In the $1000 range I'm debating between the Vortex PST Gen ii or the Hawke Frontier 30 FFP. But those are minor demerits for an otherwise excellent full-sized spotter that delivers an image on par with higher-priced European optics. I would rather spend 2-3K on a nice set of bino's to be honest. Well, Id be wearing dentures as I told you that such a unicorn exists. And if something goes wrong, its backed by Leupolds excellent warranty. That being said, Hawke certainly offers quite a bit of value as well, especially in the entry-level optics category. Heres the best part: Vortex doesnt require a warranty registration, proof of purchase, or receipts to engage the warranty. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. I hope that at least some of my advice is of help to you in making your decision. 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 starters, the Endurance ED scored in the middle of the pack in both resolution and low-light testing. How Much Should I Spend on a Rifle Scope? Andrew McKean Scopes in this range begin to specialize a bit where they are manufactured specifically for situations like long range hunting, long range shooting, or close-quarters combat-style shooting for speed and precision. Then highlighted in red are weaker aspects when compared to others on the list. For example, they feature an entire sub-group of optics made with a 1-inch tube and another group made with 30mm tubes. Includes Free A few of the models in this group are designed as short-range/close quarters optics for the AR platform. In the $1000 range I'm debating between the Vortex PST Gen ii or the Hawke Frontier 30 FFP. Entry Level Reticle Options - MSRP up to $550. If the optic breaks, fails, is damaged, etc., they will either repair it, replace it, or replace it with a comparable model. Others, like Mavens new straight-barrel 65mm CS.1A, are fairly priced for their useful size and adequate image. If you wanted to read more about Hawkes approach to manufacturing, I wrote a more detailed post here about where Hawke Optics are manufactured. 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. Instead, the coverage includes the life of the product. When Hawke Optics first entered the sporting optics business, its optics were predominantly sourced from Japan. At this point, Vortex offers scopes that cost more than Hawke. Athlon Neos 4-12x40 Center X. However, Hawke offers better (as in less critical) eye relief on most models. Any product purchased before that date is covered under Hawkes original 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. In addition to the cost, I always look at features, performance, reticle options, and the warranty. While the Hawke warranty isnt bad, its typical of the warranty restrictions seen in the optical industry these days. Burris Fullfield II 3-9X40mm. The upper mid-range price points are where the most significant changes in costs begin to show. Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO. Major highlights include the magnesium chassis and dielectrically coated prisms, which is a real sign of quality and not often found at this price range. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. But for a lightweight, extremely portable little spotter with surprisingly tight and responsive controls, this micro submission from Celestron is a good choice. I thought the quick answer was the PST but I just felt like there could be something better out there in that price range. Summary: Vortex Viper HD vs Nikon Monarch 7 vs Maven C.1. 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. Vortex is the clear winner within the top-end classification as Hawke does not currently offer any riflescopes priced above $1500. Hawke Vs Vortex. Unlike some scope manufacturers, the Vortex warranty is not limited by a certain number of years or a time frame. They both have pretty much every other feature I'm looking for. I read somewhere that the Hawke scopes had some issues. The 9 Best New Hunting Binoculars Put to the Test. Which Vortex Scopes are First Focal Plane? In this case, Id rate Vortex better overall, but that opinion is tied to Vortexs warranty program. 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. Hawke Scope Vs Vortex. 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. in the 1000 range i'd buy the SWFA 3-15 for around 700. best scope for the money. Id love to hear what people think about scope options. Ive always considered the warranty program on scopes to have significant value, especially if you run into issues with the optic. Back in 2013 and when they were listed at $280 / 260, I thought that these were great value for money, indeed they won my award as the best value for money bin that I reviewed that year. I have placed an order with Adorama for the Trailseeker 8x42 ($193; includes free expedited shipping). I know the Frontier has Hawkes best glass but I'm not sure how it would stack up against the PST glass. 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. In addition to the caliber-specific reticles, Hawke also features a broader range of illuminated reticle options than Vortex. Within the mid-range grouping, Vortex features twelve different reticle choices, with most being designed for long range or long distance shooting. Minoltah 2 yr. ago What were you thinking the advantage is of 8x42 is over 8x32 if you intend to keep both? Vortex offers four different FFP scopes in this price range, whereas Hawke only offers two FFP models. Of the 19 riflescopes in this category from Vortex, 16 are second focal plane models, and three are first focal plane versions. 