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. If you are the type of person that is particular to price value, a $30 difference may influence your choice. I agree with others though grab a nice pair of binos before a spotter. The Vortex warranty is an unlimited lifetime warranty that is fully transferable and does not require any prior registration. Both of these scope brands offer a significant number of diverse and functional scope reticle options. There are many entry-level scopes in the Leupold product range. However, that edge comes at the price of the increased or higher costs typically associated with Leupold. Vortex Diamondback Tactical Rifle Scope for $249.98 (Save $50) . And even though most of its riflescopes or some of its spare parts are manufactured abroad, its products only kept getting better and getting exceptionally highly functional. The people behind their productions are some of the geniuses in the optics manufacturing business. Best Overall: Leica Televid 82. 1 8 Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting. Usually, I consider mid-range scopes to be priced somewhere in the $400 to $900 range, but since Leupold has some entry-level models that top $500, Ive adjusted the mid-range price range to $500 to $1000. Length: 16.77in. Within the Vortex line, the mid-range optics in the $500 $1000 range include the following scope series: Within the Leupold line of riflescopes, the mid-range models in the $500 to $1000 MSRP range are the following: Vortex has a total of 22 scope models in the mid-range price points, while Leupold offers 32 scope models that fall into the $500 to $1000 price point. One caveat about their warranty program (and most all warranty programs) is that they do not cover the optic or item if youve made any alterations or modifications. The SX-2 Alpine HD spotting scope is new and sports the right specs for the hunter, wildlife observer, and range shooter. On the other hand, Leupold binocular has a 13.7 mm eye relief. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. It has a sturdy build and easy-to-use modifications. For comparison purposes, we have pulled up two rifle scopes from each company. MSRP: $269.99; vortexoptics.com. Leupolds Ballistics Targeting system provides marksmen with several aiming points for long-range shots. They both have what it takes to take the lead in the scope manufacturing trade. Essentially, it did not also fail its loyal consumers. Subscribe to keep up to date with top products to buy online. And as we have discovered, the Leupold is more appreciated in the US of A. Meanwhile, Leupolds Mark 5HD riflescope has been designed to redefine accuracy, precision, and optical performance for long-range shooters. Due to these drawbacks, the Leupold vs Vortex binoculars competition becomes more interesting. This fits your . There is no doubt that these will Leopold BX-2 Alpine binoculars have their work cut out as the mid-level class ($130 - $300) is certainly the most competitive. 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. i used the exact Leupold as you listed. Vortex. 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. Like the entry-level scopes comparison, many of the Leupold scope models in the mid-range category also offer the Leupold C.D.S. For many riflescope brands, the mid-range scopes are the most competitive segment of the scope optics industry because its the industrys fastest-growing segment. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Answering that question is extremely difficult s the answer really depends on several factors like: However, I would make the following broad recommendations: Here are some frequently asked questions that I see regarding the Vortex vs Leupold debate: Im familiar with both series and like both. And as we move on well tackle only about their riflescopes. They are available in both a 5-25x and a 7-35x configuration in Leupold's Mark 5HD line. You are using an out of date browser. Whereas Leupold offers more expensive, but well-designed optics, such as the Golden Ring scopes. These scopes are on the same range level. In 1947, Leupold & Stevens gave birth to the first American made fog-proof riflescope which they branded the Plainsman nitrogen filled and 100% fog-proof. The SX-2 Alpine HD spotting scope is a must have for all serious hunters or shooters who are looking to add HD performance to their optics kit. I understand budgets all my kids are done with school etc. Has ED glass and is $300. Camera Land has the Leupold 10X42 Mojave pro guide HDs on sale for $379 shipped. Now, the older made Leupold models are marked as being Made in America, but Leupold migrated away from this label around the 2007-2008 timeframe. He loves writing and sharing his extensive knowledge of firearms, especially AR rifles and tactical equipment. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Joined: Nov 2014. Forget the spotter, spend your money on binos and a tripod, I have also been looking at these, might throw Vanguard Endeavor HD into the mix. Leupold's binos and spotters suck hind tit in my experience. While both brands are the two most popular US-based optical brands, I wouldnt say in a blanket statement that Vortex is better than Leupold. Is Vortex a better brand than Leupold across the board? The rubber-armored magnesium body is waterproof and nitrogen purged. The consistency of the glass is outstanding. Besides, Vortex Diamondback weighs 24.48 oz., but Leupold weighs 22 oz. Leupold BX-2 Alpine Binocular I had the opportunity to carry the new BX-2 Alpine binos on an Idaho bear hunt, and I came away from the trip extremely impressed by these optics. Budget friendly but best value for the price. Has the Vortex Copperhead Scope Been Discontinued? It is light and bright. Leupold BX-1 mckenzie 10x32 roof prism: $129.99 was $234 45% off or. Vortex produces high-quality rifle scopes with a wide range of magnifications. 