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Rifle Scopes Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

M

mram10

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 8, 2010
449
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Idaho
I have a 300rum with a VV PST 4-16 and an Edge with a NF 5.5-22. The other day I took them out and noticed that I could see the targets at 2-300 yds much clearer with the NF than the Vortex, even on the same power. At 200 yds I had a very hard time seeing the 1" bullseye, let alone my shots with the PST.

Is this normal? Is the NF glass that much better? Or, is there something wrong with my PST?

And, yes, I did adjust the parallax and eye piece
smile.gif
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

Heat from the barrel can obscure the target a bit too. But yes I wasn't really happy with the 4-16 I saw either the 24X model was much better. Like night and day difference to my eyes.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mram10</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is this normal? Is the NF glass that much better? Or, is there something wrong with my PST?</div></div>no there is nothing wrong with your PST - there is that much difference between the two as you are comparing apples to oranges. Put up a Vortex Razor against a Nightforce for clarity and you will see they are close but the Razor is FFP and the Nightforce you have is SFP. I have a Razor and PST's and I would never compare the two as they are about 1200 difference in price. The clarity of the Razor is up there with the Nightforce along with other scopes in the 1700-2200 dollar price range.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

I had a 4-16x50 PST and I was disappointed with the clarity. I traded it in on a fixed 16x IOR and I can see the holes much more clearly on the same power. NF has good glass, but I don't think that it's the greatest or anything. I just think that the clarity on the 4-16x50 PST was a let down. Even the 6-24x50 PST is supposed to have better clarity for some reason.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

I could see a 12x12" target from 340the yards very clearly.
The clarity imo is outstanding. I shudder to think how good s Razor may be...
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

I believe Vortex is so successful there is waiting list for more
PST Vipers. That should say quite a bit about the clarity of a
PST scope. But, there's no stoppin a man fro getting a double
the money Night Force with better glass than the Viper PST
Let your wallet be your guide.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

I'm sorry fellas, but just seems to me I if I thought I had s clarity
issue with sny scope I had I would pm other members first
Instead of doing it on the open forum in a thread.
furthermore it seems there have been a few threads as here
Of late about vortex and something wrong with them.
and thats fine but ive also noticed that night force is always mentionef
As well and as an answer to the problem.
thats why i made the comments i did.
but i do apologize and will refrain from posting anymore
about it.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

The pst I have has good clarity for the money. A zeiss conquest is a little bit sharper than it and a swfa 20x is a little behind it. I have looked through a nightforce 5.5-22 nxs and it's better but I don't think it's double better.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

I just purchased a PST and like it a lot. Yes, it's not a high high end scope, but for the price, I found it to be the best bang for the buck. I take in account how much I am actually looking through a scope when I buy it. If I look through it maybe a hour or two in it's lifetime, why should I spend $3k for a scope.

If my life was on the line, damn be sure, I would have that $3k scope with all the bells and whistles.

It is funny though...when someone makes a post like this one, how many people pass on the Vortex and buy Nightforce? These forums have become such a huge marketing device....
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

For starters, you don't "adjust the eyepiece".
You set it once and never touch it again, unless you eyesight changes. As a matter of fact, it should have been set from the factory in a satisfactory position for someone with 20/20 vision and no appreciable astigmatism.

It ONLY focuses the reticle.
I have seen a 4-16 with the very problem you describe. I have also seen a 4-16 with really nice glass.

Of course, your high dollar Nightforce is superior, that is why it costs so much more.

The Weaver 3-15 seems to have a more consistent, better quality image/resolution.

Vortex is a very good company, they stand behind the products they sell.

Many folks here on the hide have become emotionally invested in Vortex products and do not take kindly to negative feedback.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Many folks here on the hide have become emotionally invested in Vortex products and do not take kindly to negative feedback.</div></div>

This could be said for more companies than just Vortex...
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

For anyone who is offended about the possibility that a PST might not always have more clarity than any other scope that is close is price let me be more clear: This is not referring to all PST scopes or to Vortex which some of you act like you own stock in. It is referring to the 4-16x50 PST specifically. Even in comparison to other PSTs. If you have one and you like it, good for you. If you have one and you're impressed with the optics then congrats, you should be happy with your purchase. But just because things worked out well for you doesn't mean that they did for someone else or that you should assume that their scope has the same clarity as yours or find it irritating that they have not reached the same conclusion as you about it. Lots of people have found fault with the clarity of the 4-16x50 PST that they purchased, that's just the way it is like it or not.
Here is good review by a Hide member who's opinion I trust.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2511913
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

i currently run a PST 6-24 and a friend of mine runs a 4-16. neither of us have had any problems. i would also like to add that the clarity of my 6-24 rivals if not surpasses the leupy mk4 on his back up rifle.

i am a very pleased vortex customer and i have had the chance to check out the razor also, they are an awesome scope right up there with the NF in my book. sorry if this offends any NF fans.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

