Vortex Optics Reviews: The Best of Their Scopes, Red Dots, Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Rangefinders & Monoculars

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Best of Vortex Optics

Vortex knows optics, and most importantly, people.  It's why they're a successful American and family-owned optics manufacturer that's known as one of the most responsive companies to deal with as a customer.  After all, if you know people and their demands, you're in a position to make something they truly want.

Vortex delivers high-quality products with the latest technologies and clearest glass.  Over the last decade, they've proven they can compete with world-known, high-end manufacturers.

When you buy Vortex, you don't just get in on the brand, you join a family of hunters, sharp shooters, and avid outdoorsmen.  Welcome to Vortex Nation.

Best Vortex Rangefinders

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
tt-table__imageImpact 850
  • Yard Range: 850 Yards
  • Angle Compensation: Yes
  • Price Range: Under $200
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tt-table__imageCopperhead 1500
  • Yard Range: 9-1500 Yards
  • Angle Compensation: Yes
  • Price Range: Under $400
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tt-table__imageRanger 1800
  • Yard Range: 10-1800 Yards
  • Angle Compensation: Yes
  • Price Range: Under $400
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tt-table__imageRazor HD 4000
  • Yard Range: 4000 Yards
  • Angle Compensation: Yes
  • Price Range: Under $500
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tt-table__imageFury HD 5000 10x42
  • Yard Range: 5-5000 Yards
  • Angle Compensation: Yes
  • Price Range: Under $1500
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Vortex Rangefinder Reviews

Vortex_Rangefinders

Rangefinders have changed the way hunters hunt and golfers golf.  They're now considered an essential piece of gear if you value accuracy.

Whether you typically take down your prey within a few hundred yards or you're wanting to stretch the distance to thousands of yards, there's a Vortex rangefinder that can do it and so much more.

You can have a rangefinder that's simple and easy to use or you can spend some decent cash and combine both rangefinder and bino technology to have the best of both worlds in one optic.

For the latest laser rangefinder offerings that are worth your consideration, check out our lineup and get accurate distances for as low as a couple hundred bucks to help you land that trophy buck!

1. Impact 850 Review

Vortex Optics Impact 850 Yard Laser Rangefinder
  • The Impact Rangefinder features a non-illuminated display and highly intuitive menu in a compact and lightweight package. Added magnification brings targets in for a...

Touted as an economical rangefinder without any frills, the Impact 850 sure has a lot to pat itself on the back about.  What can you possibly expect from the entry-level gadget?  You'll be surprised.

Pros:

  • Price
  • Angle compensation
  • FMC coatings
  • Waterproof
  • Bow/Rifle hunting

Cons:

  • Difficult to measure at max distance

The Impact rangefinder may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive units, but what features it does have are considered bells and whistles for its low price point.

Optically, it has FMC (Fully Multi-Coated) coatings which is expected - no complaints there.  It's O-ring sealed for protection against water and debris from getting into the unit - essential for hunters, and believe it when we say not all cheap rangefinders are waterproof.

The kicker feature that surprises in this price range is the HCD (Horizontal Component Distance) mode that provides angle compensated distances.  For bow and rifle hunters that typically take shots at animals on an incline or decline, they know the angled distance can make all the difference when measuring your shot.

You should note that reaching out to 850 yards is under the best conditions on highly reflective targets.  Realistic distance readings, especially on big game, will be around 200-400 yards max.  If this is within your usual hunting parameters, you'll be more than happy to add the Impact 850 to your gear this season.

2. Copperhead 1500 Review

Vortex Optics Copperhead 1500 Rangefinder
  • The Copperhead 1500 is easy to use with a clean display and highly intuitive menu that quickly and accurately ranges from 9 to 1500 yards. The 1500 can be set to read in...

The Copperhead 1500 rangefinder is new and may be exactly what hunters need out of a quality rangefinder.  As is the trend for Vortex, it won't cost an arm and leg to get it.

