Vortex scopes are some of the best scope options you can buy today. Vortex scopes have a wide variety of variable scope zoom levels, objective lens sizes, and special features (such as an illuminated reticle).
Vortex Optics offers multiple Vortex scope models in product lines such as the Diamondback, Golden Eagle, Strike Eagle, Razor, Venom, Viper, and Crossfire II line.
In general, the best Vortex rifle scopes have variable zoom levels that allow a shooter to shoot both long and close-range with accuracy and precision. They also utilize high-quality glass that allows you to see your target clearly.
In this comprehensive review, I will give you 13 candidates for the best Vortex scope for your needs, the differences between these Vortex rifle scopes, and which one you should choose, given your use case.
- Best Overall: Vortex Viper HST 4-16×44
- Best Hunting Scope: Vortex Diamondback 4-16×44
- Best Scope for Deer Hunting: Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18×44
- Best Long-Range Scope: Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18×50
- Best Budget Scope: Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24
- Most Versatile Scope: Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40
- Most Durable Scope: Vortex Venom 5-25×56
- Best Precision Scope: Vortex Crossfire II 6-24×50
- Best Tactical Scope: Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24
- Best for Short to Mid-Range Shooting: Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-12×40
- Best Scope for Hog Hunting: Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24
- Best Scope for Competitions: Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44
- Best Premium Scope: Vortex Golden Eagle 15-60×52
Vortex Viper HST 4-16x44
- Magnification Range: 4-16x
- Objective Diameter: 44 mm
- Length: 13.3 in
- Weight: 20.8 oz (589.7 g)
- FFP/SFP: SFP
- Reticle: VMR-1 MRAD, VMR-1 MOA
Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44
- Magnification Range: 4-16x
- Objective Diameter: 44 mm
- Length: 14 in
- Weight: 23.1 oz (654.9 g)
- FFP/SFP: FFP
- Reticle: EBR-2C MRAD, EBR-2C MOA
Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44
- Magnification Range: 3-18x
- Objective Diameter: 44 mm
- Length: 13.3 in
- Weight: 27.3 oz (773.9 g)
- FFP/SFP: FFP
- Reticle: EBR-7C MRAD, EBR-7C MOA
Contents
- 1. Vortex Viper HST 4-16×44 (Best Overall)
- 2. Vortex Diamondback 4-16×44 (Best Hunting Scope)
- 3. Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18×44 (Best Scope for Deer Hunting)
- 4. Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18×50 (Best Long-Range Scope)
- 5. Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 (Best Budget Scope)
- 6. Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40 (Most Versatile Scope)
- 7. Vortex Venom 5-25×56 (Most Durable Scope)
- 8. Vortex Crossfire II 6-24×50 (Best Precision Scope)
- 9. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 (Best Tactical Scope)
- 10. Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-12×40 (Best for Short to Mid-Range Shooting)
- 11. Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24 (Best Scope for Hog Hunting)
- 12. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 (Best Scope for Competitions)
- 13. Vortex Golden Eagle 15-60×52 (Best Premium Scope)
- Vortex Scope Series Overview
- A Brief History of Vortex Optics
- Are Vortex Scopes the Best?
- Final Thoughts on the Best Vortex Scopes
1. Vortex Viper HST 4-16×44 (Best Overall)
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Key Features
- Magnification Range: 4-16x
- Objective Diameter: 44 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Options: VMR-1 MRAD, VMR-1 MOA
- Field of View: 7.4 – 27.4 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Exposed
- Length: 13.3 in
- Weight: 20.8 oz (589.7 g)
- Eye Relief: 4 in
- Other Special Features: CRSD Zero Stop System to instantly correct to a 100-yard zero
The Vortex Viper HST 4-16×44 is the best Vortex scope model overall because of its high-quality gas, perfect selection of zoom levels, and easy-to-use adjustment turrets. It is on the lighter side of scopes at 20.8 inches, making it perfect for dynamic shooters.
The Vortex Viper HST is an excellent Vortex scope with all the features you need without including overcomplicated and unnecessary features. It keeps the focus on you and the target and is ideal for MOA and MRAD reticle users alike.
