7 Best Vortex Scopes for Whitetail Hunting

Whitetail hunting is such a big deal for hunters, with lots of investment in gear and practice for the hunting season, a rifle scope is a Must have gear, today we look at the best vortex scope for whitetail hunting.

For so many people who rely on the meat, fur, and skin from whitetails to make a living, whitetail shooting is not just a popular American activity but also a primal way of life.

This activity demands a good scope that’s out of the ordinary. Vortex has a reputation for manufacturing some of the best scopes in terms of performance, durability, price, and reliability.

This brand brings to the table a number of scopes particularly designed for this course.

You can never go wrong with these. Let’s dive into the best whitetail hunting Vortex scopes.

What is a Good Scope for Whitetail hunting?

Let’s start with the magnification, get a scope with a variable magnification that is versatile enough for short, mid, and long-range use such as a 3-9x or a 4-12x magnification.

The next important consideration is the quality of the image, resolution, and clarity, the image quality is determined by light transmission and the quality of the optics and all glass surfaces. The best scope for whitetail hunting should have antireflective and multicoated lenses for incredible imaging.

The scope should also be weatherproof, by these I mean it should be fog proof, waterproof, and shockproof for recoil and impacts while out in the field.

Eye relief is also very important, ample eye relief (around 4 inches) will make sure you don’t get hurt from recoil and allows you to shoot even with eyeglasses.

Additionally, a wide field of view is very important in helping the hunter to easily and quickly spot their target.

Construction of the scope is also very important, a good scope for whitetail hunting should be durable and shockproof to handle all the elements of outdoor hunting.

The reticle should be easy to see and if you are hunting in low-light conditions an illuminated reticle should be a priority. The duplex reticle is very famous with whitetail hunters thanks to its thick lines and easy target acquisition.

The scope should hold zero even with repeated recoil. When it comes to matters of parallax, a parallax-free scope at 100 yards to infinity is best for deer hunting at distances of over 150 yards.

Overall, when looking for a good scope for whitetail hunting, it’s crucial to put emphasis on magnification, the field of view, durability, reticle, parallax, price, and other features that way you’ll be assured of an effective riflescope.

What is the Best Magnification for Whitetail Hunting

Best Vortex Scopes for Whitetail Hunting

#1) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Riflescope

 

 

Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm SFP Riflescope is the best vortex scope for whitetail hunting, at a price that’s easy on the wallet, the scope doesn’t compromise on features such as a fast focus eyepiece, resettable MOA turrets, fully multi-coated lenses, long eye relief and a wide field of view. You get clear and bright images, it’s tough and durable to handle all the impacts and shocks of deer hunting.

The lenses are fully multi-coated to maximize light transmission and provide the shooter with clear images at all magnification settings.

The reset turrets will enable you to precisely adjust your zero after sighting in your rifle scope before focusing the reticle. The turrets are capped to prevent unintentional dialing after zeroing in on the target.

Its construction is another attribute that is worth noting. Like other Vortex scopes, the Crossfire II is designed from aircraft-grade aluminum that guarantees many years of reliable use.

Since there’s a chance of the scope of taking a beat while on a hunt, the scope remains indestructible. This is in addition to the O-ring seals and nitrogen purging that make the scope waterproof and fog proof.

Specifications

• Weight: 15 oz
• Length: 12 in
• Parallax: 100 yds
• Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC/V-Plex
• Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
• Exit Pupil: 4.4 – 13.3 mm
• Magnification: 3 – 9 x
• Eye Relief: 3.8 – 4.4 in
• Tube Diameter: 1 in
• Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
• Attachment/Mount Type: Ring

Pros

• Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
• Hard anodized finish
• Fully multi-coated optics
• Capped resettable turrets
• A fast-focus eyepiece
• Single-piece tube
• Long eye relief
• Well-priced
• Comes with the VIP warranty
• Exceptional light transmission
• Easy to dial in on the target and reset to zero

Cons

• Flip-up scope covers are not included

 

#2) Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope

 

 

 

If you are looking for a whitetail hunting scope that comes loaded with features, the Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope is your best choice. With solid and strong construction, the scope can handle the recoil and impacts that come with the harshness of the hunting field.

The scope is weatherproof, its argon purged for a waterproof and fog proof performance, and shockproof for impacts and recoil.

