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10 Best Vortex Scopes 2025 in the United States

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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.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,208
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
12892 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
9.7
Chosen by1,208
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle

Most important from
12892 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 HD Spotting Scopes (20-60x80 Angled)

Rating
9.4
Magnification

Most important from
148 reviews

Magnification
Manual focus works well, even at maximum zoom, providing decent clarity.

The Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Spotting Scope (20-60x80 Angled) is designed for those who need reliable performance without breaking the bank. The magnification range of 20-60x and 80mm objective lens diameter make it a versatile tool for spotting distant objects with clarity. The HD optical system, which includes select glass elements, significantly reduces chromatic aberration and enhances color fidelity, edge-to-edge sharpness, and light transmission. This results in clear and vivid images, even in low-light conditions, thanks to the anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.

The wide field of view aids in quickly locating targets, essential for birdwatching or surveillance. Comfort is also considered with adjustable eyecups for those wearing eyeglasses and a helical focus mechanism for easy adjustments. The built-in sunshade is a nice touch for reducing glare and protecting the lens from the elements. Durability and usability are enhanced by the rubber armor, which provides a non-slip grip, and the nitrogen purging ensures waterproof and fogproof performance. However, at 3.3 pounds, this spotting scope is relatively heavy, which might be a consideration for prolonged field use.

The Arca-Swiss compatible foot is convenient for mounting on tripods, and the included accessories such as the neoprene cover and lens cloth add value. The lifetime VIP Warranty is a major plus, offering peace of mind with a promise to repair or replace the product if it becomes damaged or defective. This product is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and birdwatchers looking for a robust and reliable spotting scope.

Rating
9.4
Magnification

Most important from
148 reviews

Magnification
Manual focus works well, even at maximum zoom, providing decent clarity.

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.

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