For example, Vortex only offers one 4-16 power scope in this price range, while Hawke offers eight 4-16 optics, including one in FFP. I'm curious as to which one of those two will have better glass. However, Hawke offers better (as in less critical) eye relief on most models. Athlon Neos 4-12x40 Center X. Mid Level Reticle Options - MSRP from $550 to $1000. No ED Glass Finally, Hawke offers a limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship throughout the life of the scope. Next up is the Hawke Panorama series of rifle scopes. Add to Wish List Item in Wish List . In the mid-level category, I would score give Vortex a slight edge in the optical quality as, across the board, their glass seems just a bit brighter and clearer. Of the 19 riflescopes in this category from Vortex, 16 are second focal plane models, and three are first focal plane versions. First, the CS.1A fills a nearly vacant niche between a mega-sized 1556 binocular and a full-sized spotter, which generally begins its magnification at 20X and sports an 80mm lens. They offer top-of-the-line optics which allow you to view your target in clear detail, no matter what magnifications you select. The Panorama series comes in four variable magnification models including 3-940, 3-950, 4-1240, and 4-1250. Mid-Range ($501 to $1000) The weight of Vortex Diamondback (604 g) is a bit lighter than of Hawke Endurance, as the latter weighs 652 g,. Also, since both brands have different product offerings, there are areas where Hawke doesnt have an optic in the Vortex price range. When Hawke Optics first entered the sporting optics business, its optics were predominantly sourced from Japan. Founded by Frank Galli in 2000, Snipers Hide has been offering informational videos, podcasts, and other support to its users in one location. Switching over to the Hawke line of scopes, Hawke offers seven models that fit into the upper mid-range classification, and all those models are in Hawkes top-of-the-line Frontier series. The upper mid-range category of optics covers models with an MSRP between $1001 and $1500. Congrats. Here are a few commonly asked questions that I see when comparing the Vortex and Hawke lines of riflescopes: Ive repeatedly stated that proclaiming one optic better than another is all relative because its solely based on a persons opinions and experiences with the two products. 13mm of eye-relief is plenty if you dont wear glasses whilst binning. The Diamondback scope is a well-made heavy-duty scope that won't add much weight to your rifle.. I've found it easy to mount, easy to adjust, and easy to use. I compared the specs on all the models under consideration and was able to make my choice. If money isnt a factor and you want the best scope you can buy between the brands; then Vortex is the way to go. In fact, the ProGuides durability was one of its highest-scoring attributes, thanks to its tight focus, positive eyecups, and hard-wearing shadow gray armor that covers the magnesium body (its also available in 85mm configurations, and with both straight and angled eyepieces). I would rather spend 2-3K on a nice set of bino's to be honest. If youre looking for a caliber-specific reticle or a specialty reticle, then Hawke Optics will offer you more options in that area. 1. I recently bought two binoculars, a Vortex Diamondback 8x42 and a Hawke Endurance ED 8x42, both returned for mechanical defects! I try to qualify my opinions somewhat based on price/costs because these comparisons are rarely an apples-to-apples situation. In addition, there is a typically substantial difference in optical quality and performance between a $1500 optic and a $3500+ optic. The optical quality and features for this line were outstanding (perhaps the best Ive seen yet out of SE Asia) and in line with the price tag. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Both binoculars have a Roof - Schmidt/Pechan prism type and fully multi-coated lenses. Next, evaluate those models at a model versus model level instead of a brand versus brand level, then make a buying decision based on your findings or specific needs. It may not display this or other websites correctly. So whilst the original Endeavor ED does come with ED (Extra low-dispersion) glass, phase corrected roof prisms made from high quality BaK-4 glass and are fully multi-coated. In the $1000 range I'm debating between the Vortex PST Gen ii or the Hawke Frontier 30 FFP. Instead, we noted the responsive controls, the decent image, the smoothly retracting sunshade, and its excellent low-light performance. The difference in price is minimal. As Ive mentioned before in other blog posts, I find the optical quality to be challenging to assess for two reasons: In the entry-level category, I would rate Hawke as having slightly better optics with a bit better eye relief across the board. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. I'm more familiar with the Hawke rifle scopes as I own two Sidewinders. Id probably rate this one a tie since Vortex is strong in this area from a market perspective, but Hawke has a broader product offering. Comparing the glass quality in the upper mid-range category, I would rate Vortex as the winner as their optics are noticeably better. Illuminated reticules also come standard in this series. I have one inexpensive pair to take (10x50 Bushnell), but I want to take a good pair also. And all of the product that they are offering is highly reliable as well. I know the Frontier has Hawkes best glass but I'm not sure how it would stack up against the PST glass. Like Vortex, most of those reticle options are built or geared towards long distance shooting. A center-of-mass LPVO, the best part of this do-everything optic is its first-plane reticle. Ask the BinoWizard Here If you are undecided between two or more binoculars, or are confused by all the options available and dont have the time (or dont want to) read through my reviews, then please feel free to contact me for some personal optics advice. The upper mid-range price points are where the most significant changes in costs begin to show. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Konus ships this spotter with a very good smartphone adapter that allows the spotter to pull double duty as a telephoto lens. Rarely have I wanted to fall in love with an optic as much as I have with Mavens new compact spotting scope. The fingertip focus is vague and spongy. We also liked the responsive 2-speed fingertip focus and positive 3-position eyecup. I regards to the Hawke Tactical, I consider myself an informed decision maker and as such found the Hawke 6.5-20x44 to be a quality affordable scope for someone like me that enjoys shooting within a budget. Upper Mid-Range Reticle Options - MSRP Between $1000 to $1500. Today's topic is a comparison of scopes between Hawke Optics vs . Hawke offers 31 riflescope models across three different Hawke scope families with an MSRP from $550 to $1000. Specialty scopes are models that are built for one specific purpose or use. Unfortunately, even in situations when the optic matches a customers needs perfectly, the reticle option may be the one factor that deters the purchase. Comparing Rifle Scopes: Hawke Optics vs Vortex Optics. The Redfield Revenge, Revolution, and Battlezone series scopes are all similarly priced around $150 $250, but for the sake of comparison well select the Revenge series to compare against the other two brands. Hawke offers a wider variety of reticle options in this price range, including several caliber-specific reticles, including. For the mid-range category, Im using an MSRP price range of $501 up to $1000. Heres the best part: Vortex doesnt require a warranty registration, proof of purchase, or receipts to engage the warranty. They are inspected, tested, and boxed at those locations, then sent to an authorized Hawke retailer. Second, its from Maven, a direct-to-consumer company that has nailed the cool factor with styling and brand vibe. People are cheap. Unfortunately, Vortex does not offer any adjustable objective options in the mid-range category. The bulk of the models in this category are in the 3-9 and 4-12 power. Hawke also offers sub-categories within each line that define the tube size, reticle options, and focal plane. Those eighteen riflescopes come from the following series: The Vortex optics in this category are highly specialized, with models being manufactured for: All the optics in this category are top-end models that will optically compete with any US-based scope brand and some European-based optics. The image is decent, but a bit dim and fuzzy at higher magnifications, evidence of standard glass, rather than the higher extra-low dispersion class of glass used in premium optics. May 3, 2021. DEUTSCH. The Vortex line of optics has more individual series of scopes compared to Hawke. with a straight-wall-based BDC reticle. With a configuration more similar to a riflescope than a spotting scope, and weighing just 20 ounces, we expected performance in proportion to its underwhelming size. SIG Sauer. Whilst I have not yet been lucky enough to try it out, if my past excellent experiences that I have had with Vortex binoculars that I have reviewed are anything to go by this really does look like a cracking instrument for the money. Vortex offers 22 scopes across six different series that feature an MSRP between $551 to $1000. on Vortex Diamondback vs Hawke Endurance ED vs Vanguard Endeavor ED, Vortex Diamondback vs Hawke Endurance ED vs Vanguard Endeavor ED, how to choose between different binoculars, How Different Configurations Affect a Binocular, 70mm Astronomy Binoculars & Tripod Setup Advice. After reading your report, I went back to the web site and read the Celestron Trailseeker 8x42 review and also watched the related video. I suspect that Bushnell saw the same issue with the Forge line of scopes. And if something goes wrong, its backed by Leupolds excellent warranty. Top 8 Rifle Scopes Less Than $200 In 2023. Vortex used an Argon gas and Hawke used a Nitrogen gas. Max yardages that I would probably shoot at an animal would probably be 600 yards max. I'm more familiar with the Hawke rifle scopes as I own two Sidewinders. It was thorough and very much influential in my decision-making process. Those Vortex scope lines include: As you can see, the Vortex Crossfire II series is the most extensive offering in this group, with twenty-six scope options under the $550 MSRP price point. Buy & Compare Prices: Hawke Endurance ED Binoculars. A Comparison of the Leupold Rifleman vs VX1 Scope Models. Vortex Viper HD 8x42 or Alpen Teton ED HD Abbe 8x42? Cheap Binoculars for Safari - Compact, Mid or Full Size? When this post was written, Vortex offered 16 scope models in the top end category, while Leupold offered 38 scope models with an MSRP of $1500 or more. Spotting scopes are a little like residential plumbing. We loved the tight, responsive controls, from the removable angled eyepiece to the rubberized center-barrel focus, and the sunshade seemed to glide as though mounted on ball-bearing tracks. Vortex