The spotlight on this post is on the best Vortex long-range riflescopes. Vortex is one of the most trusted brands in the optics field. It makes phenomenal rifle scopes that give shooters high power in almost every situation from close-range to long-range.
These scopes go beyond other brands in the market and provide more precision which standard sights can’t provide. If you are looking for a riflescope with enough horsepower to take you where other scopes can’t, you stumbled upon the right guide. Read on!
What Makes a Great Long-Range Riflescope?
Magnification defines a great long-range riflescope. Without the right magnification settings, it’s hard to make accurate long-range shots. A scope with the right magnification brings you closer to the targets and provides clear views for accurate shot placement.
Besides magnification, the scope should be well-made to provide many years of field use. It should be compatible with the firearm you intend to use and easy to use. To top it all, the scope should be waterproof and fog-free, so you can use it even in extreme weather conditions.
5 Best Vortex Long-Range Riflescopes
With the market offering hundreds of long-range riflescopes, finding the right scope for your needs becomes a little overwhelming. To help, we have a detailed guide on the best Vortex long-range riflescopes available on the market today. These scopes are highly versatile, durable and very dependable. With that in mind, let’s get started.
#1) Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 5-25×56 FFP Riflescopes
The Strike Eagle 5-25×56 riflescope is arguably the best and most versatile long-range riflescope. When you want to take your long-distance game to the next level, you can hardly go wrong with the scope. You can use it for target shooting, competitive shooting, or for military and law enforcement use.
The scope features a first focal plane illuminated reticle for shooting in low light conditions. Being on the first focal plane, the Enhanced Battle Reticle (EBR-7C) changes its size with changes in magnification. The sub tensions remain accurate at all ranges. The fast focus included ensures quick and simple reticle focusing for fast target acquisition.
The optical performance of the scope is imposing. The XD the optical system provides excellent image resolution, superior edge-to-edge sharpness, and minimal chromatic aberration. Not to mention the anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces, which enhance light transmission for bright and vivid images even in dismal environments.
The scope also features a durable Armortek coating which makes the exterior lenses scratch-resistant. It also helps remove dirt, oil, and fingerprints to provide clear views all through.
For added accuracy and ease of use, the Strike Eagle has unique tactical turrets that provide quick, precise and easy-to-read elevation and windage adjustments. The advanced tactical locking turrets keep the scope dialed in and prevent accidental adjustments.
When it comes to construction, the scope provides unbeatable durability. The 34mm main tube is crafted with aircraft-grade aluminum which provides great strength and durability. Besides the whole unit is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof. You can take it anywhere you go and it will perform.
Features
- The first focal plane illuminated reticle
- Versatile 5-25x magnification power
- Anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Durable and shockproof construction
- 34mm one-piece main tube
- Throw lever for rapid magnification changes
- XD lens elements
- Advanced tactical locking turrets
Pros
- Excellent long-range performance
- Multipurpose application
- Superb low-light performance
- Bright and clear images
Cons
- Costly
#2) Vortex Optics Venom 5-25×56 FFP Riflescope
Like other Vortex long-range riflescopes, relentless performance is omnipresent with the Venom scope. The Vortex Venom 5-25×56 riflescope is all you need to advance your skills to long-range shooting.
Featuring a First Focal Plane EBR-7C reticle, the scope provides accurate holds at every magnification and a throw lever for quick and simple transitions between magnifications.
With a massive 5-25x magnification, this 34mm riflescope will bring long-range targets closer for accurate target acquisition. With scopes, a clear-sighted picture is crucial in long-range shooting.
This riflescope features XD the optical system to give you bright, clear, and sharp images. The lenses are fully multi-coated to enhance the optimum light transmission needed when shooting in low-light conditions.
The scope features a RevStop Zero System which provides easy to-set, fast and dependable return to zero. The fast-focus eyepiece provides quick and easy reticle focusing, while the side parallax knob allows for quick parallax elimination.
When it comes to construction, the Venom scope is built to last. The 34mm main tube is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, so it’s durable yet lightweight. The exterior lenses have an Armortek coating which makes them scratch-proof and oil-proof. Besides, the scope is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed, so it’s fully waterproof and fogproof.
