Vortex Razor
02-06-2007, 08:30 AM
#11
Boone & Crockett
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Lehigh County PA USA
Posts: 12,157
RE: Vortex Razor
Hyde,
Great question considering these are probably my two favorite 8x42 bins at this point. The Meopta nudged out the Nikon Venturer because of its substantially wider field of view and more compact overall design.
Pluses for the Meopta:
The Meopta appears to have a wider apparent field of view though the two bins have advertised true fields that are almost identical. I am still in the process of determining the reason for this.
The Meopta tends to be brighter in lower light conditions.
The Meopta has a smoother focusing knob.
The Meopta is more compact and a bit more ergonomic.
Minuses for the Meopta:
The Meopta is a bit heavier.
The Meopta has a warm color bias which gives the appearance of taking away from resolution/contrast.
Pluses for the Vortex:
The Razor has a sharper appearance to its image.
The Razor's open hinge design may appeal to some ergonomically.
The Razor has slightly better edge of field sharpness.
The Razor displays less color fringing on high contrast objects.
The Razor has some more practical adjustments for both the eyecups and the diopter.
The Razor is priced approximately $200 less than the Meopta.
Negatives for the Vortex:
The Razor is longer physically with a bit less than perfect balance.
The Razor has a slightly stiffer focus wheel because of the open hinge design.
Great question considering these are probably my two favorite 8x42 bins at this point. The Meopta nudged out the Nikon Venturer because of its substantially wider field of view and more compact overall design.
Pluses for the Meopta:
The Meopta appears to have a wider apparent field of view though the two bins have advertised true fields that are almost identical. I am still in the process of determining the reason for this.
The Meopta tends to be brighter in lower light conditions.
The Meopta has a smoother focusing knob.
The Meopta is more compact and a bit more ergonomic.
Minuses for the Meopta:
The Meopta is a bit heavier.
The Meopta has a warm color bias which gives the appearance of taking away from resolution/contrast.
Pluses for the Vortex:
The Razor has a sharper appearance to its image.
The Razor's open hinge design may appeal to some ergonomically.
The Razor has slightly better edge of field sharpness.
The Razor displays less color fringing on high contrast objects.
The Razor has some more practical adjustments for both the eyecups and the diopter.
The Razor is priced approximately $200 less than the Meopta.
Negatives for the Vortex:
The Razor is longer physically with a bit less than perfect balance.
The Razor has a slightly stiffer focus wheel because of the open hinge design.
