Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18x50mm Review: Worth the Premium Price?

I finally got my hands on the Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18x50mm about a year ago. I’d been eyeing it for a while, needing a serious upgrade for some demanding long-range situations and competitions. After running it hard in everything from dusty desert shoots to humid Midwest mornings, I’ve really gotten to know this piece of glass inside and out – the good, the great, and the things you learn to live with.

So, let me tell you what I’ve discovered after giving this Razor a proper workout.

Why You Should Trust Me?

I’ve been in the shooting game for over fifteen years now, from casual plinking way back when, to getting seriously into long-range precision and PRS-style matches over the last decade. Nowadays, I’m one of the guys helping new shooters get their dope right at our local club, and I spend a ton of time behind various rifles and optics. I’ve looked through a lot of scopes, from the kind you might find on a dusty shelf to the latest and greatest, and I’ve learned that a spec sheet only tells you half the story. Real performance in the field, with all its quirks, is what counts.

For me, it’s all about how the gear performs when the pressure’s on – whether that’s a timed stage in a match or lining up a crucial shot on a hunt. Nothing beats actually using the gear to see what it’s truly made of.

How I Tested the Vortex Razor HD Gen II

This Razor HD Gen II found its permanent home atop my custom-built 6.5 PRC. My handloads for this rifle, pushing 156gr Berger EOLs, are usually good for sub-0.5 MOA performance. Over the past year, I’ve sent well over 800 rounds downrange with this scope, taking it through multiple regional matches and countless hours of practice and load development.

I did a lot of tracking tests and return-to-zero checks, of course, stretching its legs out to 1200 yards and beyond. But I was really keen to see how it handled the abuse of competition – getting bumped, dialed constantly, and exposed to all sorts of weather conditions, and also how its features played out in practical use, not just on a sunny, calm range day.

Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18x50mm Review

Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18x50mm Specs

Specification	Value
Magnification	3-18x
Objective Lens	50mm
Eye Relief	3.7 inches
Field of View	37.8-6.25 ft @ 100 yards
Tube Size	34mm
Click Value	1/4 MOA
Parallax	25 yards to infinity
Length	14.4 inches
Weight	46.5 oz

My Test Results

Field Test	Measurement	Notes
100yd Group Size	0.4 MOA	Average of 5 five-shot groups
600yd Group Size	0.5 MOA	Average of 3 five-shot groups
1000yd Group Size	0.7 MOA	Average of 2 five-shot groups, calm conditions
Tracking Error	Effectively 0 MOA	Over 60 MOA elevation dialed multiple times
Low Light Score	9/10	Usable well past legal shooting light, excellent contrast
Zero Retention	Excellent	No shift after 800+ rounds and field handling
Weather Test	Excellent	No fogging or issues in rain, dust, or humidity
Impact Test	Pass	Survived match barricades and a couple of accidental knocks

Testing conducted using a custom 6.5 PRC rifle with handloaded 156gr Berger EOL ammunition.

Optical Performance & Reticle

Let’s just say the glass on this Razor is phenomenal – mostly. The HD lens elements and XR Plus coatings Vortex talks about really do deliver fantastic clarity and color fidelity edge-to-edge, making it easy to spot targets and read mirage. I went with the EBR-2C MOA reticle, which is a first focal plane (FFP) design. For precision work at distance, FFP is a must for me, as the subtensions are accurate at any magnification. The reticle itself is detailed enough for precise holds. However, and this is a common FFP trait, at the lowest 3x magnification, that detailed reticle can appear pretty small and fine. It’s still usable for quick shots on bigger targets, but don’t expect it to be bold and jump out at you like a second focal plane reticle would at low power. For hunting in dense woods at 3x, you might wish it was a bit thicker. The illumination certainly helps in these scenarios, and if that’s a key feature for you, take a look at my roundup of the best illuminated reticle scopes.

Even in those tricky twilight conditions, this scope pulls in a surprising amount of light. Chromatic aberration is very well controlled, almost non-existent. It’s a joy to look through, especially at mid to high magnifications where that reticle really comes into its own.

Turret System & Tracking

The L-Tec turrets on this Gen II are a thing of beauty. They’re locking, which is a huge plus. The clicks are incredibly crisp, audible, and tactile. Each click is a precise 1/4 MOA. I’ve run box tests and tall target tests numerous times, and the tracking has been absolutely flawless. What I dial is what I get. This is where the Razor really shines and instills massive confidence.

