Looking for the best scope for deer hunting? Look no further. Today’s post highlights the very best Vortex scopes for deer hunting. Read on and find the best scope to have a great harvest in the field.
Deer hunting season is around the corner and it’s time to revamp your arsenal. When you hit the open field or the mountain, you need to be sure that your equipment will help you prosper.
One way of guaranteeing success is getting the right set of eyes. Vortex riflescopes are a sure bet as they are designed to deliver a stellar performance in any shooting discipline.
Vortex optics are also reasonably affordable and ideal for all shooters regardless of their shooting expertise. However, finding the best Vortex scopes for deer hunting can be overwhelming as the market offers multiple models to choose from.
To help you find the best riflescope for deer hunting, we have compiled a list of the best Vortex scopes for deer hunting that are worthy companions for your air rifle. Pairing your hunting rifle with a Vortex riflescope will be an effortless way to make your hunting more competitive.
What Makes a Great Scope for Deer Hunting?
Great scope for deer hunting comes with a variable magnification for shooting at varying ranges. It has high-quality optics that offer excellent low-light performance and a wide field of view to help you track down deer with ease. Also, the scope is fully weatherproof and has a manageable weight for easy carrying in the field.
Deer hunting riflescopes should have features that increase the amount of light through the lens. Extra brightness comes in handy when hunting at dawn or dusk. The extra light could be the difference between having a successful hunt and having a dismal hunting experience.
The other critical component a scope should have is easily read adjustments. Before firing your rifle, windage and elevation adjustments must be made to prevent missed shots.
A good scope should be fitted with turrets that allow flawless adjustments. While you may get away without making the adjustments when taking short-range shots, at mid-range and long-range distances, these adjustments are crucial.
8 Best Vortex Scopes for Deer Hunting
If you are in the market for a Vortex scope for deer hunting, you are in the right place. We have put up a list of some of the best Vortex scopes that excel in deer hunting. These scopes offer the best value for money and excellent performance. Without further ado, let’s get started.
1) Vortex Diamondback 3.5-10x50mm Riflescope
Top on our list is the Diamondback 3.5-10x50mm Riflescope. This scope is perfect for hunting deer at both close and long-range distances. It has a Dead-Hold BDC reticle which is suitable for hunting at varying ranges where there would be a concern on estimating holdovers.
The scope is made ready for outdoor use. It’s well-constructed to handle anything you throw at it. It boasts a hard-anodized finish that reduces glare when hunting under direct sunlight and also helps camouflage your hunting position. To add to that, it’s sealed with O-rings and argon purged for reliable waterproof and fog-free performance.
If you prefer to hunt at dawn or dusk, the scope provides excellent performance in such poor lighting conditions. It has fully multi-coated lenses for crystal clear images regardless of the light conditions.
Moreover, it features a fast-focus eyepiece that makes reticle focusing a breeze and a precision glide erector system for precise tracking and repeatability.
Features
- 5-10x adjustable magnification
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Hard anodized finish
- Waterproof and fog-free
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Precision glide erector system
- Durable and shockproof construction
- 1-inch tube
- Capped turrets
- 3” eye relief
Pros
- Superb low-light performance
- Easy and precise turret adjustments
- Tough and durable construction
- Reliable performance in any weather
- Budget-friendly
- Outstanding clarity and contrast
- Great warranty
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
2) Vortex Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Riflescope
The Razor Gen II-E 1-6x24mm Riflescope comes with everything you need to become a better hunter. First, it has a variable 1-6x magnification suitable for close and mid-range hunting.
It also boasts a spacious field of view for easy target spotting and a JM-1 BDC reticle that has an illuminated center dot for accurate shooting up to 600 yards.
The scope features a single-piece 30mm tube that’s shockproof, impact-resistant and recoil-proof. It’s O-ring sealed and purged with argon to give you a lifetime of waterproof and fog-proof performance. Even better, its external lenses have an Armortek coating that protects it from scratches and dirt.
This riflescope offers generous eye relief that keeps your eyes safe from heavy recoil rifles. All its lenses are fully multi-coated to maximize light transmission and minimize the light loss in low light conditions.