With the lenses being fully multi-coated you get sharp and crystal images to make sure you don’t miss a shot.

Apart from deer hunting this scope is also ideal for varmint, big game, and predator hunting. You can use it with slugs, shotguns, muzzleloaders,s and other rifles.

With a Dead-Hold BDC reticle, you will be able to shoot at different ranges even where hold-over estimation would be a concern.

The scope also features metal-on-metal precision turrets for easy zero resets and a precision glide erector system for accuracy and repeatability.

Specifications

• Weight: 15 oz
• Length: 12 in
• Parallax: 100 yds
• Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC/V-Plex
• Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
• Exit Pupil: 4.4 – 13.3 mm
• Magnification: 3 – 9 x
• Eye Relief: 3.8 – 4.4 in
• Tube Diameter: 1 in
• Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
• Attachment/Mount Type: Ring

Pros 

• Hard anodized finish for low glare and camouflage
  
• Dead-Hold BDC reticle for varying ranges
• Shockproof build for impacts and recoil
• Waterproof and fog proof performance
• Fast-focus eyepiece
• Fully Multi-Coated optics
• Strong and durable aluminum aircraft-grade construction
• Capped turrets

Cons

• Non-illuminated

 

#3) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Riflescope

 

 

 

Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm Riflescope is the best vortex scope for whitetail hunting for AR15, it is hinged with a plethora of features that make it worth paying attention to. The first feature that makes this scope worth investing in is its durable construction.

The scope is built from aircraft-grade aluminum, which improves strength and stability. Rust and glare are kept at bay thanks to the robust matte anodized finish. This is in addition to being completely waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.

Great visibility is assured as the scope houses fully multi-coated lenses that allow optimal light transmission. Even better, it uses extra-low dispersion glass, which provides enhanced resolution and colorful image views even in dimly lit environments.

Additionally, it incorporates an illuminated second focal plane reticle for faster target acquisition in low-light conditions.

Magnification adjustments are a breeze using the detachable throw lever. The 1-6x magnification range makes the scope ideal for close to medium distances.

Specifications

• Weight: 18.5 oz
• Length: 10.5 in
• Parallax: 100 yds
• Reticle: AR-BDC3
• Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
• Exit Pupil: 4 – 24 mm
• Magnification: 1 – 6 x
• Eye Relief: 3.5 in
• Tube Diameter: 30 mm
• Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
• Attachment/Mount Type: Ring

Pros

• Fully multi-coated optics
• Made of solid aluminum
• Fully multi-coated lenses
• Extra-low dispersion glass
• Throw lever for fast magnification changes
• Matte anodized finish
• Armortek coating enhances protection
• Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof
• Great eye relief
• Well-priced
• Durable
• Excellent light transmission
• 11 brightness settings

Cons

• Not ideal for long-range hunting

 

#4) Vortex Razor HD 5-20x50mm Riflescope

 

 

 

Vortex Razor HD 5-20x50mm riflescope is the best vortex scope for whitetail hunting if you are looking for a first focal plane scope.

A single 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum block is used to manufacture the scope tube. Ideally, a high-end scope would be sealed and built to be waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.

To help avoid fogging on the internal lenses of the scopes over a wide range of temperatures, the scope is purged and filled with argon gas.

The illumination rheostat features an “off” setting between the 11 illumination settings. The ability to quickly and easily switch the illuminated reticle off while still being able to return to the precise power setting the scope quickly is made possible by this offsetting. The knob has a low profile and mostly stays out of the way.

The lenses are fully multi-coated to enhance light transmission for optimal light transmission. Armortek covers them to keep away dust and scratches for maximum protection.

Whether the shooter is wearing gloves or not, the power ring has aggressive knurling and provides a good grip in all weather conditions.

