Looking for the best Vortex scope for hunting? You have arrived at the right location. This post comprises the best Vortex scopes that will enrich your passion. The scopes explained here will get you to shooting sooner with decreased preparation time.
As a hunter, your gear is the most essential thing you’re carrying. A scope is one of the most vital gears that can make or break your hunt. Selecting the right scope will increase your hunting success tremendously.
Vortex Optics is a scope brand to be reckoned with in the shooting and hunting world. Their craftsmanship, precision, quality, and affordability make their scopes one of the best available on the market. They manufacture dozens of models, which makes it difficult to determine the one ideal for a particular task.
What is the Best Scope Magnification for Hunting?
The best scope magnification for hunting depends on factors, including the type of hunting you will be engaged in and the distance at which you expect to take shots. Generally, a variable scope with a magnification range of 3-9x or 4-12x is considered versatile and suitable for a wide range of hunting scenarios. This magnification range allows for close to mid-range shots with a wider field of view at lower magnifications, ideal for quick target acquisition, and the ability to zoom in for more precise shots at longer distances.
However, if you primarily engage in long-range shooting or specialized hunting, such as varmint hunting, a higher magnification scope, such as a 6-24x or even higher, may be more appropriate.
Ultimately, the best scope magnification for hunting will depend on your specific hunting needs and preferences. It is recommended to consider factors such as the terrain, game size, expected shooting distances, and personal shooting proficiency to make an informed decision.
You’re in luck, as we have scouted the market and put together the best Vortex scopes for hunting. Let’s dive in:
6 Best Vortex Scopes for Hunting
1) Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Riflescope
A good scope for hunting is made of more than one thing. The Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Riflescope brings to the table a wide array of features that makes it open our list of the best Vortex Scopes for hunting.
The first admirable feature is its power. The 4-12x magnification gives you all the power to blast away medium to long-range targets. The 40mm objective lens does a great job of gathering ample light, enhancing the quality of your image.
When you look at the scope’s construction, you will realize that it has a tough aircraft-grade aluminum housing that is built to survive the worst. The scope is further subjected to demanding factory testing under a force of 1000 G’s.
The icing on the cake is the argon purging that makes it fog proof. O-ring seals, on the other hand, ensure waterproof performance. Even when heat is extreme, the scope will deliver immaculate performance.
The Diamondback 4-12x40mm is your ideal scope in all weather conditions, whether it is extremely cold or the sun is out to show its prowess.
What’s more, the scope boasts pop-up dials that deliver easy and precise windage and elevation adjustments. They produce audible clicks that are easy to count.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is one of the most sought by hunters as it is valuable in ranges where holdover estimation is a concern.
Thanks to the fully multi-coated lenses, the scope will perform well in all lighting conditions.
Specifications
- Eye Relief: 3.1 – 3.4 in
- Weight: 14.6 oz
- Parallax: 100 yds
- Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
- Length: 11.9 in
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 3.3 – 10 mm
Pros
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Pop-up dials for effortless adjustments
- Hard anodized finish
- It holds zero pretty well
- Handles fog and moisture well
- Durable build quality
- Top-notch brightness and clarity
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
2) Vortex Razor HD 5-20x50mm Riflescope
Another excellent contender for our review of the best Vortex scopes for hunting is the Vortex Razor HD 5-20x50mm Riflescope. The optical system of this scope is really good. It is built with HD glass, fully multi-coated lenses, and hard coating on glass, including XD lens elements, XT optical system, and Armortek treatment.
All these inclusions combined deliver the best-in-class light transmission resulting in the sharpest, brightest, and clear images. The coatings also maximize durability, so you can have confidence that the glass will not be a victim of wear and tear.
The 35mm tube provides more internal room for a greater windage and elevation adjustment range for accurate dialing of shots at extreme distances.
The scope is durably made from aircraft-grade aluminum that is made to last. It will do the job even when the weather is unforgiving, as it is 100% waterproof and fog proof.
The electronically illuminated reticle is handy in low-visibility areas. It has glass etching to maximize durability.
Specifications
- Length: 15.8 in
- Eye Relief: 3.9 in
- Tube Diameter: 35 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.5 – 10 mm
- Parallax: 40 yds to infinity
- Weight: 37 oz
Pros
- Hard anodized finish
- Stealth Shadow exterior
- XR fully multi-coated optics
- Exposed tactical-style turrets
- RZR Zero Stop
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Side focus
- Erector tube system
- Turret screws
- Clear optics
- Robust build quality
- Solid and audible clicks
Cons
- Quite heavy
3) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Vortex Crossfire II, 3-9x40mm Riflescope, is made to surpass your expectations at its price range. Its low-price range without sacrificing quality is one reason why many fervent hunters love it.