Features
- Armortek lens coating
- EBR-7C reticle
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Powerful 5-25x magnification
- Adjustable objective for parallax correction
- 85MOA maximum windage and elevation
- Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Throw lever for smooth transitions between magnifications
- Fully multi-coated lenses
Pros
- Sturdy turrets
- FFP reticle that’s easy to see and read
- Great long-range accuracy
- Great value for the price
Cons
- None so far
#3) Vortex Optics Viper HS LR FFP Riflescopes
If you want to extend your shooting to long-range, the Vortex Viper HS LR Riflescope suits you. This riflescope is primarily designed for shooting long-range targets. The LR stands for long-range, but you can use it for mid-range shooting as well.
It makes a great companion for tactical shooting and long-range hunting. The Viper HS LR riflescopes stand out among the best Vortex long-range riflescopes due to their superior optical construction that delivers relentless performance.
The scope is designed to be easy to use. The erector-spring system provides maximum repeatability as well as ease of adjustment. Additionally, the scope features a precision-glide erector system that provides seamless magnification changes even in harsh shooting environments. The exposed tactical elevation turret ensures quick, accurate and easy-to-read elevation adjustments.
Another notable feature of the scope is its impressive optical performance. The XD glass provides sharp and clear images, while the XR multi-coated lenses let you capture the most light when shooting in low-light conditions. The versatile 4x zoom increases your accuracy by getting you closer to your distant targets.
The aircraft-grade aluminum construction makes the scope sturdy and durable. The ultra-hard Armortek lens coatings make the lens scratchproof, dirtproof, and oilproof. On top of that, the scope is fully waterproof and fogproof and has a hard-anodized matte black finish to reduce glare and enhance durability.
Features
- First Focal Plane Reticle
- XR multi-coated lenses
- CRS Zero Stop
- Wide field of view: 17.8-5.1ft/100yds
- Ultra-hard, scratch-resistant Armortek coatings
- Fogproof and waterproof
- Hard anodized black matte finish
- Capped windage turret
- Exposed elevation turret
- Fast focus eyepiece
Pros
- Excellent long-range performance
- Parallax setting from 50 yards to infinity
- Durable
- Generous eye relief
- Clear images at all ranges
Cons
- High cost
#4) Vortex Optics Golden Eagle HD 15-60×52 SFP Riflescopes
The Golden Eagle HD 15-60×52 riflescope is specially designed for long-range shooting. With the massive 15-60x magnification, the scope provides unparalleled long-range accuracy. You can use it for big-game long-range hunting, tactical shooting, or competitive shooting. Undoubtedly one of the trusted Vortex long-range riflescopes.
The riflescope is packed with tons of high-end features. It features optically indexed lenses that provide superior image brightness and sharpness. The scope also features high-quality, XR anti-reflective coatings which produce the brightest images even at high magnification.
The high-end riflescope features a 30mm main tube crafted from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum. Though durable, the scope is lightweight and portable. It weighs about 29.5 ounces, so you’ll be able to comply with strict competition limits.
The scope is very easy to use. It has a Simple Crosshair Reticle housed in the second focal plane. This reticle is easy to use and read as well. The 1/8 MOA clicks allow you to make subtle adjustments, while the fast-focus eyepiece ensures quick reticle focusing. Better yet, the scope features a side focus adjustment which you can use to eliminate parallax and increase your accuracy.
Overall, this is an expensive riflescope but worth the price. It’s fully waterproof and fog-free so you can use it in any weather conditions. Compared to the other Vortex long-range riflescopes, Golden Eagle HD 15-60×52’s performance is unbeatable.
Features
- 30mm main tube
- Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Fully waterproof and fog-free
- High-quality, XR anti-reflective coatings
- Adjustable parallax
- Fast focus eyepiece
- SFP Simple Crosshair Reticle
- Extra-fine resolution turret
- 10MOA windage turret
Pros
- Aluminum lens cap
- Shockproof and recoil-resistant
- Crisp clear images
- Relatively lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
#5) Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-24×50 AO SFP Riflescope
Lastly in our recommendations for the best Vortex long-range riflescopes is the Crossfire II 6-24X AO scope. If you are on a budget, the Crossfire II 6-24×50 AO SFP Riflescope is your best option.
