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Posted: 1/8/2016 6:24:38 PM EDT
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So I bought a Vortex Diamondback 2-7x35 Rimfire to put on a new Savage MKII. pretty good reviews, lots of vortex fans, I have diamondback binoculars I am happy with, so I bought it from midway with a set of rings. Price for the Vortex was $179, I wanted to be around $200. Did not play with any scopes in the stores because I dont like wasting peoples time by pawing up all their shit and not buying it.
So I get the scope yesterday and open it up, look through it and instantly i notice severe distortion around the outside, I've seen distortion in scopes before, but this seemed like a lot, step outside and confirm, there is a lot. It was easily around 1/4 of the total area through the scope at 2x. also seemed like the eyebox was very narrow throughout the entire magnification range. checked out the turrets, finger adjustable, I like that, seems like most scopes are nowadays. But overall I felt a little disappointed. I am used to Nightforce and ACOGs, and wondered if I have just spoiled myself. 2 years ago I sold a 10/22 that had a redfield revolution on it, and dont remember being let down by a $200 scope at that time. So while pondering whether to send it back to midway, or just accept that its a $200 scope, I decided I would go to the store, and paw up some of their stuff to compare... If I got the same thing from other similarly priced scopes, I would keep the vortex, if not, I would replace it. well, this is what I came home with. 
I looked through this VX1 at the store, and instantly noticed that there was minimal distortion around the outside of the lens, and 5 seconds later, I'll take it. the VX1 was $199. I could not believe how much more I got for $20, in every facet. Packaging was better, scope is suspended by foam ends in the box, the vortex was just laying on foam bases. I get home and compare side by side, definitely more clear, though in fairness, the vortex seemed to be almost as nice at 7x, distortion was horrible at 2x, and improved as you increased magnification. The overall aesthetics are nicer, the Leupold is actually about a half inch longer or so, so there is that perspective showing here, but the ocular lens on the Vortex is huge, and I dont know why, which makes the wall thicker and when looking through it, it seems like there is a huge black ring around your viewing window. much less with the Leupold. 
Vortex on left, Leupold on right 
the turrets sit lower, are still finger adjustable, classic gold ring and leupold logo always look good, and makes it seem more expensive than it really is. Vortex feels the need to put a sticker on the ocular lens to inform its user that the larger number is an increase in magnification, and the smaller number makes things smaller 
The vortex also came with oversized see through lens caps, the last time I got these were with a blister pack scope when I was 14, I would have only pitched them 
Leupold came with a bikini cover, which at least fits tight and snug, may or may not use. Now I havent even mounted it yet, but I must say, I am impressed with the VX-1. I dont know if being disappointed with the vortex made it seem that much nicer to me, or if I would have felt the same if I started with the Leupold. Just sharing my opinions, but if you are in the market for a $200 optic, I cant say enough about the VX-1 |
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Thanks for the report. I was looking at a 2-8 Diamondback yesterday and it seemed fine. I'm betting your had defective glass. So much for quality control. I like a fine reticle and it had a thicker one. Not surprising to hear a good report about the Redfield since it's made by Leupold. Glad you landed on one you like. You can't go wrong with Leupold.