This scope offers users 4x – 16x magnification for medium to long-range precision shooting and a side knob parallax adjustment for easy tweaking on the fly. It will keep you on target and in the fight, no matter what you use it for.
The Vortex Viper HST is arguably the best Vortex scope you can mount on your rifle. It will allow you to get on target more easily, make adjustments on the fly quickly, and maintain zero at all times at the flip of a switch.
- Perfect magnification range options
- Glass quality is top-notch on the Vortex Viper HST
- Versatile and can work in a pinch
- Quality construction gives you confidence it will last long
- Value for money, considering the features and quality you get
- Viper HST has no illuminated reticle
- No throw level indication on the zoom magnification ring on the Viper HST
2. Vortex Diamondback 4-16×44 (Best Hunting Scope)
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Key Features
- Magnification Range: 4-16x
- Objective Diameter: 44 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Options: EBR-2C MRAD, EBR-2C MOA
- Field of View: 6.7 – 26.9 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: First focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Exposed
- Length: 14 in
- Weight: 23.1 oz (654.9 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.8 in
- Other Special Features: N/A
If you are looking for a Vortex hunting scope with a similar zoom level to my top pick, check out the Vortex Diamondback 4-16×44 rifle scope. It is one of the best long-range shooting rifle scope options available.
Unlike other Vortex scope models that use the dead-hold BDC reticle, the Vortex Diamondback 4-16×44 has a more tactical EBR-2C style reticle.
This reticle type has MOA-based subtension lines for both windage and elevation adjustments. It is also available in MRAD.
This feature, plus the capped turrets the scope utilizes, makes calibration more precise and intuitive.
Having a parallax adjustment setting that goes from 20 yards to infinity also helps make this a versatile hunting scope that can have you hitting game at a plethora of engagement distances
This Vortex Diamondback rifle scope is one of the best rifle scope options from Vortex Scopes if you want to go long-range hunting because it is not too heavy (weighing in at 23.1 oz) while offering all the useful features you need.
- Perfect magnification range for target shooting at medium to long distances
- Among the best hunting scopes for the price
- Rugged construction that can survive some drops
- Low light performance is impressive for the price
- No illuminated reticle
- Pretty hefty
3. Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18×44 (Best Scope for Deer Hunting)
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Key Features
- Magnification Range: 3-18x
- Objective Diameter: 44 mm
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Reticle Options: EBR-7C MRAD, EBR-7C MOA
- Field of View: 6.7 – 39.3 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: First focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Windage (capped), Elevation (exposed)
- Length: 13.3 in
- Weight: 27.3 oz (773.9 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.8 in
- Other Special Features: N/A
The Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18×44 is a great deer hunting scope because of its wide magnification range. Most deer hunters will be able to shoot in most deer hunting situations easily with this on their rifles.
Another thing many deer hunters will love is the scope’s illuminated reticle. This allows for deer hunting at dawn and dusk since you can still clearly aim well, even if there is not too much light.
It is also made to handle harsh outdoor environments, as this scope features nitrogen gas-purged lenses for fog-proof and waterproof sealing. It can accompany you on even the most intensive hunts.
While the features and rugged durability of this rifle scope are great, it is not the best Vortex scope model for those who want a lighter option, as it is pretty hefty at 27.3 ounces.
Deer hunting surely comes easy with this capable Vortex optic.
- Extremely durable, as it is made of a one-piece aluminum construction
- Very wide zoom level range for use in short-range and long-range deer hunting
- Deer hunters will appreciate the quick throw magnification lever
- Wide field of view prevents tunnel vision
- Illuminated reticle makes deer hunting at night easier
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle is very heavy
- More expensive than the Vortex Diamondback
- Only the windage turrets are capped and protected from the elements
- Parallax setting is fixed at 10 yards only
4. Vortex Razor HD Gen II 3-18×50 (Best Long-Range Scope)
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Key Features
- Magnification Range: 3-18x
- Objective Diameter: 50 mm
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Reticle Options: EBR-7C MRAD, EBR-7C MOA
- Field of View: 6.25 – 37.8 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: First focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Exposed
- Length: 14.4 in
- Weight: 46.5 oz (1318.3 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.7 in
- Other Special Features: Parallax setting is adjustable from 25 yards to infinity
This Vortex Razor rifle scope features some of the best Vortex scope technology, as it is in the Vortex line dedicated to long-range precision scopes. This means you are getting the best features in a premium package.
