within close range and other like to stretch their limits.
Whatever the case may be, a riflescope with clear imagery and overall sturdy and nice build will be a great buy. Myself, I own the Vortex Razor and I have had it now for three years. I know everything about it and I am confident in its performance.
The Viper that is in comparison to it, belongs to my friend, Roger. I think it’s pretty cool too especially after taking the time to review it.
What are the differences between Vortex Viper and Vortex Razor?
Model |
Vortex Viper |
Vortex Razor |
Reticle |
EBR-1 |
Dielectric Coated Porro Prism |
Magnification |
6-24x |
27-60x |
Objective Lens Diameter |
50mm |
85mm |
Eye Relief |
4.0 inches |
17-16.7 mm |
Field of View |
17.8-4.2 feet/ 100 yards |
11.7-6.8 feet/ 100 yards |
Weight |
23.4 ounces |
65.6 ounces |
Length |
15.5 inches |
10.1 inches |
Availability |
Vortex Viper vs Vortex Razor – How do they Compare
Reticle
Vortex Viper is a first focal plane scope which means all the hash marks get larger as you zoom out and smaller and you zoom in. The reticle is illuminated, glass-etched, and has large and small hash marks label with MOA values and dots for windage adjustments are on the bottom of the reticle system.
Vortex Razor’s reticle is MOA mil and BDC comprised of fine stadia forming a cross. As a second focal plane reticle, it is always the same size and though it doesn’t feature a horseshoe title, the stadia allow the eye to naturally track to the center of the reticle.
Vortex Viper has a first focal plane reticle while the Razor’s lies on the second focal plane. This makes the Viper perfect for close-range shooting and the Razor ideal for long-range hunting.
Lenses
Vortex Razor has XR Plus fully multicoated lenses apply an anti-reflective coating to all air-exposed lenses to enhance light transmission for decent use in twilight hours. And the plasma tech coating process insures all the lens survive years of use and it has an ArmorTek coating protects from scratches and smudges.
The glass is decent and made of low dispersion glass that is precision ground and the Porro prism gives awesome resolution and color integrity for a great 3D view of the subject. It also has an APO system that provides index-matched lenses that further enhance clarity.
The Vortex Razor has apochromatic lenses which are known for better picture quality compared to Viper’s extra low light dispersion glasses.
Adjustments
Vortex Viper has the Precision Force Spring system and the Precision Glide Erector system which ensure maximum repeatability and smooth zoom adjustments. Provides a CRS zero stop that helps get you back to zero after dialing temporary elevation correction.
Vortex Razor has smooth windage but lacks a lock system. The left side of the scope has parallax adjustments from 50 to 100 and into infinity with ¼ inch MOA adjustments. The turrets are nicely built and have aggressive texturing with audible and tactile clicks with labeling up and down or left and right to guide your direction in inches.
Vortex Viper wins again in this round because of its use of the Precision-Force Spring system which is superior to Vortex Razor’s smooth focus MOA adjustments.
Vortex Viper vs Vortex Razor – A Comparison Overview
Vortex Viper Review
- The Viper PST 6-24x50 First Focal Plane boasts features associated with top-tier riflescopes. The...
- Matching reticle and turret measurements allow accurate, fast dialing of shots. The EBR-2C (Enhanced...
- Customizable Rotational Stop (CRS) aids in return to zero after dialing temporary elevation correction....
- Extra-low dispersion (XD) glass increases resolution and color fidelity, resulting in crisp, sharp...
This is a 6-24x first focal plane scope which means all the hash marks get larger as you zoom out and smaller and you zoom in. that way the reticle can be used effectively at any range and magnification. If you want a wider field of view and range effectively you can take it down to 3-6x setting allowing you to make moving or transition shots.
The turrets are nicely built and have aggressive texturing with audible and tactile clicks with labelling up and down or left and right to guide your direction in inches. All the clicks are ¼ per 100 yards and can be re-zeroed by losing the caps back to zero. The parallax adjustment is clearly labelled. The reticle is illuminated at the center crosshairs and hashmarks which allows for precise shots in the dusk or dawn.
Reticle is impressive with tons of information, large and small hashmarks label the MOA values and dots for windage adjustments are on the bottom of the reticle system which is perfect for moving shots or correcting for windage and elevation without using the turrets.
The fully multicoated XR lenses have extra-low dispersion elements and these give high-resolution imagery with great color fidelity.
Pros
- Clear imagery
- Easy adjustments
- Illuminated reticle
- CRS Zero Stop
Cons
- Does not feature lock system
Vortex Razor Review
First focal plane illuminated reticle. It is the go-to low power variable optics LPVO. Intended use for speed of close-range targets with upwards of 500 yards in needs. Places specific emphasis on users; ability to use.
Clarity is superb with no hazy edges giving optimal ability of sight. The eye-box refers to the level of forgiveness afforded while looking down the tube before seeing black edges as your eye drops outside of the optics. The wider the eyebox, the easier it is to get behind the optic especially when tracking through recoil.
The reticle is MOA mil and BDC comprised of fine stadia forming a cross. As a second focal plane reticle, it is always the same size and though it doesn’t feature a horseshoe title, the stadia allow the eye to naturally track to the center of the reticle.
Pros
- Rotating mount
- Apochromatic lens
- Twist-up rubber eyecup
Cons
- Heavy scope
- Shorter frame
Conclusion
Vortex Viper, is built for all types of hunters and all kinds of conditions offering its users quick, on the fly adjustments and ample eye-relief eliminating chances of eye scoping.
Vortex Razor’s clarity is superb with no hazy edges giving optimal ability of sight. This riflescope gives you a crystal clear-view of your target whether close or far, a massively forgiving eye box that excels in all range engagements and blazing illumination required for low light conditions.
Final Verdict: So, which is better? Vortex Viper or Vortex Razor?
The Vortex Viper scope is far better than the Vortex Razor.Based on their optimal performance and ease of use, whether you are mid to long-range hunting, you can count on its precision in any light conditions.
FAQ
Will the Vortex Viper be okay on a .416 Barrett cartridge?
Yes, with the right mounting hardware you should have absolutely no problem with this heavy-duty scope. It is built and tested to withstand the recoil, shock, and vibration of most rifles.
Is the Vortex Razor an angled or straight spotting scopes?
Both. The Vortex Razor and Diamondback are available in straight and angled designs. It is up to your preference and intended use position to choose between the two designs
