Vortex scopes - opinions

Boomer686 said:
Sure but have you ever tried shooting at a gong at 1100m with a scope that has a lot going for it but poor image clarity / light admission?
It's part and parcel.Image quality means a lot too and cannot be discounted or seen as a less important trait of an otherwise good scope.

I run Leupold, S&B, Nightforce and gasp.. Vortex as I am simply not putting @2.5 - 3.5K of glass on each rifle I own). Nothing wrong with the Vortex line and personally I think they are reasonably priced just like I think the S&B price doesn't justify what you get. (My favourite is still Nightforce).

Vortex offers a decent product at an entry level: decent quality on all characteristics and better than others on several. Are there better scopes in that price range? Possibly but you can do a lot worse than a Vortex product.
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For starters if you have rifle, ammo, experience and skill to be making 1100m shots, you aren't running vortex optics. Their hd line is the only thing remotely close to extreme long range capable and at $2500 there are far far better choices for equal or lesser money. Nightforce, USO, zeiss, swarovski, leica, March, premier reticle/tangent theta to name a few.

Aside from the above, the clarity difference between even mid range optics and high end isn't enough to really make a difference with regards to sight picture. Again, reticle makes a huge difference as well as other factors. The biggest issue is tracking. A clear image on a poorly tracking optic is simple a clear image of a miss. If it won't track there's no point in even looking at let alone attempting the shot.

Tdc
 
TDC said:
For starters if you have rifle, ammo, experience and skill to be making 1100m shots, you aren't running vortex optics. Their hd line is the only thing remotely close to extreme long range capable and at $2500 there are far far better choices for equal or lesser money. Nightforce, USO, zeiss, swarovski, leica, March, premier reticle/tangent theta to name a few.

Aside from the above, the clarity difference between even mid range optics and high end isn't enough to really make a difference with regards to sight picture. Again, reticle makes a huge difference as well as other factors. The biggest issue is tracking. A clear image on a poorly tracking optic is simple a clear image of a miss. If it won't track there's no point in even looking at let alone attempting the shot.

Tdc
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I have Nightforce, S&B and Leuopold. To say it can't be done with a Vortex is utter BS! I have only shot to 800m using a Vortex scope simply because my preferred long range rifle sports a Nightforce but it is capable of being used for the 1100m shot as well. As I mentioned clarity is PART AND PARCEL of all the desireables wanted in a scope and jut like you said about tracking .. if you can't clearly see what you are shooting at it doesn't matter if your scope tracks, if it holds zero, if it has a good reticle etc etc . It's all part of the package. If one element is lacking you go from a good scope to a mediocre scope.

For the record I have had zero issues with my Vortex scopes and my opinion remains unchanged. They have held up for several years now, been on several different rifles / calibers and I have nothing bad to say about them. My first Vortex was bought in 2011 and it is still going strong as well:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/655558-Got-My-Vortex-Viper-PST-Scope!!
 
TDC said:
.....its often users of lower quality products that feel the need to boast about how their item is holding up...... When I buy a product I don't pay much attention to round count or age as I expect and am confident that what I buy will work without issue.
Tdc
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Your insulting people that buy "lower quality" products by implying they are too dumb or cheap to know the difference. It isn't the fact to be bragging about lower quality products. In my case the surprise is that the items priced significantly lower than the "brand name" stuff is holding up just as good for a lot less money. There is no shame in that other than the "brand name" being potentially overpriced. Is my Nightforce $1800 better than my Vortex or $1200 better than my Leupold? Is my S&B $800 better than my Nightforce? I don't pay attention to round count, age or warranty. I seek info from experienced users I know (not on the internet) when it comes to big purchases then go from there.

OP you will be well served with a Vortex scope. As I mentioned in my very first post...is there better optics? Yes but you can do a lot worse than a Vortex on your rifle. No matter what you buy, no matter what you pay, no matter what you read.. there is always something better available.
 
TDC said:
Their hd line is the only thing remotely close to extreme long range capable and at $2500 there are far far better choices for equal or lesser money. Nightforce, USO, zeiss, swarovski, leica, March, premier reticle/tangent theta to name a few.Tdc
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Can you please tell me where I can find a NF, March, or Tangent Theta scope for $2500. According to you these are far better choices for equal or lesser money. I am talking something like a FFP variable power scope in the 5-25 range, I don't use or have any interest in USO, Zeiss, or Swarovski in a riflescope so I won't comment on those.
 
A good friend of mine bought one from whole sale sports in edmonton after they sold him on the idea, the scops crapped out in about 2 years would not hold zero. Took it back to whole sale sports and they told him to box it up and send it back. They didnt want to deal with it. So he had no choice, he sent it to the states. That being said, He got it back, and it was working properly after repair.

I sent one leupold in to korth out of the 5 I own in the busiest time of the year. (FALL) had it back and on my rifle in under two weeks. Its one of the things besides the quality that keeps me comin back to leupold.
 