Quoted:
So I bought a Vortex Diamondback 2-7x35 Rimfire to put on a new Savage MKII. pretty good reviews, lots of vortex fans, I have diamondback binoculars I am happy with, so I bought it from midway with a set of rings. Price for the Vortex was $179, I wanted to be around $200. Did not play with any scopes in the stores because I dont like wasting peoples time by pawing up all their shit and not buying it. So I get the scope yesterday and open it up, look through it and instantly i notice severe distortion around the outside, I've seen distortion in scopes before, but this seemed like a lot, step outside and confirm, there is a lot. It was easily around 1/4 of the total area through the scope at 2x. also seemed like the eyebox was very narrow throughout the entire magnification range. checked out the turrets, finger adjustable, I like that, seems like most scopes are nowadays. But overall I felt a little disappointed. I am used to Nightforce and ACOGs, and wondered if I have just spoiled myself. 2 years ago I sold a 10/22 that had a redfield revolution on it, and dont remember being let down by a $200 scope at that time. So while pondering whether to send it back to midway, or just accept that its a $200 scope, I decided I would go to the store, and paw up some of their stuff to compare... If I got the same thing from other similarly priced scopes, I would keep the vortex, if not, I would replace it. well, this is what I came home with. http://i.imgur.com/KAaZsl9.jpg I looked through this VX1 at the store, and instantly noticed that there was minimal distortion around the outside of the lens, and 5 seconds later, I'll take it. the VX1 was $199. I could not believe how much more I got for $20, in every facet. Packaging was better, scope is suspended by foam ends in the box, the vortex was just laying on foam bases. I get home and compare side by side, definitely more clear, though in fairness, the vortex seemed to be almost as nice at 7x, distortion was horrible at 2x, and improved as you increased magnification. The overall aesthetics are nicer, the Leupold is actually about a half inch longer or so, so there is that perspective showing here, but the ocular lens on the Vortex is huge, and I dont know why, which makes the wall thicker and when looking through it, it seems like there is a huge black ring around your viewing window. much less with the Leupold. http://i.imgur.com/q4hNRLU.jpg Vortex on left, Leupold on right http://i.imgur.com/UhMwfS2.jpg the turrets sit lower, are still finger adjustable, classic gold ring and leupold logo always look good, and makes it seem more expensive than it really is. Vortex feels the need to put a sticker on the ocular lens to inform its user that the larger number is an increase in magnification, and the smaller number makes things smaller
The vortex also came with oversized see through lens caps, the last time I got these were with a blister pack scope when I was 14, I would have only pitched them http://i.imgur.com/tJ60tuV.jpg Leupold came with a bikini cover, which at least fits tight and snug, may or may not use. Now I havent even mounted it yet, but I must say, I am impressed with the VX-1. I dont know if being disappointed with the vortex made it seem that much nicer to me, or if I would have felt the same if I started with the Leupold. Just sharing my opinions, but if you are in the market for a $200 optic, I cant say enough about the VX-1 |
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I usually advocate the VX-1 and VX-2 rimfire 2-7x scopes and have several. They are my favored rimfire scopes. I do think they are better than the Diamondback rimfire.
I must say, though, the Diamondback series has a good reputation, and Vortex, like Leupold, has a great lifetime warranty and superb customer service. Your experience with the Diamondback is unusual. I'm sure Vortex will make it good. One more think, if I may, the 3-9x40 VX-1 box does not indicate it is the rimfire version. You need rimfire parallax factory set at 50-60 yards for .22LR. Centerfire scopes are set for more like 150. Might want to check to see if you have the right rimfire model. I'm pretty sure there is no VX-1 3-9x40 that has rimfire parallax. That is available in the VX-1 2-7x28, or in the VX-2 version of the 3-9x40. This is an easy mistake to make and store clerks are often ignorant about rimfire parallax. Correct parallax for a .22LR is important. You can use a centerfire version, but you must make sure your eye is exactly centered in the eyepiece, or you will have misses on small targets inside 50 yards. |
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Quoted:
