Guides, Scopes and Optics

7 Best Vortex Scopes

Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm

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Are you searching for the best Vortex scope? By the end of this guide, you will find a reliable Vortex scope made from superior-quality materials.

Vortex is a well-known brand that manufactures various optical devices, including scopes for firearms, binoculars, and spotting scopes. They offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality. This makes them an appealing choice for both amateur and professional shooters.

Vortex scopes are worth purchasing because they have a VIP lifetime warranty. In addition, they come with fully multi-coated lenses that offer clear and bright images. Hunters recommend them for their clarity and brightness, even in low-light conditions.

Depending on the model, Vortex scopes may come with features like illuminated reticles, adjustable parallax, and first or second-focal plane options. This makes it challenging to select the right scope for your rifle.

This is why we compiled the top options for hunters, target shooters, or tactical professionals. 

Let us get right into it.

7 Best Vortex Scopes

1) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32mm

 

 

The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope is one of the best Vortex scopes that will elevate your shooting experience. It boasts fully multi-coated optics to reduce glare and provide clear vision across all magnification levels.

This scope is popular because of its durable construction that withstands harsh climates and heavy recoil. It is made from premium anodized aluminum to ensure it lasts long.

The Vortex Crossfire II is not only waterproof and fogproof but also shockproof. In addition, the windage and elevation turrets of the Crossfire II come with a fast reset-to-zero function. This allows for seamless adjustments.

The fast-focus eyepiece ensures quick target acquisition and maintains sharp focus. This makes it easy to acquire moving targets. 

Investing in the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope also means accessing Vortex’s VIP Warranty. This ensures that the scope is repaired or replaced if damaged or defective.

Pros

  • Fully multi-coated optics deliver exceptional light transmission
  • Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum
  • Outstanding durability and preventing scratches during hunts
  • Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof design
  • Fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick and precise target acquisition
  • Windage and elevation turrets
  • Vortex VIP Warranty

Cons

  • Non-illuminated reticle

 

2) Vortex Viper PA 6.5-20x50mm Rifle Scope

Vortex Viper PA 6.5-20x50mm

 

 

 

If you are searching for a Vortex scope for engaging long-range targets, consider buying the Vortex Viper PA 6.5-20x50mm Rifle Scope. It has a magnification of 6.5-20x, paired with a large 50 mm objective lens. 

The Vortex Viper PA Rifle Scope introduces the innovative ViewMag adjustment lever. It enables swift power adjustments without losing sight of your target. This feature proves invaluable for maintaining focus during critical shots, giving you an edge in the field.

This scope is equipped with pop-up dials for precise elevation and windage adjustments. The tactile clicks are audible and easily counted, facilitating rapid adjustments even in challenging conditions.

This reliable scope is constructed from 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. This rugged build is further underscored by rigorous factory testing under extreme forces. This allows you to use the scope in rugged terrain. 

We recommend this scope because it is O-ring sealed, waterproof, and fogproof. In addition, it features XR fully multi-coated lenses to increase light transmission and minimize glare. This ensures that you always receive clear images across all magnification levels.

Pros

  • ViewMag adjustment lever allows rapid power adjustments
  • Pop-up dials enable precise elevation and windage adjustments with audible clicks
  • Crafted from rugged 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum
  • All-weather performance
  • XD lens elements and XR fully multi-coated lenses
  • Vortex’s VIP Warranty offers an unlimited lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Learning curve

 

3) Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope

Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm

 

 

The Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is an affordable Vortex scope that will help you hone your precision and accuracy skills. Most shooting enthusiasts recommend this scope because it offers precise adjustments and has many features.

The exceptional feature of this scope is the fully multi-coated lenses that deliver impeccable clarity and light transmission. This ensures that you do not miss any target.

This scope is made from 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. The durable construction ensures longevity even in demanding conditions.

The pop-up dials enable precise adjustments for elevation and windage. In addition, the second focal plane reticle ensures that your reticle remains consistent in size as you adjust the magnification. This provides accurate aiming points at all levels. 

This scope is popular because it is engineered to withstand the elements. It is purged with Argon gas to eliminate internal fogging and endure the harshest conditions.

We recommend this scope because it has a fast-focus eyepiece for swift target acquisition. In addition, this scope has a VIP warranty. 