Pros:

  • Price
  • Angle compensation
  • Illuminated reticle
  • 1500 yards
  • Compact/lightweight

Cons:

  • New/little feedback on product

The Copperhead sports a black paint job, a look that separates it from its Ranger and Impact counterparts.  It might just blend in with the rest of your optical gear if Vortex's iconic green finish isn't up your alley.

We'd consider the price point on the Copperhead rather humble for the features it has.  You couldn't ask for more out of an easy-to-use, mid-level, and yet, high-performing rangefinder.  It ranges out to 1500 yards on reflective targets with 750 yards to soft targets like big game - plenty enough for most hunters.

The Copperhead also has angle compensation, scan mode, FMC (fully multi-coated) optics, and is waterproof - all your bases are covered.  Plus, the reticle is illuminated.  Being able to visibly read distances despite lighting conditions can make all the difference in the field.

With 6x magnification, you can mount this gadget for extra stability if you fancy that.  From the sounds of it, the Copperhead does everything an average hunter needs it to do plus some.

3. Ranger 1800

Vortex Optics Ranger 1800 Laser Rangefinder , Black
2,457 Reviews
Vortex Optics Ranger 1800 Laser Rangefinder , Black
  • The Ranger 1800 rangefinder is easy to use and features a clean, illuminated display and highly intuitive menu. The Ranger 1800 is capable of ranging up to 1,800 yards.

If there's a Vortex rangefinder that has proven itself with the masses, it's the Ranger.  Its price point must be right on par with what buyers are willing to pay, because it's a very popular unit that just might be Vortex's best selling rangefinder.

Pros:

  • Price
  • 1800 yards
  • Illuminated reticle
  • Angle compensation
  • Waterproof

Cons:

  • Brightness setting last in mode selection

Obviously, the feature that sets the Ranger 1800 apart from past and current Ranger models is the 1800 yards of measuring distance.  That's a whole lotta distance for a 3.9" unit that weighs less than half a pound.  Although impressive, it's the maximum distance on highly reflective objects, but 900 yards on targets like deer is still darn-well good for the hunt.

To get the best readings, you should mount this rangefinder for ultimate accuracy for measurements over 1000 yards.

The illuminated reticle will light up your angle compensated, line of sight, or scan mode distances with three brightness settings.  However, to access the brightness setting mode, you must toggle between the HCD/LOS and Yards/Meters modes before you can adjust the intensity.  Since brightness intensity likely requires the most adjustment, it should be the first mode to deal with in the menu - perhaps just a hint for a interface upgrade to Vortex?

But, being petty about its flaws is something we must do.  Take the short list for what it is as the Ranger 1800 is a hit seller for many a good reason.

4. Razor HD 4000 Review

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Vortex Optics Razor HD 4000 Laser Rangefinder
  • The Razor HD 4000 with 7x magnification and a 25mm objective lens is the essential companion for the extreme hunter, archer and shooter. Tripod Adapter compatible allows...

The leap up in price for a Razor 4000 over other Vortex rangefinders is pretty significant for potential buyers looking to save a few bucks here and there, but it's legit when you see the leap in the quality difference.

Pros:

  • HD optical system
  • ArmorTek
  • Magnesium chassis
  • AWC ranging
  • Illuminated reticle

Cons:

  • Possible 20 sec time in ELR mode

The Razor HD is not just a jump up in quality in features, it's a giant leap.   The optical system includes XR Plus Fully Multi-Coated optics with Vortex's HD optical system to provide CA (chromatic aberration) free images with industry-best resolution and color accuracy.  The external ArmorTek coating is always a welcome protection coating.

A magnesium chassis keeps things lightweight but tough, and the illuminated reticle has 5 brightness settings.  The AWC (All Weather Capable) ranging guarantees that you'll get a distance reading no matter the conditions - give it a run in fog, snow, and low light.

