This conversation goes along with our backpacking equipment many years ago. Small, lightweight and high quality. Only problem it's expensive in both cases.
I love listening to your podcast and look forward to each and every one keep up the product advancements and introducing of new and sometimes controversial optic technologies.
I love compact optics for hunting and see the trend. I have compact 8x30 maven binos, an older compact Leupold 15-30x50 spotter, and I like basic lightweight 3-9x40 or preferably 2-7x33 Leupold scopes on my rifles. I would argue that the trend does not apply to rifle scope though. The older Leupold 2-7x33 vx scopes are less than 9 ounces and quite short! Now “compact” riflescopes are double that weight and 12” long.
😂😂😂 Ryan the Jnco Bulldozers were awesome.. Dang man we looked like Christmas trees. Then a year or 2 later we wore Dickies and looked like our grandfather 😂😂😂
I just got 8x32 diamondback hds for PA woods hunting. I've lugged a pair of 10x50s for years and often times left them home when I i should have brought them The 8x32 is small enough to almost throw in a pocket and will be with me every day
I hunt deer, elk, and javelina in AZ- I'll be elected President before I draw a pronghorn tag. Used 12 x 50 binos for years. I'm 56, eyes not great any more, I GLASS MUCH BETTER now with 8 × 42s. I just tend to see more animals - like a lot of things, bigger is not always better.
Great podcast. Love the smaller optics. Idea for an episode. Apples to apples comparison Long action versus short action. Same manufacturer say 308 vs 30-06 same barrel length. What's the real weight and length savings for a short action?? Thanks
I would like to see a podcast on reasonably priced mountain rifles with vortex scope. I am thinking about mounting a vortex intrepid 4x16x42 on a kimber 280ai pro desolve. I really value you r opinions ans reviews on gear. Thanks Ron
Your European counterparts are building shorter, stout optics especially because of the trend of thermal devices that mount to the objective bell… adjustable paralax , low-ish minimum magnification so it will work perfectly with said add-on thermal devices. Overall length is ok with the add on, weight is ok and with a 8x or 6x scope you still have plenty magnification for “regular” hunting… If only the bigger brands would make a simple mixed g4/ mil drop reticle (like the g4i drop or amd2 reticle.
I just emailed you all last week. You've touched on this in podcasts. The market needs longer tubes on some optics for vintage style mounting. Think Grandpa's old model 70 in 270 with split rings. Give the market a fixed power, lightweight optic with a long tube. Please.
@@madwe2269 partially because nostalgia. But ultimately because of second focal plane scopes aren't at the specific, usually max magnification, the BDC or whatever holdovers are off. A fixed power is dummy proof.
In the past, I've found myself subscribing to the "more bigger is more better" philosophy, but now I know that line of thinking was unfounded all because I subscribed to Vortex Nation Podcast instead.
A solid discussion. I'm highly appreciative of compact and modest optic systems; however, the tradeoff regarding compact riflescopes all too often becomes a reduction of the tube/mounting length. Too short of an optic causes difficulty in mounting a riflescope at an appropriate position to accommodate eye relief. I've personally struggled with mounting the 2.5-10x Viper HS on standard-length actions - the scope cannot be positioned rear-ward enough for comfortable fitment due to the short mounting distance. Such equipment cannot be merely compact, it must also be usefully implemented. While compact riflescopes are seemingly defined as being short, Vortex consistently constructs their quality product lines with large-diameter tubes. A market does exist for compact riflescopes using 1" tubes and high-quality optical formulas.
I am in the North East and hunt whitetail, where I hunt the range can be 5 yards during bow season up to 250 yards during rifle season. I have switched from binoculars to a monocular, I have a Solo R/T 8x32 which is great for this. Lighter than the 8x32 binoculars you were talking about and takes up a lot less room. Why no discussion on the monocular in this podcast? Embrace the monocular.
Great podcast. The only problem is the money you keep making me spend. Just upgraded my spotting scope to a smaller one based on Ryan’s position on the subject.
@nickmccrite Nick, thanks for listening, commenting, and buying a spotter!!! Truly appreciate you! Your comment was selected as one of our comments of the week. If you can, hit us with a message at socialmedia@vortexoptics.com and we’ll work to get you your very own Vortex Nation Podcast Hoodie. Thanks again! Mark B.
At my age two things are very important , 1) weight and 2) optics. I can't carry a lot of weight . I am physically diabled , so my optics are very important. I cant just go wandering around looking for game . I have Vortex optics on all my hunting rifles and after a very informative phone conversation with a Vortex representative on range finders have been very impressed and have bought a range finder and compact binoculars.
How do we make a 5-20ish that's only about an inch longer than an upper receiver? I love high mag stuff on my ARs but it's half the length of my gun. Lol
I own a 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid and a 2004 Silverado 2500hd. The 2500 can absolutely do a lot of things better than my Maverick. The Maverick can do 80% of what the Silverado can. Tell me which one makes more sense as the daily driver. 😂
chasing the limits of what new gear can do, wont let you know the limits of you current gear. lots of folks have had bigger adventures with less than ideal gear. the best use of spending for adventuring is on gas and snacks not high end gear.
