Entry Level Reticle Options - MSRP up to $550. From that MSRP cost up to the $1000 mark, the costs begin to even out between the brands. 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???" The close focus and field of view on both binoculars are similar. Choosing a winner in this category is more difficult because its one of Vortexs strongest selling categories, but Hawke also has some unique benefits. These days you can get a lot of bang for your buck when shopping for a rifle scope. If activities birding from closer ranges is high on your list, then perhaps this may not be the best option. 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. In my experience, Hawke doesnt have any commonly noted problems and no more issues than any other optics brand (including Vortex). T: 877-429-5347 F: 260-918-3443 us@hawkeoptics.com Currently, with all the different reticle choices, Vortex Optics offers ninety-five different scope models. It is at the top of the range of what I intend to spend. I thought the quick answer was the PST but I just felt like there could be something better out there in that price range. 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. We havent tested many 100mm spotters in the past, but that big lens provides a very valuable attributeit gathers a crazy amount of light. 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. From scopes made for competitive shooting to other optics that are meant for outdoor usage, Vortex has an extensive lineup of all of them. 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. Determining the better value between brands is always highly challenging because there are so many variables to consider. While Vortex offers a broader line of optical products, Hawke features some attractive scope options that Vortex does not. At this point, Vortex offers scopes that cost more than Hawke. 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. When the Dark Lord speaks, one is wise to listen. Includes Free I sold it because my Razors were cheaper and imho . However, you begin to see the number of scope models in this space decrease. Key Features Magnification: 9-27X Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm Weight: 20.3 ounces Length: 7.6 inches Field of View at 1,000 Yards: 234-108 feet Aluminum-alloy chassis You also rightly mention that the 8x42 Endurance ED is currently unavailable in the US (it is listed as on back order on most websites I looked at), however I did notice that the 10x42 model is available in limited quantities (see Amazon and Adorama on the where to buy these link below) and so that is why I have added it here. (I wear glasses; even if I didnt, a future user of these binoculars might wear glasses and could benefit from the additional eye relief.) 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. And heres something else that I havent seen covered under any other optical warranty: The Vortex warranty is valid and in effect, even if you paint the optic or have it coated with a finish like Durakote or Cerakote. It delivers an entirely adequate image and sports excellent lens coatings. Both are fine, but not as good as the magnesium shells and dielectric coatings found on the best within this class. I recently bought two binoculars, a Vortex Diamondback 8x42 and a Hawke Endurance ED 8x42, both returned for mechanical defects! Upper Mid-Range Reticle Options - MSRP Between $1000 to $1500. Another area where Hawke has a slight edge over Vortex in this category is power magnification choices. Hawke actually got their start in the sporting optics industry in a specialty scope market for air guns. This years collection of spotting scopes is a mostly serviceable class. 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. They use a cheaper polycarbonate shell (I think) and silver coatings on the prism. For this reason, unless I could get my hands on the 8x42 model, which should be available from July (see shopping link below), I would probably opt for one of the others on the shortlist. I have placed an order with Adorama for the Trailseeker 8x42 ($193; includes free expedited shipping). Buy & Compare Prices: Hawke Endurance ED Binoculars. No items to compare. JavaScript is disabled. : Agree about Nikon HGL 8x42, still occasionally available new, still being a strong contender. 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. Firstly, thanks very much for sending in your question to the BinoWizard and as you say, I really dont think you will go far wrong with any of the options that you have placed on your shortlist as not only are quite evenly matched, but for the money they are all excellent examples within this class. Unfortunately, Vortex does not offer any adjustable objective options in the mid-range category. Do You Want to Review Binoculars & Write for BBR? Enjoy whatever you buy. All the optics featured in this group are built on a 30mm or 34mm tube, and most are FFP-based. With both scope brands, the quality of the optics and features increases with the cost. 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. The upper mid-range category of optics covers models with an MSRP between $1001 and $1500. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. CANADA. In addition, there is a typically substantial difference in optical quality and performance between a $1500 optic and a $3500+ optic. Read Next: 3 Great Reasons to Own a Spotting Scope. Both binoculars have a Roof - Schmidt/Pechan prism type and fully multi-coated lenses. And if something goes wrong, its backed by Leupolds excellent warranty. But for a lightweight, extremely portable little spotter with surprisingly tight and responsive controls, this micro submission from Celestron is a good choice. In terms of power magnification ranges, the optics meeting this criteria range from fixed 4x power up to a maximum of 6-24x50mm. Who am I kidding here? Other workings of the Konus demonstrated similar deficiencies in craftsmanship that may limit its utility in the field. Upgrading my 8x42 Birdwatching Binoculars - what to get? Also, since both brands have different product offerings, there are areas where Hawke doesnt have an optic in the Vortex price range. 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. 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. Buy & Compare Prices for Vortex Diamondback Binoculars. So I finally decided to integrate some of these optical comparison requests into the site. Vortex offers four different FFP scopes in this price range, whereas Hawke only offers two FFP models. 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. Vortex VS Hawke Price Comparison. I'm curious as to which one of those two will have better glass. I noted there is the Diamondback line, which must be the 2014 model, and the New Diamondback line which apparently debuted in 2016. Then all you need to do is match those strengths to your particular needs and/or preferences. Hawke Scope Vs Vortex. With the Vortex optics in this price range, you begin to also the ability to integrate a custom turret from Kenton turrets. Riflescopes are pieces of precision equipment with mechanical parts, screws, etc., and mechanical products can and may fail, break, or malfunction. Those Vortex scope lines include: As you can see, the Vortex Crossfire II series is the most extensive offering in this group, with twenty-six scope options under the $550 MSRP price point. In the $1000 range I'm debating between the Vortex PST Gen ii or the Hawke Frontier 30 FFP. The bulk of the models in this category are in the 3-9 and 4-12 power. Either way, I found both to be excellent in their class. 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. The durable rubber armor over the aluminum body is grippy without being tacky, and the coyote-tan finish looks torch, as the kids would say, especially with the classy black accents. I gave the edge to Trailseeker because of 1) the field of view, and 2) the eye relief. I would rather spend 2-3K on a nice set of bino's to be honest. Next up is the Hawke Panorama series of rifle scopes. The one area where Vortex has an advantage here are FFP options. They both have pretty much every other feature I'm looking for. The center-barrel focus is tight and precise. 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. The focus takes its time getting to its destination, but its a nice ride. 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. Still, the Endurance HD is a very serviceable full-sized spotter that can be considered as an adequate and priced-right step on the ladder to optical nirvana. FRANAIS. This comparison is a tight race as both brands offer various reticle choices across all different scope models. Whilst still containing all the great components and features, the specifications of the 10x42 version could be a concern to some users. We did not expect to like this wee micro spotter. In the upper mid-level scope options (with an MSRP range from $1000 to $1500), Vortex offers six different reticle choices, and all are focused on long range, hunting, or precision tactical style shooting. 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. I was helped by the advice of the dark lord of optics himself and he said the Toric will have a smidge better glass but the MPO reticle will do better in low light situations. Within the Vortex line of scopes, there is a very noticeable jump in optical quality going up through their product line. However if I may, I would also like to throw another option into the ring for you to look at (see below). All three scopes have fully multi-coated optics that are important when it comes to clarity, and all three are waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof to some degree, which is also a vital part of selecting a scope that lasts. Key differences arise between each scope line when you look at magnification settings. The evaluation basis is entirely opinion based on ones own personal perspective and experience. Hawke offers a wider variety of reticle options in this price range, including several caliber-specific reticles, including. Phase Corrected Silver/Dielectric Mirror Coatings I am not sure which, but through testing, I found the image quality to be excellent, so whatever is used, is not a limiting factor in this case. 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. 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. 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