This way, you get amazing image brightness from dawn till dusk. To top it all, it comes with a hard anodized finish which provides low-glare in broad daylight so you can shoot more comfortably.
Features
- Fast focus eyepiece
- SFP JM-1 BDC reticle
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Generous eye relief and ultra-forgiving eye box
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Capped turrets
- Hard anodized finish
- HD lens elements
- Daylight bright illuminated center dot
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 1-6x variable magnification
Pros
- Outstanding performance in close and medium ranges
- Unbeatable durability and reliability
- Bright and crisp images
- Quick target acquisition at close-range distances
- Excellent quality and craftsmanship
- Good warranty
Cons
- Expensive
3) Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44mm Riflescope
The Crossfire II 4-12x44mm Riflescope is a 1-inch tube riflescope that provides excellent performance at a price that’s easy on the wallet. It offers outstanding versatility when shooting at varying ranges and provides clear as crystal sight pictures even at the 12x magnification.
The scope is made with hunters in mind. It boasts fully multi-coated lenses that provide bright and clear views even in inadequate light conditions. Additionally, it has a shockproof body that stands up to the harsh hunting fields and a waterproof and fog proof construction for hunting in any weather conditions.
Another notable feature about the scope is the lightweight design. You will have an easy time carrying it in the field as you look for a game. And that’s not all.
All Crossfire II 4-12x44mm Riflescopes have a fast-focus eyepiece for accurate reticle focusing and a long eye relief for quick target acquisition. In addition to everything else, the scope has an adjustable object that provides image focus and parallax elimination.
Features
- Capped reset turrets
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Adjustable objective
- Long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 4-12x magnification
- 40mm objective lens
Pros
- Impeccable glass
- Outstanding low-light performance
- Seamless turret adjustments
- Relentless performance
- Durable and resilient construction
- Great eye relief
- Inexpensive
- Outstanding warranty
Cons
- None
4) Vortex Diamondback 4-16×44 mm Riflescope
The Diamondback 4-16×44 mm Riflescope offers clear glass and high-quality images. It features fully multi-coated lenses that provide bright images in any lighting condition and ED glass that gives you premium-quality images full of color contrast.
Whether you are hunting deer in open fields or thick woodlands, this riflescope got you covered. It has an adjustable 4-16x zoom suitable for hunting in different environments and different ranges. Besides, it has a first focal plane glass-etched reticle that stays accurate through the whole 4x zoom range.
With the precision glide erector system, switching from one magnification power to the other becomes a walk in the park. The side parallax knob ensures accurate shooting at long range, while the fast-focus eyepiece enables you to bring the reticle into focus easily.
When it comes to construction, the scope has a 30m single-piece tube crafted from aluminum. It’s sealed at both ends to prevent dirt and moisture entry and filled with nitrogen to prevent internal fogging.
Features
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Exposed tactical turrets
- Side parallax knob
- Long eye relief
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 4-16x variable magnification
- 44mm objective lens
- Rugged and shockproof construction
- Precision-glide erector system
- Glass-etched FFP reticle
- ED glass and fully multi-coated lenses
Pros
- Fast and easy adjustments
- High resolution and excellent color contrast
- Lightweight yet tough construction
- Unparalleled tracking performance
- Reliable performance in all environments
- Smooth magnification changes
- Bright and sharp images
- Tough and rigid construction
- Easy focusing of the reticle
Cons
- No drawbacks
5) Vortex Crossfire II AO 4-12x50mm Riflescope
As one of the best Vortex scopes for deer hunting, the Crossfire II AO 4-12x50mm Riflescope offers top-tier performance and versatility. It is simple to shoot with and comes with a fast-focus eyepiece for quick and straightforward reticle focusing.
The scope has a 30mm tube that’s sealed with O-rings to prevent the entry of moisture, dirt, oil and sand. It is also nitrogen purged to provide fog-proof performance.
What’s more, is that this riflescope is suitable for hunting deer even in poor lighting conditions. It has fully multi-coated lenses which improve the sight picture from dawn to dusk.