Why do you keep making your lower magnification scopes with more elevation than the high magnification scopes? You've done it with venum, strike eagle and now Viper. Seems backwards to me
That's because the lower power scopes have shorter erector tubes which gives them more room to pivot inside the scope. Higher power scopes are typically longer and have longer erectors so they don't have as much room to move which results in less travel.
@kennycalhoun2382 having a 5-25 with only 20 mils and then being further limited by the Rev stop just seems like a miss to me. Fine for hunting but limited for other uses. Lots of high mag scopes with plenty more elevation. I think the new viper is for a narrow market considering it's replacing quite a few scopes
I’ve got to admit, I tapped out at 10 minutes when you two still hadn’t gotten to the topic. I don’t know how this TEDIOUS conversation would up in my stream, but I will soon fix that. Thank God I know coffee boy wore flared jeans.
Vortex Nation Podcast is the only Podcast a man needs... that and a new Vortex Nation Podcast Hoodie 😎 But for real, I love the podcast, keep it up!
This conversation goes along with our backpacking equipment many years ago. Small, lightweight and high quality. Only problem it's expensive in both cases.
I love listening to your podcast and look forward to each and every one keep up the product advancements and introducing of new and sometimes controversial optic technologies.
Exceptional conversation and viewpoints
Great one. One of these days I will upgrade to the Razor line. In the mean time, the Strike Eagle line of everything is pretty slick. Bulky, but nice
I love compact optics for hunting and see the trend. I have compact 8x30 maven binos, an older compact Leupold 15-30x50 spotter, and I like basic lightweight 3-9x40 or preferably 2-7x33 Leupold scopes on my rifles. I would argue that the trend does not apply to rifle scope though. The older Leupold 2-7x33 vx scopes are less than 9 ounces and quite short! Now “compact” riflescopes are double that weight and 12” long.
Thank you for your videos. I have learned A LOT, and, I enjoy them
😂😂😂 Ryan the Jnco Bulldozers were awesome.. Dang man we looked like Christmas trees. Then a year or 2 later we wore Dickies and looked like our grandfather 😂😂😂
I got my hands on the new baby crossfire spotter, and what an incredible piece that is for the price!
Done. Just bought a 13-39x56 Razor. Been thinking about it for so long. Hope to at least see a deer this year when I have a tag in my pocket.
I just got 8x32 diamondback hds for PA woods hunting. I've lugged a pair of 10x50s for years and often times left them home when I i should have brought them
The 8x32 is small enough to almost throw in a pocket and will be with me every day
Love my Viper PST 2-10! Currently it is on a 7.62x39 Ruger M77 Mk2, which I plan to barrel swap to 6mm ARC. We will see how far I can push it!
Burris did compact optics in the 80's, still my favorites for some guns
Best smallest/lightest scope I have found is 2-10x38 maven RS2 scope. 13oz and made in Japan. Very crisp image and dials perfectly.
I hunt deer, elk, and javelina in AZ- I'll be elected President before I draw a pronghorn tag. Used 12 x 50 binos for years. I'm 56, eyes not great any more, I GLASS MUCH BETTER now with 8 × 42s. I just tend to see more animals - like a lot of things, bigger is not always better.
Great podcast. Love the smaller optics. Idea for an episode. Apples to apples comparison Long action versus short action. Same manufacturer say 308 vs 30-06 same barrel length. What's the real weight and length savings for a short action?? Thanks
Tell me you are working on an eye piece with reticle to put on the razor 13 to 39 and I buy the razor right now!
I would like to see a podcast on reasonably priced mountain rifles with vortex scope. I am thinking about mounting a vortex intrepid 4x16x42 on a kimber 280ai pro desolve. I really value you r opinions ans reviews on gear. Thanks Ron
Your European counterparts are building shorter, stout optics especially because of the trend of thermal devices that mount to the objective bell… adjustable paralax , low-ish minimum magnification so it will work perfectly with said add-on thermal devices. Overall length is ok with the add on, weight is ok and with a 8x or 6x scope you still have plenty magnification for “regular” hunting… If only the bigger brands would make a simple mixed g4/ mil drop reticle (like the g4i drop or amd2 reticle.
Can we get an LHT 3-18 ffp scope please!!!!
I just emailed you all last week. You've touched on this in podcasts. The market needs longer tubes on some optics for vintage style mounting. Think Grandpa's old model 70 in 270 with split rings. Give the market a fixed power, lightweight optic with a long tube. Please.
Why fixed power?
@@madwe2269 partially because nostalgia. But ultimately because of second focal plane scopes aren't at the specific, usually max magnification, the BDC or whatever holdovers are off. A fixed power is dummy proof.
I'm hoping y'all will drop a competitor to the March FX 1.5-15 dual focal plane in the near future in the razor line.
