Released in 2020, the Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×55 FFP from Vortex is one of several in the company’s Razor HD optical line meant to increase the amount of useable light through the optic, even in low-light settings.
With an overall length of 13.3”, the Razor’s 4.5-22×55 First Focal Plane (FFP) provides a solid optic platform for any full-length bolt or semi-automatic rifle. The variable magnification and parallax adjustability make it an ideal optic for competition shooters or the fall season hunter. The ArmorTek ® coating provides an ultra-hard surface that resists scratches, oil, and dirt.
With its single-piece housing of anodized aircraft-grade aluminum, the 30mm main tube and 50mm objective lens provide the greater overall dimensions to the Razor’s body. Its adjustable eyebell assembly provides the 4.5x – 22x magnification at a 4.0” eye relief. All connections within the Razor are IPX7 sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture penetration and argon gas purged to prevent fogging.
Features within the Razor optic include Vortex’s HD Optical System, which includes select glass elements to deliver a higher resolution while mitigating chromatic aberration, to deliver higher color, image sharpness, and light transmission through the optic. Moreover the lenses are index-matched to provide true-color representation across a broader spectrum of color.
The XLR-2 reticle is glass-etched, with elements using Vortex’s XR™ Plus anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass elements to maximize light transmission and clarity. The reticle also uses an illuminated reticle that is powered by a CR2032 battery that gives 36 hours of continual run time.
The locking-exposed elevation and capped windage turret prevents accidental contact, and allow for immediate access for elevation/windage adjustment, with grooves that ensure consistent alignment. Both the elevation and windage turret are adjusted in ¼ MOA per click.
The RevStop™ Zero System built into the elevation turret allows for adjustments to various elevation then rapid return to zero. Included is a 25yd-to-infinity parallax adjustment to ensure best focus.
Specifications:
- Magnification…………….4.5x – 22x
- Eye Relief (1)…………….4.0”
- Field of View (@100yd)…23.5’(4.5x magnification) – 4.7’ (22x magnification)
The Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×55 is available only in Black (featured), and can be selected between an MOA or MRAD reticle at the time of purchase.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Average (3/5): At a list price of $1,999.99, the Razor brings together high-end optic glass, a robust housing, and low-light collection and reticle features with Vortex’s lifetime “No Questions Asked” service warrantee not found in other comparable rifle optics. The Razor can also be found in third-part retailers for $1,499, but consumers should take heed in ordering from only trusted vendors as fraudulent or one-off optics are known to be sold by unverified parties. In contrast, the Mark 5 HD 5-25×56 Illum. ($2,500) from Leupold, the NXS 5.5-22×56 ($1,800) by Nightforce, and the Tango6 5-30×56 ($1,550) by Sig Sauer all demonstrate that amid the market of alternatives with illuminated reticles and high definition the Razor is adequately (or of average) priced for the consumer.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect the Razor held a good eye relief with full view down the optic. This eye relief however, became notably (but not uncomfortably) shorter at maximum zoom. The glass itself was amazingly clear, with no hint of colored tint around the edges of the field of view and high color definition. The turrets did provide a clear audible and tangible click with each increment changed, and remained firmly locked into place throughout evaluations—even while using the RevStop™ Zero. Moreover the line markings on the elevation and windage correctly aligned with each marking. The parallax adjustment did help to maintain a comfortable image sharpness within the context of the 4.5-22 magnification. The one note for improvement to Vortex would be the button for the illumination reticle did not have any tangible feel to it, and it was difficult to judge ON/OFF and setting differences between brightness values unless looking through the optic. Having a tangible click to the button would allow shooters to know when they have depressed the button for operation.
- Durability – Excellent (5/5): Durability wise the Razor HD LHT was coated in a low-glare matte black using Vortex’s ArmorTek ® coating, which gave the optic’s exterior sufficient hardness and abrasion resistance. No scratches nor superficial marring was noted as a result of evaluation (some on the demo model were pre-existing) from transport or moving the rifle around, or the optic coming into contact with varied surfaces. Likewise the glass performed as expected and neither became loose nor scratched. The Razor does come with a lens cloth, lens covers, and a sunshade (not included in this review) to protect the glass during non-use and ensure it was properly maintained. Moreover, as mentioned Vortex does offer its lifetime “VIP Warrantee” should your optic ever get damaged.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally the Razor provided a good 4.5×22 magnification while keeping the glass clear. But the HD Optical System provided an immense depth of color and resolution, maintaining most of the coloration even at maximum magnification. The ability of the APO glass to transmit the maximum level of light through the optic ensured there was little color fade at longer-distance targets. The adjustable eyepiece and parallax adjustment helped to ensure that targets remained clear and in focus throughout, and made hitting steel at 300 yards easy. The XLR-2 reticle was short and clear, with incremental markings to adequately range targets and compensate for drop to the evaluated distances. Moreover, as the zoom was increased, the reticle remained sharp and clear. The illumination feature on the XLR-2 did well in low-light situations and shadow, though was more difficult in full daylight settings. The RevStop™ Zero System worked well in that it basically allowed the end-user to take any distance and modify the elevation turret and reset the dial to zero for the new distance. That process could be repeated/adjusted over time if the end-user decided they wanted a different distance zero. Functionally, the only element of concern was from adjusting the collar for the optic’s 4.5×22 zoom, which was very stiff and the intergraded tab on the housing did little for ease in manipulating. As such it could only be adjusted while the shooter was not firing. As no throw lever is available for the Razor HD LHT it is recommended that Vortex reexamine the tightness in the collar to make it more functional while behind the rifle.
- Weight – Excellent (5/5): The Razor weighed in at 21.7 ounces and owed most of its weight to its anodized, aircraft-grade aluminum body, which provided a robust construction that resisted impulse of multiple rifle cycles, but was not so heavy as to make the overall rifle unbalanced. The Razor’s weight also ensured that, once mounted, it withstood transport and incidental contact with various objects on the range or in the field. In contrast, the Mark 5 HD 5-25×56 Illum. (30 ounces) from Leupold, the NXS 5.5-22×56 (32 ounces) by Nightforce, and the Tango6 5-30×56 (40 ounces) by Sig Sauer show that the Razor is the lightest of comparable alternatives, and an excellent weight for the consumer.
Overall Rating – Good (21/25)
Product Link: https://vortexoptics.com/razor-hd-lht-45-22×50-ffp.html
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.