When it comes to providing quality products at affordable prices, Vortex is one of those companies that seem to do it effortlessly. Not only is there a great range of scopes for all occasions, but they are also comparable to much more expensive products.
While you can be assured of receiving a durable, accurate, and reliable product with every Vortex scope, there are some jewels in their crown. So, I decided to compare all the Vortex scopes currently on the market to discover which of their products reigns supreme.
This isn’t going to be easy, but I’m going to decide on the best Vortex scope, as well as find the perfect one for you.
About Vortex Scopes
Vortex Optics was founded in 1986 by Dan and Margie Hamilton and then followed by their sons Joe, Dave, Sam, and Jimmy. It is an American veteran and family-owned and operated business.
Its mission is to put the customer at the center of everything they do. They are now made up of over 300 team members who work diligently to give the best optics, apparel, and service.
One giant family…
From tagging your first whitetail to hitting the range with your friends, Vortex are dedicated to providing quality optics that will bring your family closer to the outdoors. And the Vortex team thrives on your success and serving you like everyone’s part of one giant family.
A major part of any family is trust. The team at Vortex Optics trusts its products so much that a legendary VIP warranty is offered. It is a lifetime promise that if you ever experience a problem, then Vortex Optics has your back.
Demanding the best…
Vortex Optics demands the best from itself and listens carefully to its customers when developing new products and services. Customers put faith in every product when hunting, competing, or even protecting lives, and Vortex takes that very seriously.
Today the range of Vortex products includes binoculars, spotting scopes, rifle scopes, reflex sights, holographic sights, and other accessories. Much of the technology grew from a previous sister company called Eagle Optics which developed high-quality bird watching optics.
Top 6 Best Vortex Scope To Buy In 2023 Reviews
1 Vortex Venom – Best Long-Range Vortex Scope
I have decided to start with the Vortex Venom 5-25x56mm long-range variable power scope, which far exceeds my expectations at this price point. Featuring a zoom range of 5x to 25x magnification power from a huge 56-millimeter objective lens, distant targets will no longer be an issue.
For anyone wanting the performance of a scope that costs well over $1,000 at a much more affordable price, the Vortex Venom is a fantastic choice. It is packed full of features that often aren’t normally found at this price point.
Fast and effective zeroing…
Mounting and zeroing the scope is simple and intuitive. It’s as easy as removing the caps, adjusting the dials, returning to zero, then replacing the caps. And each click made on the windage and elevation turrets is accurate and precise.
This is helped by Vortex’s Revstop System that makes it incredibly easy to return to zero after making any adjustments. This ensures that your shots are always accurate, and never having to remember click counts is another fantastic feature.
Dynamic reticle…
The glass-etched EBR-7C reticle is placed on the first focal plane for dynamic adjustment. This means that as users advance through the zoom range, the reticle grows larger, keeping markings relevant to the range being viewed.
With detailed yet simple hash markings across the vertical and horizontal lines of the crosshair, it’s easy to measure and range targets. A throw lever is also included for fast and snappy changes to magnification power.
Pros
- High power magnification for long-range performance.
- Vortex Revstop system for fast and easy return to zero.
- Detailed yet simple EBR-7C glass-etched reticle.
Cons
- Higher power means a larger and heavier scope.
- 34-millimeter tube extends turret movement but restricts mounting options.
2 Vortex Diamondback – Best Tactical Vortex Scope
Vortex is well known for providing products that are incredible value for money. The Diamondback series doubles down, being a great value product within the Vortex range of optics with impressive build quality and a solid performance.
This tactical scope offers a zoom range of between 6x and 24x magnification power viewed through a large 50-millimeter objective lens. There’s even a bunch of features that you normally wouldn’t get at this price point.
Take your pick…
There are two reticle choices available for the Diamondback tactical scope, including an MOA and Mil-Rad option. Both use the same EBR-2C tactical reticle that has been glass-etched on the first focal plane for dynamic targeting.
As you would expect from Vortex’s best tactical scope, the turrets are exposed, with the markings being bright and visible. Once your zero is set, it can be locked in and returned to quickly as both the windage and elevation turrets are completely removable.
