I bought a Vortex Diamondback 20-60X60 Angled Spotter in January (Cameraland) along with a decent tripod to use at the range. I think I paid 399 for the package deal. I took it to the range and it was fine looking at bullet holes (55,143,180 grain) at 100 yards but when i increased the magnifacation up to 60 power it would not focus well enough for my eyes to make out the holes at 200 yards no matter how much I played with the focus adjustment. I called Vortex and the service rep said it must have an internal problem and to send it to them. I sent it to them the next day and they kept it for 8 business days (good service time) and returned it to me! I took it back to the range on a very clear bright day last week and I still can't get the blur out past about 150-175 yards. IMHO it's just poor glass and I guess I should have expected as mush from their cheaper line of spotters.

I've got a senior friend/veteran who lives near me who only shoots out to 100 so I'll gift it to him as I know he's on a very tight fixed income. Buyer beware, no more vortex for me!

You purchased a Diamondback and wanted it to perform like a Razor. Don't swear off Vortex, all together. You bought low end Vortex.

I watch squirrels switch tree branches at the end of my range, but that is with a Razor spotter.

If I spend the amount that they get for a Razor I won't be buying a Razor.

Whatever.

You spend $1k+ on optics, you get $1k+ performance.

I agree, that's why I've got Swaro's on my rifle's. I should have known better, my mistake

Sad part is I got my 11-33 razor for like 550 and it would have been far better.

At the end of the day you had champagne taste on a beer budget. Sorry to be blunt but when it comes to optics there is a quality difference at price points

No doubt about it. I incorrectly figured that in midday light with no obstructions at 60X I would be able to see clearly out past 150 yards. I'll upgrade later but for now I'll just keep using my Bino's and the glass on my scope.

You knew better, and did it anyway. Who among us can say they never have done that? Zero honest people.

Vortex took care of you, even on their low end product. I'm not a Vortex fanboy, but they make some good optics, and they do take care of their customers. Their Razor line is much different than Diamondback. There are also plenty of other optics manufacturers that make high quality spotting scopes, but as you well know, you gotta pay for high quality optics.

I agree, if we were all honest about it we've all done it.

Spotting scopes are the one optical product IMO that you get exactly what you pay for (binocs can be another matter though). I've had numerous spotters side by side at different times out in the field either mule deer hunting or scouting. Among those include the Meopta S2, Leica 77 APO, Zeiss 85T FL (dual focus versions) Nikon 82ED, Bushnell Elite ED, Leupold Gold Ring 12-45 HD, Vortex Razor 85HD, and Kowa 884 Prominar. Best of the bunch is the 20-70x S2 (Kowa very close) of this group.

My experience with Vortex is that there is always something better than a Vortex at the same or less $$$.

Not necessarily with binoculars, but I agree if we're talking about spotters.

I agree, I should have specified spotting scopes.