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- Alfred Mendoza
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Whether you’re visiting a store or browsing through the internet, you’ll notice that a lot of brands stand out in making optical devices such as binoculars and rifle scopes. Among these, you’ll probably find Nikon vs Vortex in an intense competition. See which one you should go for based on what has the better design, features, and optical performance.
Table of Contents
What's the Difference Between Nikon & Vortex?
The difference between Nikon and Vortex would revolve around their industry experience, price, and customer relation. Nikon has proven itself in developing high-quality Nikon scopes, lenses and optics. Whereas, Vortex is relatively new and has been around for roughly 16 years, taking advantage of their knack for technological advancements.
Often, hunters and enthusiasts compare the two brand’s reputations in terms of warranty and customer service. Many of them speak highly of Vortex Optics’ services, although its models are generally more expensive.
Specification Chart
Nikon
- Low Light Capability: More light transmission through multi-coated and advanced UltraCoat Optical System
- Waterproof: Yes
- Fogproof: Yes
- Travel per Rotation: Low to high-speed turrets
- Parallax Setting: Side focus parallax adjustment or adjustable objective
- Country of Manufacturer: Japan
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Vortex
- Low Light Capability: Fully multi-coated for maximum light transmission
- Waterproof: Yes
- Fogproof: Yes
- Travel per Rotation: Low to high-speed turrets
- Parallax Setting: Parallax-free or adjustable objective
- Country of Manufacturer: USA
- Warranty: VIP unlimited lifetime warranty
Key Brand Similarities
People usually put Vortex vs Nikon binoculars and scopes in a battle because both take pride in providing great product and price variability. Both also have good customer service. They have the same marketing strategy of targeting consumers from the low end to higher-end categories of optical instruments.
The following also reflects the other notable similarities we found:
- Broad scope and binocular range
- Mostly made of aircraft-grade aluminum
- Operational in various environmental conditions
- Almost similar build and appearance
- Multi-coated for clearer image feature
Comprehensive Comparison
Price
Based on the various user feedback that we took note of, most would agree that the two brands will never go wrong in giving you good value for your money. Both offer both budget-friendly and premium-priced products as well. So, it is entirely up to you whether you want to spend less or you’re willing to pay more than $1,000 for getting the higher-end scope.
Generally, though, Nikon scopes and binoculars are much more affordable, especially when you compare it to a Vortex scope that has the same features and capabilities.
Weight & Size
The difference in size is not much apparent, and to some, this may not really matter in the field. However, if you think you need a smaller and lighter one, the older brand generally offers an advantage.
Let’s take Vortex binoculars vs Nikon as an example. Nikon Monarch 5 8×42 model weighs 590g, while Vortex Diamondback HD 8×42 weighs 618g. Just looking at these specs would clearly show that the Monarch is 28g lighter than the other binocular model.
But this doesn’t mean that Vortex is not lightweight. In terms of size, Nikon vs Vortex binoculars are relatively similar, like in their slim, sturdy, and sleek matte design.
Check out more lightweight scopes in this EXPS3 vs EXPS2 review here.
Warranty
On paper, both have the best lifetime warranty that promises their consumers with a trusted and decent service. But when we did our research, most users really had the best experience with the warranty services of Vortex. They’ve built a good reputation in client relations and customer service that some reportedly find the need to switch to them.
Additionally, many find the fully transferable repair or replace guarantee as enticing. Nowadays, though, users give back more positive responses regarding Nikon’s service. In case you’ll need it, they offer a similar no charge repair or replace service, but that only extends to original buyers.
Image Quality
Let’s look at Vortex vs Nikon binoculars for better comparison. Vortex Viper models use a low dispersion glass that results in a clear and bright image with great contrast. Also, its anti-reflective outer coating helps minimize image distortions even when you’re always moving. But its optical performance is not far from that of a Nikon Monarch.
It utilizes extra-low dispersion glasses that give it a slightly sharper and brighter image. Likewise, the brand boasts about how they’re one of the best in mastering the art of maximum light transmission and lens-making.
Focus & Clarity
According to some optics device users, the BDC reticle is a matter of personal preference, and not everyone would care about Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC) reticle. Regardless, the Nikon scopes models use a BDC reticle to help you hit targets at long range shooting distances with ease.