Some of these features include aircraft-grade aluminum construction, fully multi-coated lenses, and advanced technologies in the elevation and windage turrets, namely, the friction reduction system and the L-Tec+ Zero System.
Both work together to make adjustments smooth and prevent you from accidentally adjusting below the normal zero, ensuring accurate shots without needing to squint and struggle while calibrating your scope.
The Razor HD also offers a huge 50 mm objective lens for exceptional light transmission, allowing you to see your sight picture in glorious detail. Combine that with its illuminated reticle, and you can nail targets day and night from over a mile away.
That being said, this is one of the more expensive Vortex scopes at $3000. It is meant for long-range precision shooters serious about getting accuracy to the nearest inch.
- Ultimate long-range target shooting rifle scope
- Very clear optical glass quality
- Extremely durable with aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Wide magnification range
- 50 mm objective lens lets in more light for a clearer image
- Very expensive at around $3000
- Very heavy due to the high-quality materials and long-range lenses used
5. Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 (Best Budget Scope)
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Key Features
- Magnification Range: 1-6x
- Objective Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Reticle Options: AR-BDC3
- Field of View: 19.2 – 116.5 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Low-capped
- Length: 10.5 in
- Weight: 18.5 oz (524.5 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Other Special Features: Parallax setting is fixed at 100 yards
On the other end of the price and range spectrum sits the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24. This Low Powered Variable Optic caters to the more budget-conscious shooter.
With a dead-hold BDC reticle, a wide field of view, and a lower-powered optic with 1x-6x zoom, the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle is a great option to add to your AR-15. It is also exceptionally lightweight as an LPVO.
One stand-out feature of this budget scope is its illuminated reticle with 11 adjustment settings, giving users exceptional value for money.
Due to this lightweight Vortex scope (at only 18.5 oz) not having many high zoom levels, it is not nearly as expensive as the high-end Vortex scopes. This model and others in this Vortex line are great options under $500.
- Bullet Drop Compensation reticle helps aim at short-range targets
- Budget-friendly and a great value for money for the quality and features you get
- One of the best rifle scopes to mount on an AR-15
- Illuminated reticle makes it a great option for low-light close-quarters targets
- Included magnification throw lever for quick adjustments
- Not great for shooting at medium to long-range
- Not fog-proof rated. Use with caution
- Only comes in dead hold BDC reticle option
6. Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40 (Most Versatile Scope)
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Key Features
- Magnification Range: 4-12x
- Objective Diameter: 40 mm
- Tube Diameter: 25.4 mm (1 in)
- Reticle Options: Dead-Hold BDC
- Field of View: 11.3 – 32.4 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Capped
- Length: 11.9 in
- Weight: 14.6 oz (413.9 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.1 in
- Other Special Features: Precision glide erector system on the turrets, parallax setting is non-adjustable and fixed at 100 yards
If you are looking for the best Vortex scope to use in different situations, then the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-12×40 is the one for you. It is portable, with a good zoom level range (4x to 12x).
The smaller 25.4 mm/1 inch scope tube is compact and lightweight, plus it can be mounted closer to the body of your rifle, whether you use an AR-15 or something more long-range. This allows you to get a better cheek weld, eliminating parallax.
The Vortex Diamondback Tactical has more precise adjustments than the last model, at 0.25 MOA per click instead of 0.5. This is the perfect option for those who want more range but also wish to keep the scope lightweight.