What’s yalls opinion on guns like the Q fix and sig cross
I'm gonna need to save all the wait I can for the 300 Norma. . . Still waiting on that cartridge talk tho
@votexnation What's the best for a hunting spotting scope, straight or angle??
In the past, I've found myself subscribing to the "more bigger is more better" philosophy, but now I know that line of thinking was unfounded all because I subscribed to Vortex Nation Podcast instead.
A solid discussion. I'm highly appreciative of compact and modest optic systems; however, the tradeoff regarding compact riflescopes all too often becomes a reduction of the tube/mounting length. Too short of an optic causes difficulty in mounting a riflescope at an appropriate position to accommodate eye relief. I've personally struggled with mounting the 2.5-10x Viper HS on standard-length actions - the scope cannot be positioned rear-ward enough for comfortable fitment due to the short mounting distance. Such equipment cannot be merely compact, it must also be usefully implemented.
While compact riflescopes are seemingly defined as being short, Vortex consistently constructs their quality product lines with large-diameter tubes. A market does exist for compact riflescopes using 1" tubes and high-quality optical formulas.
All this talk about compact optic options and the solo monocular line didn't make it into the conversation?!? Come on......
Seconded! I love monoculars, lightweight, small, and simple.
Even better, just use your range finder for glassing work. It's a 2in1 and weighs less than binoculars.
Sooooo, .300 Norma Mag cart talk is next, right?
In the name of compact rifle scopes, can we have a high end 1” scope?
Amen. A 2-10 viper with a 30mm tube is an absolute hog, weighs 20 ounces. My older 2-7x Leupolds are sub-9 ounces. Ridiculous
I am in the North East and hunt whitetail, where I hunt the range can be 5 yards during bow season up to 250 yards during rifle season. I have switched from binoculars to a monocular, I have a Solo R/T 8x32 which is great for this. Lighter than the 8x32 binoculars you were talking about and takes up a lot less room. Why no discussion on the monocular in this podcast? Embrace the monocular.
Hopefully the prices are "compact" too 😉
Any image stabilized optics?
Compact 3-18 Razor GIII on the way???
Great podcast. The only problem is the money you keep making me spend. Just upgraded my spotting scope to a smaller one based on Ryan’s position on the subject.
@nickmccrite Nick, thanks for listening, commenting, and buying a spotter!!! Truly appreciate you! Your comment was selected as one of our comments of the week. If you can, hit us with a message at socialmedia@vortexoptics.com and we’ll work to get you your very own Vortex Nation Podcast Hoodie. Thanks again! Mark B.
@@VortexNation I sent an email on 8/6
i brought the razor 11x33 just before the gen 2 razor came out...rrr
Why should one care if a buck is 12, 13, or 14 inches or has a broken tine? Just take the first mature buck and go have beers at camp.
At my age two things are very important , 1) weight and 2) optics. I can't carry a lot of weight . I am physically diabled , so my optics are very important. I cant just go wandering around looking for game . I have Vortex optics on all my hunting rifles and after a very informative phone conversation with a Vortex representative on range finders have been very impressed and have bought a range finder and compact binoculars.
Sports ball analogy, aw come on. 😂
The biggest downside of the 2-10 is no ffp reticle
👍👍
You tell me, Mark. What the heck IS going on? 2-10?!
How do we make a 5-20ish that's only about an inch longer than an upper receiver? I love high mag stuff on my ARs but it's half the length of my gun. Lol
Take a look at the Eotech 5-25x50
@@msquared9605 oh I have, and have some time behind it, I'm a fan, but... shorter😈😈 but yeah that is the closest so far.
@@Persuasian338 not sure you can get any more compact than that. At least for high magnification
Steiner just made a ranger 4 s (4-16x44 that is just 10,63 inches long.)
I own a 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid and a 2004 Silverado 2500hd. The 2500 can absolutely do a lot of things better than my Maverick. The Maverick can do 80% of what the Silverado can. Tell me which one makes more sense as the daily driver. 😂
chasing the limits of what new gear can do, wont let you know the limits of you current gear. lots of folks have had bigger adventures with less than ideal gear. the best use of spending for adventuring is on gas and snacks not high end gear.
Vehicle maintenance!
@@dr.froghopper6711 definitely the further you go from home! and a few tools/spares never served me wrong
Why do you keep making your lower magnification scopes with more elevation than the high magnification scopes? You've done it with venum, strike eagle and now Viper. Seems backwards to me
That's because the lower power scopes have shorter erector tubes which gives them more room to pivot inside the scope. Higher power scopes are typically longer and have longer erectors so they don't have as much room to move which results in less travel.
@kennycalhoun2382 having a 5-25 with only 20 mils and then being further limited by the Rev stop just seems like a miss to me. Fine for hunting but limited for other uses. Lots of high mag scopes with plenty more elevation. I think the new viper is for a narrow market considering it's replacing quite a few scopes
I’ve got to admit, I tapped out at 10 minutes when you two still hadn’t gotten to the topic. I don’t know how this TEDIOUS conversation would up in my stream, but I will soon fix that. Thank God I know coffee boy wore flared jeans.