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Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Spotting Scope

Curated from 93 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: January 20, 2025

Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Spotting Scope

Brand: Vortex

Price: $199

Snoop Score:

5.8

Sentiment

8.3

Popularity

8.3

Technical

3.6

Buy on Amazon for $199 See All Spotting Scopes Reviews

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Snoop's Take

The Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Spotting Scope (12-36x50 Angled) is a powerful tool designed for wildlife observation, target shooting, and other outdoor activities. With its high-definition optical system and outstanding light transmission, it ensures clarity and detail even in low-light conditions. Consumer feedback overwhelmingly highlights the exceptional glass quality for the price, with many users stating, "Super clear and soak up light during twilight." The product's no-fault warranty is another strong point, as one user remarked, "Vortex will always back their gear and fix it free of charge." However, some concerns were raised regarding optical performance in lower models, with remarks such as, "If it gets blurry or the field of view shrinks to a pin point when you zoom in then it’s trash," indicating that while the product is generally well-received, there are nuances to consider based on individual needs. Overall, the Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Spotting Scope is highly recommended for those seeking a quality spotting scope that balances performance with affordability. It is particularly suited for beginners and casual users who prioritize value without sacrificing essential features.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Spotting Scopes

Super clear and soak up light during twilight.
Positive Feedback

I’ve got the vortex viper and I struggle to see what I want from it.
Negative Feedback

5.8

Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Spotting Scope

Buy on Amazon for $199

Bird Watching

5 / 10

Target Shooting & Hunting

5 / 10

Wildlife Viewing

5 / 10

Astronomy & Scenery

5 / 10

See how this compares to all Spotting Scopes

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Vortex glass quality is praised for the price

“Super clear and soak up light during twilight.”➕

“I think the zoom really depends on your birding preferences- I love gulls, so the extra zoom is fantastic for me, but it's not necessary for everyone haha”➕

“I’m still within the return period for my original purchases, but thought maybe the people here might have some input before I further commit.”➕

“I’m starting to think my original choice was the right one for my needs, which is a relief.”➕

Vortex's no-fault warranty is highly valued

“I like vortex for their no-fault warranty as I don't plan to baby it, so to speak.”➕

“Vortex will always back their gear and fix it free of charge.”➕

Lightweight and sturdy tripod options available

“I went with the Vortex Mountain Pass. It's lightweight enough for me and it's sturdy.”➕

Vortex's lifetime warranty is highly valued

“Anyways, it's not all bells and whistles as it seem as you do have to pay for shipping.”➕

Vortex is a great brand for their price

“Vortex is a great brand for their price.”➕

“I have heard Vortex is a good starting brand too and they have one at my price point.”➕

Vortex scopes recommended for beginners

“Vortex brand as the right place to start and Swarovski as the upgrade.”➕

Great balance of value and quality

“these gen 1s seem to hit the market every year between 700-800 and they are hard to pass up.”➕

“Really easy to focus.”➕

Vortex's warranty is highly valued

“I'd generally go vortex because of their warranty and I've had good luck with their products, so I'd say go with vortex.”➕

Vortex products have good quality glass

“Mine has been fantastic so far, glass is pretty decent and it’s constructed nicely and the weight cannot be beaten.”➕

Good quality for the price

“Always go Razor if you can.”➕

Great value for beginners

“Overall though I think it’s a super solid buy for your first spotting scope.”➕

Vortex is favored for its value in spotting scopes

“Spotting scopes are super functional in big country, but heavy as hell to carry.”➕

“I find the spotting scopes to be worth it if you're glassing out pretty far.”➕

“It seems sensible to figure out what magnification you need and then buy the scope with the lowest weight and largest objective within your budget.”➕

Vortex scopes provide good clarity and performance

“Clarity is much more important than magnification.”➕

“What brand? Magnification? Tripod?”➕

“Its not something I would want to take on a long hike, because it is a full size spotting scope, but for target shooting, it does quite a good job.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Struggles with optical quality in lower models