So I bought a Vortex Diamondback 2-7x35 Rimfire to put on a new Savage MKII. pretty good reviews, lots of vortex fans, I have diamondback binoculars I am happy with, so I bought it from midway with a set of rings. Price for the Vortex was $179, I wanted to be around $200. Did not play with any scopes in the stores because I dont like wasting peoples time by pawing up all their shit and not buying it. So I get the scope yesterday and open it up, look through it and instantly i notice severe distortion around the outside, I've seen distortion in scopes before, but this seemed like a lot, step outside and confirm, there is a lot. It was easily around 1/4 of the total area through the scope at 2x. also seemed like the eyebox was very narrow throughout the entire magnification range. checked out the turrets, finger adjustable, I like that, seems like most scopes are nowadays. But overall I felt a little disappointed. I am used to Nightforce and ACOGs, and wondered if I have just spoiled myself. 2 years ago I sold a 10/22 that had a redfield revolution on it, and dont remember being let down by a $200 scope at that time. So while pondering whether to send it back to midway, or just accept that its a $200 scope, I decided I would go to the store, and paw up some of their stuff to compare... If I got the same thing from other similarly priced scopes, I would keep the vortex, if not, I would replace it. well, this is what I came home with. http://i.imgur.com/KAaZsl9.jpg I looked through this VX1 at the store, and instantly noticed that there was minimal distortion around the outside of the lens, and 5 seconds later, I'll take it. the VX1 was $199. I could not believe how much more I got for $20, in every facet. Packaging was better, scope is suspended by foam ends in the box, the vortex was just laying on foam bases. I get home and compare side by side, definitely more clear, though in fairness, the vortex seemed to be almost as nice at 7x, distortion was horrible at 2x, and improved as you increased magnification. The overall aesthetics are nicer, the Leupold is actually about a half inch longer or so, so there is that perspective showing here, but the ocular lens on the Vortex is huge, and I dont know why, which makes the wall thicker and when looking through it, it seems like there is a huge black ring around your viewing window. much less with the Leupold. http://i.imgur.com/q4hNRLU.jpg Vortex on left, Leupold on right http://i.imgur.com/UhMwfS2.jpg the turrets sit lower, are still finger adjustable, classic gold ring and leupold logo always look good, and makes it seem more expensive than it really is. Vortex feels the need to put a sticker on the ocular lens to inform its user that the larger number is an increase in magnification, and the smaller number makes things smaller
The vortex also came with oversized see through lens caps, the last time I got these were with a blister pack scope when I was 14, I would have only pitched them http://i.imgur.com/tJ60tuV.jpg Leupold came with a bikini cover, which at least fits tight and snug, may or may not use. Now I havent even mounted it yet, but I must say, I am impressed with the VX-1. I dont know if being disappointed with the vortex made it seem that much nicer to me, or if I would have felt the same if I started with the Leupold. Just sharing my opinions, but if you are in the market for a $200 optic, I cant say enough about the VX-1 I also have a leupold on my 10/22. It is the 1-4x. I too could not stand the distortion with cheaper scopes. |
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Quoted:
I usually advocate the VX-1 and VX-2 rimfire 2-7x scopes and have several. They are my favored rimfire scopes. I do think they are better than the Diamondback rimfire. I must say, though, the Diamondback series has a good reputation, and Vortex, like Leupold, has a great lifetime warranty and superb customer service. Your experience with the Diamondback is unusual. I'm sure Vortex will make it good. One more think, if I may, the 3-9x40 VX-1 box does not indicate it is the rimfire version. You need rimfire parallax factory set at 50-60 yards for .22LR. Centerfire scopes are set for more like 150. Might want to check to see if you have the right rimfire model. I'm pretty sure there is no VX-1 3-9x40 that has rimfire parallax. That is available in the VX-1 2-7x28, or in the VX-2 version of the 3-9x40. This is an easy mistake to make and store clerks are often ignorant about rimfire parallax. Correct parallax for a .22LR is important. You can use a centerfire version, but you must make sure your eye is exactly centered in the eyepiece, or you will have misses on small targets inside 50 yards. I'm aware of the parallax differences, and it is not the rimfire, but parallax error at the moderate ranges of 50-100 will not be more than a quarter of an inch. I'm not expecting that kind of accuracy from the rifle it is going on. But it is something to be aware of, thanks! It wont be going back to vortex, I'm just sending it to Midway and taking my refund. |
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OP -
I got a Vortex 2-8 Diamondback HP scope a few weeks ago (also for my rimfire) and I am disappointed in mine as well. It has a large fish bowl affect on it and I am debating on sending it back in to Vortex to see if something is wrong with it. Also my scope caps didn't come with any lenses in them
