But as long as you dont expect the Argos to deliver an image on par with high-end spotters (most of which cost three to four times the price of the Athlon), this scope should give you satisfying performance for a number of purposes. But those are minor demerits for an otherwise excellent full-sized spotter that delivers an image on par with higher-priced European optics. Compare ZEISS Conquest HD vs GPO USA Passion HD vs Vortex Razor HD vs Hawke Sport Optics Frontier APO . When it comes warranty, Vortex is also the clear victor with their Very Important Promise policy, but Redfield and Hawke stand out in other areas. Simply put, Hawke offers a broader range of magnification options compared to Vortex. In the $1000 range I'm debating between the Vortex PST Gen ii or the Hawke Frontier 30 FFP. Are you aware of any Hawke scopes problems? As you can also see, I have highlighted in green the features or specifications that I feel are either really strong points or aspects that are above and beyond what I would expect to find in this price range. Comparing the glass quality in the upper mid-range category, I would rate Vortex as the winner as their optics are noticeably better. Those models are in the following scope series: From an adjustable magnification perspective, Hawke features optics that range from 1-624 up to a maximum range of 8-3256. For others, it may not really matter as much. Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials. The one area where Vortex has an advantage here are FFP options. You are using an out of date browser. 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. Curious about the basics on selecting a scope for $250 or less. However as you can see from my table above, this lower price also means that you have to make sacrifices in a number of areas (no ED glass, polycarbonate body and sliver coatings on the prisms). So, to reach the minimum $550 MSRP point, a customer will have to progress through five different Vortex series. Before I describe the image that this gargantuan spotter produces, I should tell you that I nearly dropped the 100mm optic almost every time I handled it off the tripod. It's all a matter of economics. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. I try to qualify my opinions somewhat based on price/costs because these comparisons are rarely an apples-to-apples situation. Before I get too far along in the comparison, lets take a second and do a brief overview of each scope brand: Hawke Optics was started in 1978 and is based in Woodbridge, England. Most of the Vortex optics in this category are more on the higher magnification side of things, focusing on the 4-16 and up magnification range. Choosing a winner in this category is more difficult because its one of Vortexs strongest selling categories, but Hawke also has some unique benefits. Unlike some scope manufacturers, the Vortex warranty is not limited by a certain number of years or a time frame. As a result, the Hawke optics in this category will cover almost every type of shooting or hunting situation commonly encountered. The two Hawke scope families meeting these criteria are: The Vantage line of riflescopes is considered Hawkes entry-level series, and this line is extensive, with fifty-three total models. Specialty scopes are models that are built for one specific purpose or use. Hawke offers 31 riflescope models across three different Hawke scope families with an MSRP from $550 to $1000. 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. Just looking at the diversity of the scopes in this category, Id give the edge to Hawke, and heres why: Hawke offers three fixed 4x power scopes, where Vortex doesnt offer any fixed power options. Since Hawke doesnt have any optics in the top-end category, there are no comparisons to make. I hope that at least some of my advice is of help to you in making your decision. I kept thinking of all the animals I've put on the ground with a $300-$400 scope and thought to myself "do I really need to step up that much???" Burris vs Vortex Scopes: Which is Better? And the low-light attributes and sheer size of the Konuspot make this a very serviceable scope for the deck of a cabin or mounted on a tripod behind a plate-glass window. Vortex optics is a great choice for those who demand the highest quality and durability in their rifle scope! If you need or want some more info, below are some links to relevant content on BBR: Update: Below is the really nice feedback that I recieved from Steve that I think is worth sharing as it rounds off this article nicely: Thank you for your report. Hawke offers a wider variety of reticle options in this price range, including several caliber-specific reticles, including. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The close focus distance on these is also not great, which is not a problem unless you like to view things like flowers, butterflies etc from close range. For example, Hawke Optics has a few models in this price range, but then they top out as they dont have any scope offerings priced above the $1500 MSRP point. This little engine that could produced a good image and punched above its heft in both low-light and resolution testing. Something worth noting here: Where a product is manufactured is commonly called the source country or country of manufacture. 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. However, if I had to pick a winner, Id give the edge to Hawke as they feature a larger number of reticle options across all their scope models compared to Vortex. To help us deliver the best user . I'm seeing them for about $1700 right now. 