With multiple modes to choose from: Normal, First, Last, Scan, and ELR (Extended Last Range), you'll have ranging capability all the way out to 4,000 yards.  Don't forget you can also get angle compensated distances thanks to the HCD mode.  Even though the Razor HD takes things to the extreme level, it could take up to 20 seconds to acquire a measurement at that distance depending on various factors including target size.

With so much to offer, the leap up in price matches Razor HD quality.  Again, the Razor proves to come out on top.

5. Fury HD 5000 10X42 Review

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Vortex Optics Fury HD 5000 10x42 Laser Rangefinding Binoculars
  • The Fury HD 5000 with 10x magnification and 42mm objective lenses, is an extremely effective angle-compensated laser rangefinder binocular intended for hunters, archers...

Rangefinder binoculars are not cheap optics, but they're no longer viewed with skepticism as they once were when they first hit the market.  After some trial and error and feedback from buyers, the Fury HD 10x42 now has a home-runner rangefinder bino, the 5000. This is an upgrade to the original Fury HD.

Pros:

  • 5000 yards
  • HD optics
  • High-quality coatings
  • Right-side controls
  • Multiple modes

Cons:

  • Heavy

For a 10x42 binocular, it's packing some pounds, 2 lbs to be exact.  But, for a bino that's outfitted with rangefinder tech to accurately acquire distances out to an extreme 5,000 yards, that's a lot to live up to, and all of a sudden, weight might not be such an issue.

The best in image quality is what you should expect for forking out more than a grand.  HD images, edge-to-edge sharpness - all that high-end stuff, the Fury has it.  Coatings include phase correction, dielectric, and ArmorTek.

Right-side controls on the bino allow for one-handed use so you never have to put your bow or your rifle down.  Don't worry, it's rubber armor protected and shockproof just in case you get a case of the clumsies.

Best Mode, Last Mode, and HCD (angle compensation) modes provide you with multiple opportunities to get the most accurate, strongest distance you can get no matter the terrain.  An illuminated reticle offers 5 intensity settings so you can always see the best of your display.

With 5,000 yards of ranging capability, 1,600 yards to deer, and a whole lotta in between measuring just for the fun of it, mount this bino to a tripod to get maximum potential out of it - yep, you can do that too!

Best Vortex Monoculars

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
tt-table__imageSolo 8x25
  • Magnification: 8X 25mm
  • Eye Relief / Exit Pupil: 15mm / 3.13mm
  • Price Range: Under $50
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tt-table__imageSolo RT 8x36
  • Magnification: 8X 36mm
  • Eye Relief / Exit Pupil: 18mm / 4.5mm
  • Price Range: Under $150
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tt-table__imageRecon RT 15x50
  • Magnification: 15X 50mm
  • Eye Relief / Exit Pupil: 16mm / 3.3mm
  • Price Range: Under $600
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Vortex Monocular Reviews

Vortex_Monoculars

Binoculars can't compete with monoculars when you want ultimate compactness and ultra lightweight advantages in an optic.  They're made to be small and discrete.

Whether you're out for a leisurely stroll in the woods, turkey hunting in a blind, or undercover on a sting, a monocular will get you closer to the action.  But, not just any monocular will do, it must be Vortex.  Why?

Backing up your cash investment with quality is always a #1 priority.  Vortex does it.  Getting the best price is a #1 priority.  Vortex does it again.  Protecting your monocular with the best warranty is a #1 priority.  No one outdoes Vortex in this.  We see the pattern - when you buy Vortex, you buy #1.

1. Solo 8X25 Review

Vortex Optics Solo Monocular 8x25
  • 8x magnification and 25mm objectives lens, the Solo Monocular is a small, lightweight optic with fully multi-coated lenses, increasing the light transmission and...

In the Solo series, it's not going to get smaller or cheaper than this.  It's tiny at 4.4" in length, and it's super lightweight at 5.6 oz.  Needless to say, this is a pocket-sized optic for everything from backpacking to catching crooks red-handed.