The Nikon Prostaff models, for example, make use of these clear drop dots together with a quick focus eyepiece that is crucial for fast range shooting. Several shooters and hunters also found Prostaff as perfect for low light situations.
Similarly, Vortex Viper has a fast-focus eyepiece and hash marks that work like Nikon’s BDC reticle. Vortex Viper also makes sure that the BDC reticles used are suitable for the hunting rifle scopes’ magnification.
To know more on Nikon Prostaff, read Nikon Buckmaster vs Prostaff comparison.
Zoom Range
In Vortex vs Nikon zoom range difference, both offer scopes and binoculars that have lower to higher magnification levels. Whether you favor close shooting at 100 yards or you usually go beyond 500 yards, both have the same close and long-range advantages.
It’s a tie for the Nikon binoculars vs Vortex, and Nikon scope and Vortex since both upper magnifications can go close to 24x on a long range.
Eye Relief
The standard at the lowest magnification is 3.5 inches. Thus, either scope models adhere to this, with most shooting rifle scopes offering 3.5 to 4 inches. Some models, however, have more extended relief, which is sufficient for most hunting rifles’ scope.
One of the Vortex’s longest relief is 9.45 inches, while some of the competitor models have an immense 9-30 inches. Also, the scope has an indicator that tells you if you’re looking too near or far from it.
Field of View
Field view allows you to see the side from left to right without physically moving. When we looked at one of the manuals of Nikon products that we found, the range of an 8x magnification set is 435ft, while a 10x set is 362ft, and these remain the same for 30mm and 42mm lens diameter.
However, between Vortex Diamondback and Nikon Monarch, Vortex has a range of 393ft at 1000 yards compared to the 330ft at 1000 yards that Nikon offers.
Given the same 8x magnification and 42mm objective lens diameter, Vortex models make a wide and long range and, consequently, could provide better contrast.
For alternatives, Osprey Scopes are quite promising when it comes to field magnification.
Nikon Pros & Cons
PROS
- Relatively cheaper side
- Immense eye relief
- Extra-low dispersion glasses
- Superb optical performance
CONS
- Warranty and service issues
- BDC might be a problem for some
Vortex Pros & Cons
PROS
- Lightweight
- Fully transferable VIP lifetime warranty
- Extremely wide range of view
CONS
- More premium-priced models
- Slightly less sharp & bright image
Nikon or Vortex: Our Choice is…
Our choice between Nikon vs Vortex is Nikon. Indeed, they have a wide product and price range known for its durability and optimum image quality. But, if you are looking for one of the high-quality scopes and binoculars to get your hands on without spending too much, Nikon offers a good value.
If money wouldn’t be a problem and you want to experience the new and technologically advanced craftsmanship of Vortex, then go ahead.
Make sure to click on these links if you’re interested in any of these brands.
We Recommend
Nikon
- Offers as high as 22x-24x magnification
- Great value brands with Nikon as slightly cheaper
- Good reputation for consumer-related services
- Top-notch optical performance on the two brands
So I hand vortex diamondback 8×32 binoculars. I have a Nikon monarch 4.5x16x32 rifle scope. I know this is not an accurate comparison but they compliment each other well during hunting. The vortex has much better lighting and clarity at long range likley due to the fact you have way more objective lens. Of course being double the zoom you can see farther with the Nikon. I have an internal lens fail on the vortex at some point. Vortex did not mess around and sent me a new set saying this was a manufacturing defect and fixed the issue immediately. I’ve had that new set of binoculars for over 10 years now with the first set failing in a year or two. The Nikon scope has been on my rifle for close to 20 years and I sighted it in one time. I killed a deer at 175 yards with it this month. It just always delivers. Now I don’t know how Nikon would react if I had a problem with the scope simply because I never have had any problems with it. Vortex reacted amazingly when I had a problem. So take this as you will. They are both excellent products. Vortex stands behind the product very well and Nikon their product has stood the test of tine for me. Also the Nikon is sitting on top of a 300 win mag. I’ve destroyed tasco scopes with nothing other than being on a big caliber rifle and failing. So the fact that the Nikon has been carried dropped fired for 20 years and held a perfect zero for all these years tells me it’s s great product as well.