Swarovski EL vs Vortex Razor

Guest · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 12:55 pm Post subject: Swarovski EL vs Vortex Razor

A few questions about a comparison. These seem to be exactly the same except Japanese vs. Austrian glass and nearly $1000. Hunting will be the primary purpose.

1) Are the clarity and light gathering abilities of the EL that much better? How much additional time will I have at dawn or dusk? Edge to edge clarity

2) What really are the other differences, I really cannot tell other than the glass? Warranty appears to be the same as well.

Thanks

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5669

Hi

While the Razor is certainly a good binocular in its own right, it is not a Swarovski EL. They may match up on paper as far as features, but that's about it.

In my tests on the Razor, edge brightness and sharpness, as well as overal resolution were not up to the EL. More importantly, for me, anyway, focusing was rough and uneven - a far cry from the butter smooth focusing of the EL. Granted, this could have been a fluke on the one Razor I tested, but I found it to be unacceptable for a $700 binocular. Still, I'd like to give the Vortex the benefit of the doubt, as I truly like the brand, but you are going to have to spend more to get up to the level of the EL, both in optics and construction.
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renbe · Guest

I know they are being discontinued, but the Nikon LX's are about halfway between the two in price, but, I think, every bit as good as the Swars in quality.
John

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5669

Hi

Absolutely agree on the LX - grab one while you can if you can afford it.
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