Pros

  • Fully multi-coated lenses to provide clear images
  • Pop-up dials offer easy and precise adjustments for elevation and windage
  • Crafted from 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum
  • Magnification range of 3x to 9x
  • Second focal plane reticle
  • Durable construction
  • VIP warranty

Cons

  • Moderate eye relief

 

4) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm

 

 

The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15x44mm is an excellent scope for close to long-range shooting applications. This scope offers the precision and clarity you need for a successful hunting expedition.

The exceptional feature of this scope is the illuminated reticle. It ensures precise aiming even in low-light conditions. No matter the lighting challenges, this rifle scope delivers accuracy vital for a successful shot.

This scope is popular because it employs extra-low dispersion glass. In addition, it enhances resolution and color fidelity. This means you can discern between foliage and an animal’s natural camouflage with remarkable clarity. 

This scope is designed to endure the harshest conditions. Its fogproof, waterproof, and shockproof features make it a reliable optical companion in any environment.

We recommend this scope because the ArmorTek scratch-resistant coating adds a layer of protection to the glass. This ensures a clear view through the lens, even in rugged conditions.

Pros

  • Illuminated reticle ensures precise aiming even in low-light environments
  • Designed to withstand harsh conditions
  • Extra-low dispersion glass enhances resolution and color fidelity
  • First focal plane reticle
  • Crafted from sturdy aircraft-grade aluminum
  • Scratch-resistant ArmorTek coating 
  • Wide field of view
  • VIP warranty

Cons

  • Complex for beginners

 

5) Vortex Viper HS 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope

Vortex Viper HS 4-16x50mm

 

 

The Vortex Viper HS 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope emerges as a game-changer, offering an unmatched blend of accuracy, durability, and innovative features. It has many impressive features to hone your precision and accuracy skills.

The Vortex Viper HS 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope redefines clarity with its XD Lens Elements and XR Fully Multi-Coated optics. They ensure you get sharp images across all the magnification levels.

This scope features a rugged 30mm one-piece machined aluminum tube that can withstand harsh conditions. The lenses are locked using machine locking rings, ensuring they remain perfectly aligned through recoil and impact. This level of durability is reinforced by its shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof design.

The ultra-friendly eye box and increased eye relief of the Viper HS offer shooters a quick and hassle-free target acquisition experience. In addition, the capped reset turrets and a side focus knob allow hunters and shooters to make precise windage and elevation adjustments quickly. 

We recommend this scope for seasoned hunters or dedicated sharpshooters because of its rugged design.

Pros

  • XD Lens Elements and XR Fully Multi-Coated optics
  • Durable construction
  • ultra-friendly eye box 
  • Increased eye relief
  • Capped reset turrets and side focus knob
  • VIP warranty

Cons

  • Pricey

 

6) Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope

Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm

 

 

If you are searching for a premium Vortex LVPO, the Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope is a solid choice. This scope stands out when it comes to improving precision and accuracy skills.

The exceptional feature of this scope is the clear optics that provide the best images across all magnification levels. The XR Plus Fully Multi-Coated lens ensures minimal light loss and maximum brightness.

The other unique feature is the APO system. It helps to eliminate chromatic aberration, ensuring precise target acquisition. In addition, the illuminated reticle provides a clear aiming point in various lighting conditions.

The large turrets facilitate quick adjustments even with gloved hands. In addition, the exterior lenses are protected by ArmorTek, guarding against scratches, oil, and dirt.

We recommend this scope because of the illumination settings. In addition, the rugged one-piece construction ensures stability and durability.

Pros

  • Boasts optically indexed lenses and high-definition lens elements
  • Magnification range of 1-6x
  • Illuminated center dot provides a clear aiming point
  • Durable construction
  • Large diameter turrets
  • Exterior lenses are safeguarded by ArmorTek coating
  • APO system eliminates chromatic aberration
  • VIP warranty

Cons

  • Expensive

 

7) Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-12x50mm Rifle Scope

Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-12x50mm Rifle Scope

 

 

The last scope on our list today is the Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-12x50mm Rifle Scope. It’s designed for close to medium-range targeting shooting applications. It is ideal for both seasoned hunters and tactical enthusiasts.

