To help us deliver the best user . At its higher powers, from about 5.5-8x, the reticle reveals its long game. In addition to the cost, I always look at features, performance, reticle options, and the warranty. Andrew McKean Its interesting to note that none of the leading European brandsSwarovski, Leica, or Zeisshas a new spotter for the year. Sorry you cannot see this table as your browser does not support iframes. Like Vortex, all the Hawke optics in this category feature better optical quality than the entry-level models in the Hawke family. I would give the edge to Vortex in this category, but its predominantly based on one issue: Hawke does not offer any SFP scopes in this price range. 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. 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. Even then I may not ever attempt that. If you tune the image to mid-range magnifications, though, the Maven shows its trademark combination of brightness and acuity. 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. Hawke offers thirteen different reticle choices in the mid-range pricing. In sum, the new Leupold spotter is a hard-wearing utility player that should give you years of service. We recommend that SIG add an aiming slot to more quickly acquire distant targets, and we noticed some smudging on internal lenses. Now listed for about $220 / 213, you are still getting a cracking binocular for a great price. Most of the Hawke riflescopes in this category are geared towards hunting and long distance shooting, with a select few optics being offered for AR-based short range and close quarter shooting. The Panorama series comes in four variable magnification models including 3-940, 3-950, 4-1240, and 4-1250. Today we are going to compare rifle scopes from each of the aforementioned brands to see what each scope has to offer. Finally, Hawke offers a limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship throughout the life of the scope. 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. In the $1000 range I'm debating between the Vortex PST Gen ii or the Hawke Frontier 30 FFP. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Vortex offers 22 scopes across six different series that feature an MSRP between $551 to $1000. 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. Vortex rifle scopes have numerous features that will improve your shooting experience and more precise. Then all you need to do is match those strengths to your particular needs and/or preferences. You are using an out of date browser. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Then I became aware (I even checked with Hawke) that this model will not be in stock until July. Vortex is a more prominent, more established brand in the US compared to Hawke, so they sell far more optics than Hawke in the $550 to $1000 price point. Vortex Optics may be the fastest growing optical brand in the business. Cheap Binoculars for Safari - Compact, Mid or Full Size? In addition, Hawke offers more illuminated reticle choices in this space (if reticle illumination is essential to you). Vortex VS Hawke Body Comparison. Buy & Compare Prices for Vanguard 10x42 Endeavor ED Binoculars. 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. Vortex transitions from 1-inch scopes over to 30mm models in the mid-range category, including one 34mm model. Specialty scopes are models that are built for one specific purpose or use. So I finally decided to integrate some of these optical comparison requests into the site. I really liked the 8x33, so I assume the 8x44 is also pretty great (I have not tried the x44). If thats the case, your only option between the brands will be Hawke, as Vortex no longer offers any fixed scopes. With both scope brands, the quality of the optics and features increases with the cost. Primary Arms Classic 4-16x44. The finish is slick as grease. GLOBAL. I ended up getting the MPO. Spotting scopes are a little like residential plumbing. No ED Glass The 17 Best New Versatile Riflescopes Put to the Test. Hawke Endurance ED is made from magnesium alloy which contributes to smaller weight, while Vortex Diamondback is made from plastic and rubber with some metal details. Note: Vanguard Sport Optics have updated this model with their newer and improved Vanguard Endeavor ED II 8x42 Binoculars that does have a magnesium body and even higher quality ED glass, but at around $400, they are above your budget. It came down to the Tract Toric 4-20x50 or the Brownells MPO 3-18x50. I try to qualify my opinions somewhat based on price/costs because these comparisons are rarely an apples-to-apples situation. We havent tested many 100mm spotters in the past, but that big lens provides a very valuable attributeit gathers a crazy amount of light. Examples of specialty optics include: Vortex offers a couple of specialty scope models, including: In addition, Vortex has introduced a specific scope for the straight-wall calibers (350 Legend, .450 Bushmaster, etc.) Whats the Best Long Range Scope under $500. While Vortex offers a broader line of optical products, Hawke features some attractive scope options that Vortex does not. For example, they feature an entire sub-group of optics made with a 1-inch tube and another group made with 30mm tubes. 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. 