We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Vortex Rifle Scopes 2026 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen III 4-24x44 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7D Reticle (MRAD)

The Vortex Razor HD Gen III 4-24x44 riflescope is a versatile option for shooters who want both quick target acquisition at lower magnification and precise aiming at long distances thanks to its 4-24x magnification range. The 44mm objective lens balances light gathering with a compact design, helping maintain a clear and bright image even in low light. It features an EBR-7D reticle with MRAD markings in the first focal plane, meaning the reticle scales with magnification, which is great for accurate range estimation and holdovers without guesswork. Eye relief is comfortable and consistent, reducing the chance of recoil-related injury.

The scope offers reliable turret adjustments with the L-Tec+ Zero Stop system, allowing quick and precise zeroing and easy return to zero settings. Parallax adjustment helps keep your target sharp at various ranges, enhancing accuracy. Its rugged, aircraft-grade aluminum body with O-ring seals and argon purging ensures waterproof and fogproof performance, making it suitable for tough outdoor conditions. Coatings on the lenses improve light transmission and reduce glare, while Armortek coatings protect against scratches and dirt.

It weighs 16 ounces, which is moderate but might feel a bit heavy on lighter rifles. It does not support night vision devices, which could be limiting for some users. While the price and premium features cater well to serious hunters and competitive shooters, casual users might find it more than they need. The scope comes with useful accessories like a sunshade, flip caps, and tools for adjustments, plus a lifetime warranty that covers repairs or replacement for defects. This scope is well suited for hunters and precision shooters who value sharp optics, durable construction, and precise adjustments in a mid-to-high-end package.

#2

Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7D Reticle (MRAD)

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Reticle
Field of View

Most important from
145 reviews

Magnification
This scope is amazing, super fast at 1x and VERY clear glass for longer range/more magnification.
Reticle
The reticle is comfortably lit at 10x, making it easy to use in various lighting conditions.
Field of View
I barely notice any fisheye effect, and when it does appear, it's only on very close objects and doesn't affect accuracy.

The Vortex Optics Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56 First Focal Plane Riflescope is designed for precision shooters and hunters who require high performance at long ranges. With a wide magnification range from 6x to 36x and a large 56mm objective lens, this scope offers excellent clarity and brightness, making it ideal for identifying distant targets. The first focal plane EBR-7D reticle is especially useful for range estimation and holdover adjustments, staying consistent throughout the magnification range.

The HD optical system minimizes chromatic aberration and enhances color fidelity and light transmission, delivering sharp and clear images. The scope's robust construction includes aircraft-grade aluminum, making it durable and suitable for harsh conditions, while its Argon purging and O-ring seals ensure it is waterproof and fogproof. The L-Tec+ Zero Stop turrets with micro-adjustment capabilities enable precise and repeatable adjustments, making zeroing quick and reliable. The scope also features an illuminated reticle, which is advantageous in low-light situations.

Weighing 45.1 ounces, it is relatively heavy, which might be a consideration for some users. Additionally, the price point may be high for budget-conscious buyers, but it is backed by Vortex's lifetime VIP warranty, which provides peace of mind. This scope is best suited for serious shooters and hunters who need a reliable, high-performance scope for long-range applications.

Rating
9.1
Magnification
Reticle
Field of View

Most important from
145 reviews

Magnification
This scope is amazing, super fast at 1x and VERY clear glass for longer range/more magnification.
Reticle
The reticle is comfortably lit at 10x, making it easy to use in various lighting conditions.
Field of View
I barely notice any fisheye effect, and when it does appear, it's only on very close objects and doesn't affect accuracy.
#3

Vortex Optics Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50 First Focal Plane Riflescope - XLR-2 Reticle (MRAD)

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
55 reviews

Magnification
The illuminated reticle and first focal plane design make distance and wind holdovers straightforward at any magnification.
Reticle
The illuminated reticle and first focal plane design make distance and wind holdovers straightforward at any magnification.
Turrets and Adjustments
The turrets provide reliable, easy adjustments and the locking mechanism prevents accidental changes.

The Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50 riflescope is designed with long-range hunters in mind, offering a versatile magnification range from 4.5x to 22x that lets you zoom in for precise shots without losing clarity. Its large 50mm objective lens ensures bright, sharp images even in low light, thanks to high-quality HD lenses and special coatings that reduce glare and protect against scratches. The scope features a first focal plane (FFP) design, meaning the XLR-2 reticle scales with magnification, helping you accurately judge distance and bullet drop at any zoom level. This reticle is also illuminated and easy to use for holdover and wind adjustments, which is especially useful during long-range shooting.

You get a generous field of view of 23.5 feet at 100 yards, allowing you to track moving targets more easily. The turrets are designed for quick, reliable adjustments with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental changes, combined with Vortex’s RevStop Zero system that helps you return to zero without hassle. The scope is built tough with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof features, housed in a durable aluminum tube.

The weight is around 21.7 ounces, which is light for its class but might feel a bit heavy for some users looking for an ultra-light setup. It also lacks night vision compatibility, making it less ideal if you plan to hunt in very dark conditions. This riflescope is an excellent choice for hunters who want a dependable, high-quality optic that supports precise long-range shots with clear images and user-friendly controls.

Rating
8.5
Magnification
Reticle
Turrets and Adjustments

Most important from
55 reviews

Magnification
The illuminated reticle and first focal plane design make distance and wind holdovers straightforward at any magnification.
Reticle
The illuminated reticle and first focal plane design make distance and wind holdovers straightforward at any magnification.
Turrets and Adjustments
The turrets provide reliable, easy adjustments and the locking mechanism prevents accidental changes.

Buying Guide for the Best Vortex Rifle Scopes

Choosing the right vortex rifle scope can significantly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're hunting, target shooting, or engaging in tactical operations. The key to selecting the best scope for your needs is understanding the various specifications and how they impact performance. By familiarizing yourself with these specs, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific requirements and preferences.
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 typically have fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes are simpler and often more durable, while variable magnification scopes offer flexibility for different shooting scenarios. For close-range shooting, a lower magnification (1-4x) is sufficient. For medium-range, consider 5-9x, and for long-range shooting, 10x or higher may be necessary. Choose 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. This spec is crucial because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting image brightness and clarity. Larger diameters (40mm and above) allow more light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions but can make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller diameters (below 40mm) are lighter and more compact but may not perform as well in dim lighting. Consider where and when you will be using the scope to determine the right size for you.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs serve various purposes. Simple crosshairs are great for general use, while more complex reticles with hash marks or dots can assist with range estimation and bullet drop compensation. Illuminated reticles are useful in low-light conditions. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and needs. For example, hunters might prefer a simple, illuminated reticle, while long-range shooters might benefit from a more detailed reticle with range-finding capabilities.
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 with high-recoil rifles. Scopes with longer eye relief (3.5 inches or more) are better for high-recoil firearms, as they reduce the risk of the scope hitting your face. Shorter eye relief (less than 3.5 inches) can be acceptable for low-recoil rifles. Consider the type of rifle you are using and your comfort level when selecting eye relief.
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 surrounding area, which is beneficial for tracking moving targets and situational awareness. Higher magnification typically reduces FOV, so there is a trade-off between magnification and FOV. If you need to track fast-moving targets or require a broad view of your surroundings, opt for a scope with a wider FOV. For precision shooting at long distances, a narrower FOV may be acceptable.
Turrets and AdjustmentsTurrets are the knobs on the scope that allow you to adjust for windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down). These adjustments are crucial for accuracy, especially at varying distances. Some scopes have exposed turrets for quick adjustments, while others have capped turrets to prevent accidental changes. The type of adjustments (MOA or MRAD) can also vary. Choose a scope with turrets that match your shooting style. For example, tactical shooters might prefer exposed turrets for rapid adjustments, while hunters might opt for capped turrets to maintain settings.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment helps to eliminate parallax error, which occurs when the reticle appears to move relative to the target when you shift your head. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at longer distances. Scopes with parallax adjustment allow you to fine-tune the focus for different distances, ensuring the reticle stays on target. If you plan to shoot at varying distances or require high precision, a scope with parallax adjustment is beneficial. For fixed-distance shooting, this feature may be less critical.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now