- Very lightweight and slim, meaning it will not be as noticeable and heavy to carry
- Great option if you want farther zoom but is still compact for your AR-15
- Small 25.4 mm tube size means you can mount it closer to the body of the rifle
- 4-12x magnification is a great all-around versatile option for multiple use cases
- Cannot adjust the parallax
- No illuminated reticle, so you cannot shoot well at night
7. Vortex Venom 5-25×56 (Most Durable Scope)
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Key Features
- Magnification Range: 5-25x
- Objective Diameter: 56 mm
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Reticle Options: EBR-7C MRAD, EBR-7C MOA
- Field of View: 4.7 – 21.2 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: First focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Exposed
- Length: 15.3 in
- Weight: 35 oz (413.9 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.6 in
- Other Special Features: Parallax setting is adjustable from 15 yards to infinity
The Vortex Venom 5-25×56 is the best Vortex scope to buy if you want one that is long-lasting, durable, and rugged enough to go with you on any hunting or range trip.
The rugged construction is made with aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring its body is shockproof. Meanwhile, the ArmorTek lens coating technology ensures that the multiple zoom lenses do not crack under any circumstances.
At 5x to 25x magnification, the Venom offers the widest range of zoom on any of the Vortex scope models on this list.
While its elevation and windage turrets are both exposed, the precision glide erector system on the turrets ensures smooth calibrations that protect your turrets and keep your adjustments stress-free.
However, all of these lenses and heavy-duty construction also make this Vortex scope quite heavy at a whopping 35 ounces, so do not try putting this on your CQB lightweight AR-15 build anytime soon.
- Very durable and rugged with a great shockproof rating
- Can last forever if you take care of the scope
- A large scope made of rugged and long-lasting materials
- Goes all the way up to 25x, which is more than enough for anyone
- Quite heavy at 35 ounces
- Narrow field of view because of the high zoom level
8. Vortex Crossfire II 6-24×50 (Best Precision Scope)
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Key Features
- Magnification Range: 6-24x
- Objective Diameter: 50 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Options: Dead-Hold BDC
- Field of View: 4.4 – 17.3 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Capped
- Length: 14.5 in
- Weight: 23.6 oz (669 g)
- Eye Relief: 4 in
- Other Special Features: Parallax setting is adjustable from 10 yards to infinity, shockproof and multi-coated lenses
Along with the Vortex Razor scope mentioned earlier, the Vortex Crossfire II scope is one of the best Vortex scopes for getting the most precise shot at longer ranges.
The Vortex Optics Crossfire II has the second-highest zoom level on this list (going from 6x-24x magnification range) and an outstanding eye box for its zoom levels. It also has fully adjustable parallax for a clearer image.
The Crossfire II also offers a wide 50 mm objective lens, allowing more light to enter, giving you a much better view of the target and its surroundings than other scopes in its price range.
The inclusion of a dead hold BDC reticle also helps any shooter have an easier time aiming at targets quicker, while the accurate elevation and windage turret adjustments add precision.
Unfortunately, its reticle is not illuminated, making low-light shooting a challenge.
- Tactical turrets and BDC reticle combine for a highly precise Vortex scope
- Wide zoom level/magnification range to choose from
- Much lighter than the earlier Venom model while having similar zoom ranges
- Parallax starts at 10 yards and goes all the way to infinity
- Very narrow field of view
- No reticle illumination
9. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 (Best Tactical Scope)
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Key Features
- Magnification Range: 1-6x
- Objective Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Options: VMR-2 MRAD, VMR-2 MOA
- Field of View: 18.8 – 112.5 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Capped
- Length: 10.9 in
- Weight: 22.7 oz (643.5 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.8 in
- Other Special Features: Parallax setting is factory-set at 100 yards, fast-focus eyepiece for quicker aiming
The best Vortex scope for tactical uses is the Vortex Viper PST Gen II. It is a 1x to 6x magnification scope compact enough to use on your AR-15 with extra features to give you an unfair advantage in a firefight.
The red illumination on the reticle is easily visible and lasts 150 hours, which is more than enough to get through whatever sticky situation you find yourself in.
It is also built to last, as its ArmorTek shockproofing and multi-coated lenses allow users to take this scope with them on the fiercest missions.
