Athlon Optics was established in 2014, in Kansas City, USA. So, if you were shopping for a new riflescope within the Vortex and Leupold brands and preferred to buy something that was mostly made in America, then Leupold is the clear choice between the two brands. Those decisions are better made on a case-by-case basis, looking at all the scope features that are important to you. Always have. Has ED glass and is $300. Leupold may have a slight advantage with the quality of their scopes' build, while Vortex has the price advantage. Aside from the optical glass and few components, Leupold does all their machine work, assembly, testing, and packaging at their Beaverton OR facility (very much like Nightforce Optics does). Optically speaking, I think the two brands are relatively comparable in this price point as the Vortex models in this range have better glass than what is seen in their entry-level scopes. Think about a pair of Swarovski or similar Binos. There are many entry-level scopes in the Leupold product range. Your preference for a Leupold vs Vortex scopes can be heavily influenced by your shooting style. We're not letting you go just with the information. We begin with putting on some backgrounds on both first. I understand budgets all my kids are done with school etc. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Only Vortexs top tier of scopes features glass from Japan that is assembled at the Vortex facility in WI. There are many rifleman scope versions available, each with a different magnification or objective diameter. It makes no sense to waste money on a scope you can shoot from 20 yards out if youll never need it. Blackdiamond at less than $200. Dec 22, 2020. Brightness and clarity head and shoulders better than the viper. It continues to manufacture optics/riflescopes that are designed for lifetime performance. The Alpine has a compact build with a 17" (approx.) Vortexs most successful rifle scope series are the Razor, Viper, Strike Eagle, and Diamondback. Posted by lawyers_guns_nomoney. They have not only improved their hunting riflescopes specs. In 1962, the company introduced the classic Duplex reticle which boasts of high definition images thats suited for big game hunting. Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x80 Angled Spotting Scope. His service included operation Restore Hope in Somalia and Desert Storm in Kuwait. That said, I have never had a problem with Leupold, and I currently own 7 of them. So, technically, speaking, Leupold is not 100% made in America from the perspective that 100% of the scope components come from the US. First Look: SX-2 Alpine HD Spotting Scope Line - Gun Digest Leupold SX-1 Ventana Spotting Scope Review - Big Game Hunting Blog Nexgen Outfitters has you covered for all of your spotting scope needs, whether you are glassing the Great Plains or the Rocky Mountains. Because of that, it made sense just to create a top-level category that includes every scope from each brand with an MSRP cost that exceeds $1500. If you prefer a larger field of view, the Vortex scope would be a better choice, but in terms of features, build, and reticles, you might prefer Leupold VX-3i as superior. However, if we talk about Vortex scopes vs Leupold with their high-end riflescopes, their price difference could be great. At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks For Spotting Scopes in 2022. Personally, I put quite a bit of stock in a warranty program for two reasons: Now, lets get into looking at the warranty program for these two brands: Ive been working in the outdoor/hunting equipment field for over 20 years now. Has the Vortex Copperhead Scope Been Discontinued? It also promises to repair or replace it if necessary so theres practically no need to show ownership card. Leupold also offers the most expensive scope between the two brands with an MSRP of $4700 compared to Vortexs most expensive model with an MSRP of $3700. Diamondback HD 85mm Straight Combo 20-60X 85mm Spotting Scope Body - 20X-60X Zoom Eyepiece. Required fields are marked *. Never had a scope do that before. You will not be disappointed regardless of the choice you choose. Now that doesnt mean that every single Leupold scope has brighter, more clear glass than every single Vortex scope. Recently introduced, the SX-2 Alpine HD spotting scope line delivers impeccable images and ample magnification, upping your chances of filling your tag. Vortex over leupold and kowa over vortex. yes it's useful but I've mostly used a meopta s2 and swarovski ats and atx with their larve focus rings which I liked better than the two stage focus on many scopes. The leupold bx-2 alpine 1042 boasts an angular 6.5 field of view, making it a good choice, while the vortex diamondback also has a similar 6.3 field of view, which is not as wide. Thats why I bought the Vortex. A common request that Im asked at my day job (and online) is to compare Leupold vs Vortex against one another at the brand level. Best Value: Meopta MeoStar S2 82HD. Their completely multi-coated lenses