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10 Best Vortex Optics Scopes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 5-25x56 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C Reticle (MOA)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,133
Magnification
Parallax Adjustment
Tube Diameter

Most important from
838 reviews

Magnification
Clarity is exceptional, delivering sharp, clear images even at high magnification.
Parallax Adjustment
The parallax adjustment is precise, matching the yardage markings closely for reliable targeting.
Tube Diameter
The large 34mm tube design offers a noticeable upgrade in durability and quality compared to previous models.
Reticle
Illumination is effective but subtle during bright daylight, as the scope lets in a lot of light and the reticle glows red.

The Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56 is a versatile riflescope designed especially for long-distance shooting and hunting. Its 5-25x magnification range offers great flexibility, allowing you to zoom in close for distant targets while still having a wider view at lower magnifications. The large 56mm objective lens helps gather plenty of light, improving visibility in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. The EBR-7C reticle in the first focal plane means the aiming marks stay accurate at all zoom levels, which is a big advantage for precise shooting.

The scope's 34mm tube is made from durable aircraft-grade aluminum, making it shockproof and suitable for rough outdoor use. Features like the RevStop Zero system and locking turrets ensure that adjustments are reliable and can be quickly reset, which is handy when you need fast, accurate changes in the field. The throw lever for magnification adjustment adds convenience, so you can change zoom levels smoothly without fumbling.

In terms of clarity, the XD Optical System and anti-reflective coatings provide sharp images with minimal color distortion and good light transmission, which means clearer views even in challenging lighting. The scope is also nitrogen-purged and sealed to resist fog and water, so it holds up well in different weather conditions. Weighing 1.9 pounds, it might feel heavy on lightweight rifles, but it suits hunters and long-range shooters who want a durable, feature-rich optic that balances high magnification with good light gathering and reliable reticle performance. Its combination of rugged build, useful adjustment features, and clear optics makes it a strong choice for serious outdoor use.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,133
Magnification
Parallax Adjustment
Tube Diameter

Most important from
838 reviews

Magnification
Clarity is exceptional, delivering sharp, clear images even at high magnification.
Parallax Adjustment
The parallax adjustment is precise, matching the yardage markings closely for reliable targeting.
Tube Diameter
The large 34mm tube design offers a noticeable upgrade in durability and quality compared to previous models.
Reticle
Illumination is effective but subtle during bright daylight, as the scope lets in a lot of light and the reticle glows red.
#2

Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 3-18x44 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C Reticle (MOA)

Rating
9.7
Magnification
Reticle
Tube Diameter

Most important from
838 reviews

Magnification
The glass is clear and crisp, providing top-notch clarity even at higher magnifications.
Reticle
The reticle remains accurate across zoom levels, aiding quick range estimation and adjustments.
Tube Diameter
Its 34mm tube diameter offers excellent elevation and windage adjustment range, enhancing precision shooting.
Parallax Adjustment
The scope tracks very well and the parallax adjustment is accurate, aligning clearly with yardage markings.

The Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44 is a solid choice if you want a versatile riflescope that works well for mid- to long-range shooting. Its magnification range from 3x to 18x allows you to zoom in enough for distant targets without making the scope bulky or heavy. The 44mm objective lens is a good size, letting in plenty of light for clear images, especially in low-light conditions like early morning or dusk. The first focal plane EBR-7C MOA reticle is a helpful feature since it stays accurate across all zoom levels, making it easier to estimate range and adjust quickly.

The 34mm tube diameter provides a wide range of elevation and windage adjustments, which is great for precision shooting, and the exposed elevation turret lets you make quick changes. Although the windage turret is capped to save weight, it might slow down adjustments a bit. The scope is built tough with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof features, plus special coatings to resist scratches and dirt, so it holds up well outdoors. It also includes a throw lever for fast magnification changes, which adds to convenience in the field. Its field of view at 6.7 feet at 100 yards gives a clear sight picture, though it may be a bit narrower at higher zoom. Weighing 2.7 pounds, it's reasonably lightweight but not the lightest option available.

One minor downside is the absence of night vision compatibility, so it’s not ideal for very low-light or night shooting. The lifetime warranty is a nice bonus, showing confidence in its durability. This riflescope offers a good balance of clarity, durability, and useful features for hunters or shooters who want flexibility across medium to longer distances without extra bulk.