3. Unlike other manuals or Vortex scopes analyses, we took the time to carefully study each scope. 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. Put a crick in my neck in no time. I do every opportunity I get. Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24 Illuminated Reticle Scope Review. But when budget becomes a constraint, people tend to check on the Vortex and most buyers dont regret buying it. In more than a decade into optics, Vortex has greatly stroke the awareness and interests of many American hunters. Best Budget: Vortex Diamondback HD 20-6085. Now, thats not a knock against any other scope brand, but most of their competitors have small print warranty rules and regulations that are just a hassle. Being a professional journalist, James knows how to turn any topic into a comprehensive, easy-to-digest text. That is because it continuously produces optics that is purely based on technology and consumers demand. Over the years, the company continues to develop more sophisticated riflescopes. I have to agree with jalen as far as the diamondbacks. These normally sell for around $550. Just to confuse you more haha. Leupold SX-2 Alpine Spotting Scope for $329.99 (Save $70) When you pick one up, youll notice a difference: its up to 20 ounces lighter than most scopes in the range. Recently introduced, the SX-2 Alpine HD spotting scope line delivers impeccable images and ample magnification, upping your chances of filling your tag. Leupold and Volpel company which is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon was established in 1907. The Twighlight Max Light Management System offers crystal clear images in low-light environments, while also reducing glare in direct light for versatile, dependable service you can . Theres a viper in the classifieds for $450 Id recommend over those. $399.99. Just curious if anyone has had any hands on experience with them or comparisons with competition (pricing . The mid-range winner would have to be the Leupold VX-3i because its features work together to create such a well-developed scope. Even if you've never dealt with telescopes before, rest assured, Charles holds a Masters degree in Physics Engineering (optics and photonics specialization), has been teaching physics at school for almost 15 years and recently has star, The Optics is reader-supported. if both were the same price, which would you prefer for 0-800 yd deer/elk hunting in dryer part of Montana. However, you really cant go wrong with either brand in this category. The Leupold comes in with 1.5 to 4x magnification compared to the Vortex 1-6x. This involves the use of high-quality fabrics, such as waterproofing and fog-proofing patterns, which are ideal for operating the scopes in inclement weather. Sometimes. Both of these brands have, what I would consider to be, the best warranty programs in the business. If you are the type of person that is particular to price value, a $30 difference may influence your choice. Vortex. Leupolds pristine reputation for high-quality optics has risen significantly over the years, especially in the last ten years. Your email address will not be published. Another common question that I was asked about customers who were just being introduced to, In a relatively short amount of time, the Vortex line of rifle scopes has become, When it comes to rifle scopes, one of the most common questions I see and. Some great scopes that are under $300 check out these. Orangevale, Ca. Senor_Barney; Dec 7, 2022; Observation & Sighting Devices ; 2. A popular model of entry-level scope from Vortex is the Diamondback HP. As far as the leupold my son has a pair that he likes. okay. That's because the same mm objective lens over a smaller magnification means more light for each level of magnification. Youll get your moneys worth and then some if you go for Leupold. 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. Vortex Diamondback HP. Can't remember if the Leupolds have a fine focus knob. Kowa makes awesome lightweight spotting scopes. The Leupold CDS system still applies in this category as well and could be considered as a positive point in Leupolds favor since nearly every Leupold scope in this price range comes with one free CDS dial included. Your explanation makes perfect sense. Professional firearms instructor and hunting enthusiast Dan Kidder takes us through the versatile and cost effective Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD Spotting Scopes. Those decisions are better made on a case-by-case basis, looking at all the scope features that are important to you. My friend is in the Leupold family and I can get pretty good deals. They are one of the worlds greatest optics makers. my vortex 65mm HD glass is clearer. The scope retains its longevity despite weighing slightly more than 12 oz, making it an excellent addition to any weapon. I think Optics Planets "regular" prices are inflated. Out of Stock. On the commercial side, Vortex is riding on another business trend. So what we are trying to say is that, Leupolds are generally pricier than the Vortex. The dials are simple to read and have a broad field of view. for $140. The scope models from each brand in this category will be included in the upper-level echelon of US-based riflescope models and will compete with some higher-end European-based optical models. $499.99. . I have had come success with Vortex but honestly, better success with Leupold. Leupold's Twilight Max Light Management System helps you see more in less light, while reducing glare. . They outsource the production of optical glass from different sources in