The 3-9x magnification is perfect for shooting at targets at the 500 yards range. The eyepiece has a fast-focusing design for focusing the reticle and couples with the long eye relief, making rapid target acquisition super easy.
Vortex uses the exclusive Dead-Hold BDC reticle to eliminate the need for guessing bullet holdover at extreme distances. This is a big bonus feature for hunters at varying distances where holdover is an issue.
The O-ring seals and nitrogen purging make the Crossfire II 3-9x40mm immune to moisture, dust, fog, and debris. This makes it perform excellently in all conditions.
The sturdy, fully multi-coated lenses have anti-reflective properties that amplify light transmission and result in brighter images in dismal lighting.
The hard anodized construction ensures the scope is not a victim of recoil. When it comes to adjustments, finger-adjustable MOA clicks move the turrets in the direction you want the bullet’s point of impact to change. The turrets are zero resettable after sighting in the scope.
Specifications
- Weight: 15 oz
- Length: 12 in
- Eye Relief: 3.8 – 4.4 in
- Parallax: 100 yds
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.4 – 13.3 mm
Pros
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Finger adjustable turrets
- Fully multi-coated lenses with anti-reflective elements
- Hard anodized finish
- Second focal plane
- One-inch tube for a versatile blend of adjustment
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Fluid rotational adjustment
- Easy grip
- Pristine glass
- High-quality construction
Cons
- None
4) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x24mm Riflescope
Our next option is the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x24mm Riflescope. This scope is perfect for hunting at close to intermediate ranges.
It has XD glass elements with fully multi-coated optics that deliver exceptional optical clarity, color accuracy, and light collection. The glass and coatings couple to reduce chromatic aberration and brighten the image quality.
The illuminated reticle with multiple brightness settings aids visibility in dark conditions. The glass etching ensures the reticle remains visible even without illumination.
Another highlight is the robust aircraft-quality aluminum construction that makes the scope strong and durable. O-ring seals and argon purging contribute to the scope’s waterproofing and fog proofing.
It is hard not to notice the exposed tactical-style turrets that produce audible clicks for accurate windage and elevation adjustments. Thanks to the Zero Stop system, returning to zero after making adjustments is a breeze.
Specifications
- Weight: 22.7 oz
- Length: 10.9 in
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4 – 24 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.8 in
- Parallax: 100 yds
Pros
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Glass-etched reticle with illumination
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
- Tactical-style turrets
- RZR Zero Stop
- Adjustable parallax
- Scratch-resistant Armortek coating
- Precision Glide erector system
- Single-piece tube
- Clear optics
- Rugged construction
- Lightweight
- LED illumination
Cons
- Limited magnification unsuitable for long-range hunters
5) Vortex Crossfire II Hog Hunter 3-12x56mm Riflescope
The Vortex Crossfire II Hog Hunter 3-12x56mm Riflescope is the ultimate scope for hunting in the lowest light, from the crack of dawn to the last light. This is the scope for hunting enthusiasts looking for a quality scope that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
The scope boasts fully multi-coated optics with antireflective properties that deliver ample light transmission making your visuals brighter and clearer. The massive 56mm objective lens gives a clear view of the target giving hardcore hunters an edge when placing shots in heavy cover and challenging conditions.
The 3-12x magnification is versatile, allowing you to shoot at targets from various distances. Durability is not left at the back seat with the Vortex Crossfire Hog Hunter Riflescope.
It features a rugged aircraft-grade aluminum chassis that is built to withstand anything it encounters in the field. This rugged build makes it shockproof for shrugging off recoil.
The scope is sealed and purged with gas making it waterproof and fogproof for relentless performance.
Specifications
- Reticle: V-Brite
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.67 – 18.67 mm
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Weight: 21.1 oz
- Length: 14.3 in
- Parallax: 10 yds to infinity
Pros
- V-Brite reticle
- Adjustable objective for image focus and parallax elimination
- Single-piece tube made from tough aluminum
- Ultra-forgiving eye box
- Finger adjustable, capped turrets
- O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged
- Fully multi-coated with antireflective compounds
- Long eye relief
- Phenomenal performance in low light
- Price
- Illuminated reticle
- Quality build
Cons
- None
6) Vortex Viper HS LR 6-24x50mm Riflescope
Vortex Viper HS LR 6-24x50mm Riflescope is the best Vortex scope for hunting long-range,its excels at versatility and reliability. It houses a generous 6-24x magnification that makes target acquisition from close to far away distances a piece of old tackle.
