I was searching the web tonight reading about Vortex scopes. Most seem to like them and all seem to say Vortex has great customer service.
I am looking for a scope to go on a suppressed Rem 700, 24" barrel in .223 that will be used mainly for hunting and limited range shooting. I have never looked through a Vortex scope since no dealers stock them in my area. I have two Nightforce scopes and all my other scopes are Leupold (all are SFP).
I am looking for a value, but I do not want to order one and be disappointed in the clarity compared to my other scopes. How would the glass compare of the Vortex compare to the other scopes?
Is there a difference (only on glass) between the Viper PST and Viper HS series?
I know the difference between the FFP vs the SFP scopes but would one have any glass clarity advantage in the Vortex Scopes?
Does the 44mm vs 50mm lens use the same glass coating for the same clarity. I didn’t know if all Viper series used the same glass.
Next, I have read the 4-16 is not as clear as the 6-24 powered scopes. But this seems more or less internet rumor. Has anyone looked through both and compared them side by side? How do the two stack up?
My older Viper optics are good for the price (certainly not disappointed) and customer service is indeed excellent.
What type of hunting are you doing? I ask because if you don’t need the tactical style matched reticle and adjustment knobs (MOA to MOA, or MIL) that Vortex offers the Zeiss Conquest line has the brightest optics for the price. If I’m not mistaken they have reticles for varmint hunting.
In my opinion the bottom line Zeiss Conquest optics are superior to Nightforce. At least compared to my single sample size NXS 5-22 and various Conquest scopes. I can’t imagine how sweet the higher end Zeiss model perform…
The Zeiss conquests I was looking at are 1" tubes and my Larue setup is 30mm. I was also looking at vortex because of the LEO discount from dsgarms.
I will mainly be using this gun for predator hunting with some varmint and maybe hog if the gun shoots the 70+ gr bullets well. Any range use would be gong tapping. I am not setting this up as a paper puncher because I have a 223 match grade gun with a high powered scope for paper. I would also prefer the quick adjustable turrets.
I would have went with the vortex pst 4-16 in FFP if dsg sold the MOA model. Anyone know if it’s the same glass in both SFP and FFP?
I was thinking about trying the 2.5-10x32mm in FFP and if I’m not happy, it would go on my AR-10.
Does anyone know with the vortex scope if comparing the FFP line, would the 2.5-10 have the same size reticle as the 4-16 if the scopes were on both the same power setting (example both on 10x). same as the 4-16 vs 6-24 would both recticles be the same size comparison if both scopes were on 6x.
I second the Zeiss recommendation. I’d be looking hard at their Conquest HD line for your intended use. I’ve had to use Vortex’s “excellent customer service” more than I’m comfortable with.
I have looked through both the 4-16 PST and the 6-24 PST scopes. I saw no difference in clarity. I ended up buying the 4-16 and it has suited my needs perfectly.
Ace-
I was actually curious myself about this and I compared them as well and I personally so no difference in reticle size.
I have their Viper PST 2.5-10x32. I am not discerning as most on clarity. It seems as clear as my Nightforce 2.5-10, but someone else looking through them both may or may not agree. To me as long as it tracks true and holds up to use, I am happy.
Vortex makes a surprising number of high quality optics. I have yet to be disappointed with any of my Vortex purchases. They’re not always a substitute for other glass, and not always comparable, but thus far they have always proven to be the best budget option, and I’ve been very pleased when I’ve made that choice.
They also listen to their customers. People wanted FFP and solid mil-based holdover reticles. Vortex came out with a slew of FFP scopes with several flavors of holdover reticles in both mil and moa with matching turrets. People wanted a 2.5-10x32 but in FFP, Vortex made it, Nightforce still hasn’t. Sure you’re not gonna beat the door off an APC with the Vortex, but for most people, they’re willing to take the hit in durability for the features and price point that they want. Guys wanted things like ARD’s and swithviews and quality rings, Vortex teamed up with other manufacturers to get OEM solutions.
Their customer service is also top notch. I’ve never had to use them, but the stories I’ve heard have all been that any time anyone has had an issue, they’ve been taken care of above and beyond.
Their Razor HD won’t replace my Premier or S&B, and their PST won’t replace my Nightforce, but they do a damn good job of giving them a run for the money when the options are available. And they’re offering things in configurations no one else does.
If KAC and Noveske are the S&B’s, Colt and BCM are the NF’s, I would say Vortex is the M&P, except that the cost disparity weighs heavily in Vortex’s favor. The only “budget” scope I’d put up against a Vortex offering would be the Bushnell DMR (pick your flavor of reticle). In fact, Vortex Razor HD was the second most popular scope in the 2014 Precision Rifle Series. Second to S&B, and besting Bushnell.
I don’t want top start another thread so I’ll just tack onto this one, OK?..
I have the 2.5-10 x 32 FFP but I think SFP is a better option in this range - I don’t holdover or use the reticle to range at any magnification except 10, and the reticle is too small @ 2.5 to be seen easily so I’m looking for a SFP 2.5-10
does anyone know if the Vortex 2.5-10x44, which is SFP, is the same clarity as the FFP?..
I have zero experience with NF scopes, but I replaced a Leupold 3x9 VX-R with a Viper 1-4 PST, and honestly the glass difference is similar to the difference between my viper and my crossfire II. The leupold was a nice scope and I didn’t know how superior the glass on the Vortex was until I looked through them side by side. The leupold appeared dark and yellowish compared to the glass in the Viper, and my 4x16 crossfire II might even be a bit clearer than the leupold VX-R. These are all mid to low end scopes, but that has been my experience (customer service I cannot speak on, as I have had no issues with any of the 3 scope’s performance).