Review: Vortex Razor HD 13–39×56 Spotting Scope
- Yvonne Longley
- Aug 20
- 2 min read
The Vortex Razor HD 13–39×56 brings high-end optical performance into a surprisingly compact and rugged form. With sharp, high-definition glass, tough coatings, and Vortex’s trusted build quality, it’s built for serious field use, from wildlife watching to rarity spotting.
What’s in the Box
Vortex Razor HD 13–39×56 spotting scope (angled or straight)
Neoprene case
Lens covers
Lens cleaning cloth
Limited lifetime warranty
Optics & Performance
Magnification: 13–39×
Objective lens: 56 mm apo HD glass with XR multi-coatings, dielectric & phase prism coatings, ArmorTek protection
Field of view: 168 ft–89 ft @ 1,000 yds (3.2°–1.7°)
Close focus: ~9.2 ft (2.8 m)
Image quality: Bright, sharp edge-to-edge; excellent colour fidelity with minimal chromatic aberration
Handling & Build
Weight: Around 28.6 oz (angled) or 29.5 oz (straight); relatively lightweight for a full-sized HD scope
Body: Magnesium housing, rubber-armoured, argon-purged, O-ring sealed (waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof)
Focus: Helical focus wheel, snag-free and quick to adjust
Weather & Durability
Sealed construction: Fully weatherproof and internally fogproof
ArmorTek lens treatment: Scratch-resistant and repels oil and dirt
Pros & Cons
Pros✔ Extremely sharp, HD-quality optics with edge-to-edge clarity✔ Compact yet lightweight for travel and rugged use✔ Durable and weatherproof build, made to endure✔ Smooth helical focus and quick adjustment
Cons✘ Close focus distance (9.2 ft) may not suit tight-range digiscoping✘ Higher magnification range can be a handful for beginners
Star Ratings
Feature | Rating |
Optical Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
Build & Durability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Close Focus | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐½ |
Final Verdict
The Vortex Razor HD 13–39×56 delivers premium, ultra-clear optics and a tough, compact form that punches above its weight. Fast focus, rich colour, and weatherproof design make it a reliable choice for demanding outdoor use. The slightly long close-focus and learning curve of handling higher magnification do little to fade the strength of this spotting scope, Vortex has packed top-tier performance into a field-ready package.
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