The fully multi-coated optics of the Crossfire II guarantee exceptional light transmission. This makes a reliable companion during the early hours of dawn or the fading light of twilight. The adjustable objective lens further enhances this capability, which eliminates parallax errors, ensuring pinpoint accuracy.

The Crossfire II AO 4-12x50mm Rifle Scope is engineered to withstand the harshest conditions. It’s fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, making it a reliable companion through every adventure. Its capped turrets enhance its resilience against impacts, ensuring consistent accuracy.

We recommend this scope because of its rugged design. In addition, it eliminates parallax errors, ensuring pinpoint accuracy.

Pros

  • Zoom magnification ranges from 4x to 12x
  • Delivers exceptional light transmission
  • Accurate parallax adjustment
  • Rugged build 
  • Weatherproof design
  • VIP warranty

Cons

  • Not illuminated

 

See Also

 

Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Vortex Scope

Magnification

Determine what level of magnification is necessary for your specific needs. Vortex offers scopes with varying magnification levels, suitable for close-range shooting to long-range precision.

Objective Lens Diameter

The size of the objective lens affects how much light can be gathered, impacting brightness and clarity. A larger objective lens provides better low-light performance but may add weight.

Reticle Type

Consider the type of reticle that suits your shooting needs. Whether it’s a simple duplex reticle or a more advanced BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticle, Vortex provides options.

Turret Adjustments

Check the adjustment mechanisms like windage and elevation turrets. Some Vortex scopes offer exposed turrets for quick adjustments, while others have capped turrets for protection.

Focal Plane

Decide between a first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) reticle, as they function differently. FFP reticles change with magnification, while SFP reticles remain the same size.

Eye Relief

This is the distance from the rear lens your eye can be and still provide a full view. Appropriate eye relief helps ensure comfort and safety, especially with higher recoil firearms.

Parallax Adjustment

Parallax adjustment can be essential for precise long-range shots, helping to ensure that the reticle remains in the same position relative to the target regardless of eye position.

Weight and Size

Consider the weight and overall dimensions of the scope, especially if it’s to be used on a lightweight or compact firearm.

Construction Quality

Look at the materials and construction. Vortex is known for building durable and weather-resistant scopes. However, each model will vary in terms of waterproofing, fog resistance, and shock resistance. This is why we only included the top options made from superior-quality materials.

Compatibility with Your Firearm

Ensure the scope mounts and overall design work with your specific firearm and intended use. The options we have shared are compatible with most firearms.

Special Features

Consider special features like illuminated reticles, zero-reset turrets, or custom ballistic options depending on your specific needs. As you have seen, Vortex scopes have many impressive features to improve your shooting experience.

 

See Also

 

Frequently Asked Questions When Buying The Best Vortex Scope

1) Which is better, Vortex or Leupold?

Vortex optics are normally less costly than Leupold and sometimes provide features at a lower price point. Leupold is more expensive, but their optical clarity seems better. They also have a larger offering of scope models than Vortex.

2) Does the diameter of a scope matter?

Yes, absolutely. The objective lens diameter determines how much light is allowed into the scope. The greater the diameter, the more light is allowed into the scope. As a result, the exit pupil is larger, and the image is brighter. The objective lens diameter on most scopes ranges from 32mm to 44mm. These provide an excellent balance of light-gathering ability, affordability, and image quality.

3) Can I use a Vortex riflescope on a slug gun?

Yes absolutely. You can use a Vortex rifle scope on a shotgun for any reason as long as it is compatible. Although scopes were designed for rifles and long-range shooting, they can still be utilized on slug guns. Remember that even the best slug gun has a restricted range compared to a rifle. Therefore, you don’t need a slug gun scope with much magnification.

Conclusion

In today’s buying guide, we have reviewed 7 of the best Vortex scopes you can buy. We have also highlighted the important factors to consider to ensure you have a well-informed purchase.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select a Vortex scope that best meets your requirements for hunting, target shooting, or tactical applications.

Many professional shooters and enthusiasts vouch for Vortex scopes. The positive reviews and recommendations from users can provide peace of mind when buying these scopes. In addition, we also tested each scope to ensure you get value for your money.

We hope this comprehensive guide helped you make an informed purchase.

 

See Also