The L-Tec+ Zero System is also brilliantly simple and robust. Setting it was a breeze, and it provides a rock-solid return to zero. No stickiness, no slop, just pure mechanical precision. If there’s one tiny nitpick, the illumination dial integrated into the parallax knob can be a bit stiff to pull out to activate, especially with gloves on, but it’s something you get used to.

Magnification Range & Parallax

The 3-18x magnification range is incredibly versatile. Down at 3x, the field of view is generous for finding targets. As mentioned, the FFP reticle is fine at this power, but the wide view is great. Cranked up to 18x, the detail resolution is outstanding. The image remains sharp and clear throughout the entire magnification range, with no noticeable degradation at the top end, which is a hallmark of high-quality optics. You can really pick apart details at distance.

The side parallax adjustment is smooth, with just the right amount of resistance. It’s marked from 25 yards to infinity, and I’ve found the yardage markings to be reasonably close. More importantly, it allows for a super crisp image and eliminates parallax error effectively.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

The eye relief is a comfortable 3.7 inches and pretty consistent. The eye box – that forgiving zone – is excellent at lower to mid-magnification. It does tighten up noticeably at 18x, as you’d expect with any scope at high magnification. It’s not unforgiving by any means, but you definitely need to have a more consistent head position and cheek weld when you’re maxed out. If you’re new to high-power scopes, this might take some getting used to for quick target acquisition at full power.

This makes it quicker to get on target from varied positions, but practice consistent mounting for that top-end magnification clarity.

While 3.7 inches is quite good, if maximum eye relief is your top priority for a hard-recoiling rifle, you might want to browse my guide about the best long eye relief scopes for more options.

Build Quality

This scope is built like an absolute tank. The 34mm main tube feels incredibly robust. It’s definitely not a lightweight optic, weighing in at 46.5 oz – and you feel every ounce of it. If you’re planning on building an ultralight mountain rifle, this probably isn’t your first choice. But that heft translates to a feeling of invincibility. The ArmorTek coating on the lenses does a great job.

It’s seen its share of bumps and has been out in rain and dust storms without a hiccup. Internal fogging is a non-issue. The anodized finish is tough. It’s a scope that feels like it will outlast me, but you pay for that durability on the scales.

Mounting & Accessories

Here’s the setup I’m running with this Razor:

• Spuhr ISMS 34mm Mount (0 MOA, as my rail has 20 MOA built-in)
• Vortex Defender Flip Caps (Objective 50 and Eyepiece)
• Vortex Lo Pro Bubblevel
• Kestrel with Applied Ballistics for my dope

Performance Scores

Category	Score	Notes
Optical Quality	28/30	Exceptional clarity, FFP reticle fine at low power
Durability	24/25	Built like a tank, truly rugged but heavy
Usability	18/20	Excellent turrets, eye box tightens at 18x, stiff illum dial
Value	11/15	Premium price, serious investment but high performance
Features	9/10	Locking turrets, zero stop, great reticle options
Total Score	90/100	Top-tier optic with some weight/cost considerations

See how I test and rate scopes. Learn more

Advantages:

• Absolutely stellar optical clarity and brightness, especially at mid-high power.
• Bomb-proof construction and durability.
• Flawless turret tracking and crisp, locking adjustments.
• Excellent FFP reticle design (EBR-2C) for precision.
• Generous eye relief.
• Vortex’s unbeatable VIP Warranty.

Drawbacks:

• It’s a heavy scope, significantly so.
• Premium price tag; a major investment.
• FFP reticle can be very fine and harder to see quickly at lowest magnification (3x).
• Eye box becomes notably tighter at maximum (18x) magnification.
• Illumination dial can be stiff to operate.

