AO Review: Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50mm FFP – LW Hunting Optic
Paul B. 01.19.24
I have never been one to count ounces on my rifles yet the more I get into modern rifles with carbon fiber stocks and spending more time in the woods, the more I appreciate saving some weight while not sacrificing performance. Vortex is a household name in optics, it came as no surprise when they expanded the Razor HD series with the new Razor HD LHT aimed at long range hunters giving incredible glass, modern reticles, and while keeping it light. I spent the last few months with the Razor HD LHT and got to learn quite a bit about this interesting optic.
Vortex Coverage on AllOutdoor
- AllOutdoor Review: The Vortex Razor 1-10×24 FFP
- AllOutdoor Review – Vortex Optics Defender CCW 3 MOA Red Dot
- AllOutdoor Review: Vortex Diamondback Tactical – Best $500 Riflescope?
Specs – Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50mm FFP
Western hunting demands an optic built for long range and the long haul, and the Razor® HD LHT™ 4.5-22×50 FFP delivers. You still get the core of the Razor® HD LHT™, including a stunning HD optical system and rugged build in a hunting scope that’s among the lightest in its class. Where the Razor® HD LHT™ 4.5-22×50 FFP distances itself is in offering more magnification, and a first focal plane reticle featuring the XLR-2 reticle system, which is intuitive, easy to use, and illuminated. You also get our RevStop™ Zero System for a reliable return to zero after dialing in the field, and a locking elevation turret keeps your zero safe.
Specifications
| Magnification | 4.5-22x |
|---|---|
| Objective Lens Diameter | 50 mm |
| Reticle | XLR-2 (MOA) |
| Turret Style | Capped |
| Tube Size | 30 mm |
| Adjustment Graduation | 1/4 MOA |
| Parallax Setting | 25 yards to infinity |
| Max Windage Adjustment | 45 MOA |
| Max Elevation Adjustment | 75 MOA |
| Travel Per Rotation | 15 MOA |
| Field of View | 23.5-4.7 ft/100yds |
| Eye Relief | 4.0 inches |
| Length | 13.3 inches |
| Weight | 21.7 oz |
| Elevation Travel Per Rotation | 15 MOA |
| Windage Travel Per Rotation | 15 MOA |
Setup and in Use – Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50mm FFP
I paired the Razor HD LHT with a Springfield Waypoint chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. This ended up being a near perfect pairing, being an incredibly lightweight and capable package that myself and fellow AllOutdoor writer Eugene L. took out easily to 650 yards, this combination being clearly capable of much further. CMP Talladega has various steel targets from 100 yards to 650 yards in random places and varying sizes, making it a perfect place to test the XLR-2 reticle.
To use the XLR-2 reticle to its fullest extent, I would range a target and only hold on the reticle instead of my usual method of dialing for elevation, each and every shot was perfect. I did later switch to dialing to verify that the Razor HD LHT was tracking properly and to no surprise, it did. Locking turrets and return to zero were all functioning correctly.
My only real complaints while using the Razor HD LHT is the magnification ring is exceedingly tight, making quick adjustments difficult. The finish on the optic is a bit on the reflective side, and the printed lettering on the optic’s body near the objective lens and eyepiece are cheap looking. The lettering reminds me of Comic Sans, not something that is pleasing to see on such a nice high-end optic.
Countering that lettering, the lettering printed for the turrets, parallax, and focus ring are all incredible looking, easy to see in low light and match the quality you expect for an optic in this price range.
The glass in the Razor HD LHT is nothing short of excellent. Minimal edge distortion even at maximum magnification, eye relief is forgiving, and light transmission is among the best I’ve used. This is well in line with other Razor series optics, but truly shows that optical clarity was not sacrificed for cost or weight savings in this new LHT model.
While this is a light-weight optic and the body feels thinner than other Vortex optics I’ve used, durability appears to be quite good. While field dressing a whitetail deer, I had my rifle propped up in the corner of a barn that has a floor made of modular metal bridge panels, I heard a sound no one wants to hear, the rifle falling and smacking on the ground. I finished dressing my deer, cleaned up, looked over the rifle and optic, finding no damage. I took it out to our 100-yard range later to check zero and to my surprise, the Razor HD LHT did not shift and held its zero perfectly. Discovering this by accident led me to have more peace of mind knowing that this optic is tough enough to trust, even if it gets bumped or, in my case, dropped.
Final Thoughts – Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50mm FFP
Using the Razor HD LHT is a pleasant experience. The XLR-2 Reticle is excellent, glass quality is top-notch, turrets have a nice positive click, and it does all this while weighing just 21.7 oz. The MSRP of $2,199.99 is a bit shocking, but if you shop around, expect to pay a good bit less than that. The Razor HD LHT is an impressive optic, its durability and clarity alone make this a worthwhile look if you are in the market for a new hunting optic. Visit the product page HERE for additional information.
