What’s the best spotting scope on the market? The best Vortex spotting scopes are simply one of the finest spotting scopes in the world of optics. Vortex is one of the most reputable brands known to make quality scopes and so is the case with their spotting scopes.
The best Vortex spotting scopes are suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities and the next time you go out for birdwatching, hunting, wildlife viewing, or shooting, consider taking one with you.
Vortex spotting scopes come in a multitude of models and for different budgets as well. With the wide range of models to choose from, it becomes a little overwhelming to find the right model for your needs especially if you are in the market for the first time.
If you would like to own a Vortex spotting scope and you find it difficult to make the best selection, here is a review of the best spotting scopes from the Vortex brand worth investing in.
Straight vs Angled
Choosing between a straight or angled scope is mostly a matter of personal preference. An angled scope is better when it comes to birding, especially if you are looking into treetops.
On the other hand, a straight scope is ideal for hunting as it makes tracking of the game simple and quick. The other important factor that influences which scope style you’ll choose is if you are engaged in group viewing.
If you’ll be viewing alone, you can opt for the straight scope since you won’t have to worry about adjusting your height. On the other hand, if you have a group of people, be it, friends or family members, and angles scope is better suited to everyone’s varying heights.
5 Best Vortex Spotting Scopes
From a selection of the many spotting scopes we chose the following spotting scopes. They are ideal for several glassing applications including birding, hunting, long-range shooting and backcountry hunting.
#1) Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope
If you are in the market for a new spotting scope or an upgrade to your current one, the Vortex Optics Razor HD Spotting Scope is your best option. Built to last a lifetime, this spotting scope is all you need to embark on an outdoor activity that requires the use of an optic.
Equipped with a versatile zoom power, this optic allows you to view targets in both close and long-range. An adjustable eyecup allows comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses while the macro adjustment allows the user to rapidly focus on moving targets.
Additionally, a micro-adjustment enables you to fine-tune the image in any environment. This angled scope also features XR Plus anti-reflective lens coating which delivers unparalleled image brightness and clarity even in low-light conditions.
A shock-absorbing rubber armor enhances durability while still providing the user with an ergonomic, non-slip grip. For all-weather reliability, this spotting scope is fully waterproof and fog proof. Weighing just 4.2 pounds, it’s lightweight, compact, and easily packed for your convenience.
Key Features
- Armortek lens coating.
- Waterproof and fog proof.
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor.
- Lightweight, compact and packable.
- Reliable low-light performance.
- Versatile zoom power.
- XR Plus anti-reflective lens coating.
- Adjustable eyecup to accommodate eyeglass wearers.
- Extremely rugged and durable.
- Unlimited eye relief.
- Perfect for a wide range of outdoor applications.
#2) Vortex Razor HD Spotting Scope
Investing in a good quality spotting scope doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. The Vortex Razor HD Spotting Scope comes with a wide range of impressive features all at a reasonable price tag.
Other than being budget-friendly, this optic is one of the finest you can buy. The sophisticated triplet apochromatic lens system enhances light transmission to deliver high-definition image views across a wide range of lighting conditions.
Additionally, the multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces deliver bright and clear image views. For convenient transportation while out in the field, this scope is lightweight and packable.
It’s also fully waterproof and fogproof, for reliable all-weather performance. Being tripod mountable, you get to enjoy comfortable long viewing sessions. It also comes with a generous eye relief for snug viewing with or without eyeglasses.
Key Features
- Sturdily built to last for years.
- All-weather reliability.
- Intuitive and easy to use.
- Tripod mountable.
- Decent magnification range.
- Generous eye relief.
- Versatile magnification power.
- Reliable performance in different lighting conditions.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Outstanding edge-to-edge image clarity.
- XR Plus fully multi-coated lenses.
#3) Vortex Optics Diamondback Spotting Scopes
Vortex is a well-known optics brand and their Diamondback spotting scopes are among the best spotting scopes in the market today. Built to a true strength platform, the Diamondback spotting scopes are extremely durable and sturdy enough to withstand rigorous outdoor environments.
Built from a composite material, this spotting scope is a heavy-weight performer inside a lightweight and compact package. The lenses are fully multi-coated to enhance light transmission and with a retractable built-in sunshade.
Consequently, you get to enjoy excellent light transmission and image clarity even when using the optic under broad daylight. The eye relief is long and consistent, and you can easily adjust the eyecups up and down to maximize comfort during use even if you put on eyeglasses.