Rating
9.7
Magnification
Reticle
Tube Diameter

Most important from
838 reviews

Magnification
The glass is clear and crisp, providing top-notch clarity even at higher magnifications.
Reticle
The reticle remains accurate across zoom levels, aiding quick range estimation and adjustments.
Tube Diameter
Its 34mm tube diameter offers excellent elevation and windage adjustment range, enhancing precision shooting.
Parallax Adjustment
The scope tracks very well and the parallax adjustment is accurate, aligning clearly with yardage markings.
#3

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO, 1-inch Tube, Second Focal Plane Riflescope - V-Brite Illuminated MOA, Model Number: CF2-31029

Rating
7.6
Magnification
Reticle
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
13746 reviews

Magnification
This scope is ideal for shooting out to around 500 yards, offering enough magnification and clarity for varmint or medium-range hunting.
Reticle
The illuminated reticle enhances aiming in low-light conditions without adding complexity or bulk.
Parallax Adjustment
Adjustable Objective (AO) functionality effectively eliminates parallax, maintaining focus and alignment even with slight eye shifts.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is very comfortable and forgiving, allowing quick target acquisition without the common 'soda straw' tunnel effect.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 6-18x44 AO is a versatile riflescope suitable for hunters who need a flexible zoom range and clear image quality. Its 6 to 18 times magnification allows you to zoom in well for distant targets, while the 44mm objective lens helps gather enough light to provide bright and sharp views, especially in low light conditions. The V-Brite illuminated reticle is a standout feature, with a battery-powered center dot that glows to assist aiming during dawn, dusk, or cloudy days. This illumination can make target acquisition easier without adding complexity.

The scope has an adjustable objective (AO) which helps remove parallax errors, meaning your target stays in focus and aligned even if your eye position shifts slightly—a useful feature for precise shooting. The 1-inch tube is made from durable aircraft-grade aluminum, making it strong and shockproof, while also being sealed and nitrogen-purged to resist water and fog, so it holds up well in different weather conditions. Eye relief is comfortably long and the eye box forgiving, so you can quickly get on target without struggling to find the right sight picture.

The 1-inch tube diameter is a bit smaller than some more premium scopes that use 30mm tubes, which can limit the amount of light transmitted and potentially affect brightness. Also, being a second focal plane (SFP) scope means the reticle size stays the same as you zoom, which some shooters find less intuitive for range estimation at different magnifications. However, the capped reset turrets with MOA clicks are user-friendly, allowing for easy and precise adjustments. This scope is an excellent choice for hunters and shooters seeking reliable, solid performance without spending a fortune, backed by Vortex’s generous lifetime warranty. It’s not designed for night vision use but covers most daylight to low light scenarios well.

Rating
7.6
Magnification
Reticle
Parallax Adjustment

Most important from
13746 reviews

Magnification
This scope is ideal for shooting out to around 500 yards, offering enough magnification and clarity for varmint or medium-range hunting.
Reticle
The illuminated reticle enhances aiming in low-light conditions without adding complexity or bulk.
Parallax Adjustment
Adjustable Objective (AO) functionality effectively eliminates parallax, maintaining focus and alignment even with slight eye shifts.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is very comfortable and forgiving, allowing quick target acquisition without the common 'soda straw' tunnel effect.

Buying Guide for the Best Vortex Optics Scopes

When choosing a Vortex Optics scope, it's important to consider your specific needs and the type of shooting or hunting you plan to do. Vortex offers a wide range of scopes with various features and specifications, so understanding these can help you make an informed decision. Here are some key specifications to consider and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how well you can see your target at different distances. Scopes with lower magnification (1-4x) are ideal for close-range shooting and fast target acquisition, while higher magnification (10x and above) is better for long-range shooting. Choose a magnification range based on the typical distance you will be shooting.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. A larger objective lens allows more light to enter the scope, which can provide a brighter and clearer image, especially in low-light conditions. However, larger lenses can also make the scope heavier and bulkier. For general hunting and shooting, a 40-50mm objective lens is usually sufficient. For low-light conditions or long-range shooting, consider a larger lens.
ReticleThe reticle is the crosshair or aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs can be better suited for different types of shooting. Simple duplex reticles are great for general use and hunting, while more complex reticles with hash marks or dots can help with range estimation and bullet drop compensation for long-range shooting. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and needs.
Tube DiameterTube diameter refers to the thickness of the main body of the scope, typically measured in millimeters (e.g., 1 inch or 30mm). A larger tube diameter can provide more room for internal adjustments and can be more durable. However, it may also require specific mounting rings. For most users, a 1-inch tube is sufficient, but if you need more adjustment range or durability, consider a 30mm tube.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment allows you to correct the parallax error, which occurs when the target and the reticle are not on the same focal plane. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at longer distances. Scopes with parallax adjustment are beneficial for long-range shooting, where precision is critical. If you primarily shoot at shorter ranges, this feature may not be as necessary.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope at which you can see the full field of view. This is important for comfort and safety, especially when using high-recoil firearms. Scopes with longer eye relief (3-4 inches) are better for high-recoil rifles, while shorter eye relief can be acceptable for low-recoil firearms. Choose eye relief based on the type of firearm you will be using.
Field of ViewField of view (FOV) is the width of the area you can see through the scope at a specific distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. A wider FOV allows you to see more of the target area, which can be beneficial for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. For hunting and tactical shooting, a wider FOV is generally preferred. For precision long-range shooting, FOV may be less critical.

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