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. Heres our take on the mix of submissions, ranked in order of their overall score. Plus, their warranty program is fully transferable, so it doesnt matter if youre the original purchaser or the fifth owner; its covered. They have narrowed their choice down to the three models above and are looking for some advice on which ones to choose: I have spent some time looking through your fine web site. 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. Those six models are in the following series: Within those six models, the lowest magnification is 2-1032, and the highest magnification range is 5-2550. 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. They offer top-of-the-line optics which allow you to view your target in clear detail, no matter what magnifications you select. 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. From that point, Hawke began to expand into other parts of the sporting optics market and currently offers riflescopes to fit almost any need on any budget. 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. 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? With tack-sharp controls and a shapely design that begs to be slipped into the side pocket of a mountain-hunters daypack, this mid-sized spotter is a worthy backcountry optic that can double as a durable shooting-range companion. In addition, almost all of those 13 reticles are also available in an illuminated version. (And with the Vortex I was disappointed because there were a lot of chromatic aberrations, instead with the Hawke, thanks to ED glass, it was perfect). Buy & Compare Prices for Vortex Diamondback Binoculars. Todays topic is a comparison of scopes between Hawke Optics vs Vortex Optics. Within those seven optics, the lowest magnification range is 3-1550, while the highest magnification power is 5-3056. In addition, there is a typically substantial difference in optical quality and performance between a $1500 optic and a $3500+ optic. It was thorough and very much influential in my decision-making process. in the 2000 range i'd get a Nightforce 3-15. can be had for 16-1700 now. My vote is for a Meopta Meopro HD 8X42. Best example is why V went with 6-24 vs 5-25 or better like the rest of the manufactures, including themselves. 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. Well, I'm just about ready to order a scope for my new 300wm. The evaluation basis is entirely opinion based on ones own personal perspective and experience. In addition, the recommended scope usage begins to change as well. What is truly remarkable is that Athlon is able to bring such a well-appointed spotting scope to the market for the price of a mid-level binocular. So I actually landed on two totally different scopes. You must log in or register to reply here. Show Removed Specs. 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. We also liked the graceful bend of the 45-degree angled body, as well as the clever rotating collet that locks in the removable eyepiece. Even though I have not actually tested the model, based on the fact that the two that I have were so strong, I think it is safe to assume that the 10x42 will also live up to expectations and indeed think it may be ideal for you. Mid Level Reticle Options - MSRP from $550 to $1000. You rightly mention in your question that I have reviewed the 8x32 version, but I am not sure if you know, but I have actually also tested and reviewed the 8x42 Hawke Endurance ED. 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. ButterFly likes this #5 ECP M42 Vanguard Posts: 2,234 Joined: 28 Apr 2021 Founded by Frank Galli in 2000, Snipers Hide has been offering informational videos, podcasts, and other support to its users in one location. The Hawke warranty program is called their No-Fault Lifetime Warranty, and it offers a lifetime warranty on all their rifle scopes. 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. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Overview and Reviews of Different Rifle Scope Models. 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. We havent tested many 100mm spotters in the past, but that big lens provides a very valuable attributeit gathers a crazy amount of light. There are some shortcomings. 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. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. The vortex handles this without any problems. 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. I was thinking I was going to get the Razor HD Gen II 3-18. Illuminated reticules also come standard in this series. 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. 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. If thats the case, your only option between the brands will be Hawke, as Vortex no longer offers any fixed scopes. Both products cost 319.00, which does not make your decision easier.. However I would like to add that since 2013, the market has become even more competitive and as such it has driven down prices even more. Either way, I found both to be excellent in their class. 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