And that’s not all. This spotting scope also features shock-absorbing rubber armor which enhances durability while providing the user with a secure, non-slip grip. For worry-free all-weather reliability, this optic is fully waterproof and fogproof.
Key Features
- Superb light transmission.
- 100% waterproof and fogproof.
- Lightweight and perfect for travel.
- Adjustable eyecups to accommodate eyeglass wearers.
- Unlimited eye relief.
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor.
- Built to last for decades.
- Secure, non-slip rubber grip.
- Fully multi-coated lenses.
- Wide field of view.
- Retractable, built-in sunshade.
- Powerful zoom eyepiece.
- Smooth and easy to focus wheel.
#4) Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Spotting Scopes
If you need a durable budget spotting scope, go for the Diamondback HD Spotting Scopes. Ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities, this optic features an HD optical system that delivers exceptional image resolution with outstanding color fidelity.
All air-to-glass surfaces feature multiple anti-reflective coatings to enhance light transmission and deliver bright and crystal-clear image views. For reliable performance in all weather conditions, this optic is O-ring sealed and argon purged to deliver waterproof and fog-proof performance respectively.
An Armortek lens coating sheds dirt and oil while protecting the lenses against scratches. Suitable for people who put on eyeglasses, these optic features adjustable eyecups that twist up and down for comfortable viewing.
Moreover, shock-absorbing rubber armor enhances durability and provides an ergonomic, non-slip grip for the user. Made from high-quality aluminum material, this heavy-duty spotting scope is lightweight yet durable.
It also features a built-in sunshade which reduces glare and shields the objective lens from mechanical damage. A built-in tripod mount attaches easily to a wide range of tripods so you can have comfortable long viewing sessions.
Key Features
- Mounts on a wide range of tripods.
- Adjustable eyepiece.
- Extremely durable.
- Waterproof and fogproof.
- Fully multi-coated HD optical system.
- Armortek lens coating.
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor.
- Made of high-quality aluminum.
- Lightweight and perfect for travel.
- Ergonomic, non-slip rubber grip.
- Built-in sunshade.
- Anti-reflective coating on all air-to-glass surfaces.
#5) Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scopes
Lastly on this list is the Vortex Viper HD spotting scopes. Available at a notably high-end price, the Viper HD spotting Scope series dominates the market thanks to its impressive features and incredible optical performance.
Suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities, from hunting to birding and wildlife viewing, this spotting scope is lightweight and ideal for travel. Its tripod mountable so you can have comfortable viewing sessions.
Built to last for decades, this high-end spotting scope is durable and extremely rugged. Like any other Vortex Optic, it is O-ring sealed and argon purged to deliver waterproof and fog-proof performance respectively.
Furthermore, this optic features a built-in sunshade which helps minimize glare when viewing under broad daylight and also shields the objective lens from mechanical damage.
And that’s not all. A shock-absorbing rubber armor enhances the durability of the scopes while an ArborTech coating protects the lenses from dirt, scratches, and oil.
The HD optical system enhances light transmission to deliver bright and clear views even in low-light conditions. Also included is a multi-position eyecup that provides proper eye relief with or without glasses.
Key Features
- Extremely durable and impact-resistant.
- Fully waterproof, fogproof, and dustproof.
- Exceptional low-light performance.
- Long-lasting ArborTech lens coating.
- Multi-position eyecup.
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor.
- Built-in sunshade helps minimize broad daylight glare.
- Lightweight and ideal for travel.
- XR anti-reflective lens coating.
- High-end optical performance.
- Tripod mountable.
- Intuitive and easy to use.
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Best Vortex Spotting Scopes Buying Guide & FAQs
Why we Chose the Above Vortex Spotting Scopes
- Built to last. Vortex spotting scopes are durable and ruggedly made to withstand the rigorous outdoor environment.
- Lightweight, packable and perfect for travel.
- All-weather reliability. These optics are fully waterproof and fog proof to deliver reliable all-weather performance.
- Intuitive and easy to use. This makes them ideal for beginners and professionals alike.
- Outstanding image brightness and clarity even under low light performance.
- Highly versatile. Vortex optics are ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities which include birding, hunting, shooting, wildlife, and ocean viewing.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Vortex Spotting Scopes
A spotting scope is a huge investment that requires every buyer to make an informed decision. With the market offering a wide range of Vortex spotting scopes to choose from, here are some of the key factors to consider when buying one.