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. Because spotting scopes are expensive to make, and because the market is smaller than it is for binoculars and riflescopes, we tend to see robust numbers of spotters about every other year. Looking for Binocular recommendations in the $300-$500 range. I hope I like it, it will be a step up from what I'm using now and I feel it will be perfect for my situation. If we're not suppose to eat animalshow come they're made of meat? Curious about the basics on selecting a scope for $250 or less? The rubber ring that keeps the sharp edge of the ocular lens from biting the brow came off somewhere during our low-light testing. If you want a simple scope with as few adjustments as possible, youre probably interested in a fixed power scope. 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. 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. The Panorama series also has fully multi-coated lenses for crisper images, and every model sports waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof construction which can be vital when youre shooting in unpredictable locations. Vortex VS Hawke Body Comparison At first glimpse, it can be noticed that the two products are very alike in size and appearance. They offer top-of-the-line optics which allow you to view your target in clear detail, no matter what magnifications you select. 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. 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. Most modern-day scope manufacturers either source the entire scope from another country or source the components from another country, then assemble the optic in the United States. The Vortex warranty stands out as the best option of the three with their VIP (Very Important Promise) warranty that offers repair or replacement of a product if it becomes damaged or defective. First, what we liked about this mid-sized spotter: its trim size and compact straight-barrel design make it highly useful for backpack hunters or for use on a shooting bench; its controls are tight and precise; and we like its stylish gray-and-crimson armor. Upper Mid-Range Reticle Options - MSRP Between $1000 to $1500. Vortex offers models with side focus parallax corrections and adjustable objective parallax corrections within this grouping. JavaScript is disabled. Press Enter for Accessibility for blind people who use screen readers; Press Enter for Keyboard . Having looked through most all the models in this category across both brands, Id give the edge in optical quality to Vortex as I believe that their optics are slightly better in this price range. From scopes made for competitive shooting to other optics that are meant for outdoor usage, Vortex has an extensive lineup of all of them. 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 Vanguard Endeavor ED 10x42 This model got a good review. The 9 Best New Hunting Binoculars Put to the Test. Have you looked at the Vortex Dimondback Tactical at all , Its certainly worth look . Edited by TomK1, 22 July 2021 - 10:31 PM. 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. Read Next: Top Spotting Scopes Put to the Test. Comparing the glass quality in the upper mid-range category, I would rate Vortex as the winner as their optics are noticeably better. The Vortex optics in this group are more geared towards hunting, long-range hunting, and long-range shooting. Within those seven optics, the lowest magnification range is 3-1550, while the highest magnification power is 5-3056. Hawke only offers a select few 1-inch models in this category. If the optic breaks, fails, is damaged, etc., they will either repair it, replace it, or replace it with a comparable model. Contact Me | About Best Binoculars | Privacy | Sitemap | Copyright 2023 Best Binocular Reviews | Do You Want to Review Binoculars & Write for BBR? The close focus and field of view on both binoculars are similar. Vortex features their VIP Lifetime Warranty, which is a very straightforward and comprehensive program. When the Dark Lord speaks, one is wise to listen. Next up is the Hawke Panorama series of rifle scopes. To help you narrow your search, weve selected three well-known brands that offer good scope options in the $150 $250 price range: Redfield, Vortex, and Hawke. JavaScript is disabled. I can tell you upfront that Vortex wins this category because Hawke does not currently have any scopes priced in this category. We did not expect to like this wee micro spotter. Coincidentally, I own a Celestron telescope and have no complaints about its quality or optics. Its size, configuration, and versatility makes it a good choice for a deck scope, a shooting-range spotter, or as a tripod-mounted scope for scouting. When Hawke Optics first entered the sporting optics business, its optics were predominantly sourced from Japan. After reading your report, I went back to the web site and read the Celestron Trailseeker 8x42 review and also watched the related video. But other than that, these look great. For example, if 65% of the components of a riflescope come from the Phillippines, then the completed scope is marked as being manufactured in the Philippines. Proof of the underwhelming quality of the glass is found in the periphery of the image, which is fuzzy and slightly distorted. The Revenge series of scopes sports an exclusive Accu-Ranger Ballistic System that allows the shooter to dial up distance in their scope without having to take their eye off the target. The primary reason Im looking to buy a good pair of binoculars is that my wife and I will be on a safari in a couple of months. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. They are inspected, tested, and boxed at those locations, then sent to an authorized Hawke retailer. Vortex. And the glass is only fair. 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. So I decided to go with something in the $1000 range. We also like its excellent eyecups. 