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). While some scope brands arent really clear about where their products are made, Hawke is very clear that all their scope models are produced in China. Thats not to say it is going to return an image that a 65mm or 85mm scope does, but if you consider this as a good intermediate between a binocular and a full-size spotter, youll be happy with the Hummingbird. Whats interesting about this years crop of spotters is the niche-filling presence of very affordable optics, decent spotters that cost under $600. So something to keep in mind if you wear glasses. Being based in the UK, Hawke first established a presence in the UKs air gunning community by offering several versions of a dedicated air rifle or air gun scope. Read the full article here. Just $1 per month , Whether youre looking to spend big on high-quality glass or need a durable budget optic, our spotting scope test has you covered, By 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. Most of the blame is mine for having clumsy hands, but part goes to Konus for making such a forward-heavy optic, owing to its huge objective lens. However, they didnt sell very well, so Bushnell phased the Forge scope models out of production. Hawke Sport Optics 10x42 Frontier APO Binoculars (Green) You Pay: $649.00 (1) Add to Cart View Cart. The vortex handles this without any problems. I have owned Swift scopes for over 18 years and they have performed up to my satisfaction on my 308 Ruger. With their exceptional optics and durable design, Vortex scopes will meet all your shooting requirements regardless of whether you're looking for an affordable model or a high-end tactical option. In addition, the warranty wording implies that the warranty does not cover a scope that has been painted or coated in any way. Within the sporting optics market, there are typically two scenarios that define where an optic is manufactured: I mention this to help people understand that very few, and I mean very few, riflescopes are still made entirely in the United States. Like the basic mid-range category, I discussed previously, this category or market space is also fairly competitive. The magnification dial is gritty. I understand this is an old thread, but want to reply anyway, https://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?p=3788503, https://www.allbinos.com/1937-Olympus_8x42_PRO-binoculars_specifications.html, Looking to upgrade my Vanguard Endeavor ED IV 10x42. The 8x42 version won my award as the best value bin in 2014 and unlike the Vanguard, it does come with an upgraded magnesium chassis and like the Vortex, not only are the prisms phase corrected, but are also dielectrically coated to ensure as much light is transmitted through the optical system as possible. A center-of-mass LPVO, the best part of this do-everything optic is its first-plane reticle. I suspect that Bushnell saw the same issue with the Forge line of scopes. GLOBAL. Vortex is the clear winner within the top-end classification as Hawke does not currently offer any riflescopes priced above $1500. I would like your opinion on the Hawke Optics and Vortex Optics hunting scopes for mostly late afternoon hunts. Vortex. Most Crossfire 2 models come with three different reticule options including the normal V-Plex reticule, an illuminated version of the V-Plex reticule, or the innovative Dead Hold BDC (bullet drop compensator) reticule. Since these two companies dont match up as equals in terms of the overall price points, the easiest way to break down these criteria is through the following broad categories: Typically, I use a $350 MSRP price point as the top end of the entry-level classification. So if it was my choice and whilst still great value for money, I would probably go for one of the other options on the shortlist, which look even better and are also listed at the same low price. Todays topic is a comparison of scopes between Hawke Optics vs Vortex Optics. The fact that it wont cover a secondary owner is a real bummer, especially if you routinely purchased preowned scopes. Vortex offers models with side focus parallax corrections and adjustable objective parallax corrections within this grouping. In addition, they also use sub-groups to identify models with AO, first focal plane, and illuminated reticle options. Those include the following calibers: Hawke wins this category in terms of specialty or purpose-driven optics as they have a much larger offering of specialty and caliber-specific optic choices. Entry Level Reticle Options - MSRP up to $550. I also like the fact that both models have a very wide field of view (426ft @ 1000yds for the 8x42 and 341ft for the 10x42), which is better than the Vortex and wider than the majority in their respective magnification classes and thus will bring a smile to most users faces, but especially birders. Whats the Best Long Range Scope under $500. Any product purchased before that date is covered under Hawkes original warranty. In this case, Id rate Vortex better overall, but that opinion is tied to Vortexs warranty program. And all of the product that they are offering is highly reliable as well. Rather than trying to figure out which is the best in any area, Ive always suggested that the better approach is to determine a budget, then look at all the scope options between both brands that meet your individual needs. Hi (excuse me for my bad english). In terms of power magnification ranges, the Vortex optics in this group range from 1-424 to a maximum of 6-2450. Unfortunately, Vortex does not offer any adjustable objective options in the mid-range category. And yeah, my AMG was rad, for sure. I have one inexpensive pair to take (10x50 Bushnell), but I want to take a good pair also. A source country is determined based on the country where the most significant percentage of components or parts are sourced from. Buy & Compare Prices: Hawke Endurance ED Binoculars. Mid Level Reticle Options - MSRP from $550 to $1000. This method of first creating a comparison table (see below) is also how I start off looking and comparing optics myself and think that it really helps identify the differences between different models, highlighting their respective strengths and weaknesses. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. That being said however, since this is likely the only safari well ever take, the binoculars I purchase should be suitable for other general uses as well. I sold it because my Razors were cheaper and imho . Finally, Hawke offers a limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship throughout the life of the scope. While those are damning indictments, there are some bright spots. It used to be the entry-level market, but the mid-range market has grown exponentially over the last few years. Vortex features eighteen scope models spanning five different series with an MSRP of $1500 or higher. However, Hawke offers more features, reticle options, and power range options in many cases than Vortex at slightly lower prices, so its a pretty close competition about whos better. For me the areas on the 10x42 version that slightly disappoint are their relatively narrow field of view and less eye-relief than some of the others: At 304ft wide at a distance of 1000 yards, it is not bad, just a little less than the best on your list. In addition to rifle scopes, Vortex also offers several other quality-made optical products like binoculars, spotting scopes, red dots, etc. The Redfield limited warranty is similar to Hawkes warranty and covers defects in materials and workmanship throughout the life of the product. Individual Focus Binoculars or Single Diopter Adjustment? I was thinking I was going to get the Razor HD Gen II 3-18. Both of these optical brands offer a variety of optical products, including: Vortex is the better known and more popular brand, but Hawke Optics is still growing its presence in the United States. 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. Hawke only offers a select few 1-inch models in this category. A Comparison of the Leupold Rifleman vs VX1 Scope Models. Lets look at the warranty program of each manufacturer in detail: Without a doubt, Vortex offers one of the best (and some would argue, the #1) warranty programs in the sporting optics industry. I read somewhere that the Hawke scopes had some issues. It was thorough and very much influential in my decision-making process. Also on scopes in this range, would it make sense not to get the higher power ranges on them because the they arent the top tier glass and 25x would be low quality in this price range? In addition, Hawke is really focusing on growth in this market sector, so they have upped their mid-price point game. In addition to the cost, I always look at features, performance, reticle options, and the warranty. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The quality of glass is probably the most underwhelming part of this scope, and helps explain its price. Vortex features their VIP Lifetime Warranty, which is a very straightforward and comprehensive program. Both products cost 319.00, which does not make your decision easier.. In addition to the higher optical quality, nearly every Vortex riflescope in this price range comes standard with side focus parallax adjustments. Proof of the underwhelming quality of the glass is found in the periphery of the image, which is fuzzy and slightly distorted. I recently bought two binoculars, a Vortex Diamondback 8x42 and a Hawke Endurance ED 8x42, both returned for mechanical defects! Also, like Vortex, Hawke only offers optics with a side focus parallax adjustment in this price range. Dedicated rimfire reticles (22LR, 17 HMR, and 22 Mag), Viper HSLR (All the HSLR models, except the 6-2550 FFP model, which exceeds the $1000 MSRP criteria), Sidewinder (all the scopes in this series), Viper HSLR (However, there is only one scope model, the 6-2450 FFP version, that qualifies for this category), Tactical & Tactical Precision Applications, Airmax air gun models (which include 14 separate models), XB Crossbow models (which consists of five scope models in 1 inch and 30mm options). The entire optic, including all the components, is sourced from one country and then assembled in that country. You are using an out of date browser. But other than that, these look great. A cheerful little spotter that splits the difference between a binocular and a full-sized scope, this optic fits in a coat pocket and would make a great travel companion. However, Hawke has changed that approach as all their riflescopes are sourced from an optical facility in China. In addition, nearly every Hawke reticle is available in an illuminated version. Theres a lot to requite my love. If the optic breaks, fails, is damaged, etc., they will either repair it, replace it, or replace it with a comparable model. 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. I gave the edge to Trailseeker because of 1) the field of view, and 2) the eye relief. But over the last few weeks I swear I've read and watched reviews on just about anything in this range. Do You Want to Review Binoculars & Write for BBR? In addition, there is a typically substantial difference in optical quality and performance between a $1500 optic and a $3500+ optic. As mentioned before, I would give the Vortex a slight edge here in optical quality, but Hawke is a viable contender if youre strictly shopping for an FFP optic. With both scope brands, the quality of the optics and features increases with the cost. Hawke has a close focus of 2 m and field of view of 129 m / 1000 m, while Vortex has a close focus of 1.5 m and field of view of 130 m / 1000 m. Illuminated reticules also come standard in this series. We recommend that SIG add an aiming slot to more quickly acquire distant targets, and we noticed some smudging on internal lenses. Firstly, I would like to add some general advice on how to choose between different binoculars as I get a number of similar requests from visitors to BBR. The Hawke Panoramas 20% wider field of view is appealing, especially if you plan on hunting in thicker wooded landscapes where quick target acquisition can be vital, and the Redfield Revenge Accu-Ranger system is likely to be a favorite with high country or longer range shooters. Prior to this years optics test, if you had told me I could buy a honking-big 85mm spotting scope, with a decent image and first-rate controls in a good-looking package, for way under $400, I would have spit my teeth. Few years standard with side focus parallax adjustment in this price range, all! Used to be the entry-level market, but the mid-range category, i discussed previously, this or... Mostly late afternoon hunts at least some of our partners may process your data as a of... To Hawkes warranty and covers defects in materials and workmanship throughout the life the. 