For added convenience, this product has a long eye relief for comfortable shooting and an adjustable objective for parallax elimination. It also utilizes finger adjustable capped reset turrets with MOA clicks that are easy to reset to zero after sighting in.
Features
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses
- Long eye relief
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Waterproof and fog-free
- Adjustable objective
- Finger-adjustable capped reset turrets
- 30mm tube
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
Pros
- Outstanding clarity and image resolution
- Unbeatable light transmission for sharp images
- Speedy target acquisition
- Crisp and precise turret adjustments
- Capped turrets to prevent accidental dials
- Streamlined and efficient design
- Reliable performance in any weather
- Great warranty
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
6) Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15x50mm Riflescope
If you are looking for a Vortex scope that offers high-end performance, look no further than the Razor HD LHT 3-15x50mm Riflescope. It has a versatile 3-15x magnification suitable for hunting deer at varying ranges and a whole 50mm objective that provides a field of view that’s wide enough for easy target identification.
This riflescope has a lightweight design for easy portability. It boasts a high-definition optical system that delivers clear crystal images and razor-sharp resolution. Even better, all air-to-glass surfaces feature premium anti-reflective coatings for excellent image brightness and clarity.
The RevStop Zero System gives you an easy return to zero after turret adjustments while the locking elevation turret help prevents accidental adjustments. Like any other Vortex optic, the Razor HD LHT is fully waterproof and fog-free for use in any weather condition.
Moreover, it has an Armortek coating to protect the lenses and a shockproof body that makes it ready for any hunt.
Features
- 3-15x adjustable magnification
- Locking elevation turret
- Capped windage turret
- RevStop Zero System
- Water-resistant and fog-proof
- Armortek lens coating
- Shockproof 30mm tube
- Excellent low-light performance
- Illuminated center dot reticle
- Locking eyepiece
Pros
- Outstanding resolution and color fidelity
- Sharp and crisp images
- Excellent low-light performance
- Strong and tough construction
- Incredible turret performance
- Reliable performance in any weather
- Superior optical quality
- Outstanding warranty
Cons
- Expensive
7) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Riflescope
When it comes to long-range deer hunting, the Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Riflescope is the best scope for the job. You can adjust its magnification power up to 25x and spot the far-off deer with ease. It also offers clear images at every magnification setting.
Shooters who wear eyeglasses will find the scope very comfortable to use. It offers a long eye relief for use with or without eyeglasses. Besides that, it has an FFP reticle that stays uncluttered for optimal viewing. This reticle is illuminated for easy aiming in low light settings and has 10 intensity levels for use in adverse lighting conditions.
The scope has an adjustable parallax for accurate shooting at long distances and a fiber optic rotation indicator that helps you monitor your turret positions smoothly. In terms of construction, the scope is built from aircraft-grade aluminum and is fully waterproof and fog-free for use in all weather conditions.
Features
- RZR zero stop
- ED glass and XR fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Illuminated reticle
- Fiber optic rotation indicator
- Adjustable parallax
- Long eye relief
- High 5-25x magnification
- Laser-etched turrets
Pros
- Exceptional long-range shooting prowess
- Crisp and sharp images
- Broad and versatile magnification range
- Accurate aiming in low-light conditions
- Reliable performance
- Durable and rigid construction
- Fast and accurate adjustments
- Smooth and clean power changes
Cons
- None
8) Vortex Viper HS-T 4-16x44mm Riflescope
The Viper HS-T 4-16x44mm Riflescope is another top-quality scope suitable for deer hunting and hunting in general. It incorporates ED glass that gives you premium-quality images and fully multi-coated lenses which maximize light transmission for brighter and clearer images.
The 4x zoom provides excellent magnification versatility and with the 44mm objective lens, you get a wider field of view that will help you keep track of the deer as they move from place to place. This riflescope uses a VMR-1 MOA reticle that is perfect for accurate holds at long ranges and comes with a fast-focus eyepiece for easy reticle focusing.