Seeing clearly…
Even though this could be considered a budget scope, Vortex has still included XD (Extra-Low Dispersion) Glass. This is usually reserved for much more expensive scopes and provides an incredible level of clarity and contrast.
Additionally, the lenses have also received multi-coating for enhancing both low-light and bright conditions. Light transmission is increased during low light situations, along with glare and reflections being reduced on bright days.
Want to find out more?
Then check out our in-depth review of the Vortex Optics Diamondback Second Focal Plane Riflescope and the Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Matte Riflescope.
Pros
- Affordable high-power tactical scope.
- Choice of either MOA or Mil-Rad reticles.
- XD Glass for improved clarity and contrast.
Cons
- Image does deteriorate at maximum magnification power.
- No reticle illumination, but that’s understandable considering the price.
3 Vortex Sonora – Best Budget Vortex Scope
Next up in my Best Vortex Scope review, you won’t believe what’s possible with the Sonora, the best Vortex entry-level scope. With a build quality and performance that can easily rival much more expensive scopes, this rifle scope is sure to impress even the most demanding user.
A variable zoom range of between 4x and 12x magnification power provides the ability to make accurate mid to long-range shots. Marvel at the clear images and accurate turret adjustments that are possible with the Vortex Sonora.
Built to last…
A single-piece 1-inch aircraft-grade aluminum tube features a hard-anodized finish for rugged and lightweight construction. With shockproof internal components, there is no issue mounting this scope to high-caliber rifles.
O-ring seals and nitrogen purging make it possible to use the scope in all types of environments and conditions. The Sonora is both waterproof and fog-proof, making it ready for extreme weather conditions.
Making some adjustments…
For making precise and accurate adjustments, the windage and elevation turrets offer 0.25 MOA per click movement. The maximum amount of adjustment for each is 60 MOA with 15 MOA per revolution.
A generous eye relief of 4-inches (101.6-millimeters) means that the scope can be mounted further forward on your rifle. This can help prevent the dreaded scope-shaped ring from appearing around your eye from heavy recoil.
Pros
- Single-piece 1-inch tube constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum.
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof performance.
- Generous 4-inches (101.6-millimeters) of eye relief.
Cons
- Limited to 60 MOA of adjustment for both windage and elevation.
- Zoom range is limited compared to more expensive options.
4 Vortex Viper – Most Versatile Vortex Scope
The Vortex Viper could be considered a simplistic rifle scope while still having all the handy features you need. It offers a wide field of view, broad power range, low-light performance, and yet, still has an affordable price tag.
With a variable zoom range of between 2.5x and 10x magnification power, it offers close to mid-range shooting capabilities. This is an incredibly versatile scope and can be used for almost any application, but really shines for purposes such as deer hunting.
More light, less lens…
Despite the smaller 44-millimeter objective lens, the Viper provides impressive low-light performance. XD Glass is used in the lenses, which provides more accurate colors, improved contrast, and a higher resolution for more detail.
It also features XR Multi-Coating on the lenses for even further increased light transmission capabilities along with glare reduction. Even though the maximum magnification power isn’t as high as some other products, the wide field of view makes up for it.
Dead-Hold reticle…
The Viper comes with the popular Dead-Hold reticle that is glass-etched to the second focal plane for static targeting. The design is clean and draws the user’s eye to the center while still offering windage and elevation hash marks for improved accuracy.
Like every Vortex rifle scope, the Viper is built tough using quality materials. It features shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof construction through the use of premium aluminum, O-ring seals, and argon gas.
Need more info?
No worries, take a look at our in-depth reviews of the Vortex Viper HS 4-16×50 Long Range Riflescope and the Vortex Viper PST Gen II Rifle Scope.
Pros
- Impressive low-light performance from a smaller 44-mm lens.
- Simple and clean reticle that still features hash marks for accuracy.
- Built using high-quality premium materials.
Cons
- Limited range capabilities.
- Some reticle issues have been reported.
