Vortex Razor HD 13-39x56 Spotting Scope - Angled

The Vortex Razor HD 13-39x56 angled spotting scope is the compact version of the Razor HD range, Vortex's most high-end spotting scope. Weighing 811 g and 26.4 cm, it combines an apochromatic optical system (APO), XR™ Plus coatings and a waterproof, argon-purged construction in a format designed to be worn for a long time: mountain hunting, hiking, traveling ornithology or travel.

The Razor HD optical level in a compact format

The Razor HD 13-39x56 responds to a specific request: to have the image quality of the Razor HD range without the weight of an 85 mm spotting scope.Vortex designed it for hunters who walk for a long time in the mountains and count every gram in their bag, but it is equally suitable for the ornithologist or hiker who wants a high-level optic that is easy to carry.

You need to know the compromises: a 56mm lens collects less light than an 85mm, and the maximum magnification stops at 39x.It therefore does not replace a large diameter telescope for very distant or twilight observation from a fixed position.Its interest lies elsewhere: it is a high-level optic that you really take with you, where a heavier spotting scope would often stay at home.

Optical system: APO, HD, XR™ Plus and dielectric treatments

Apochromatic system (APO)
The lenses are matched to correct colors across the entire visible spectrum.The colored fringes on the contrasting contours (branch against a sky background, antlers of a deer, target) are greatly reduced, which preserves the sharpness and fidelity of the colors.

HD Optical System
Selected glass elements improve resolution, limit chromatic aberrations and provide excellent color fidelity, edge-to-edge sharpness and good light transmission.

XR™ Plus Treatments
These are the most advanced anti-reflective treatments from Vortex.Applied to all air-glass surfaces, they maximize light transmission, benefiting clarity and low-light performance.

Dielectric treatments of prisms
The prisms receive a high-reflectivity multi-layer treatment which contributes to a bright, clear and color-accurate image.

Plasma Tech
This process of applying treatments improves their durability and performance over time.

ArmorTek®
The outer lenses receive this ultra-hard coating, which protects them against scratches, oily marks and dirt.

Understanding 13-39x Zoom: Maximum Magnification Is Not Everything

A spotting scope should not be judged solely on its maximum magnification.The more you magnify, the darker the image, the more the field becomes smaller and the more vibrations and turbulence in the air become visible.The 13-39x range of the Razor HD 56mm is consistent with its diameter: it doesn't push the magnification beyond what a 56mm lens can exploit in good conditions.

The exit pupil, a brightness indicator

The exit pupil is calculated by dividing the objective lens diameter by the magnification.The larger it is, the brighter and more comfortable the image appears.On this 13-39x56 spotting scope, it goes from approximately 4.31mm at 13x (56 ÷ 13) to approximately 1.44mm at 39x.

Actual zoom behavior, setting by setting

In practice:

• At 13x, the field is very wide and the image is bright: it is a real prospecting setting, close to the use of powerful binoculars placed on a tripod.
• Between 20x and 26x, the spotting scope offers its most versatile compromise between detail, brightness and stability.
• Between 33x and 39x, Razor HD optical quality allows you to exploit maximum magnification when conditions are good.In hot weather, in the presence of mirage or at the end of the day, going down to around 25x often gives a sharper image.

Compact and lightweight: 811 g and 26.4 cm

At approximately 811 g and 26.4 cm in length, the Razor HD 13-39x56 weighs less than half of a Razor HD 27-60x85.It fits easily in a hunting or hiking bag, and its smooth profile, without protruding knobs, makes it easy to move back and forth between the bag and the tripod.

The counterpart of this format is optical: a 56 mm objective collects less light than an 85 mm, which is felt at high magnifications and when the light drops.

Why choose an angled spotting scope?

On this version, the eyepiece is inclined relative to the body of the spotting scope.This elbow construction has several advantages:

• A more comfortable viewing position during long sessions 
• A tripod placed lower, therefore more stable in the wind, which also allows the use of a shorter and lighter travel tripod 
• Easy sharing between users of different sizes 
• A particular interest in looking upwards (slopes, ridges, treetops), in the mountains and from a fixed position.