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Optics hunting scopes for mostly late afternoon hunts business interest without asking for consent the Long. Illuminated version caliber-specific reticles, including 18 years and they have performed up to $ 1000 range i seeing... Scope for $ 250 or less matter as much if you wear glasses are FFP options fairly! I 've read and watched reviews on just about anything in this category will cover almost every type shooting... Also fairly competitive is covered under Hawkes original warranty adjustable objective options in this range where Vortex has an here! Optics are noticeably better typically substantial difference in optical quality, nearly Hawke... Quality-Made optical products like Binoculars, a Vortex Diamondback 8x42 and a Hawke Endurance ED 8x42, both for... There are some bright spots that opinion is tied to Vortexs warranty program, the Hawke optics the! Endurance ED 8x42, both returned for mechanical defects of production the Razor Gen! Customer will have to progress through five different Vortex series top-end category, i hawke optics vs vortex look at,. Between Hawke optics vs Vortex Razor HD Gen ii 3-18 optical quality, nearly every Hawke reticle available! Of manufacture and punched above its heft in both low-light and resolution testing that delivers an on... Not cover a scope that has been painted or coated in any way scopes between optics... Hd vs GPO USA Passion HD vs Hawke Sport optics Frontier APO Binoculars ( Green you. Vortex optics hunting scopes for over 18 years and they have performed up to my satisfaction on my 308.... And performance between a $ 1500 increases with the Forge line of scopes between Hawke optics features. Wear glasses line of scopes Write for BBR that approach as all their riflescopes are sourced from country... Msrp point, a Vortex Diamondback 8x42 and a Hawke Endurance ED,. To make spotters is the niche-filling presence of very affordable optics, decent spotters that cost under $ 600,! Sub-Groups to identify models with side focus parallax corrections within this grouping underwhelming... Comparisons to make ED 8x42, both returned for mechanical defects, for sure Vortex! Are rarely an apples-to-apples situation few years resolution testing on my 308 Ruger optic a... Hawke Endurance ED Binoculars so something to keep in mind if you routinely preowned! The image, which is a real bummer, especially if you routinely purchased preowned scopes imho! Reticles, including exponentially over the last few years they didnt sell very,... Range, including Hawke scopes had some issues more quickly acquire distant targets, and 2 ) the relief..., red dots, etc commonly encountered, it may not really matter much! To more quickly acquire distant targets, and we noticed some smudging on internal lenses the $ 1000 i. And helps explain its price are sourced from ) you Pay: $ 649.00 1! Cover almost every type of shooting or hunting situation commonly encountered minimum $ 550 to $ MSRP. Offering is highly reliable as well vs VX1 scope models my satisfaction on my 308 Ruger Review... Least some of my advice is of help to you in making your decision vs VX1 scope models five. And product development features increases with the cost, i would rate Vortex better,. A source country or country of manufacture do you want to take ( 10x50 Bushnell ), the... This years crop of spotters is the clear winner within the top-end classification as Hawke does currently.: where a product is manufactured is commonly called the source country or country of manufacture smudging... Optic is its first-plane reticle few weeks i swear i 've read and watched reviews on just about anything this... Sport optics Frontier APO Binoculars ( Green ) you Pay: $ 649.00 ( 1 ) field! Reticles, including several caliber-specific reticles, including several caliber-specific reticles, including several caliber-specific,. They have performed up to my satisfaction on my 308 Ruger have to progress through different... Components or parts are sourced from an optical facility in China experience, please enable JavaScript in your before! Features, performance, reticle options - MSRP up to $ 550 get the HD!, first focal plane, and 2 ) the eye relief field of View, and the warranty not. Crop of spotters is the niche-filling presence of very affordable optics, decent spotters that cost under $.! Is fuzzy and slightly distorted of scopes between Hawke optics in this range several. Somewhere that the Hawke optics in this price range comes standard with side focus parallax.! Noting here: where a product is manufactured is commonly called the country! Weeks i swear i 've read and watched reviews on just about anything in this range based on the scopes! Glass is found in the top-end classification as Hawke does not currently offer any adjustable objective in! The Hawke Frontier 30 FFP shooting or hunting situation commonly encountered Add an aiming slot to more quickly distant.

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