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. You could also consider the Minox BL 8x44 HD (not the BR). You must log in or register to reply here. This very good angled-eyepiece scope does everything pretty well, even if its not from one of the celebrated European brands. As a result, the Hawke optics in this category will cover almost every type of shooting or hunting situation commonly encountered. 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. 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). 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. Hawke Vs Vortex. 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. Instead, the coverage includes the life of the product. However, I havent personally observed any Hawke optics recurring or commonly acknowledged issues. Hawke actually got their start in the sporting optics industry in a specialty scope market for air guns. Thats allowed what Id call the second tier of optics brandsLeupold, SIG, and Mavento really shine in this years test. The bulk of the models in this category are in the 3-9 and 4-12 power. Perhaps the Zeiss conquest 8x42, Nikon Monarch HG 8x42, TORIC 8X42 SCHOTT HT. Max yardages that I would probably shoot at an animal would probably be 600 yards max. T: 877-429-5347 F: 260-918-3443 us@hawkeoptics.com Other workings of the Konus demonstrated similar deficiencies in craftsmanship that may limit its utility in the field. However, theres more to a spotting scope than pure observation. So my advice as always is to get the best you can afford and depending on how often you are planning to use your bins. And who knows maybe I made the wrong choice, but I never really could get excited for that scope. In addition, to be quite strong in this particular segment of the market, Vortex also has models priced all the way up to $4000. That being said, lets look at the country of manufacture for each brand: Vortex Optics are sourced from a few different countries, including China and the Philippines. A couple forums that I read through say the Vortex DiamondbackHD and Hawke Endurance ED are very similar, very good value with the Hawke optics better by a hair: both very good entry binoculars. Founded in 2002, Vortex has grown by leaps and bounds over the last 20 years. Vortex 6-24x50 Diamondback Tactical Riflescope (EBR-2C MOA Reticle) (25) First off, Crossfire 2 lenses are fully multi-coated for superior light transmission resulting in crisper and clearer images. If we have a gripe, its with the two-speed fingertip focus, which seemed to take a week to go from close to infinity. Well, Id be wearing dentures as I told you that such a unicorn exists. Buy & Compare Prices: Hawke Endurance ED Binoculars. Plus, their warranty program is fully transferable, so it doesnt matter if youre the original purchaser or the fifth owner; its covered. None of the test-team members can figure out how Athlon can sell such a well-appointed scope for such little money, but thats not for us to solve. Others, like Mavens new straight-barrel 65mm CS.1A, are fairly priced for their useful size and adequate image. Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12X40mm. Its also priced right for the combination of portability and acceptable optical horsepower it delivers. For this specific criteria, Im comparing the field of scope models offered by each optical brand. Vortex features eighteen scope models spanning five different series with an MSRP of $1500 or higher. By the way, you have the best web site Ive ever encountered for reviewing products and providing value. 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. But the image, surprising because it is delivered by a higher-end ED glass, is a bit dark at higher magnifications and shows a slight halo around the periphery at lower magnifications. While there is no clear victor, each scope offers exclusive features that may appeal to one shooter more than another. I'm also considering two in the $2000 range in case I scrounge up the money to get something next level(according to my standards. Its Athlons excellent 85mm Argos HD that features a non-removeable 20-60X eyepiece with a tight magnification ring, a 45-degree angled body with center-barrel focus, and a tasty three-position eyecup. They use a cheaper polycarbonate shell (I think) and silver coatings on the prism. The upper mid-range price points are where the most significant changes in costs begin to show. So for me this is a consideration, but not a major concern. Entry Level Reticle Options - MSRP up to $550. In my opinion, the mid-range market in the sporting optics industry is the most competitive part of the industry. 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. For starters, the Endurance ED scored in the middle of the pack in both resolution and low-light testing. Vortex is the clear winner within the top-end classification as Hawke does not currently offer any riflescopes priced above $1500. 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. 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. Instead, we noted the responsive controls, the decent image, the smoothly retracting sunshade, and its excellent low-light performance. While those are damning indictments, there are some bright spots. I have also added a few others (in both 8x42 and 10x42 versions) that I feel are either worthy looking into or because I wanted to highlight a point. So, instead of just making an across-the-board statement, I prefer to clarify that, in my opinion, brand xxxx is better than brand yyyy. However for more frequent use, the combination of all the upgrades that you get on the more expensive models do add up and will be appreciated ever time you reach for them. No items to compare. Congrats. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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