and lightweight, smudge-free lens coatings are created using cutting-edge technologies. The mid-range winner would have to be the Leupold VX-3i because its features work together to create such a well-developed scope. They are available in both a 5-25x and a 7-35x configuration in Leupold's Mark 5HD line. Presently two models are available, a 20-60x60mm internal optics and a 20-60x80mm option. So, just like a 10x50 has more light than a 10x42, an 8x42 has better light and image than a 10x42. I purchased a Viper HST 4 -16x40 a few years ago perfectly fine acceptable scope. For most consumers, where a product is made is essential. Michael Adams: Killing animals could be useful in developing better ethical, non-secular understandings of the relationships between humans and the rest of the world If youre having trouble determining which scope to buy, youve come to the right spot. Orion Grandview 20. $1,699.00. it was a police scope we borrowed. Leupold offers several reticle options with the lower magnification ranges, but their Duplex and Tri-MOA reticles are the most common and most popular. Essentially, it did not also fail its loyal consumers. Orangevale, Ca. Lets look at where each of these brands is manufactured: While Vortex is a US-based company out of Wisconsin, most of its riflescopes are made in either China or the Philippines. Both brands have excellent reputations, even with Vortex's relative lack of experience. When comparing two different riflescope brands or makers, its essential to focus on comparing features or aspects that seem to be the more critical topics for comparison. Optically, Id say that the entry-level Leupold glass range is slightly better than the entry-level Vortex glass. Norman is a US Marine Corps veteran as well as being an SSI Assistant Instructor. $399.99. Best Crossover: Tract Toric UHD 27-5580. Built for the harshest conditions, the SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x60mm angled spotting scope is a must have for all serious hunters or shooters who want a little more HD magnification and the weight savings offered by a smaller objective. At least, thats the timeframe where I first started seeing the modified label. Their warranty program is also outstanding and easily one of the top warranty programs in the sports optics business. First, it is primarily made in an American land. If you are the type of person that is particular to price value, a $30 difference may influence your choice. The highest MSRP price youll see with the Vortex in the entry-level stuff is $370, while the highest MSRP price youll see in the Leupold entry-level optics is $500. Over the years, the company continues to develop more sophisticated riflescopes. Ultimately, if you're in the market for a scope, your choice will probably come down to personal preference. Leupold's Twilight Max Light Management System helps you see more in less light, while reducing glare. I have bought Leopold for all my rifles. As I come across more questions or new information, Ill update this page. I had a straight and quickly learned to hate it. We now have here two riflescopes with 3-9X magnification and 40 mm objective lens. Both brands have great reputations and both produces excellent optics but with large difference in their products price range. Our Vortex optics reviews will show you exactly where each scope shines and what it brings to the table. Utah. That is because it continuously produces optics that is purely based on technology and consumers demand. This Vortex scope has a VIP (Very Important Promise) lifetime warranty against defects and is transferable while Leupold also offers Lifetime Warranty. To me, the difference is more noticeable in the entry-level category more than any other category I discussed above. 8 Best Spotting Scopes for Long Range,Hunting,Birding Their completely multi-coated lenses and lightweight, smudge-free lens coatings are created using cutting-edge technologies. And youll pretty much see that trend throughout this comparison as the Leupold optics tend to run at least $100-150 more (or higher) than its equal (or near-equal in the Vortex line). They are the bottom of vortex's line and thatshows. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Best Spotting Scopes for Hunting in 2023 (All Budgets) - Target Tamers The viper line is also a big step up if you stay with vortex. . Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD Binoculars are lightweight, backcountry hunt binoculars that come with an open bridge layout and a host of other features that help you reveal the game in the worst light conditions. The power ranges between the two brands in the entry-level category are basically the same. Called Vortex they had mego tonearby gun shop to get another. Chances are, you wont be disappointed at most any scope in this price range. However, the Diamondback scopes cost about $100 (and in some cases, depending on the specific VX-Freedom scope model, up to $150) less than the VX-Freedom scopes. However, the company never loses its grips in its quality trademark. Jan 7, 2023. Almost I hit the game I was aiming at so the day wasnt a total bust out. I own 4 Leupold scopes. In both cases, the scopes offer best-in-class features, ergonomic designs, and field-rugged durability. As far as the leupold my son has a pair that he likes. Hi all Im looking for some guidance on a spotter. Ive been a gear junky for fifty years. I own both. The Vortex Viper I have is built like a tank, but the magnifier ring with the fibre optic mark did come loose and I had to send it back for warranty repair (which they fixed for free, also recharging the gas). Vortex brand now is also recognized for its quality and reliable products. For the extra $100+ there is no advantage to getting the regular Diamondback. Vortex Diamondback vs Leupold Freedom | Hunt Talk Thats another tricky question to answer because its just based on opinions. Overall, pick a Vortex scope with magnification levels that you can probably use My thoughts are don't skimp on glass as they are your eyes and you don't want to miss anything or get a headache if your glassing for long sessions. 5.0 out of 5 star rating (9) Vortex Diamondback HD 20-60x85mm Spotting Scope - Angled. Ive also had the occasion to engage the Vortex warranty personally and for customers at my day job, and its always been a very smooth and hassle-free process. Due to these drawbacks, the Leupold vs Vortex binoculars competition becomes more interesting. It went off into manufacturing binoculars, spotting scopes and eventually into riflescopes. The country of origin for a product plays a role in supporting US-based business and in relation to the product quality. 2 of them are over 10 years old and my 3-940 is about 17 years old. Like the mid-range category, the upper mid-range category is also highly competitive. 1.1 #1) Vortex Optics Diamondback 16-4865 Spotting Scope. The final area where these two brands significantly in the entry-level or budget-oriented scopes is the pricing. Next on our best spotting scope list is the Diamondback HD Spotting Scopes from Vortex. The Konuspot's lens is 17.7 inches long and features an exit pupil length of 23.5 millimeters at 20x and 7.43 millimeters at 60x. If you wanted an illuminated reticle, both brands offer that type of reticle, but Leupold has far more illuminated reticle options than Vortex. Free Tax & Free Shipping. Lightweight but tough as nails, a rugged magnesium housing protects the optic during fast-paced action. Any of the scopes mentioned below are tough and have the above lens upgrades. However, that edge comes at the price of the increased or higher costs typically associated with Leupold. This label is commonly called the Country of Origin. (SX-2 Alpine HD) I got an email today about these spotting scopes, and the prices seem really solid. Besides, Vortex Diamondback weighs 24.48 oz., but Leupold weighs 22 oz. The Leupold SX-2 Alpine Spotting Scope features an ultra-tough, waterproof and fogproof magnesium body, built to handle difficult conditions. jefferson parish garbage can replacement; davis vision gateway; is sister briege mckenna still alive It depends. Since it has a rotating ring and is tripod mountable, it can easily be used in any position that you find best for your needs at any . Clear glass combined with an oversized eyepiece and a rugged design will help you tag out season after season. The SX-2 Alpine HD spotting scope is new and sports the right specs for the hunter, wildlife observer, and range shooter. Take a look at the FOV specs. During that time, Ive used the Leupold personally and on behalf of customers more times than I care to count. If you wanted to buy an American-made scope or as close to American made as possible between these two brands, then the Leupold is your only option. $499.99. If you're a sniper or long-range shooter and need your spotter to tell you corrections I recommend that you take a look at the Leupold Mark 4 Tactical spotting scopes. New Tripods of 2023, Tested and Reviewed | Outdoor Life This spotting scope can offer a field of view of 118 feet at 20x magnification and 61.2 feet at 60x magnification. Although we have heard that Leupold is also now importing lenses from Asian countries like Japan, we know that Japan-made parts are absolutely reliable. What spotting scope and binos do you use? JavaScript is disabled. Meanwhile, Leupolds Mark 5HD riflescope has been designed to redefine accuracy, precision, and optical performance for long-range shooters. Both brands are worthy of purchase. Best Entry-level: Vanguard VEO HD 80A 20-6080. With a straight you have to move your body and head angle to get them aligned and it will move you around and put lots of uncomfortable stress on your neck. Warranty is great, but you have to stop and got get it replaced or repaired that in and of itself is something that makes me pause when the price is 40 dollars less. Trusted Source And as we move on well tackle only about their riflescopes. Also, if you are not familiar with Leupolds history, they invented the