Portability
Multiple outdoor activities that are long-range or short-range require you to move around from one point to another. This means that you’ll be required to carry your spotting scope with you for miles and set it several times especially if you are using it for hunting.
For your convenience, look for an optic that’s lightweight, packable and ideal for travel. If you’ll be engaged in an activity that requires multiple set up and takes down the spotting scope, go for one that’s easy to mount and easy to take down as well.
Durable Construction
Multiple outdoor activities that require the use of a spotting scope involve movement from one point to the other. You’ll be carrying your spotting scope across miles on uneven surfaces and odds are that you will occasionally bump or accidentally drop the scope along the way. This calls for a spotting scope that’s rugged and sturdily made to withstand any shock or impact without sacrificing its performance.
Also, look for a scope that’s all-weather reliable. For reliable performance in all weather conditions, the spotting scope must be fully waterproof, dustproof, and fog proof. To have great value for your money, look for an optic that’s durable and sturdily made to last for years.
Light Gathering Ability
Like any other scope, the light-gathering ability of a Vortex spotting scope is indicated by the size of the objective lens. Most Vortex spotting scopes objective lenses vary in size from 50mm to 100mm. In general, large-sized objective lenses will produce brighter image views, however, they make the optic much heavier and difficult to pack.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the space between the eyepiece lens and the position at which your eye rests. Eyeglass wearers should pay keen attention to the amount of eye relief offered by the spotting scope.
An optic with long eye relief directs the focal point farther behind the eyepiece so sunglass/eyeglass wearers have a complete field of view. Given in mm, the best spotting scope should have at least 12-15mm of eye relief. This way, every user with or without eyeglasses will be assured of comfortable viewing.
Magnification
The ideal magnification power will depend on the activity you are engaged in. While many people think that the higher the magnification the better the scope, this is not always the case. The more powerful your lens is, the clearer your image views become.
However, at the highest magnification, images start to become blurry. The best spotting scopes have a magnification power that ranges from 15x to 60x. Anything more than this will affect your field of view and result to blur images.
Tripod Mountable
If you intend to engage yourself in long viewing sessions, consider getting a tripod for your spotting scope. Spotting scopes use high magnifications which necessitates the need for stabilization to get rid of image shakiness. While the small-sized models can be easily used without any tripod, they are much better if used with one.
Using a tripod enables you to enjoy your spotting scope’s potential to the fullest. Most Vortex spotting scopes come with a tripod or are tripod-mountable to provide comfortable, long viewing sessions.
See Also
FAQs About Vortex Spotting Scopes
Q: What Do Numbers on the Spotting Scope Mean?
If you are new to the world of optics, chances are that you are wondering what the numbers on the spotting scope mean. In a 20-60×80 spotting scope, the first two numbers. That is 20-60x indicate the magnification power of that scope. The third number which in this case is 80, indicates the diameter of the objective lens.
Q: What Does Digi Scoping Mean?
In spotting scopes, Digiscoping refers to the process of paring up a camera with a spotting scope. This allows you to not only have a clear close-up view of far-away targets but also record some photos and videos to show off.
Q: Which is Better, Straight or Angled Spotting Scopes?
Angled spotting scopes have the advantage of using a lower tripod height which enhances stability as well as being a much better setup for Digiscoping. Straight scopes on the other hand are better at enhancing rapid target acquisition while spotting.
Q: Which is The Best Magnification for a Spotting Scope?
This will depend on the activity you are using the spotting scope for. For birding, a spotting scope between 20-30X will be ideal. Look for a spotting scope with a magnification power that ranges from 15x to 60x. Anything more than this will negatively affect your field of view and result to blur images.
Q: Which is The Ideal Lens Size?
When it comes to the ideal lens size, you simply need to choose between better image clarity and a small and lightweight spotting scope. Spotting scopes with large-sized objective lenses deliver better light-gathering abilities than their small-sized counterparts.
However, the bigger the lenses, the larger and heavier the spotting scope becomes. Spotting scopes with large objective lenses tend to be more expensive as well.
Conclusion
Investing in a quality spotting scope from a reputable brand from Vortex ensures that you get a durable product that will last for decades. With the market offering a wide range of Vortex spotting scopes to choose from, there is something for everyone.
Take time and look for a scope that will work best for all your needs. All the Vortex spotting scopes listed above are quality products and we hope that after going through this review you’ll be able to find a scope that works best for your optics needs.