A user who wants to very quickly acquire a target in line with their gaze, or who observes primarily from a car window, may sometimes prefer a straight version.

A stable tripod, essential beyond low magnifications

A tripod is strongly recommended and becomes essential to exploit medium and high magnifications. The tripod is not included with the spotting scope.

• At 13x, the observation remains relatively tolerant.
• Around 25x, the vibrations become clearly visible.
• At 39x, the rigidity of the tripod directly influences the actually perceptible finesse.

Its lightness allows it to be combined with a compact travel tripod, provided it remains rigid.The spotting scope can also be used on a car window mount (sold separately).

Helical Focus Helical Focus

The focus goes through a large helical ring which surrounds the body of the spotting scope, instead of a side wheel.

• Intuitive handling, with one hand;
• An accessible setting whatever the orientation of the spotting scope on the tripod;
• No protruding dial likely to get caught in the bag, which speeds up set-up and storage.

Eye relief and eyeglass wearers

Eye relief ranges from 15.0 to 17.8 mm depending on magnification.It is suitable for many observers, but wearers of glasses with thick lenses may find it a little tight to see the entire field.It is recommended to try it with your glasses if possible.

Robust construction for demanding conditions

• Argon purge and O-rings : The interior is filled with argon and sealed, which prevents internal fogging during temperature changes and protects against humidity.
• Water resistance : the spotting scope is designed to withstand bad weather.No depth or duration of immersion being officially indicated, this tightness should not be considered as authorization for prolonged immersion.
• Anti-fog : designed to withstand a wide temperature range.
• Shock resistance : the design is intended to withstand significant impacts.
• Rubber frame : it ensures a secure, non-slip grip and protects the body of the spotting scope.

Uses of the Vortex Razor HD 13-39x56 spotting scope

Mountain hunting
This is the use for which Vortex designed this model: long approaches on foot, prospecting of slopes, evaluation of an animal from a distance (age, trophy, condition) without weighing down the bag.The angled construction facilitates upward viewing.

Hiking and wildlife watching
Chamois, ibexes, deer, marmots: its lightness allows it to be taken on long outings, where a heavier telescope would remain at home.

Traveling ornithology
For the birder who moves around a lot or travels, APO correction and edge-to-edge sharpness help distinguish plumage details, in a format that doesn't weigh on the shoulder.

Sport shooting and competition
The spotting scope makes it possible to monitor impacts without leaving your position, when the distance, the size of the impacts and the atmospheric conditions allow it.No precise distance can be guaranteed: visibility of impacts depends on caliber, impact diameter, target contrast, light and atmospheric turbulence.For very long distance shooting, a larger diameter spotting scope offers more margin.

Travel
Its compact format makes it an easy telescope to slip into luggage for a nature trip.

Razor HD 13-39x56, Razor HD 27-60x85 or Viper HD 11-33x50?

The Razor HD 13-39x56

• brings Razor HD optical quality in an 811 g format;
• suitable for the mobile user who walks a lot;
• offers a smaller diameter and maximum magnification than an 85mm model.

The Razor HD 27-60x85 angled

• Offers more brightness and magnification up to 60x;
• Is more suitable for very distant and twilight observation from a fixed position 
• Weighs more than twice as much.

The Viper HD 11-33x50

• Also offers a compact format;
• Positions itself on a more accessible price;
• Does not reach the level of optical correction of the Razor HD range.

Technical characteristics

Contents of the box

• 1 Vortex Razor HD 13-39x56 angled spotting scope
• 1 neoprene cover
• Lens and eyepiece guards
• 1 lens cloth

Tripod not included.

Compatible accessories (sold separately)

• Vortex Car Window Mount
• Vortex Pro Car Window Mount
• Compatible tripods

These accessories are not supplied with the spotting scope.

Vortex VIP Guarantee

The Vortex Razor HD 13-39x56 spotting scope benefits from the Vortex VIP lifetime warranty, according to the conditions defined and applied by the manufacturer.