“I’ve got the vortex viper and I struggle to see what I want from it.”➕

“If it gets blurry or the field of view shrinks to a pin point when you zoom in then it’s trash.”➕

“A solid tripod is an absolute must.”➕

Inadequate support from cheaper tripods

“Don't go too cheap on your tripod--it's the main thing supporting the much more expensive equipment!”➕

Struggles in low-light conditions

“Everything I've read says gotta go with quality glass at 500 and beyond.”➕

Concerns about older model issues

“It’s definitely the previous Gen from 2017, but it’s weird that they’re still out there brand new for being such an old model, which makes me think they had issues or something.”➕

Brand reputation compared to high-end options

“It’s vortex lol. I thought you liked decent gear? You want a spotter you gotta get swaro to match your binos.”➕

Vortex is criticized for optical quality compared to premium brands

“Spotting scope is for judging game, not for glassing.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product Name	Price	Score	See Details	Buy Now
WOSPORTS 25-75x85 Spotting Scope	$159	8.5	Details	Buy
SVBONY SV28 Spotting Scope	$47	7.6	Details	Buy
Vortex Optics Viper HD Spotting Scope 20-60x85 Angled	$899	7.6	Details	Buy
Gosky Updated 20-60x80 Spotting Scope	$130	7.4	Details	Buy
Aurosports 25-75X80 Spotting Scope	$149	7.2	Details	Buy
Nexiview 25-75x80 HD Spotting Scope	$169	6.9	Details	Buy
Sfeoot 25-75x60 Spotting Scope	$49	6.8	Details	Buy
Athlon Optics Argos HD 20-60x85 Spotting Scope	$289	6.5	Details	Buy
opaita 25-75X80 Spotting Scope for Shooting and Hunting	$139	6.4	Details	Buy
Sfeoot Spotting Scope 25-75x80 HD with Tripod and Phone Holder	$105	6.3	Details	Buy
Three Triping Spotting Scope for Bird Watching	$106	6.2	Details	Buy
Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Spotting Scope	$199	5.8	Details	Buy
Gosky Spotting Scope, 20-60x60	$81	5.6	Details	Buy
SVBONY SV28 25-75x70 Spotting Scope	$59	5.5	Details	Buy
GUANIEE 25-75x80 Spotting Scope	$129	5.4	Details	Buy
YUANZIMOO 25-75 X 60 Spotting Scope	$49	5.3	Details	Buy
BARSKA Colorado Spotting Scope	$34	5.1	Details	Buy
SVBONY SV41Pro 80mm Mak Spotting Scope	$179	5.0	Details	Buy
Bushnell Trophy Xtreme 20-60x65mm Spotting Scope	$179	5.0	Details	Buy
IBQ Spotting Scope 20-60x85MM	$119	4.5	Details	Buy
WOZEL 25-75X80 Spotting Scope	$159	4.4	Details	Buy
NWDEY 25-75X60 Spotting Scope	$62	4.4	Details	Buy
Emarth 20-60x60AE Spotting Scope	$65	3.6	Details	Buy
Bushnell 781545ED Legend T-Series Spotting Scope	$539	3.6	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Importance of quality in spotting scopes

“Spotting scopes are so critical and underrated.”➕

“If there is one place to not go cheap it’s optics.”➕

Diverse experiences with various spotting scope brands

“OP, you should PM me. I have used nearly every scope brand and model on the market (Leopold, Vortex, Swarovski, Kowa…) and can give you some guidance.”➕

Discussion on the convenience of scopes for target shooting

“You end up apprecieating the scope due to convinience.”➕

Discussion about clarity and brightness in Vortex models

“Interested in it because its slightly lighter and at 45x, diamondback should be transmitting more light, in theory.”➕

“The Viper HD kind of sits right on that line where the jump up in price makes a pretty significant difference (One we feel is totally worth it if it's within your budget) and once you start to go beyond the Viper HD in price, that's when the marginal increases in price start to have less of a noticeable difference.”➕

“If your budget allows, get the Viper HD - you *Will* notice a significant difference between the two and it's a sweet optical system.”➕

“With all that in mind, any larger scope is only going to be practical at the range, in a blind, or in a vehicle.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.

