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 Scopes 2025 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 Crossfire II 4-12x50 AO, Second Focal Plane Riflescope - Dead-Hold BDC Reticle (MOA)

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,430
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
13348 reviews

Magnification
The scope's performance is solid up to 500 yards, offering enough magnification and accuracy for most hunting needs.
Objective Lens Diameter
The adjustable objective lens and clear reticle enhance usability, especially in stable shooting positions.
Reticle
The glass is generally clearer and the reticle is crisp, making it a quality optic in its price range.
Field of View
Great eye relief and view quality without the 'soda straw' effect; provides a full image at both low and high power.
Eye Relief
Great eye relief and view quality without the 'soda straw' effect; provides a full image at both low and high power.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II 4-12x50 AO riflescope is a versatile option for hunters, particularly due to its Dead-Hold BDC reticle which helps with estimating holdover at varying ranges. It has a magnification range from 4x to 12x, suitable for medium to long-range shooting. The 50mm objective lens diameter aids in gathering light, resulting in bright and clear images, even in low-light conditions. This is further enhanced by the anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses.

A standout feature is the adjustable objective lens, which helps eliminate parallax and ensures sharper focus on the target. The scope is designed with long eye relief and a forgiving eye box, making it comfortable and quick to get a sight picture, vital in fast-paced hunting scenarios. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick reticle adjustments.

Built with durability in mind, the scope's single-piece tube is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, offering shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof performance. The capped reset turrets allow fingertip adjustment and can be reset to zero post-sighting, adding to its usability. The scope's drawbacks include its weight of 2 pounds, which might be slightly cumbersome for some users, and lacking night vision capability, which could limit use in complete darkness. However, it’s backed by Vortex’s lifetime VIP warranty, reassuring users of its long-term reliability.

The Crossfire II riflescope is best suited for hunters and shooting enthusiasts looking for a durable, reliable scope with solid features for a variety of hunting conditions. Its ease of use and robust construction make it a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing performance and quality.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,430
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
13348 reviews

Magnification
The scope's performance is solid up to 500 yards, offering enough magnification and accuracy for most hunting needs.
Objective Lens Diameter
The adjustable objective lens and clear reticle enhance usability, especially in stable shooting positions.
Reticle
The glass is generally clearer and the reticle is crisp, making it a quality optic in its price range.
Field of View
Great eye relief and view quality without the 'soda straw' effect; provides a full image at both low and high power.
Eye Relief
Great eye relief and view quality without the 'soda straw' effect; provides a full image at both low and high power.
#2

Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope, 3-9x40, Black (CF2-31007)

Rating
9.8
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
13348 reviews

Reticle
The Vortex Crossfire II offers exceptional clarity and a crisp reticle, making it a standout in its price range.
Eye Relief
With great eye relief and minimal scope black eye ring, the Crossfire II ensures a full image view at both low and high power.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope, with a magnification range of 3-9x and a 40mm objective lens, is well-suited for individuals looking for a versatile and reliable scope for hunting or target shooting. One of its standout features is the Dead-Hold BDC reticle, which helps users make accurate shots at varying distances, addressing a common challenge of holdover estimation. Its long eye relief (3.8 inches) and forgiving eye box mean that even those who might struggle with eye placement can quickly acquire their target, making it user-friendly, especially for beginners or those new to shooting sports. Additionally, the fully multi-coated lenses ensure bright and clear visuals, enhancing the shooting experience.

In terms of durability, the one-piece tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum is designed to withstand shocks and impacts, providing confidence in its performance. The scope is also waterproof and fogproof, thanks to its O-ring seal and nitrogen purging, making it suitable for various weather conditions.

The product is backed by Vortex's impressive unlimited lifetime warranty, which lends substantial peace of mind.

Rating
9.8
Reticle
Eye Relief

Most important from
13348 reviews

Reticle
The Vortex Crossfire II offers exceptional clarity and a crisp reticle, making it a standout in its price range.
Eye Relief
With great eye relief and minimal scope black eye ring, the Crossfire II ensures a full image view at both low and high power.
#3

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

Rating
9.7
Magnification

Most important from
710 reviews

Magnification
Magnification clarity is striking, making it easy to engage targets out to 600 yards with precision.