duplex reticle design in the early 1960s, so they know a thing or two about reticle designs. $399.99. I was astonished that this happened. Vortex Optics was established in 2004, making it a much younger company than many other optics manufacturers. Put a crick in my neck in no time. With incomparable mechanical performance, crystal clear glass, and robust toughness all in a lightweight model a Leupold rifle scope can put you in good hands. A Rifleman is a common option. I hate to have to report this. If you were strictly shopping on costs, then Id suggest looking closely at Vortex scopes. for your next hunting trip However, there wont be useful info about which among them deserves to have better recognition if we cant specifically provide readers the things they need to know about them. Comparing Leupold And Vortex Binoculars: Which Brand Makes The Better What kind of binos are you running? Leupolds warranty is lifetime. I agree with others though grab a nice pair of binos before a spotter. Viper HSLR (although the FFP model in this series exceeds the $1000 MSRP criteria), VX-5HD (this series has some models that are right on the upper end of the $1000 limit and some models that exceed $1000), Viper HSLR (within this line, only the 6-2450 FFP model falls into this category), PST Gen II (except for the 1-624 model, all the PST scopes fall into this category), VX-5HD (about half of the scopes in this series have an MSRP that exceeds $1000 and are in this category), VX-6HD (within the VX-6HD scopes, only the 1-624 and the 2-1242 are in this category. This review focuses specifically on the 3-12x42mm version. Thread starter DEWD_STUFF; Start date Jul 3, 2017; Forums. leupold alpine vs vortex diamondback spotting scope Yes, you have to pay the shipping costs to return the item to them, but they pay the shipping costs to return it to you. Although finding the right Vortex scopes is difficult, the comprehensive product reviews discussed above will help you decide which scope will fit your style and needs. A made in USA imprinted on my riflescope could be my proud badge for my rifle. The glass on the VX-Freedom scopes is better than the Diamondback scopes and has less critical eye relief. Since there is no one magnification range that is suitable for any hunter, we have included scopes with variable magnification settings below. Trying to chose between leupold VX Freedom 3-9x40 or Vortex crossfire II either 4-12x50 or 3-9x50. However, choosing the best Vortex array for your needs can be difficult. To confirm our conclusion, we did a lot of research and even participated in many online forums to know exactly which of these two brands is more popular. Hunted from Alaska to Mexico, owned all manner of optics. The packed length of the Leupold Alpine is 18.5 inches, but it extends to 58.5 inches. Whereas Leupold offers more expensive, but well-designed optics, such as the Golden Ring scopes. They vary in many main areas, including Motion Sensor Technology, Reticle Illumination Settings, and parallax functionality. As such, I end up engaging a scopes warranty more than the average person. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. We wont rent or sell or spam your email. The Vortex Diamondback HPs output disparity is due to the use of a second focal plane construction. However, our crowd favorite vortex scope is the Diamondback Second Focal Plan. While the Vortex Dead-Hold BDC is a reticle, Leupold does not (or at least no longer offers) a reticle called the LRP. how to choose binoculars for bird watching, Spotting Scope vs Binoculars: Best Use, Pros and Cons, 10 Best Spotting Scope Tripods Add Stability to the Image! Leupold vs Vortex | Long Range Hunting Forum I very much like Vortex as a brand and own a few Vortex scopes personally, but that does not change my opinion that Leupold has marginally better glass when comparing brand to brand. If theres some way to fall down, over, or up something, Im your guy. Find em used or if you wait and can get it early, aaoptics.com sells the Vortex refurbished (he sells out quick when he does get a shipment). The Leupold SX-1 Ventana spotting scope is a good entry level "jack-of-all-trades" spotting scope and it's a good choice for most bird and nature watchers, shooters, and some hunters. Aug 31, 2021. rak762005 said: I have a BX2 Alpine HD and the glass is good for the money but I didn't realize until I got home that the cheaper Leupold binoculars are made in China. And a lot of us also favor American-made products. If you are the type of person that is particular to price value, a $30 difference may influence your choice. A Comparison of the Leupold Rifleman vs VX1 Scope Models. Sounds like the straight vs angled question comes down to personal preference or what a person has become accustomed to. It features a streamlined exterior for a sleeker profile and a built-in helical focus wheel for fast and fine adjustments. Some great scopes that are under $300 check out these. Leupold vs vortex spotting scope - yvmwgi.seticonoscotimangio.it