Note: I have a Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16 scope which has none of these issues as well as a Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x32 FFP which is great (obviously huge price difference though) YMMV but I wonder if there was some QC issues with the 2x scopes Quoted:
So I bought a Vortex Diamondback 2-7x35 Rimfire to put on a new Savage MKII. pretty good reviews, lots of vortex fans, I have diamondback binoculars I am happy with, so I bought it from midway with a set of rings. Price for the Vortex was $179, I wanted to be around $200. Did not play with any scopes in the stores because I dont like wasting peoples time by pawing up all their shit and not buying it. So I get the scope yesterday and open it up, look through it and instantly i notice severe distortion around the outside, I've seen distortion in scopes before, but this seemed like a lot, step outside and confirm, there is a lot. It was easily around 1/4 of the total area through the scope at 2x. also seemed like the eyebox was very narrow throughout the entire magnification range. checked out the turrets, finger adjustable, I like that, seems like most scopes are nowadays. But overall I felt a little disappointed. I am used to Nightforce and ACOGs, and wondered if I have just spoiled myself. 2 years ago I sold a 10/22 that had a redfield revolution on it, and dont remember being let down by a $200 scope at that time. So while pondering whether to send it back to midway, or just accept that its a $200 scope, I decided I would go to the store, and paw up some of their stuff to compare... If I got the same thing from other similarly priced scopes, I would keep the vortex, if not, I would replace it. well, this is what I came home with. http://i.imgur.com/KAaZsl9.jpg I looked through this VX1 at the store, and instantly noticed that there was minimal distortion around the outside of the lens, and 5 seconds later, I'll take it. the VX1 was $199. I could not believe how much more I got for $20, in every facet. Packaging was better, scope is suspended by foam ends in the box, the vortex was just laying on foam bases. I get home and compare side by side, definitely more clear, though in fairness, the vortex seemed to be almost as nice at 7x, distortion was horrible at 2x, and improved as you increased magnification. The overall aesthetics are nicer, the Leupold is actually about a half inch longer or so, so there is that perspective showing here, but the ocular lens on the Vortex is huge, and I dont know why, which makes the wall thicker and when looking through it, it seems like there is a huge black ring around your viewing window. much less with the Leupold. http://i.imgur.com/q4hNRLU.jpg Vortex on left, Leupold on right http://i.imgur.com/UhMwfS2.jpg the turrets sit lower, are still finger adjustable, classic gold ring and leupold logo always look good, and makes it seem more expensive than it really is. Vortex feels the need to put a sticker on the ocular lens to inform its user that the larger number is an increase in magnification, and the smaller number makes things smaller
The vortex also came with oversized see through lens caps, the last time I got these were with a blister pack scope when I was 14, I would have only pitched them http://i.imgur.com/tJ60tuV.jpg Leupold came with a bikini cover, which at least fits tight and snug, may or may not use. Now I havent even mounted it yet, but I must say, I am impressed with the VX-1. I dont know if being disappointed with the vortex made it seem that much nicer to me, or if I would have felt the same if I started with the Leupold. Just sharing my opinions, but if you are in the market for a $200 optic, I cant say enough about the VX-1 |
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Quoted:
OP - I got a Vortex 2-8 Diamondback HP scope a few weeks ago (also for my rimfire) and I am disappointed in mine as well. It has a large fish bowl affect on it and I am debating on sending it back in to Vortex to see if something is wrong with it. Also my scope caps didn't come with any lenses in them
Note: I have a Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16 scope which has none of these issues as well as a Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x32 FFP which is great (obviously huge price difference though) YMMV but I wonder if there was some QC issues with the 2x scopes That is a better way to describe it, it was basically fishbowl at 2x, and gradually improved through the range until 7x. LOL @ no lenses in the caps, yeah these are the ol clear on one end, and yellow in the other not having to try multiple scopes to "get a good one" is part of the reason I started buying higher quality optics in the first place 
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I'm aware of the parallax differences, and it is not the rimfire, but parallax error at the moderate ranges of 50-100 will not be more than a quarter of an inch. I'm not expecting that kind of accuracy from the rifle it is going on. But it is something to be aware of, thanks! It wont be going back to vortex, I'm just sending it to Midway and taking my refund. Quoted:
Quoted:
I usually advocate the VX-1 and VX-2 rimfire 2-7x scopes and have several. They are my favored rimfire scopes. I do think they are better than the Diamondback rimfire. I must say, though, the Diamondback series has a good reputation, and Vortex, like Leupold, has a great lifetime warranty and superb customer service. Your experience with the Diamondback is unusual. I'm sure Vortex will make it good. One more think, if I may, the 3-9x40 VX-1 box does not indicate it is the rimfire version. You need rimfire parallax factory set at 50-60 yards for .22LR. Centerfire scopes are set for more like 150. Might want to check to see if you have the right rimfire model. I'm pretty sure there is no VX-1 3-9x40 that has rimfire parallax. That is available in the VX-1 2-7x28, or in the VX-2 version of the 3-9x40. This is an easy mistake to make and store clerks are often ignorant about rimfire parallax. Correct parallax for a .22LR is important. You can use a centerfire version, but you must make sure your eye is exactly centered in the eyepiece, or you will have misses on small targets inside 50 yards. I'm aware of the parallax differences, and it is not the rimfire, but parallax error at the moderate ranges of 50-100 will not be more than a quarter of an inch. I'm not expecting that kind of accuracy from the rifle it is going on. But it is something to be aware of, thanks! It wont be going back to vortex, I'm just sending it to Midway and taking my refund. Parallax error will be more than you think. It gets worse as you get closer. At 20 yards it will probably be at least 1/2". That may not seem much, but when combined with aiming error and the accuracy limits of the rifle this can result in clean misses on small game up close. I learned that lesson the hard way many years ago. You can mitigate effect by having your head and eye in exactly the same position centered behind the eyepiece every shot, but . . . that ain't gonna happen in practice, no matter how you try. I could not hit crows at 20 yards with a sub moa .22LR target bolt gun when it had a centerfire scope on it. Sure shot fabulous groups at 100 yards, though, if I got the wind right. http://rimfirebenchrest.com/articles/parallax.html Consider moving that excellent scope to a centerfire and get the equivalent Leupold rimfire for your .22LR. |
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Parallex is definitely gonna be an issue,as others have said.
The parallex can be set for .22 . Search rimfire central for how-to's on how to do it it's an easy adjustment. Leopold will do it for $60. Toy can do it for free just need a strap wrench. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php%3Ft%3D94809&ved=0ahUKEwiXnenmya7KAhUGOT4KHUhZCJMQFgggMAI&usg=AFQjCNGnnbJm5m7Nmox_9sQqSsjr3Rm0eA&sig2=cOCqyQ88axv-zY0zfwjj4Q |
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Quoted:
Parallex is definitely gonna be an issue,as others have said. The parallex can be set for .22 . Search rimfire central for how-to's on how to do it it's an easy adjustment. Leopold will do it for $60. Toy can do it for free just need a strap wrench. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php%3Ft%3D94809&ved=0ahUKEwiXnenmya7KAhUGOT4KHUhZCJMQFgggMAI&usg=AFQjCNGnnbJm5m7Nmox_9sQqSsjr3Rm0eA&sig2=cOCqyQ88axv-zY0zfwjj4Q You are right that his scope is adjustable for parallax! I just checked some of my centerfire Leupold scopes. I cannot speak for other brands, but, if you remove the outer ring on a VX-1 or VX-2 centerfire scope, the ring just inside is threaded into the housing and can be moved slowly, counter clockwise (viewed from the front), and this will move the parallax zero to a decreasing shorter distance. If you focus on an object 40-50 yards away and slowly turn it counterclockwise about a quarter or half time at a time, the somewhat blurred image will come into focus. Move your eye as you do this to see if the point of aim changes. When you have sharp focus and the POI is stable when your eye moves, you have it right for that distance. You want to put the scope up on highest power to do this. You might even want to use an even closer distance, like 25 yards, for this to get a sharp focus, then back off a little. Then screw front ring back on. My scopes could do this without the strap wrench, but if that front ring does not want to move by hand, use a strap to avoid damage or marring the finish. OP can do this and not have to get a rimfire VX-1. Thanks for the info. |
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After I get her to the range, I'll look into changing it if I'm not happy with what I can do for accuracy.thanks for the link.
I just got a new stock for the rifle that at least let's me get a good cheekweld. The factory stocks comb drops so low, it was more of a chin weld. But I had a 10/22 with a Redfield scope that was not a 50 yard parallax and never had a problem. |
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