Specifications

• Weight: 37 oz
• Length: 15.8 in
• Parallax: 40 yards to infinity
• Reticle: EBR-2B MRAD
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
• Exit Pupil: 2.5 – 10 mm
• Magnification: 5 – 20 x
• Eye Relief: 3.9 in
• Tube Diameter: 35 mm
• Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
• Attachment/Mount Type: Ring

Pros

• Glass-etched first focal plane reticle
• RZR Zero Stop
• Optically indexed lenses
• Fully multi-coated optics
• Side focus
• Hard anodized finish
• Armortek coated lenses
• HD lens elements
• Fast focus eyepiece
• Ample eye relief
• Solid construction
• Generous eye relief
• Clear optics
• Audible clicks

Cons

• The price is on the high
• Slightly heavier

 

#5) Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm Riflescope

 

 

 

A major highlight of the Vortex Diamondback 4-16x44mm is the advanced optical system that produces clear, high-quality images even at the highest magnification power.

This rifle scope’s fully multi-coated optics and ED glass elements guarantee that you will receive sharp image views from dawn to dusk.

The ease of use of this scope is notable. It boasts a fast-focus eyepiece that makes it easy to focus the reticle, a raised rib on the magnification ring that makes it quick and easy to change the magnification, and a reticle that is straightforward to use even for newbies.

The scope does not weigh like a tank but is built like one. It is manufactured from aircraft-grade aluminum that withstands anything that comes with mother nature.

Further, because it is completely waterproof and fog proof, it is designed to provide dependable, all-weather performance. The scope has a highly-durable hard-anodized finish on the exterior to conceal your hunting position.

Specifications

• Weight: 23.1 oz
• Length: 14 in
• Parallax: 20 yds to infinity
• Reticle: EBR-2C MOA /MRAD
• Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
• Exit Pupil: 2.75 – 11 mm
• Magnification: 4 – 16 x
• Eye Relief: 3.8 in
• Tube Diameter: 30 mm
• Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
• Attachment/Mount Type: Ring

Pros

• Adjustable 4-16x magnification
• Wide 44mm objective lens
• First focal plane reticle
• Fast focus eyepiece
• Made of aircraft-grade aluminum
• Fully multi-coated lenses
• Hard anodized finish
• ED glass elements
• Intuitive design
• Generous eye relief
• Bright and clear views
• Notable tracking performance

Cons

• No reticle illumination

 

#6) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm Riflescope

 

 

Vortex is a renowned scope brand that manufactures world-class quality scopes, one being the Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm. The XR coatings and XD glass have earned a mention.

These improve color resolution, clarity, and sharpness of the sight image. Further, they improve light transmission and have anti-reflective properties.

The Viper PST can undoubtedly withstand the weather. It boasts a waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof construction. It can be counted on to work and always operates without a hitch.

The scope has turrets in a tactical style. They are of good quality, have the ideal height and size, and click positively. As a result, they are simple to adjust with wet or gloved hands.

The MRAD reticle features red illumination. A very handy feature is the on/off illumination dial, which is located outside of the adjustable objective knob and has off positions between each brightness level.

Specifications

• Weight: 31.2 oz
• Length: 16 in
• Parallax: 25 yds to infinity
• Reticle: EBR-4 MOA / EBR-7C MRAD
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
• Exit Pupil: 2 – 10 mm
• Magnification: 5 – 25 x
• Eye Relief: 3.4 in
• Tube Diameter: 30 mm
• Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
• Attachment/Mount Type: Ring

Pros

• Strong and durable 30mm tube
• Ample eye relief
• Fiber optic radius bar
• RZR Zero Stop
• Tactical turrets
• XD glass and XR coatings
• EBR-2C reticle housed on the first focal plane
• Illuminated reticle
• Sizable knobs with pleasant adjustment clicks
• Excellent glass quality
• Ideal for beginners and professionals

Cons

• Slightly heavier

 

#7) Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm Riflescope

 

 

Vortex Viper HST 6-24x50mm is an enigma. The scope epitomizes precision with regard to both engineering and accuracy so that every shot counts. With this scope, not only will your shot count but your money as well.

The Viper HST is made of aircraft-grade aluminum that has been precisely machined. A stylish, matte black, hard-anodized finish increases strength, durability, and corrosion resistance.

You can quickly access the tactical turrets to make windage, elevation, and parallax adjustments. The scope makes adjusting for parallax a piece of cake because of its parallax adjustment turret, which has a range of 50 yards to infinity, and the reticle’s position on a second focal plane.

The XD lens elements are what really set this scope above the competition at this pricing point.

Enhanced light transmission in low-light situations is made possible by the ArmorTek, fully XR multi-coated, premium-quality glass that is scratch-, fog-, shock-, and impact-resistant.