This riflescope is designed to be easy to use so it’s the best option for beginners and professionals alike. The versatile 6-24x magnification makes it a great choice for mid to long-range targets.
One great feature of the scope is the long eye relief. This means that you can pair it with your heavy recoil rifle and not worry about your eyes getting hit. Besides, the scope has an ultra-forgiving eye box which makes your views more comfortable.
This riflescope provides unbeatable durability. It is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum which ensures great strength and durability. It is also shockproof and impact-resistant to stand up to harsh outdoor conditions.
Moreover, the unit is O-ring sealed on both ends and nitrogen purged to deliver waterproof and fog-free performance. You can use the scope in wet and humid environments and it won’t be damaged.
The anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission and reduce light reflection. This results in the production of bright, clear and sharp images from dusk to dawn. If you are looking for a long-range scope for hunting, you’ll find this feature handy.
The adjustable objective provides parallax removal when shooting long-range and sharp image focus for accurate target acquisition. Thanks to the fast-focus eyepiece, you get quick and easy reticle focusing. The BDC reticle is easy to use and read, and makes it easy for you to estimate bullet drop when shooting at varying distances.
Features
- Powerful 6-24x magnification
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Adjustable objective for parallax removal
- Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses
- Finger adjustable capped reset turrets
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Shockproof and impact-resistant
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Parallax elimination from 25 yards to infinity
Pros
- Best budget option
- Easy to read BDC reticle
- Long eye relief
- Bright, clear and sharp views
- Smooth zoom
Cons
- Heavy recoil can offset the reticle
See Also
- Best Vortex Scopes for 6.5 Grendel
- Best Vortex Varmint Scopes
- Best Vortex Scopes for Elk Hunting
- Best Vortex Viper Spotting Scopes
Best Vortex Long-Range Riflescopes Buying Guide & FAQs
Choosing the Best Vortex Long-Range Riflescopes
Here are some of the most significant factors that you should consider when shopping for the best Vortex long-range riflescopes.
Magnification
The first thing you should consider in a long-range riflescope is magnification. This applies to all riflescopes, not just Vortex. While the exact range that a bullet can reach depends on the rifle and the type of bullet, having a scope with the right magnification will play a huge role in how accurate you’ll place the shot.
For many long-range rifles, a scope with a magnification setting of 10x and above should be a good starting point. If you are a beginner a scope with a maximum of 10x magnification will suffice. Plus, if you are using a low-power rifle, you don’t need a scope with very high magnification.
If you are a seasoned shooter/hunter looking to take your long-range shooting skills to the next level, you can go for a scope with upper magnification settings of 15x and above. If you are using a high-powered rifle such as the 6.5 Creedmoor, you can use a scope with a high magnification of up to 20x and more.
Objective Lens
The size of the objective lens in any scope directly affects how much light gets into the scope. The larger the objective lens diameter, the more light collects into the scope. This results in the production of bright, clear and sharp images.
Better yet, a bigger objective lens provides a wide field of vision even at the highest magnification settings. This provides a comfortable shooting experience and helps in quick target acquisition.
However, a scope with a bigger objective lens is heavier and difficult to carry in the field for long hours. Moreover, a big lens might limit the number of rifles that you mount your scope on.
It can also alter the balance of your rifle and interfere with the accuracy. But, if you are a seasoned shooter, you are less likely to experience this problem. Make sure that you find the perfect balance between the objective lens size and weight depending on your shooting needs.
Durability
Long-range rifle scopes are important investments that shooters make. Therefore, you’ll want the scope to be well-made to ensure long-lasting durability. This is particularly important if you are investing in an expensive scope. The last thing you would want is to buy a scope and have it break down after your first shooting/hunting excursion.
Try to look for a scope whose main tube is crafted with high-quality and durable materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum or any other similar and sturdy material. Scopes made with such materials are durable, shockproof, and impact-resistant. They are built to withstand the harshest outdoor conditions.
You should also make sure that the scope is fully weatherproof. The scope should be O-ring sealed at both ends to prevent moisture, dirt, and dust entry. It should be nitrogen-filled or argon purged to prevent internal fogging caused by changes in temperature. With these properties, you’ll be able to enjoy reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance all through.