Pros:

  • Price
  • Lightweight/compact
  • FMC optics
  • Fog/waterproof
  • Adjustable eyecup

Cons:

  • Stiff focus ring

There are focus rings with enough resistance that speaks to its quality, and then there's stiff where it's inconvenient to use.  Users have said the focus ring is very stiff to adjust with one hand, and some buyers aren't a fan of the textured and spiked design.

Apart from this, you must remember you're getting an 8x optic with a 25 mm objective lens.  While it might not be as bright as other optics, this mini-sized monocular has FMC (fully multi-coated) optics for under 100 bucks.  Vortex never does anything half pie.

Even as a budget optic, it's fully fog and waterproof.  An adjustable eyecup will help you see the entire 378 feet field of view.

With its simple but effective features and Vortex's VIP lifetime warranty behind it, it's not an optic that's on par with plastic junk.  It supersedes all entry-level monoculars in the market every time.  It's why it's a favorite and Choice monocular the masses approve of.

2. Solo R/T 8X36 Review

Vortex Optics Solo R/T 8x36 Monocular
  • The Solo Recon Tactical Monocular with 8x magnification and a 36mm objective lens is a great choice for observation and range estimation in a lightweight and compact...

The Solo Recon Tactical monocular is a tool that no one should be without.  This goes for patrol men, hunters, competition shooters, and nature observers.  What makes the Solo R/T a versatile monocular?  Find out here!

Pros:

  • Price
  • Wide FOV
  • Compact/lightweight
  • FMC optics
  • MRAD reticle

Cons:

  • Build quality defects

Complaints about the Solo RT monocular are few, but there are various complaints about build quality from stiff focus rings to lenses falling out.  Fortunately, these aren't typical defects and even a $100-ish monocular is covered under the brand's lifetime, transferable, unlimited VIP warranty.

With almost 400 feet of FOV, FMC (fully multi-coated) optics, and 18 mm of eye relief, the monocular is user-friendly for every type of user be it in the field, hunt, range, or on the trails.

The MRAD reticle is the highlight feature of the RT monocular.  It's unobtrusive, and yet, still effective for estimating target sizes and distances.  It even has silhouettes for quick ranging.  But, you should know something about MRAD reticles before you buy or you might find yourself being annoyed by it or naively thinking it's supposed to work like a laser rangefinder - which, by the way, it doesn't.

Keeping things in a compact package is an unmatched skill of the monocular.  Adding a reticle to it is hard-core tacticool.

3. Recon R/T 15X50 Review

Vortex Optics Recon R/T 15x50 Tactical Scope Monocular
55 Reviews
Vortex Optics Recon R/T 15x50 Tactical Scope Monocular
  • The Recon R/T Monocular with 15x magnification and 50mm objectives lens is a great option for long range observation and range estimation. Fully waterproof and fogproof...

It's big, built like a tank, and it's everything a serious shooter could wish for.  This is what premium quality looks like when it breeds with a monocular design, the Recon RT 15x50.

Pros:

  • High-quality optics
  • Fog/waterproof
  • MRAD reticle
  • Tripod adaptable
  • Accessories included

Cons:

  • Price

It's always expensive to afford the best of anything, and this is true of the Recon RT monocular.  However, it doesn't seem to affect the opinions of its buyers.  If you're serious about owning the best, this monocular will justify stretching the budget.

It has XD lens elements, XR FMC optics, and phase correction coatings.  All that basically means it has HD image quality with reduced chromatic aberration and optimum color accuracy - you know, the absolute in monocular viewing, that's all.

The MRAD reticle allows for extended ranging estimations, and it includes silhouettes to quickly make measurements.  Although not illuminated, it's still highly visible without overwhelming the display.