Another advantage of the scope is that it offers unbeatable durability. It has a durable and shockproof one-piece tube that’s also waterproof and fog proof. Moreover, it has an Armortek coating that protects the external lenses from damage or scratches.
Features
- Versatile 4x zoom
- Exposed target-style turrets
- Fast focus eyepiece
- One-piece tube
- Waterproof and fog-free
- Side focus parallax adjustment
- XR fully multi-coated ED lenses
- VMR-1 MOA reticle
- Armortek lens coating
Pros
- Unbeatable versatility
- Incredible long-range performance
- Precise turret adjustments
- Improved performance in low-light
- Reliable performance in any weather
- Tough and rigid construction
Cons
- None
Further Reading
- Best Scopes for 400 Yards
- Burris 450 Bushmaster Scopes
- Best Vortex Scopes for Mini 14
- Best Vortex Scopes for 308
Best Vortex Scopes for Deer Hunting Buying Guide & FAQs
Choosing the Best Vortex Scopes for Deer Hunting
When shopping for the best vortex scope for deer hunting, here are some of the important features that will help you determine the best scope for your needs.
Magnification
Vortex offers excellent riflescopes with a wide variety of magnification powers. That way, you can choose the optical power that works best for your hunting needs.
If you hunt deer at close and mid-ranges of between 200 yards and 500 yards, a scope with not more than 10x magnification will suffice. And since Vortex scopes offer variable magnification, you will be able to zoom in depending on how far the targets are.
On the other hand, if you are a long-range hunter looking to take your skills to the next big level, get a scope with 10x magnification or more.
Durability
Vortex makes all their scopes with durability in mind. But the quality differs from one scope to the other. Go for scopes made with aircraft-grade aluminum as they offer the best durability while keeping weight at a minimum.
Make sure that the lens has an Armortek coating that protects the external lenses from scratches. To add to that, ensure that the scope provides reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance.
Weight
Deer hunting requires you to move around in search of a target. As you move around, you will be carrying your rifle and scope with you. Therefore, you must get a scope that’s lightweight for easy portability. Lightweight scopes are also easier to shoot with and simpler to mount and detach.
Price
Whether you are buying your first Vortex scope for deer hunting or a replacement, you must get a scope that meets your specific hunting needs and budget. If money is not an object, there are multiple high-end scopes you can choose from.
These scopes will give you excellent performance and make you a better shooter. But if you are on a budget, you don’t have to worry. Vortex makes good-quality and cost-effective scopes with budget buyers in mind.
Reticles
Vortex makes it riflescopes with different reticle patterns to meet the needs of different shooters. If you are a beginner, look for the simplest reticle pattern. This way you will be able to use the scope without struggling too much.
You can select a scope with a MilDot or crosshair reticle. If you are a professional in this field, you can go for any reticle that works best for your shooting needs.
Image Quality
A scope that provides high-quality images will help you get the most out of your deer hunting trip. Luckily, Vortex uses high-quality optics on all its riflescope to provide good-quality images.
These scopes have ED glass that provides clear and color-accurate images and fully multi-coated lenses that maximize light transmission and minimize light loss through reflection. This provides you with clear sight pictures even when you are hunting in poor lighting conditions.
Best Scope Rings & Mounts for Vortex Rifle Scopes
Having a reliable mounting system on your firearm is the key to having an accurate and trustworthy shooting solution. Vortex offers several mounting solutions for different rifles and optics. Vortex scope mounts and rings are of different configurations and so depending on your situation, you will find a dependable mounting solution.
Here are the best Vortex mounts and rings:
Vortex Precision Matched Rifle Scope Rings
These scope rings will anchor your rifle scope accordingly and give you the best performance possible. The scope rings work with Picatinny mounts and are designed to keep your scope level for optimum visual performance.
They are built with high-quality aluminum making them rigid and resilient. Support your shooting accessories with these scope rings and ensure the perfect fit.