Lens Coating
When shooting long-range having bright and vivid images is important for accurate target acquisition. The best Vortex long-range scopes have anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses to improve light transmission.
The more the light transmission the brighter and clearer the images become even in low light conditions. Therefore, make sure that the scope you choose has fully coated/fully multi-coated lenses.
For added durability, the best Vortex long-range scopes have optics coated with a special layer of Armortek coating. This coating is important in keeping the lenses scratchproof. It also removes dirt, oil, and fingerprints for clear views.
Eye Relief
The other important factor to consider is the amount of eye relief. This is particularly important if you wear eyeglasses and if you are used a heavy-recoil rifle. Eye relief refers to the minimum distance between your eye and the eyepiece of the scope where you can have a full view of the images offered.
If you are using a firearm with high recoil, you’ll need a scope with at least 3.5 inches of eye relief. This will hopefully keep your eyes safe from getting hit by the rifle due to recoil. If you wear eyeglasses, try to look for a scope with even more eye relief. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy snug views with your glasses on.
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Fixed vs Variable Power for Long-Range Shooting
Scopes with fixed magnification have one magnification setting only. The main benefit of such scopes is that they are cheaper and more lightweight. However, you can’t adjust the magnification to suit your needs. You’ll have to settle on one hunting scenario all through.
On other hand, long-range riflescopes with variable magnification are more versatile. You can use them to shoot targets at varying ranges. If you are shooting short-range, you can use the lowest magnification setting then move higher for long-range targets.
In most cases, variable power is recommended for long-range shooting. But in the end, it trickles down to individual shooting preference.
First Focal Plane Vs Second Focal Plane for Long-Range Shooting
A scope whose reticle is housed in the first focal plane means that the size of the reticle changes with a change in magnification. If you increase the magnification, the reticle increases, and vice versa.
With a first focal plane reticle, you don’t have to calculate or guess the harsh reticle marks. This is beneficial when shooting long-range where fast follow-up shots using hold-over are more probable.
On the other hand, second focal plane reticles remain unchanged with changes in magnification. The reticle is fixed at one magnification setting, normally the highest setting possible. This means that your estimation point on the reticle will only be truly accurate at one magnification setting. With the other settings, you will either calculate your estimates or take a guess.
For long-range shooting, most hunters and shooters prefer scopes with reticles on the first focal plane. Although it takes time to get used to this reticle type, it maintains great accuracy through a wide range of magnification settings.
Read: Best Riflescopes for 6.5 Creedmoor
Other Brands that Make Long Range Scopes
Vortex is one of the best brands that make high-quality long-range scopes. But it is not the only brand. Here are some other reputable brands that make premium long-range scopes.
Leupold
Leupold is a USA-based company. It manufactures high-quality riflescopes for both close and long-range shooting. This brand is renowned for its reliability and imposing glass quality. Leupold long-range scopes are among the best in the world. They are used by hunters, competitive shooters, and even the military.
Swarovski
Swarovski long-range rifle scopes are popularly known for high-quality glass. When you look through a Swarovski scope, you will see the brightest, sharpest and clearest images.
Carl Zeiss
Zeiss is a German manufacturer of some of the best optics. Zeiss long-range riflescopes are renowned for their high-quality lenses. These scopes provide superior optical performance under any lighting conditions.
NightForce
NightForce riflescopes offer unbeatable durability. These scopes are built to last. They deliver reliable performance in any outdoor environment. Besides, these scopes can be used in any weather condition.
Read: Best RifleScopes for 1000 Yards
Best Vortex Long-Range Riflescopes FAQs
Q: Are Vortex Scopes Reliable?
Absolutely. All Vortex scopes come with a lifetime warranty. You are therefore assured that any unit you get is built to last. These scopes are fully weatherproof and durably made to provide many years of service. They also provide great long-range accuracy.
Q: How Much Should I Spend on a Rifle Scope?
This will depend on your budget. However, you must choose a quality scope that meets your needs even if it’s expensive, rather than getting a low-quality cheap scope that falls apart after the first shooting excursion.
Conclusion
We hope that you have found this post helpful. All of the scopes listed above are quality, durable and reliable. They offer every feature you need as a long-range hunter, tactical shooter, or competitive shooter. Invest in any one of them and have the best long-range shooting experience.