different locations. The vortex DB $199 no discount or special. Every scope has its own set of features, specifications, and other essential functions that can improve your shooting experience and make it more competitive, thrilling, and rewarding. Vortex Diamondback has a 16 mm eye relief. Leupold SX-2 Alpine HD 20-60x80 Angled Spotting Scope . The Vortex Diamondback HPs output disparity is due to the use of a second focal plane construction. Oversized eyepiece for comfortable all day glassing. Quick view Add to Cart However, if we talk about Vortex scopes vs Leupold with their high-end riflescopes, their price difference could be great. Basically, when choosing between Vortex and Leupold scopes of the same quality and are practically tied dead for clarity and brightness a deciding factor would be the price tag and warranty. Nexgen Outfitters has you covered for all of your spotting scope needs, whether you are glassing the Great Plains or the Rocky Mountains. Scopes from that era were allowed to be marked as Made in the USA because the FTC guidelines at that time permitted that labeling. I dont have more than $200 to drop on some glass' but antthing . In fact the 14x on the Leupold magnifies better than the 16x on the Vortex. A Look at the 10 Best Marlin 60 Scope Options, 10 Best Scopes for a .270 Winchester Rifle. New. Find the best bit of glass. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Glassing up is sooo much easier with an angled. it was a police scope we borrowed. Brightness and clarity head and shoulders better than the viper. These special coatings are applied during the production process and either improve light transmission (for a clear sight picture) or shield the lenses from scratching. JavaScript is disabled. 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. Good choice for varmint to big-game hunting. Clear glass combined with an oversized eyepiece and a rugged design will help you tag out season after season. $449.97 . My thought with it was to help clarify something I had spotted in my binoculars. When I say broke I mean the housing of the scope separated from rear bell that houses the lens and power ring. This past summer, at the urging of friend, I bought a vortex to mount on my 35 Whelen, not a baby gun. Products ( 2) Sort By. 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. Location. Opening the window at minus 15C outside and 20C indoors is not a good idea. It went off into manufacturing binoculars, spotting scopes and eventually into riflescopes. Some features are optional, while others are required. Which is better, the Vortex Dead-Hold BDC vs Leupold LRP reticle? With an angled you can rotate the scope and cover a large area with just a turn of the head and a small nod up or down. . Given the number of times that Ive been asked, is this scope made in America? the country manufacture matters in the riflescope market as well. It also goes to the range. (Spring 2023), 11 Best FFP Scopes Suitable for Each Scenario! Optical quality is kind of a catch-all term used to describe the brightness, clarity, and color of the image through a scope. The Leupold SX-2 Alpine Spotting Scope features an ultra-tough, waterproof and fogproof magnesium body, built to handle difficult conditions. 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. Leupold, on the other hand, being the more experienced and seemingly more intense in producing optics that a lot of American hunters appreciate. I believe the prices charged by Optics Planets are excessive. It makes no sense to waste money on a scope you can shoot from 20 yards out if youll never need it. If there are separate double and single glazed panels try each to see which gives the best image. Despite sourcing about 90% of their products overseas, Vortex has done exceptionally well in the US market. So what we are trying to say is that, Leupolds are generally pricier than the Vortex. Typically, the second focal plane outperforms its fixed focal plane equivalent. Always have. Vortex does not currently offer a system like this, although they partner with Kenton Turrets for custom-made aftermarket turrets that function like the CDS system. The power ranges between the two brands is relatively even as well, except that Leupold seems to offer more options in this price range that are in the lower power ranges (like 2-10, 3-15, etc.) The tough structure of the Leupold Rifleman scope is its best feature. Orion Grandview 20. Since there is no one magnification range that is suitable for any hunter, we have included scopes with variable magnification settings below. Optically, Id say that the entry-level Leupold glass range is slightly better than the entry-level Vortex glass. for your next hunting trip If you are wanting to see what our favorite picks are for best AR scopes. Maybe newer model is better. However, the company never loses its grips in its quality trademark. Dollar to dollar, they are the better option than the Diamondback. Re: Budget Spotting Scopes: Vortex Diamondback vs Leupold SX-2 vs Nikon Prostaff Theres a razor for sale on alberta outdoors, not on your list but may want to have a look over there. You must log in or register to reply here. Optical quality is also somewhat hard to quantify as its entirely based on ones perceptions and opinions, so theres plenty of room for debate on this topic. For the extra $100+ there is no advantage to getting the regular Diamondback. if not those two, what else in the $700-$900 price point? People always say that you only get what you pay for. Leupold features two different sets of reticle options in this range with the mid-range power magnification. #11. Im looking at the two below (pics and links). but buy once cry once is the best piece of advice youll get with optics.