With high power of 15x and a huge 50 mm aperture, you may find some practical use with it mounted to a tripod - after all, it's kind of a mini spotting scope that doesn't even weigh a pound.

With an included rain/dust hood, utility clip, Uni-Daptor tripod adapter, Picatinny rail, and flip-up objective lens cap, its versatile applications you've dreamed of just became a reality.

About Vortex Optics

Vortex_Gear

Where Are Vortex Optics Products Made?

Depending on the product line, Vortex optics are manufactured in China, Philippines, and Japan.

What is Vortex Customer Support Like?

Vortex has a very interpersonal interest in customer service.  They're responsive, active, and maintain an online presence with various types of communication including website response, emails, forums, and social media.  They also have an open-to-the-public showroom at their headquarters in Wisconsin.

How Good is the Vortex Optics Warranty?

Vortex_VIP_Warranty

Vortex's optics warranty is known as the VIP (Very Important Promise) Warranty.  Unlike most other warranties that are limited, non-transferable, and require proof of purchase, the VIP warranty is the complete opposite.

It is fully transferable, no proof of purchase is needed, and it's an unlimited, lifetime warranty.

How Long is the Turnover Time on Vortex Warranty Repairs? 

You may receive a generic message when you submit your Vortex optic for repair or replacement under the VIP warranty.  Generic, stated turnover times are 4-6 weeks.  However, many buyers have said they've received a repair or replacement within days of Vortex receiving the damaged/defective optic.

It goes without saying, turnover time will vary.

What Optics Products Does Vortex Make? 

Vortex Optics has grown into the optics giant it is by offering quality products that includes riflescopes, binoculars, and spotting scopes; rangefinders, red dot sights, and monoculars.  They also offer optical accessories for their products and other equipment including tripods, adapters, cases, and more.

Does Vortex have Premium Optics? 

Vortex offers a variety of quality optics to meet the price points of cost-conscious buyers to those who require high-end optics regardless of price.  While there are many series offered by the brand within the varying types of optics, Vortex remains consistent in quality with a few crossover series.

Crossfires are known to be entry-level quality and affordable.  Vipers are often the mid-level tier of optics, and the Razors are typically the premium and top-tier class for the optic type. 

Does Vortex Offer Military Discount?

Vortex offers a discount for retired and current military and law enforcement personnel.  Registration through their contracted service program allows for the discount.

Can You Buy Direct From Vortex Optics? 

Apparel, accessories, and any Vortex branded gear can be purchased direct from Vortex Optics.  However, if buying their optics products, you'll find the best prices from one of their authorized dealers or online retail/e-commerce website.

Does Vortex Upgrade Their Optics?

Vortex Optics is a company that is very responsive to the demands of their buyers.  They have been known to completely revamp, do away with, and introduce new optics because of feedback from consumers.

To stay on top of what's new or currently in production, you can check their website for availability.  They also have an Inactive Products page that may prove to be helpful.

Vortex Optics Unites All

Vortex Nation

Vortex is a brand that appreciates people.  When you can make something that ignites and feeds a passion in someone, you don't take that lightly and you realize it's a responsibility and honor at the same time to serve the people.

And, that's exactly what Vortex does when they come out with a binocular, scope, or spotter that allows you to do and see things you couldn't without a Vortex.  Things like safely appreciate nature from a distance, identify the trophy rack you will never again be able to replicate in a hunting situation, or instantly get on target when in CQB, life-or-death scenarios.

Vortex optics unites all who need quality optics, competitive prices, and the best warranty protection.  That unity is family.  Welcome to Vortex Nation.

More Vortex Reviews...

Source of Images: VortexOptics.com

Further Reading
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Simon Cuthbert - Founder

Simon is an avid outdoor enthusiast and the founder of Target Tamers. He is passionate about bringing you the most up to date, accurate & understandable information on sports optics of all kinds and for all applications. Simon has contributed to notable publications online and teaches beginners the technical side of optics through his extensive library of optics guides.

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