5 Crossfire II – Best Compact Vortex Scope
Vortex has created a scope that is well matched to America’s favorite rifle – the AR platform. It can easily be mounted to any size long gun, and is compact, lightweight, simple to use, and can acquire targets quickly. In fact, there’s nothing not to like about this fantastic little scope.
Suited for close-range shooting, the Crossfire II is all about speed while still maintaining a high level of accuracy. A variable zoom range of between true 1x and 4x magnification power can provide both-eyes targeting along with some range extension.
The need for speed…
A long eye relief of 4-inches (101.6-millimeters) and fast focus eyepiece makes it possible to make ultra-fast target acquisitions. When this is combined with the true 1x magnification, the Crossfire II can rival red dot performance.
Even though the objective lens is a compact 24-millimeters, the field of view and light transmission is amazing. Even when you move up to the maximum 4x magnification power, the image remains crystal clear.
Illuminated V-Brite reticle…
Using Vortex’s V-Brite LED technology and powered by a single CR2032 battery, the V-Plex reticle is illuminated in red. Only the center dot is illuminated, which immediately draws the shooter’s eye to the aim point.
The glass used in the Crossfire II is Vortex HD which is made for clarity. There are no signs of distortion even at 1x magnification. In addition to the lens multi-coating, there’s also an abrasion-resistant coating to add a further layer of protection.
Interested in the Crossfire? Then you’ll love our in-depth review of the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Riflescope.
Pros
- Well suited to almost any size long gun.
- Long eye relief and fast focus eyepiece.
- V-Brite illuminated V-Plex reticle.
Cons
- Illuminated center dot is not very bright in sunlight.
- No throw lever available.
6 Razor HD Gen II – Best Vortex Scope for AR
There are many choices when it comes to LPVO (Low Power Variable Optics), but none come close to the Razor HD Gen II. This is one of Vortex Optic’s top-tier products and features all of the latest technology and manufacturing processes.
A zoom range of between true 1x and 6x magnification power offers the highest levels of clarity, color accuracy, and resolution. Using only the highest quality materials available, this is the best scope for AR platforms available from Vortex.
True 1x performance…
At the low end of the zoom range, shooters can take advantage of true 1x magnification without any distortion and generous eye relief. This allows for both eyes open targeting so that you can maintain maximum situational awareness.
Ultra-fast target acquisition is made possible with an illuminated center dot reticle that can easily be seen during daylight. There are 11 brightness settings that can be adjusted using a dial with an off setting between each selection.
Zero resettable turrets…
Featuring zero resettable turrets, adjustments can quickly and easily be made and returned to your zero. Each click makes 0.5 MOA of adjustment with a large range of 150 MOA for both windage and elevation.
This rifle scope is built like a tank on a 30-millimeter single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube. Shockproof, waterproof using O-ring seals, and fog-proof from argon gas purging, the lenses also feature ArmorTek, an ultra-hard scratch-resistant coating.
Pros
- True 1x magnification power with no distortion.
- Center dot reticle illumination with 11 brightness settings.
- Built like a tank and virtually indestructible.
Cons
- Not as affordable as other LPVO scopes.
- Larger and heavier than a red dot optic.
Looking For Even More Superb Vortex Scopes?
Then check out my in-depth reviews of the Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight and the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescopes.
Or, take a look at our reviews of the Best 300 Win Mag Scopes, the Best Air Rifle Scopes, the Best Deer Hunting Scopes the Best Scopes for AR15 under 100 Dollars, the Best Rimfire Scopes, the Best 308 Rifles Scopes, the Best Scout Scopes, the Best Mil Dot Scopes, as well as the Best Mini 14 Ranch Rifles you can buy in 2023.
So, What is The Best Vortex Scope?
With so many fantastic products, narrowing down to this list was already difficult. However, choosing the best scope from Vortex was an even harder decision. I have made my choice by considering build quality, versatility, usable features, and overall value.
I believe the scope that performs best across all these areas is the…
Offering features like a glass-etched effective first focal plane reticle on a single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum scope at this price is remarkable. A large zoom range also provides long-range performance on a budget without sacrificing quality. Highly recommended for any budget conscience shooter who is looking for a high-quality, affordable scope.
Happy and safe shooting.
