Vortex Diamondback or Optisan Viper scope?

Jump to latest Follow Reply
Daxx

Daxx

Member
Jul 2, 2015
253
1
Okay, after having a defective Leapers scope, these are the two scopes I'm looking at now. It's going on an FX Wildcat (when they get some in stock again...grrr)

First up is the Vortex Diamondback 3-12x40 AO at my local gun shop and it is crystal clear, but it's got capped elevation and windage and front paralax adjustment that works but is not convienient. Did I mention it's freaking clear?? WOW! But I think more for hunting and not really a combo hunting/field target scope. Probably a nice set and forget scope that just works.

Second up is the Optisan Viper 3-12x44 with very nice push lock adjustable elevation and windage, side paralax with included large wheel, extended sun shade and a more defined illuminated field reticle. I really like this scope and it's only $50 more than the Vortex Diamondback, but there isn't one at the local gun shop for me to look through or play with. Reviews seem good, but not a lot of reviews to read. Is it clear? Does it track well and hold zero? Good for hunting and field target?? So, I'm looking for feedback on this one.

Of the two, I like the features on the Optisan Viper. But I looked through the Vortex Diamondback and can tell it's very clear but lacking on features and convienience plus is the BDC reticle.

http://www.trenieroutdoors.com/37223.html

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-diamondback-4-12x40-ao-dead-hold-bdc-reticle/reticle

I am updating to add the AEON scope...this one looks good too.

http://www.aeonoptical.com/riflescopes
 
I have the Optisan Viper, and love it alot. Does have some issues at Days end with the lack of light, but doesn't have any issues at Day break with the sun first comes up. Holds its Zero great and I too sometimes carry my cricket around by the scope. It is clear too ME, I have a leapers UGT 4x16x40, the viper 6x24x44, and a hawke varmint and they all look the same too me. The only down side for the Viper is mine did not track well, so i just zero it and work out my hold over and under dots. I've zero'ed it almost 6 month ago and it still holds true today.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Daxx
Upvote 0
Capped turrets are fine for most people as they use holdover rather than use the turrets to continuously move the reticle. As long as such a capped scope keeps zero, I'd prefer it to the large numbers of basic scopes fitted with gimmicks such as tactical looking turrets that are let down by poor design .... such as inability to count which turn of the turret you're on. Such scopes invariably, due to poor design/quality/not so good manufacturing, have less ability to track accurately/keep zero. Have you checked your suggested scopes for such an issue?

Not sure what Pretbek implies about weight, as most scopes are within a narrow band of weights; Falcon scopes toward the top of that band because of steel on steel components and reinforced turret mountings etc.

I advise you to learn about scope technology before spending more money on scopes. We get the same/similar questions on this forum alone. Before buying, (on the Wildcat) try mounting old/friends scopes/try in store.


 
  • Like
Reactions: Daxx
Upvote 0
Hey cookie,

Thanks for the reply, yes I went to the gun store and tried looking through and adjusting many scopes in my price range. They had lots to choose from and let me take them outside in the light to check clarity, focus range close/far and test parallax if it has it. Of all the scopes I looked through, the Vortex Diamondback 3-12x40 AO seemed to jump out of the pack (for my eye) in clarity and focus. The front bezel parallax adjustment was a little awkward but it worked well with no sloppiness. I also liked the Dead Hold BDC reticle. It's a pretty simple scope, low weight, no fancy adjustable turrets. I do think it would be a great hunting scope, but maybe lacking in field target if I get the chance to join a club and plink. The warranty cannot be beat! There was a guy in the store that said he accidentally shot his Vortex Viper scope (I didn't ask how) and Vortex replaced it no questions asked.

So, it will probably work great on the Wildcat for hunting but I'm so darn drawn to those tacti-cool scopes! But it seems some work and some don't. I would probably just zero it and use holdover anyway because that's the way I learned to shoot, never tinkered with sniper style scopes and shooting.

Decisions, decisions...
 
Upvote 0
Hello Guys 
I have so far 10 various scopes, from Hawke sidewinder Sports HD, Mamba, Nikko Stirling, Artic Fox and the last few vortex scopes too! My humble opinion is, the vortex scopes are no good at all for Air rifle shooters, they are no good for night shooting e.g with Nite Site you cant see nothing, for short distance shooting also no good, while you increase your zoom you can t see nothing with 40 or 44 reticle, please you try and be my guess. Especially the viper range minimum parallax at 50 meters, then what you do if your aiming point is on the 15 meters? The glass fair enough is clear, very clear but what is the use if you cant use it with an air rifle?
My shooting range is, from 12 meters to 60 meters, I do mainly nighttime shooting with Nite Site Viper bye shooting rats and rabbits.
The two scopes that i love are Artic Fox the range starts from 5 yards to infinity, absolutely sharp and clear.The price isn't like vortex viper over $ 1.000 either! 
http://www.arcticfoxoptics.com.au/shop-category/riflescopes
 
Upvote 0
Vortex makes some nice scopes, however, most, if not all, don't focus down to 10 yards which is necessary for airguns, especially FT shooters. Optisan scopes not only focus down to 10 yards, but have great reticles and pretty nice optics. True, like any scope with a 30MM tube, they are a little on the heavy side, but I don't find that to be a problem.
 
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Resources
Menu