TDC said:
For starters if you have rifle, ammo, experience and skill to be making 1100m shots, you aren't running vortex optics. Their hd line is the only thing remotely close to extreme long range capable and at $2500 there are far far better choices for equal or lesser money. Nightforce, USO, zeiss, swarovski, leica, March, premier reticle/tangent theta to name a few.

Aside from the above, the clarity difference between even mid range optics and high end isn't enough to really make a difference with regards to sight picture. Again, reticle makes a huge difference as well as other factors. The biggest issue is tracking. A clear image on a poorly tracking optic is simple a clear image of a miss. If it won't track there's no point in even looking at let alone attempting the shot.

Tdc
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This is a ridiculous reply.

The clarity of Vortex mid-level scopes WILL NOT hold you back from making in excess of 1100m shots. I know that from experience.

To say their HD line-up isn't on par or even better than anything priced in their class is ridiculous. You read any review and they will say the Razor line-up is as good, or better, for less.

Get off your high horse.

Of anything the NF NSX is over valued. The glass is sub par and lacks features a scope of that price range SHOULD have.
 
Gunny01 said:
A good friend of mine bought one from whole sale sports in edmonton after they sold him on the idea, the scops crapped out in about 2 years would not hold zero. Took it back to whole sale sports and they told him to box it up and send it back. They didnt want to deal with it. So he had no choice, he sent it to the states. That being said, He got it back, and it was working properly after repair.

I sent one leupold in to korth out of the 5 I own in the busiest time of the year. (FALL) had it back and on my rifle in under two weeks. Its one of the things besides the quality that keeps me comin back to leupold.
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Sounds to me like the first mistake was shopping at Wholesale!

Vortex Canada has a facility in Guelph, Ontario that looks after everything this side of the border.
 
Boomer686 said:
I have Nightforce, S&B and Leuopold. To say it can't be done with a Vortex is utter BS! I have only shot to 800m using a Vortex scope simply because my preferred long range rifle sports a Nightforce but it is capable of being used for the 1100m shot as well. As I mentioned clarity is PART AND PARCEL of all the desireables wanted in a scope and jut like you said about tracking .. if you can't clearly see what you are shooting at it doesn't matter if your scope tracks, if it holds zero, if it has a good reticle etc etc . It's all part of the package. If one element is lacking you go from a good scope to a mediocre scope.

For the record I have had zero issues with my Vortex scopes and my opinion remains unchanged. They have held up for several years now, been on several different rifles / calibers and I have nothing bad to say about them. My first Vortex was bought in 2011 and it is still going strong as well:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/655558-Got-My-Vortex-Viper-PST-Scope!!
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Again comprehension must be lacking here. Nowhere did I say the shot can't be done with a Vortex. What I said was that anyone with the experience, skill and gear(ammo and rifle) to make the 1100 metre shot would likely not be using a Vortex. If you're all about making extreme long range shots you aren't doing it on the cheap nor are you using mid range optics. Yes, I'm sure it can be done with a Vortex but the cost vs quality of the optic just isn't there when compared to the big known name brands.

You're right that clarity is indeed one aspect of the whole package. However, it all too often is the only aspect people seem to both understand(as its easy to see) and use when deciding on an optic which goes with my "insulting" of people who don't know any better. As I said before the clarity between mid level and high/higher end optics is minimal and noticeable during low light or overcast conditions. The whole package is obviously the best option. Having a clear image and a poorly tracking optic is pointless. Any optic that tracks properly will not suffer from lack of image clarity it just doesn't happen. Lenses are relatively easy to produce, the tracking system not so much. In addition to both clarity and proper tracking you need an optic that can handle heavy calibres(we're shooting to 1100 metres remember) and that's where overall quality of construction comes in. The endless posts on this forum and others of Vortex optics taking a dump does not instill confidence.

Boomer686 said:
Your insulting people that buy "lower quality" products by implying they are too dumb or cheap to know the difference. It isn't the fact to be bragging about lower quality products. In my case the surprise is that the items priced significantly lower than the "brand name" stuff is holding up just as good for a lot less money. There is no shame in that other than the "brand name" being potentially overpriced. Is my Nightforce $1800 better than my Vortex or $1200 better than my Leupold? Is my S&B $800 better than my Nightforce? I don't pay attention to round count, age or warranty. I seek info from experienced users I know (not on the internet) when it comes to big purchases then go from there.

OP you will be well served with a Vortex scope. As I mentioned in my very first post...is there better optics? Yes but you can do a lot worse than a Vortex on your rifle. No matter what you buy, no matter what you pay, no matter what you read.. there is always something better available.
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It is entirely within your right to be offended, and that's about where your rights end. Its a sad reality that the vast majority of firearms owners haven't a clue how to apply the fundamentals nor do they have a clue what to look for when selecting equipment, and optics are probably the most overlooked item. Again, many threads here about optic issues that are nothing more than a lack of understanding on how optics and mounting them works. Loose rings, scopes mounted 90 degrees the wrong way, improper eye relief(scope set too far forward or back) to name a few. Add in the confusion/lack of knowledge about the following aspects:

Eye Relief
Exit pupil
Parallax and its adjustments
Ocular focus
Ocular lens
Objective lens
MIL vs MOA adjustments
Target turrets
FFP and SFP reticles
Full multi coated optics/lenses

Another issue that many suffer from is selecting an appropriate magnification range and reticle for the desired purpose. Long range optics or even higher magnification optics with a duplex reticle are plain retarded yet I've seen it countless times. Same story for the hunting guys who wish to shoot offhand and choose an optic with a ridiculous magnification range making offhand shots difficult to impossible and a high end magnification they'll never use.