Everything on this Vortex Optics scope is focused on helping you aim faster, including the fast-focus eyepiece, wide field of view, second focal plane (giving users clearer sight markings and a faster aim-in-time), and good eye relief.
- Great option for mounting on your AR-15
- Illuminated reticle gives a tactical advantage at night
- Light enough to use on a close-range AR-15 but has high-quality optics for longer-range shots
- Precise MRAD adjustment system option is the same system used by the U.S. Military
- Shockproofing for freedom of movement without worrying about damage
- Only good from short to medium-range engagements
- 0.5 MOA adjustments are not as precise as other Vortex scopes on this list
10. Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-12×40 (Best for Short to Mid-Range Shooting)
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Key Features
- Magnification Range: 4-12x
- Objective Diameter: 40 mm
- Tube Diameter: 25.4 mm (1 in)
- Reticle Options: Dead-Hold BDC
- Field of View: 8.4 – 24.7 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Capped
- Length: 13.6 in
- Weight: 19.2 oz (544.3 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.9 in
- Other Special Features: Parallax setting is adjustable from 10 yards to infinity
Sometimes, you may not be looking to stretch your range past short to mid-range shots. This is where the Vortex Crossfire II scope comes in. With a zoom range from 4x-12x, it is ideal for non-long-range engagements.
Being one of the lighter 4x-12x scopes, it also has a small tube size of one inch. This makes it very compact and ideal to place on a close to mid-range focused AR-15 build. It’s great for everything from hunting to home defense.
Additionally, the BDC reticle and second focal plane nature of this Vortex Optics scope means that you can easily adjust windage and elevation without having to squint like on FFP scopes.
That said, it is better for nearer targets. Do not get this Vortex Optics scope if you want to extend your range because you will need more than just 12x zoom to reach targets past 500 yards.
- Second focal plane makes acquiring targets at close to mid-range good
- Low to medium zoom is ideal for close to medium-range uses
- Lightweight compared to similar zoom level Vortex Optics scopes
- Long eye relief makes it ideal for larger caliber rounds
- No reticle illumination
- No MRAD option
11. Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24 (Best Scope for Hog Hunting)
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Key Features
- Magnification Range: 1-10x
- Objective Diameter: 24 mm
- Tube Diameter: 34 mm
- Reticle Options: EBR-9 MRAD, EBR-9 MOA
- Field of View: 11.7 – 116 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: First focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Low-capped
- Length: 10.1 in
- Weight: 21.5 oz (609.5 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.6 in
- Other Special Features: Parallax setting is fixed at 150 yards, illuminated reticle for hunting hogs in low light
If you want to go out hog hunting and need a no-compromise scope that is ideal for it, look no further than the Vortex Razor HD Gen III 1-10×24 scope.
This Vortex Optics scope offers some of the best optical glass quality you can find on any rifle scope. You can be reassured that you will have a clear shot when hog hunting.
Even if it starts getting dark, the illuminated reticle allows a shooter to clearly see the crosshairs of the MOA or MRAD reticles the scope is offered in. It has a lower zoom range (1-10x zoom) perfect range for hog-hunting.
However, this scope is not for those seeking a budget option, as it is one of the most expensive scopes on this list. If you shell out the cash, you get what you pay for.
- 1x to 10x zoom levels are ideal for hog hunting, which is not too long-range
- The illuminated reticle helps a lot in seeing hogs at dusk
- Very durable construction with high-quality lenses
- Wide field of view means you will not have much tunnel vision
- Basically flawless in terms of performance and optical clarity
- Very expensive at $3600 MSRP
12. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 (Best Scope for Competitions)
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Key Features
- Magnification Range: 3-15x
- Objective Diameter: 44 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Options: EBR-7C MRAD, EBR-7C MOA
- Field of View: 8.6 – 41.2 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: First focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Capped
- Length: 14.3 in
- Weight: 28.1 oz (796.6 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.4 in
- Other Special Features: Illuminated reticle to help aid low-light shooting
Competitive shooters need a reliable scope that has great optical quality so that they can place every shot right where they aim it. The Vortex Viper PST Gen II definitely fits the bill.