Planning future trips for wildlife viewing

“Obviously a spotting scope would increase my animal viewing quality.”➕

Discussion on spotting scopes for target shooting

“Been looking for a decent spotting scope that won’t severely break the bank.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Advice on buying used optics for better value

“Lots of those spotters got lifetime transferable warranties so previous abuse is less of an issue.”➕

“Lately, I've been thinking about getting a camera and leaving my spotting scope at home.”➕

Discussion on tripod brands and materials

“You might see what B&H has on sale.”➕

Lightweight tripod considerations for hikes

“I didn't consider wind either”➕

Discussion about rental options for spotting scopes

“There is a store in West Yellowstone that rents scopes in a variety of price ranges.”➕

Comparison of Vortex with higher-end brands like Swarovski and Zeiss

“the image quality isn’t as good as with the Zeiss binocs”➕

Discussion on spotting scopes and preferences

“Having said all that...it was worth every penny.”➕

Discussion about finding older models

“That looks like a fantastic deal.”➕

Advice on budget spotting scopes

“I’ll be using the spotting scope out to 200-300 yards which is admittedly not long range.”➕

“Spend the money on a better scope and buy splatter targets.”➕

“This is not the way. You will be hard pressed to see holes on a paper target at 200 yard and beyond, even with a 60x spotting scope, and especially with a lower tier spotting scope.”➕

“I have actually had great luck with the Cabelas Intensity 20-60x80mm. Use it regularly at 1300 yards and film through it.”➕

General advice on choosing scopes for competitive shooting

“Most of my events are shot at 70m (77y) and occasionally at 90m (99y).”➕

Debate on whether to invest in higher-end models

“A lot of people saying that you should get the more expensive one. I disagree and here’s more knowledgeable people telling you why.”➕

Advice on budget and intended use for scopes

“The Automod thinks this might be a post asking for scope advice.”➕

Advice on magnification needs for spotting scopes

“Most importantly it has a mil-hash reticle so I can *actually* spot and give useful corrections.”➕

Discussion on angled vs straight spotting scopes

“the angled is the most popular choice but I'm picturing myself in the bush and the straight one just seems easier to hold and use without setting up a bipod.”➕

“Angled is more ergonomic imo. Plus it’s easier to transition from looking to writing down notes.”➕

“Straight makes for easier picking up of the target at first. Angled takes a bit more work, but not hard.”➕

“I would suggest angled. And you will want a bipod or tripod and a good mount to prevent motion sicknesses.”➕

Discussion on budget optics recommendations

“Anyone find a scope that stands out as the best bang for you buck?”➕

“The glass is clear and bright at the lower end of the zoom range but gets pretty dark and muddy at the higher end.”➕

“Very bright and clear picture and includes a tripod. Doesn't feel or look cheap.”➕

“Bushnell is the best value for money.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Discussion on spotting scopes and preferences.

“What Spotting Scope? I am curious to learn what spotting scope do most of you find a good value for the price.”➕

“If i had $2000 in my pocket and wanted a spotting scope for all round use (including backpack hunting) I’d choose the Vortex Razor Gen 1 and put the extra $1300 toward ammo.”➕

“Nothing better than hearing the steel ring!”➕

“For spotting on steel at distance I prefer binos.”➕

Discussion on brand recommendations and preferences

“Anything cheaper is going to be disappointing”➕

“If range use is mainly all your after then that’s a different story, can probably get away with something like a maven cs.1 or athlon ares g2.”➕

Concerns about the effectiveness of lower magnification binoculars

“I never really saw anything :/, and I'm wondering if having that spotting scope would help me pick out bedded elk better like I see done all the time by amateurs and pro's on youtube.”➕