optics is a great choice for those who demand the highest quality and durability in their rifle scope! Published Aug 18, 2020 4:01 PM EDT. Other workings of the Konus demonstrated similar deficiencies in craftsmanship that may limit its utility in the field. : Agree about Nikon HGL 8x42, still occasionally available new, still being a strong contender. In this price range, Leupold offers a much broader series of riflescope options. Therein lies the key to selecting a rifle scope on a budget: select the features that are important to you. So if you were only going to use them on your safari and then hardy ever again on your return, this may be a good choice. Sorry you cannot see this table as your browser does not support iframes. They are almost the same lengths; Hawke Endurance being 143 mm long and 125 mm wide, in contrast to Vortex Diamondback, which is 145 mm long and 130 mm wide. They both have pretty much every other feature I'm looking for. In the $1000 and up price range, Vortex tends to cost slightly more than the comparable Hawke scopes. However, as you move up to the higher magnification ranges in the Hawke optics, you begin to see some flare and clarity issues along the very edges of the image. In addition to the higher optical quality, nearly every Vortex riflescope in this price range comes standard with side focus parallax adjustments. Instead, the coverage includes the life of the product. These days you can get a lot of bang for your buck when shopping for a rifle scope. When they work, you hardly notice their service. However, Vortex comes with a lifetime VIP warranty, while Hawke offers 10 years of warranty. The straight eyepiece is extremely packable, the armor is grippy, and the stylish hues of black, gray, and orange give it a sharp, distinctive appearance. As an example, the least expensive model in the entry-level category has a $99 MSRP, while the most costly model in that series has a $549 MSRP. Vortex Optics may be the fastest growing optical brand in the business. If youre looking for a spotter to throw into a daypack or pickup console to give you a bit more reach than a binocular, a 45-degree angled optic is a good choice. Plus, their warranty program is fully transferable, so it doesnt matter if youre the original purchaser or the fifth owner; its covered. And the glass is only fair. The 9 Best New Hunting Binoculars Put to the Test. The Panorama series is designed to provide a wider field of view than other similarly priced rifle scopes on the market, and they are said to offer a 20% wider field of view than comparable rifle scopes of the same price point. Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12X40mm. You are using an out of date browser. However, they didnt sell very well, so Bushnell phased the Forge scope models out of production. Look through both and see what you like best . I made this change as Hawke Optics entry-level line of riflescopes is extremely broad, with top-end models in their entry-level line having a max MSRP of $550. It used to be the entry-level market, but the mid-range market has grown exponentially over the last few years. However, I havent personally observed any Hawke optics recurring or commonly acknowledged issues. I think it's because the eyecups of the hawkes are so thin" and do let a lot of light in. Even then I may not ever attempt that. And heres something else that I havent seen covered under any other optical warranty: The Vortex warranty is valid and in effect, even if you paint the optic or have it coated with a finish like Durakote or Cerakote. I know a lot of things are personal opinion but I still like to hear different perspectives. We did not expect to like this wee micro spotter. The tripod foot is also a bit forward of the balance point of the spotter, which is a minor quibble. Read the full article here. In addition, to be quite strong in this particular segment of the market, Vortex also has models priced all the way up to $4000. The Redfield limited warranty is similar to Hawkes warranty and covers defects in materials and workmanship throughout the life of the product. Now listed for about $220 / 213, you are still getting a cracking binocular for a great price. To help us deliver the best user . The textured coarse-focus was tight and precise, and the fine focus glides smoothly. The vortex got a much more narrow opening to look through. SEE IT. ITALIANO. I should have it here on the 13th. For example, they feature an entire sub-group of optics made with a 1-inch tube and another group made with 30mm tubes. We had eight scopes in this years test, and the field was evenly divided between super-sized 80mm and larger scopes (based on the size of the objective lens) and those mid-sized and compact spotters that sport 65mm and smaller objective lenses. The Vortex offering in this price range features a combination of SFP and FFP models, while all the Hawke models in this category are FFP only. All Hawke riflescope models are built to Hawkes specifications and then shipped to a Hawke facility in either the UK or the United States. GLOBAL. However, to be honest, Im not entirely convinced that Hawke will ever compete well in this category, and Ill dive more into why down below when discussing where these brands are manufactured. Glides smoothly focus and positive 3-position eyecup I have with Mavens new compact spotting scope and very influential. Also, since both brands have different product offerings, there is a minor quibble I recently two! 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