With XD-branded HD lens elements, the optical quality is as clear as possible. The 3x to 15x zoom is perfect for midrange competitive shooting, and the parallax adjustment (which goes from 20 yards to infinity) is easy to reach.
Finally, the scope is shockproof, so you should not be too worried about having accidental bumps on the scope when competing. These features combine to make it a reliable option for shooting competitively.
- MOA and MRAD reticles offer a very accurate adjustment system
- Competitive shooters will love the easily adjustable parallax
- Elevation and windage turrets are easy and smooth to operate
- Sport and competitive shooters will love the great optical glass quality
- No simpler reticle option for competitions with heavier regulations
- Slightly heavier than the average scope
13. Vortex Golden Eagle 15-60×52 (Best Premium Scope)
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Key Features
- Magnification Range: 15-60x
- Objective Diameter: 52 mm
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Options: ECR-1 MOA, SCR-1 MOA
- Field of View: 1.7 – 6.3 feet at 100 yards
- FFP/SFP: Second focal plane
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.125 MOA adjustment per turret click
- Windage and Elevation Turrets: Capped
- Length: 16.1 in
- Weight: 29.7 oz (842 g)
- Eye Relief: 3.9 in
- Other Special Features: Parallax setting is adjustable from 20 yards to infinity
If you are looking for a high-end premium scope that packs in all the latest and greatest features Vortex Optics offers, look no further than the Vortex Golden Eagle 15-60×52 scope.
Using features like HD lens elements, the APO (Apochromatic) System, Optically Indexed Lenses, and an Aperture Stop Ring combine to give this scope the clearest and best optical glass quality of any scope on this list.
Additionally, while the lenses are multi-coated with ArmorTek for protection, the rest of the scope is shockproof and resistant to scratching and corrosion.
Factor in the target-style elevation and windage turrets and the extremely precise adjustments at 0.225 MOA per click, and you have a scope worth its weight in gold.
Vortex did not spare any features when considering what to put in this scope.
- Has all the advanced features and top-quality glass you expect in a premium scope
- Generous eye relief for comfortable shooting
- High zoom levels mean you can extend your effective range
- 1/8th MOA adjustments are more precise than the usual 1/4th
- Expensive at around $2500
- Not usable at nearer distances because of the very high zoom range
- Not ideal for low-light situations due to non-illuminated reticle
- Heavier than the average scope
Vortex Scope Series Overview
You may have seen certain names repeated before the scope model number when reading my list. These refer to the different Vortex scope product lines. Each line has its own focus, price range, and target market.
The scope lines from Vortex are varied and have a specific name for each line.
- Crossfire
- Diamondback
- Golden Eagle
- Razor
- Strike Eagle
- Venom
- Viper
Each line has a variable price range and focuses on including different features depending on their intended users. The Crossfire, for example, is catered towards budget-conscious buyers.
Let us discuss each Vortex scope line’s strengths, features, and ideal audience in the sections below.
Crossfire
The Crossfire line from Vortex Optics includes the Vortex Optics Crossfire II scope mentioned earlier. It is a scope line catered towards budget-conscious buyers who need a rugged and reliable scope that will not break the bank.
Some of the main features include anti-reflective coatings on the lenses, durable build quality, covered and capped adjustment turrets, and more basic types of reticles for everyday use.
It is aimed at hunters, plinkers, and new shooters trying to learn how to navigate their first rifles. The Vortex Optics Crossfire II and other models are meant to be a daily driver that isn’t too expensive for entry-level users.
Diamondback
The Diamondback line from Vortex Optics is not the cheapest but aims to provide loyal customers with the best bang for their buck.
It perfectly blends valuable features and a reasonable price point.
Some features on Diamondback scopes include different reticle options, useful adjustment turrets, rugged construction, illuminated reticles for low-light firing, and fully multi-coated optics.
This scope line is aimed at hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and shooters trying to get the most value for their money. People who buy Diamondback scopes want the best features at the best price.
