Vortex Optics

Scrillznac · 10-21-2008, 08:31 PM

I'm wanting to see if anyone owns or has any experience with any Vortex products and what you think/thought of them. Their prices are pretty good and they also come with a no questions asked lifetime warranty which is attractive. I'm in the market for a new spotting scope and was leaning towards the Vortex Skyline 20x60x80. I've looked through several different brands and I like the Skylines as good or better than any other spotter in my price range. A lot of people down here in Utah are big on them. Any input would be great.

Jered

whtelk · 10-22-2008, 05:05 AM

If their spotter is as good as their binoculars then they are excellent. I own a pair of Diamond backs and they gather a lot of light.

motcha · 10-22-2008, 06:27 AM

I have the Diamondbacks as well, and am impressed with them. You cannot beat the warranty and product, especially the price! I love them and would buy again, and will soon!

OR_Bo_Huntr · 10-22-2008, 07:28 AM

I have a Skyline and love it to death, I have a pair of Razors, two pairs of Vipers, a pair of Vultures and the Skyline....I love them all, PM me if you have any specific questions!

motcha · 10-22-2008, 07:34 AM

Haha..... so you have 2 skylines?? And umm, if you need to get rid of a pair of Vipers.........

4th_Point · 10-22-2008, 08:21 AM

I have the Stokes Sandpiper spotting scope made by Vortex. It gets a lot of good reviews for the $200-250 price range. I have tried some other brands in this price range and they were not as good. I paid $250, but you can get one for $200 now

I have not tried the Skyline, but it also gets good reviews from hunters and birders although most comments I have read stated that the Bushnell is a better scope for the same amount of money. If I were to spend more than $250 I would get the Nikon Prostaff for $400, or go up in price to the Bushnell. If I had even more money I would get the compact Nikon Fieldscope.

The binos are a good deal in my opinion (Vipers and Razors). Sportsmans has some of the binos and there was a Vortex booth at the Portland Gun Show a few months ago. (Oops, just realized you are in UT!)

For good reviews I would like at the birding forums. They tend to be more informative than the hunting forums. Also Cornell recently tested spotters and did binos a few years ago but the reviews lack detail in my opinion (but give you a good general reference).

If you want more info on the Sandpiper, send a PM and I'll be sure to post a repsonse in this thread or a new one so other people can read it.

Good luck,

Jason

Jimfisher · 10-22-2008, 08:52 AM

I went down to portland audubon store last weekend and got a chance to check out zen-ray SEDONA 20-60x80. I was very impressed. It was bright and light. I would seriously recommend it if you are looking for an inexpensive one. They also have a set of skyline ED 20-60x80. When they put them out side by side, I don't see any difference on sharpness and image quality. I am still debating whether a spotter is really necessary. If I ever get one, I will no doubt run for the Zen-ray SEDONA.

OR_Bo_Huntr · 10-22-2008, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motcha

Haha..... so you have 2 skylines?? And umm, if you need to get rid of a pair of Vipers.........

Ill let you know

Scrillznac · 10-22-2008, 06:20 PM

Great thanks for all the info guys. Hey OR BO HUNTR is your skyline the ED or non ED? Trying to decide if the $300 difference between the two is worth it. I haven't actually had the 2 side by side but have looked through both.

bigjake_888 · 10-22-2008, 06:36 PM

I returned a vortex spotting scope due to poor performance. It was a reflective scope do not know the name.

Hrdcorh2ofowler · 10-22-2008, 06:47 PM

I have a pair of razors 10x42. I absoutely love em. Great product. If I ever get the chance I am going to by the skyline ED.

Thanks

OR_Bo_Huntr · 10-22-2008, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrillznac

Great thanks for all the info guys. Hey OR BO HUNTR is your skyline the ED or non ED? Trying to decide if the $300 difference between the two is worth it. I haven't actually had the 2 side by side but have looked through both.

Yes, I have the ED, and I can say I CAN tell a difference....some might not be able to, I have (knock on wood) super good eyesight, so its worth it for me.
Either way they are fantastic!

BleuBackKoke · 10-22-2008, 07:14 PM

I bought the Vortex Vipers from Triple X.....LOVE'EM!!!!