Vortex Precision Extended Cantilever Mount
Maintaining accurate aim with a rifle scope can’t be attained unless the scope is steadily mounted on the firearm. Vortex Precision Cantilever Rifle Scope Mount is the best scope mount to secure your scope on your hunting rifle. It’s specially made to enhance accurate aiming by providing the correct head placement and comfortable eye relief.
The scope mount is ruggedly built to withstand the recoil and hold consistently. Vortex Precision Cantilever Rifle Scope Mount will serve your scope well and is the perfect choice if you to land accurate shots with ease.
Related Posts
What Are Vortex Scopes Known for?
As stated earlier, Vortex is one of the biggest names in the field of optics. It makes excellent quality optics ranging from riflescopes, monoculars, spotting scopes and binoculars among many others. All its optics are well-constructed to last long.
Vortex makes its scopes with all buyers in mind. It combines quality with price to give its buyers cost-effective scopes. It also offers high-end scopes for buyers looking for a high-end scope. Plus, all Vortex scopes provide bright and clear sight pictures regardless of the light conditions.
Vortex scopes are also well-known to come with a lifetime warranty. This warranty covers any repair or replacement services if the scope suffers damage from manufacturer defects or continuous use. Overall, Vortex scopes offer the best value for money.
Read: Best 350 Legend Riflescopes
What Magnification Do You Need for Deer Hunting?
Your ideal magnification will depend on your hunting environment and hunting distance. Most deer hunters need short to mid-range riflescopes that don’t have too much power.
For short-range situations during the day, a scope with 3-9x magnification will suffice. However, if you are looking to improve your hunting skills and stay accurate at long ranges, get a scope with more than 9x magnification.
Read: Best Scopes for Winchester XPR
FAQs on Best Vortex Scopes for Deer Hunting
Q: Do You Need a Scope for Deer Hunting?
A riflescope is an indispensable component of your deer hunting gear. No matter the firearm in use, one thing for sure is a riflescope will greatly improve your accuracy over varying distances.
Not only do scopes improve your hunting with centerfire rifles but are very effective when hunting with shotguns and muzzleloaders. Whitetail hunting entails taking shots as far as 300-400 yards. To cover these distances with utmost prowess, you will need a riflescope mounted on top of your rifle.
Big game hunting using riflescopes helps you reach out the desired yardage confidently. The scope will also help you immensely if you hunt deer with a shotgun.
A shotgun has an effective range of 100 yards and with a scope, you can take down a deer courageously at this distance. Muzzleloaders are also effective in big game hunting and having a scope on your muzzleloader makes your hunt more competitive.
Q: What Kind of Scope is Best for Deer Hunting?
Every hunt is a challenge and the only way to succeed in your pursuit is to have the right tools for the job. When preparing for the upcoming deer season, one crucial piece of equipment to include in your kit is a scope.
Not just any scope, a quality scope that will get the job done right. The best scopes for deer hunting should meet some requirements. A deer hunting scope should have variable power to provide flexibility for medium and long-range distances.
The scopes should also include features that increase light transmission for bright and vivid images. Scopes with lens coatings allow optimal light to pass through the lenses granting the hunter much-needed clarity.
Lastly, deer hunting scopes should have a tough construction. The scope should be waterproof, fog proof and shockproof to deliver reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Q: What is the Best Scope for Low Light Conditions?
Hunting in low light conditions requires a scope specially made to deliver one-of-a-kind performance when the surrounding light is inadequate. So, what makes a great low-light performance riflescope?
First, a scope for low light conditions should have a large objective lens. A wider objective lens will let as much light in as possible and help maintain brightness.
A large objective lens will only be helpful if the lenses behind it are capable of handling the light being transmitted. Quality lenses are a must for optimal performance in low light conditions.
The quality of the lenses will entail quality glass material and anti-reflective coatings that filter the light and ensure only the best light rays reach your eye. The best Vortex scopes for deer hunting have fully multi-coated lenses making them ideal for low-light performance.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have found this post informative and you are now able to able to narrow down your selection to a scope that works best for your deer hunting needs. All the scopes listed above offer excellent performance, reliability and durability. Invest in a top-notch riflescope and use it for other outdoor applications, not just deer hunting.