Golden Eagle
Vortex Optics Golden Eagle scopes cater to competitive shooters and those requiring extreme precision. This line is perfect for honing your long-range shooting skills.
This is why the Golden Eagle line has some of the best optic clarity and adjustments.
Some notable features are the top-quality low-distortion dispersion optical glass, exposed target-style turret adjustments, 1/8 MOA click values, great color accuracy, and extremely accurate reticles.
The Golden Eagle line is for long-range shooters and competitive amateur or professional marksmen who want top-of-the-line optical quality and precision-focused features.
Razor
The Razor line is similar to the Golden Eagle in that the best optical quality is a priority, but the scopes are not focused only on extreme long-range accuracy. They are also built with precision engineering in mind.
Features that the Razor line offers include easy-to-adjust and zero-stop turrets, great visibility in low-light situations, APO (apochromatic) lenses, and the clear sight picture that precision shooting requires.
The target market for the Razor line is long-range shooters, whether they be professional shooters or enthusiasts who want the best quality when practicing and improving their accuracy at any range.
Strike Eagle
The Strike Eagle line from Vortex focuses on providing a versatile scope that can perform in close-range to medium-range engagements without being too cumbersome and heavy.
Some of the notable features from this line include illuminated reticles with many brightness settings, smooth turrets for elevation and windage, rugged build quality, fast-focus eyepiece, and lower zoom levels.
This line is ideal for people who want to aim at targets quickly and do not need to aim at targets a mile away. These include 3-gun competition shooters, close-quarters operators, and sport shooting athletes.
Venom
The Venom optic line from Vortex is aimed more at closer-range engagements. It focuses on having a more compact size, lower weight, and wide compatibility with firearms other than rifles.
The standard features of models across this line are their slim and light build, parallax-free lenses, illuminated reticles with multiple brightness settings, and clutter-free sight pictures.
The Venom line is aimed at people who use shotguns, handguns, SBRs, short-range AR-15 rifles, and other weapons that require rapid target acquisition.
Viper
The Viper line, including the previously mentioned Viper HST scope, is the “tactical” scope offering from Vortex. This means high-quality optics with many reticle options primarily catering to military and law enforcement sharpshooters.
Common features in this line include the XR multi-coated lenses for better light transmission, shockproof and fog-proof capabilities, and tactical turrets that are easy to adjust in the field.
This line has scope models ideal for tactical shooters and hunters who want superb ergonomics and tried-and-tested tactical-focused optics.
A Brief History of Vortex Optics
Vortex Optics is a relatively young optic brand formed in 1986 by the Hamilton family. It remains proudly family-owned, American-owned, and veteran-owned to this day.
They grew from a small family business to a company with over 300 employees. They are known for offering their legendary VIP warranty on all products to keep customers reassured about their products.
This scope manufacturer operates out of Barneveld, Wisconsin, with several manufacturing plants in the US, the Philippines, and China.
Are Vortex Scopes the Best?
Vortex Optics scopes are generally made of high-quality materials and have helpful features that any civilian, competitive, or uniformed service shooter can use and improve their accuracy with.
Vortex’s specialty lies in how great the value for money is on their products compared to other scope manufacturers like Leupold. They provide the same exceptional quality at a far better price point.
Models like the Vortex Optics Crossfire II are arguably the best scopes for the money, which reflects the company’s overall strength. If you want the best bang for the buck, Vortex scopes come out on top.
Final Thoughts on the Best Vortex Scopes
Vortex Optics has many scope lines that cater to different customers and have their corresponding strengths and weaknesses. My pick for the overall best of the Vortex scopes on this list is the Vortex Viper HST 4-16×44.
That said, the best Vortex scope is ultimately the one that fits your needs best. Whether that is the overall best pick or a long-range or short-range specific model, pick one that best fits your use case.
If you want a long-range, high-quality scope, go for any of the Golden Eagle or Razor models. On the other hand, get a Venom or Strike Eagle model if you want a close or medium-distance scope.
If you are more of a tactical fan, you will love the Venom series. Finally, consider the Crossfire or Diamondback models if you want the best bang for the buck or more budget offerings.