Specifications

• Weight: 22.6 oz
• Length: 15.5 in
• Parallax: 50 yds to infinity
• Reticle: VMR-1 MRAD /MOA
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
• Exit Pupil: 2.08 – 8.3 mm
• Magnification: 6 – 24 x
• Eye Relief: 4 in
• Tube Diameter: 30 mm
• Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
• Attachment/Mount Type: Ring

Pros

• Precision-Glide Erector System
• Vaariable 6-24x magnification
• big 50mm objective lens for maple light
• Enough eye relief
• Exposed tactical turrets
• Hard anodized finish
• Fully multi-coated lenses
• MAG-View bar
• Parallax adjustment from 50 yards to infinity
• Weatherproof
• Sleek design
• Robust build
• Easy-to-use turrets
• Crystal-clear images
• Unbeatable lifetime warranty

Cons

• Non-Illuminated

 

Read Also

• 7 Best AR 15 Deer Hunting Scopes
• 8 Best Deer Feeders(Gravity,Pail,Tripod)

Whitetail Hunting Tips

• For increased chances of taking down a deer, you must be as invisible as possible, wear camouflage clothes, and your rifle scope should also have a low glare and camouflage finish
• When going hunting avoid perfumes and scented soaps, as we all know the nose is the best defense mechanism for deer. Your clothes should also be scent-free.To prevent sweat smells make sure to wear appropriate and for the weather.
• Always use the wind to your advantage, Being “downwind” of the deer is the best strategy since the wind won’t blow in the deer’s direction and sell you out.
• Try to be as quiet as possible, when walking using the heels of your hunting boots, you don’t want to announce to deer, you are looking for them, don’t drop your gear or gun or hit things as you walk, deer will hear you and will run away.
• If you are using a stand make sure the placement doesn’t create shadowing or silhouetting
• Hunting on a tree gives you the advantage of much vision  and your scent will flow over the deer
• Take ethical shots and don’t shoot young ones
• Do prior shooting practices to prevent chances of missing, a miss will scare all deer away.

Read more Deer Hunting Tips

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Vortex Scope for Whitetail Hunting

1. Lens quality

The difference between a successful hunt and going home empty-handed can be made by having a scope that provides you with extra light. That’s why the lens needs to be top-tier and multi-coated to allow maximum light into the scope in all lighting settings. This is pertinent as whitetails are active at dusk and dawn.

2. Eye relief

As a general rule, you’ll get less eye relief with more magnification. Nevertheless, rifle scopes with a minimum of 4′′ are preferred.

Although 4′′ provides you with lots of choices and allows you to comfortably spend a large amount of time looking through your scope, you can get away with less if you know what you’re doing. Remember that your eye relief will decrease as you increase the power.

3. Magnification

This may be the most important aspect of scope to many hunters. If you approach the deer too closely, it will be easily spooked. The best course of action is to take cover and engage them with long-range shots. That said, you should compare your intended purchase’s intended magnification with other options.

4. Durability

The scope must be long-lasting and durable. The material used to make it must be sturdy and able to handle recoil, water, and fog that it will come into contact with while you are hunting.

FAQs

1. What size scope is ideal for the whitetail deer?

For whitetails, mule deer, or elk, a basic 3-940 scope should be more than adequate for close-range and daylight shots. That is likely the most popular and effective scope magnification for deer hunting.

2. What is the best reticle for deer hunting?

Clear ballistic reticles for hunting with thick, horizontal lines beneath the center crosshair are mostly preferred. For these reasons, Mil-Dot and MOA-style reticles perform admirably. It is best to zero the center crosshair when sighting in a ballistic reticle for hunting at 100 yards.

3. When is the best time to hunt deer?

Deer move best in the early morning and late afternoon, regardless of the conditions. They are most wired to move during that time as it is the time their vision is at its sharpest.

Conclusion

Whitetail hunting calls for a good scope to make it more fun and successful. After all, you don’t want to go back home empty-handed.

The Vortex scopes elucidated above are the best ones you can get. They are well-designed and will serve you right in low-light situations when whitetails are most active. Happy hunting.

Related: 6 Best Leupold Deer Hunting Scopes