Compact Spotter Review | Vortex Razor vs Swarovski STC vs Maven S.2

[@westernhunter]

Weight Correction! Vortex Razor: 28.6 oz Maven S.2: 34 oz Swarovski STC: 35 oz

[@ads3453]

I know its a pain in the arse but if you guys do something like this again can you please attempt to do phone footage through the scopes :) It helps us so much by seeing through them

[@KC-7mm]

Great review I really like the format. After owning the NL 12s I’d have to go swaro after being a welder for 13 years my eyes are a lot more sensitive than they used to be. lesser quality glass really strains my eyes so long glassing sessions are way easier behind great glass

[@Bouncing22]

Great video. The FOV on the Swaro is mind blowing. Probably a big reason for less eye fatigue.

[@armandomada633]

Awesome guys .I pack around my BTX with me on couesdeer hunt I just need something lighter .thanks for the review..

[@westernhunter]

Right on Armando!

[@joelcipriano9100]

Nice to hear your experience in reviewing these optics.

[@westernhunter]

Right on

[@jeffreyenglebert9016]

Excellent review. As with most things it's a compromise.

[@shem44]

I'm considering both ATC and kowa 553. Over here the kowa 553 is only usd520 cheaper than ATC and only comes with 1 year warranty compared to 10 years from swarov. With a wider fov and potential higher resale value, more compact, it makes more sense to go with ATC for me.

[@QuitoQueso]

I'd like to see how a Leupold GR HD stacks up against these, as it's kind of in between price of the Swaro and the others.

[@westernhunter]

I'd say the GR scopes are a great option. We haven't tested the actual compact series, but those seem very promising as well. As for the GR 12-40x60, it's got all the characteristics that we look for. It's lightweight, the optics are plenty good, and the durability factor is a big bonus with anything from Leupold, especially the Gold Ring line. We'll keep this in mind for future reviews!

[@jeffreyfoster2804]

Great video. I have the STC and love it. Just got back from a MT sheep hunt and was spotting ewes 2.5 miles away. Just as goos as my ATS even a the lower power.

[@westernhunter]

Very nice!

[@praballunavat5651]

Thank you, gentlemen.

[@westernhunter]

Our pleasure!

[@patescott2234]

Swaro is a niche optic, if I wanted to drop 2K plus I’m going full size. The maven is nice, well built, and definitely not a bad choice but lacks optical reach for me. I haven’t been a fan of vortex for quite some time but am objective enough to say I think they knocked it out of the park on this new razor. However, I believe most guys are going to be comparing this new razor to the Maven CS1, Athlon Ares, and lower Kowas.

[@m3nathan]

Great format boys, you've helped me out immensely. I'm in Australia so paying double your quoted prices but the Maven is still looking like a go for me. I run their 18x56 binos and rate them highly

[@westernhunter]

Glad to help! You'll like it.

[@semiprohunter]

Can we see a digi scope image out of these side by side?

[@westernhunter]

We'll get to work on that!

[@eugenemarshall596]

How does the leupold gold ring 12/40 compare to theses three? I know it weighs a little more I am looking for a 1 purchase scope for hunting and limited range use would you recommend leupokd?

[@westernhunter]

We like the Gold Ring and I'd say it easily competes with the Maven and Vortex. Is it worth the extra $500? With Leupold's reputation for durability, it might be. If I were just buying one all-around spotting scope, I would take a hard look at a Zeiss Gavia 85 or at least a 65mm scope with HD glass and 50-60 power.

[@eugenemarshall596]

Thank you

[@rooftop7089]

Have owned the kowa 554 and Swarovski compact spotter. Sold the Swarovski. In the field with my eyes the kowa was better. Still love my Swarovski binoculars though.

[@shem44]

Care to share in which aspect is kowa better than STC?

[@rooftop7089]

@@shem44 When I was glassing cut cornfields I could get a clearer image with the kowa.

[@shem44]

@@rooftop7089 Given that kowa is using 100% fluorite, I'm not really surprised the image is better. But STC wide FOV is really a charmer.

[@rooftop7089]

@@shem44 it definitely does have a wider fov but I use my spotter more for sizing up an animal once I spot them with my binoculars. So a bigger fov was not as important to me. Both are quality units

[@uploadedvideos7907]

Ooh, what "ball-head" is being used on the Swaro scope?

[@westernhunter]

That's the Outdoorsmans Gen II Pistol Grip head. Coming soon 👀

[@michaelcardin3467]

For the blue collar working guy thats a diy hunter does the razor make the most sense?

[@westernhunter]

For the purpose of a compact spotter, yes. If you think you might be glassing more than 800-1000 yards, you might want to look into more of a full-size scope. Brody will be happy to help you decide if you give him a call at Outdoorsmans! 1-800-291-8065

[@michaelcardin3467]

@@westernhunter looking for a compact, our group. Has 85 razor and a 85 Maven so I wanted to add a compact for long pack in trips.

[@westernhunter]

@@michaelcardin3467 The compact Razor will be great for that 👍Outdoorsmans has both the straight and angled in stock right now! They might even cut you a deal if you mention this video.

[@PredatorSlayer41]

What did you guys score the kowa?

[@westernhunter]

As Brody said, we didn't get to use it for this review because the one we had was sold. That said, optically, the Kowa is a close second. Construction-wise, it's slightly lacking due to the lack of rubber armoring. Great choice if you add a decent case for quite a bit less than the ATC/STC.

[@RWGG22]

Thanks. For the review

[@westernhunter]

Our pleasure!

[@chrisholloman3710]

Think that vortex is only 28.6 oz so 6 oz lighter than the other 2

[@westernhunter]

That is correct! I think Brody weighed it on his own (slightly sketchy) scale before we had official specs.

[@busman2050]

Show some views though the scopes, it's just a bunch of guys talking to each other

[@westernhunter]

We intentionally didn't show that because optic quality typically does not translate via video. You were warned!

[@KillahBC]

Maven had the most unfriendly salespeople Ive ver met at the Portland Oregon outdoors expo. Would much rather buy from other brands

[@westernhunter]

Sorry you had that experience! We have always had great dealings with them.

[@marissahamilton5996]

Did you create this video for hunters to show their wives, to help justify this purchase??

[@westernhunter]

Only if it's working!

[@marissaantonini8449]

It worked, I bought him the STC 🤣🤦🏻‍♀️

[@westernhunter]

You deserve an award!

[@jasonf.4107]

Since ratings are subjective, there’s an argument that you shouldn’t discuss them until all reviewers have finished their evaluations.