The scope comes in a sleek and robust package and is meant to impress you. The 30mm tube is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum for long-lasting use even when exposed to the rough conditions that are inevitable when hunting.
It comes with the XLR MOA reticle on the first focal plane. The fast-focus eyepiece makes it easy and quick to focus the reticle allowing you to get on the target in a snap.
In addition, Vortex made this scope with extra-low dispersion glass, which is fully multi-coated to deliver brilliant images at all times. If you plan to hunt at dusk or dawn when the lighting is poor, the Viper HS LR will help you seize the day.
The Zero Stop system ensures you don’t lose your zero by making dialing more than one rotation below your zero point impossible. The side parallax adjustment helps fine-tune with precision.
Moreover, the scope is engineered to be waterproof and fog proof for dependable performance in all weather. Not even rain will not the unit from excelling. It is also shockproof to withstand recoil and impact.
Get the Vortex Viper HS LR for a reliable scope with a generous zoom, pristine optics, and quality to make your hunting trip successful.
Specifications
- Length: 15.5 in
- Weight: 21.8 oz
- Magnification: 6 – 24 x
- Reticle: XLR MOA
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Exit Pupil: 2.1 – 8.3 mm
- Parallax: 50 yds to infinity
Pros
- XR fully multi-coated optics
- Zero Stop system
- All-weather functionality
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Armortek coated lenses
- Tactical elevation turret
- Side focus
- Hard anodized finish
- Bright and clear optics
- Positive clicks
- Excellent tracking
- Adjustment knobs are easy to use and read
Cons
- No reticle illumination
More on Vortex Riflescopes
- 6 Best Vortex Scopes for 6.5 Creedmoor
- 7 Best Vortex LPVO Scopes
- 4 Best Vortex Scopes for Muzzleloader
Factors To Consider When Buying the Best Vortex Scopes for Hunting
Image Quality
As a hunter, you need to make sure you have a scope that allows ample light into the scope to compensate for low-light areas. You can say goodbye to blurry images with Vortex scopes, as they are made with fully multi-coated lenses to boost light transmission. They also have pristine glass from Japanese glass. You can be sure of distortion-free images with Vortex scopes.
Durability
You want a scope that will take a beating for many years. Luckily, Vortex scopes are crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, so you can trust that they will serve you for many years.
If there is a defect, Vortex VIP warranty covers repairs and replacement.
Weight
The last thing you want is to carry a bulky scope as you scout the landscape looking for prey. A heavy scope will ruin your trip and may affect the accuracy of your weapon. Look for a Vortex scope that is low in weight for favorable hunting results.
Reticle
There are plenty of reticles available for diverse shooting and hunting applications. Most hunters prefer an intuitive reticle that won’t obstruct the target even at maximum zoom. If you prefer this, it is best to get a customized ballistic turret. Get a scope with a BDC reticle if you want to hold for windage and elevation adjustments.
Intuitiveness
Time and speed are of the essence when on the hunting ground. This said. Look for a scope with clearly defined turrets for easy adjustments on the fly. A scope with well-placed dials and controls means it is ready for any shooting style.
Read Also: 4 Best Vortex Scopes for 350 Legend
Best Vortex Scopes for Hunting FAQs
- Where are Vortex scopes made?
Vortex Optics get its lenses from Japanese factories. The lenses have excellent craftsmanship and rigorous quality control delivering crystal-clear image rendition.
Everything is put together in Barneveld, Wisconsin.
- What is the ideal magnification for hunting?
The 3-9x zoom is the most suggested for hunters. The reason behind this is the 3x zoom provides a decent view of a large field so close. Cranking up the 9x magnification is more than enough to shoot deer or elk 300 yards away.
- How do I maintain my riflescope?
Pay much attention to the optics. A protective cap ensures sight protection by guarding against dust, snow, and rain for unwavering functionality. You can use a microfiber cloth and lens brush to wipe away fingerprints and dust, respectively.
A damp cloth is ideal for removing splashes of water, while a glass cleaning cloth can effectively remove grease and dirt.
Ensure you store the scope in a warm room after a cold day outside.
Conclusion
Choosing the right scope greatly enhances your shooting experience. It is hard to go wrong with the Vortex scopes listed here. They have an array of features that make them hard to beat. We hope you have found a scope that you’re carrying in your next adventure.