The Vortex Venom 5-25x56 riflescope is designed with serious long-range shooters and competitors in mind. Its wide magnification range from 5x to 25x lets you zoom in closely on distant targets, making it versatile for various shooting distances. The large 56mm objective lens gathers plenty of light, which helps deliver a bright and clear image even in low-light situations like dawn or dusk. The scope features a 34mm tube, allowing for generous turret adjustment travel—up to 85 MOA for elevation and windage—so you can easily dial in precise shots at varying ranges. The EBR-7C reticle is in the first focal plane, meaning the reticle’s subtensions stay accurate when you zoom, which is essential for measuring target distances and making reliable holdovers. Adjusting parallax is simple with the side knob, which has clear range markings visible while you aim.

Eye relief is about 3.6 inches, enough to keep your eye at a safe distance from recoil without feeling cramped. The optics use advanced coatings to reduce color fringing and improve sharpness across the entire view, while the rugged aluminum body is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, suitable for tough outdoor use. The RevStop Zero system helps you quickly return to your zeroed settings, which is handy in competition or hunting situations. The scope weighs around 2.2 pounds, which might be a bit heavy for lightweight setups.

This scope offers a strong combination of high-quality optics, precise adjustments, and durable construction, making it well suited for hunters and competitive shooters who need reliability and accuracy at extended ranges.

Rating
9.7
Magnification

Most important from
710 reviews

Magnification
Magnification clarity is striking, making it easy to engage targets out to 600 yards with precision.

Buying Guide for the Best Vortex Scopes

When choosing a Vortex scope, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences to ensure you get the best fit for your shooting or hunting activities. Vortex scopes are known for their quality and reliability, but different models offer various features that cater to different types of users. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and select a scope that enhances your shooting experience.
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 and aim at distant targets. Scopes with lower magnification (1-4x) are ideal for close-range shooting and fast target acquisition, while medium magnification (5-12x) is suitable for mid-range shooting. High magnification (13x and above) is best for long-range shooting where precision is crucial. Choose the magnification based on the typical distance of your targets and the type of shooting you plan to do.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting the brightness and clarity of the image. Larger objective lenses (40mm and above) allow more light, making them better for low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. However, they can also make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller objective lenses (below 40mm) are lighter and more compact but may not perform as well in low-light situations. Consider the lighting conditions you'll be shooting in and balance it with the weight and size you're comfortable with.
ReticleThe reticle is the crosshair or aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs serve different purposes. Simple crosshairs are great for general use and target shooting, while more complex reticles with hash marks or dots can help with range estimation and bullet drop compensation, which is useful for long-range shooting. Illuminated reticles are beneficial in low-light conditions. Choose a reticle that matches your shooting style and the level of precision you need.
Tube DiameterTube diameter refers to the thickness of the main body of the scope, typically measured in millimeters (e.g., 1 inch or 30mm). This spec is important because it affects the scope's durability and the amount of internal adjustment for windage and elevation. Larger tube diameters (30mm and above) generally offer more adjustment range and are more robust, making them suitable for long-range shooting and rough conditions. Smaller tubes (1 inch) are lighter and more compact, ideal for general use and hunting. Consider the type of shooting you do and the conditions you'll be in when choosing the tube diameter.
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 is important for tracking moving targets and situational awareness, especially in hunting or tactical scenarios. Scopes with lower magnification typically offer a wider FOV, while higher magnification narrows it. Choose a scope with a FOV that matches your need for target tracking and awareness in your shooting environment.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope's eyepiece where you can see the full image. This spec is crucial for comfort and safety, especially when using high-recoil firearms. Longer eye relief (3.5 inches and above) is better for high-recoil rifles and ensures you don't get hit by the scope. Shorter eye relief (below 3.5 inches) can be acceptable for low-recoil firearms. Consider the type of firearm you use and your comfort level when selecting eye relief.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment allows you to correct the parallax error, which occurs when the target image and the reticle are not on the same focal plane. This is important for precision shooting at varying distances. Scopes with parallax adjustment are beneficial for long-range shooting where accuracy is critical. If you primarily shoot at fixed distances, parallax adjustment may not be as necessary. Choose a scope with this feature if you need precise accuracy at different ranges.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now