Vortex Binocular and Spotting Scope Recommendations
Introduction
Our company, Nature ConneXion, offers guided tours in the province of New Brunswick, Canada. We are avid birders, and whale watchers and love being outdoors admiring nature. We encounter all sorts of wildlife while out exploring.
When nature becomes your passion you get out in all seasons, facing all conditions, at all times of the day or night.
Since conditions are not always favorable, it is essential to have a pair of binoculars that let you see the finest of details such as tiny feathers.
Another piece of equipment that is a must in order to see at great distances is a high-quality scope.
Having the right optics, apparel, and gear can be game changers especially when searching for that rare bird!
We are not expert optic people but we require top-notch technology to identify birds and other wildlife.
For many years now, we have been using the Vortex Brand even after trying the most expensive brands available.
When it comes to quality versus price, Vortex is the brand we recommend to all our clients.
Every nature observer uses different brands so it comes down to personal choice in the end but we only recommend Vortex and here’s why!
What we have learned
When we began birding years ago, we were told if you wanted to be a “Real Birder” you had to use the most expensive brand.
We did the legwork and reviewed every product we could get our hands on.
When we looked at the more affordable brands, they too offered excellent quality, supreme service, plus a lifetime warranty
That was the clincher because Vortex has it all and more!
After weeks of personal research and trying different gear offered by our local optical stores, we concluded that Vortex does indeed offer the best quality and price on the market.
Binoculars recommendations
When it comes to Binoculars Vortex offers a range of models from their top RAZOR line to around $2,000 to $4,000, through to the more affordable VIPER at about $1,000, and their very good quality DIAMONDBACK is under $500, They also offer other models like the CROSSFIRE at under $300.
As you can see, Vortex has all your needs covered and can offer a variety of different models.
The RAZOR is a perfect choice for the serious birder however for the difference in price compared to their other models it may be hard to justify for the new or amateur birder.
The lower-priced models such as the CROSSFIRE are good for mid-level needs. It’s perfect for beginners and the younger crowd.
It’s the all-around crowd-pleaser! When you gain more experience, you’ll probably want to upgrade.
As seasoned birders, we recommend the VIPER as our most preferred model with the DIAMONDBACK coming in closely behind.
Our company uses the VIPER along with the DIAMONBACK and we are very pleased with them.
What are our recommended magnifications and lens diameters?
The objective lens diameter goes from 26mm to 56mm. The 42mm is an extremely popular configuration that is suitable for beginners, as well as more experienced birders.
The 50mm has a larger lens and a wider field of view. It can capture more light which allows you to see brighter images, their larger lenses provide a deep field of view, allowing you to see every detail at greater distances-think eye rings and feather patterns!
They are slightly larger and heavier than the 42mm models but well worth it.
The magnification is between 6.5x to 12x. The 8x is widely used by many birders. Another option would be a 10x.
The field of view with a 10x is wider but you are seeing a smaller area at a closer range.
With the 8x you see a wider area from a further perspective. This can make a difference in locating a bird on a branch at close range or glimpsing it in flight.
After careful consideration of all the factors, our final recommendation for an all-around pair of binoculars that offer great quality as well as price we highly recommend the VORTEX VIPER 8X42 at under $1000.
Spotting Scopes recommendations
Vortex has a great range of spotting scopes ranging from 39x to 60x having the option of 56mm to 85mm objective lens diameters.
You can choose between a straight or angled body design in 3 different product models.
The top-of-the-line RAZOR goes for around #3000. The middle-range VIPER goes between $1,500 and $2,000.
The more affordable DIAMONBACK goes at $1,000 or less.
The body design is a personal choice, if you bird from your car window or in a sitting position, we recommend a straight body.
For those who prefer standing, we suggest the angled body design.
The magnification varies between 13x to 60x. The 30x is common for a fixed magnification.
It is easier to first find the object with a small magnification, and then examine it in detail with a higher magnification.
The objective lens diameter options are 56mm, 65mm, and 85mm.
The larger the lens diameter is, the more light will fall through the spotting scope, meaning crisper viewing.
A larger lens diameter means it will be a heavier scope since it has more glass but would offer a brighter and higher resolution image.
However, you can better appreciate this diameter at higher magnification.
When reviewing the scope choices, our final recommendation for an all-around great spotting scope that would offer you great quality and price we recommend the VORTEX RAZOR HD 27-60×85 It can be purchased at around $3,000 as the top brand choice for the best viewing.
The more affordable VORTEX DIAMONDBACK HD 20-60×85 goes for approximately $1,000. In our experience, this 60x85mm is what is most commonly used in the birding field.
Conclusion
It’s best to shop around, do research, and make comparisons because you need to know what feels right for you.
Do check out the Vortex optics, clothing, and gear.
They will offer you comfort and provide you with some of the finest quality viewings for your whole family.
We hope we could give you insight from our experience with these high-quality products.
Our recommendations are based on our own experiences in the field and on the water as avid birders, whale watchers, and all-around nature enthusiasts. Now go get VORTEX products and go make some Nature ConneXions!
We would be very interested in your comments, questions, feedback, recommendations, and experience with your optical gear.
Let us know if this page helped you in making your choice!