How It Compares Against Similar Optics

Model Comparison	Magnification	Optical Quality	Build Quality	Tracking	Value	Overall Rating
Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18×50	3-18×50	Exceptional	Excellent (Heavy)	Flawless	Good	90/100
Nightforce ATACR 4-16×42 F1	4-16×42	Exceptional	Excellent	Flawless	Good	90/100
Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18×44	3.6-18×44	Very Good	Very Good (Lighter)	Very Good	Good	88/100
Kahles K318i 3.5-18×50	3.5-18×50	Exceptional	Excellent	Flawless	Good (Higher Price)	94/100

The Nightforce ATACR 4-16×42 F1 is a very close competitor. Both are renowned for toughness and glass. The Razor’s turrets feel slightly better to me, but the ATACR is a bit lighter. Price is often comparable, making it a tough choice that might come down to brand preference or specific reticle needs.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18×44 is noticeably lighter, a big plus if weight is a major concern. Optically, it’s excellent, though I personally give the Razor a slight nod in image ‘pop’. The Mark 5HD’s turrets are superb. If shaving ounces is paramount, the Leupold is hard to beat in this class. or those interested in more magnification from that same excellent Leupold line, my Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm review offers a detailed look.

The Kahles K318i is often seen as a step up in refinement, with incredible glass and ergonomics, but it comes with an even steeper price. For those who can justify the extra cost, it’s a dream, but the Razor delivers a huge chunk of that performance for less.

If the Razor is a bit out of reach price-wise, or you’re looking for a slightly different feature set within the Vortex family, the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 is another excellent optic worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this scope good for PRS or NRL competitions?

Absolutely. Its feature set is tailor-made for it. The robust build, reliable tracking, FFP reticle, and excellent glass are ideal. The weight is a factor on larger, heavier match rifles but can help steady the rifle.

ill it handle heavy magnum recoil, like a .338 Lapua?

Without a doubt; its robust build makes it an excellent candidate if you’re looking for the best scope for 338 Lapua, as the Razor HD Gen II line is known for its ability to withstand serious recoil.”

How’s Vortex’s warranty, really?

It’s as good as they say. VIP Warranty means they’ll repair or replace it, no questions asked, lifetime, transferable. It’s a huge selling point and offers real peace of mind for such an investment.

Is the EBR-2C reticle too busy for hunting?

This is subjective. For long-range hunting where precise holds are needed, it’s great. For close-range, fast shots in dim woods, the fineness of the FFP reticle at 3x might not be ideal for some. If you prefer a very simple reticle for all-around hunting, you might look at other options or SFP scopes, but you’d lose the FFP benefits for ranging and holds at variable power.

Disclosure

When it comes to high-end gear like the Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18x50mm, I know you’re looking for clarity, not just about the scope, but about how this review came to be. So, here’s the full picture:

How This Vortex Razor Landed on My Rifle: This Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18x50mm was a significant personal investment. I bought it through normal retail channels, just like any other shooter out there. Vortex didn’t send this to me, and I didn’t get any special ‘reviewer perks’ or discounts. The price I paid is the same one you’d encounter.

My Independence – My Promise: My relationship with Vortex Optics, or any other manufacturer for that matter, is purely as a customer. This review isn’t sponsored, I haven’t been paid to write it, and Bang-INC.com doesn’t accept paid endorsements for review content. What you read is my genuine, unvarnished experience after putting this optic through its paces.

About Those Links (Affiliate Disclosure): You might see links to retailers for this scope. If you decide to purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, of course). This is one of the ways I fund the time, ammunition, and gear needed to create in-depth, hands-on reviews like this one for Bang-INC.com. It helps me keep bringing you detailed field tests rather than just spec sheet summaries. Your trust is paramount, so I only link to products and retailers I believe are reputable.

My Bottom Line on This Vortex Razor Review: The aim here is simple: to give you a thoroughly honest and practical assessment of the Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18x50mm based on extensive, real-world shooting and evaluation. No sugar-coating, no brand bias – just my candid thoughts to help you decide if this premium optic is the right fit for your needs and budget.

Final Words

After a solid year with the Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18x50mm, it’s clear this is a top-tier optic that plays with the best. It’s not perfect – no scope is. The weight is considerable, and it’s a serious financial commitment. The FFP reticle at low power and the tight eye box at max magnification are characteristics you need to be aware of and comfortable with.

However, the optical clarity is breathtaking, the turrets are utterly dependable, and it’s built to handle serious abuse. For long-range precision, competition, or even demanding hunting scenarios where you can accommodate its weight, the Razor HD Gen II 3-18x50mm delivers outstanding performance. You’re getting a scope that will likely outlive the rifle it’s on.

If you’re serious about long-range shooting, understand its trade-offs, and have the budget, this Razor is an investment that will reward you. It’s a fantastic piece of kit that has definitely earned its keep on my rifle, even if I do curse its weight sometimes when lugging my gear around!