EC said:
Can you please tell me where I can find a NF, March, or Tangent Theta scope for $2500. According to you these are far better choices for equal or lesser money. I am talking something like a FFP variable power scope in the 5-25 range, I don't use or have any interest in USO, Zeiss, or Swarovski in a riflescope so I won't comment on those.
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Here's some for you. Keep in mind as per above we are looking at approximately 5-20x magnification and $2500 USD

http://marchscopes.com/tactical-25-25-x-42.html
Right from March it comes to $2181 USD

Or this
http://marchscopes.com/tactical-25-25-x-52.html
$2342 USD

http://marchscopes.com/tactical-3-24-x-52-ffp.html
Just a tad over budget $2585 USD

http://marchscopes.com/long-range-5-32-x-52.html
Right on the mark at $2504 USD

Here's one in Canada and its still under $2500 USD

http://www.grouseriver.com/March_Tactical_2_5_25x42_Riflescopes_p/opt-001092.htm
$2550 CDN or $2157 USD

http://www.grouseriver.com/Nightforce_SHV_5_20x56mm_Riflescopes_Non_Illuminat_p/opt-000650.htm
$1350 CDN that's $1142 USD, less than half what a Vortex HD goes for.

http://www.grouseriver.com/Nightforce_Competition_15_55x52_Riflescopes_p/opt-000619.htm
$2699 CDN or $2283 USD

http://www.grouseriver.com/Nightforce_NXS_5_5_22x56_Zerostop_p/opt-000434.htm
$2259 CDN or $1911 USD

Can't find a price for Tangent Theta at the moment but here's some others from the brands I listed for significantly less.

http://www.grouseriver.com/Swarovski_Z5_5_25x52_p/opt-000352.htm
$1780 CDN. No target turrets unfortunately but still doable.

http://www.grouseriver.com/Zeiss_Conquest_HD5_5_25x50_p/opt-001018.htm
$1249 CDN

Leupold VX6 modell 115009

http://www.p-d-ent.com/index.php/optics/3-optics/optics/25-leupold-optics-scopes
$1920 CDN or $1624 USD

Swarovski
http://www.grouseriver.com/Swarovski_Z5_5_25x52_p/opt-000352.htm
$1779 CDN or $1505 USD

Here's some more from Mystic Precision

http://www.mysticprecision.com/wp/category/optics/scopes/




Shibby! said:
This is a ridiculous reply.

The clarity of Vortex mid-level scopes WILL NOT hold you back from making in excess of 1100m shots. I know that from experience.

To say their HD line-up isn't on par or even better than anything priced in their class is ridiculous. You read any review and they will say the Razor line-up is as good, or better, for less.

Get off your high horse.

Of anything the NF NSX is over valued. The glass is sub par and lacks features a scope of that price range SHOULD have.
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The reviews are often done by the same people who haven't a clue what they're looking at or for. Not saying all reviews are from uniformed folks, just that many who buy mid range(in price and quality) optics are those who don't know or appreciate the value of a quality optic costing more. See the list above and compare the prices. You can have optics from better brands that are known for quality for equal or less money.

TDC
 
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The reviews are often done by the same people who haven't a clue what they're looking at or for. Not saying all reviews are from uniformed folks, just that many who buy mid range(in price and quality) optics are those who don't know or appreciate the value of a quality optic costing more. See the list above and compare the prices. You can have optics from better brands that are known for quality for equal or less money.

TDC
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I'm sorry. Guess those who own the scopes being compared know nothing about them or don't know all the details you know what to look for.

Get your head out of your ass.
 
Lol.

Rma 2 out of 3 well taken care of leupold scopes which they replaced with unopened boxes and your doing it wrong.

Perhaps I don't know as much as some people about scopes and features, but I do know about having to rma leupold scopes for issues such as leaking nitrogen ect.

But I do know that wasn't supposed to happen with any quality brand scopes regardless of price range.

Some people like I said before can be such fanboys.

Im not saying leupold sucks im saying any brand can and will sometimes fail.

Its nice to have warranty when they do.
 
Shibby! said:
Of anything the NF NSX is over valued. The glass is sub par and lacks features a scope of that price range SHOULD have.
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This is an absurd statement. Sub par glass compared to what... a $3000 scope?

What other optics have the build quality, durability and tracking for nxs money?

For sub par glass, look no further than a viper pst.
 
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