I have a PST 4-16x50, and for the money, it's exceptional. The NF cost nearly double then what the PSTs would cost. I would be very disappointed if I bought a NF, and a PST would give it a run for it's money. It's like asking what's gonna be a better car. 100k Ferrari or 9k econo box.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

In response to "people that might be offended by Vortex 4-16and clarity"
Its not the fact that a few 4-16's may have clarity issues. Not the case at all.
Any scope maunfacturer could have a "clarity" issue" for that matter.
No, whats offensive is thats is brought out in open forum and compared with s Nightforce scope. Why even mention Nightforce at all?
You dont see Vortex Viper owners doing threads about the superb clarity of their 6-24x50 scopes and them asking how in God's name could and why or how any one human being be foolish enough to buy a Nightcorce scooe for DOUBLE the money and certainly not double the clarity?
Or how could Nightforce even be considered at all when a Razor could be bought? Its not an actual defect issue at hand its about being tactful.
and as I stated before this is not the 1st thread Ive saw where involving an issue with Vortex and Nightforce being shown as a superior product.
Seriously, if there was a simple problem with a 4-16 clarity why not just pm anotger member or call Vortex? Why do an open forum thread compared to a Noghtforce scope?
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

I want to apologize to all the good people that do own Nightforce
scopes. Im in no way kickin your scope. From what I understand they sre top of the line as all know. Or they would not have the outstanding name that they do indeed have. But them again, I admit, I am emoyionally attached to Vortex and their company. I am not ashamed of this either. Vortex made it possible for this ole boy to have one helluva good scope with features a man just cannot find anywhere else for under a thousand dollars not to mention the warranty they offer. So, therefore I cant help but defend a company like this if I think for a second they might be slandered or put into a negative light for a bullshit reason. I cant help it. Thats just ghe esy I am.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: paulL01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In response to "people that might be offended by Vortex 4-16and clarity"
Its not the fact that a few 4-16's may have clarity issues. Not the case at all.
Any scope maunfacturer could have a "clarity" issue" for that matter.
No, whats offensive is thats is brought out in open forum and compared with s Nightforce scope. Why even mention Nightforce at all?
You dont see Vortex Viper owners doing threads about the superb clarity of their 6-24x50 scopes and them asking how in God's name could and why or how any one human being be foolish enough to buy a Nightcorce scooe for DOUBLE the money and certainly not double the clarity?
Or how could Nightforce even be considered at all when a Razor could be bought? Its not an actual defect issue at hand its about being tactful.
and as I stated before this is not the 1st thread Ive saw where involving an issue with Vortex and Nightforce being shown as a superior product.
Seriously, if there was a simple problem with a 4-16 clarity why not just pm anotger member or call Vortex? Why do an open forum thread compared to a Noghtforce scope? </div></div>I think you are taking this too personal. The reason the OP compared his 4-16x50 PST to his NF is because that is his other scope. It's just what he had to compare it to. Here is his actual question: "Is the NF glass that much better? Or, is there something wrong with my PST?" Nobody doubts that the NF is a better scope. It costs over twice as much. Vortex even stated that they were not trying to go head to head with NF. I contend that the answer to his question may be both that the NF is better and that his 4-16x50 PST does not have very good clarity. Maybe yours does , but mine didn't either. I don't own a NF.
I did bring this up with Vortex, but what could be done about it? There was nothing wrong with my scope except I was disappointed with the level of clarity. It wasn't out of focus or unclear in any way, just not at a level optically that would satisfy me. If something had actually been defective with it I have no doubt that the Vortex CS would have made it right.
Ofcoarse you are attached to the company on some level. You made an investment in their product also and albeit less expensive than a NF it's still a bunch of money, at least it was to me.
Unless something truly is slander I don't think we should censer what is talked about here on SH. After all, we come here to discus things. Lowlight has a few rules in place, but that doesn't include giving opinions on scopes. The OP asks the question because it concerns him and I think that is a reasonable concern considering his investment.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

I reckon we will just have to agree to disagree.
And thats cool with me. No harm done.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: paulL01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In response to "people that might be offended by Vortex 4-16and clarity"
Its not the fact that a few 4-16's may have clarity issues. Not the case at all.
Any scope maunfacturer could have a "clarity" issue" for that matter.
No, whats offensive is thats is brought out in open forum and compared with s Nightforce scope. Why even mention Nightforce at all?
You dont see Vortex Viper owners doing threads about the superb clarity of their 6-24x50 scopes and them asking how in God's name could and why or how any one human being be foolish enough to buy a Nightcorce scooe for DOUBLE the money and certainly not double the clarity?
Or how could Nightforce even be considered at all when a Razor could be bought? Its not an actual defect issue at hand its about being tactful.
and as I stated before this is not the 1st thread Ive saw where involving an issue with Vortex and Nightforce being shown as a superior product.
Seriously, if there was a simple problem with a 4-16 clarity why not just pm anotger member or call Vortex? Why do an open forum thread compared to a Noghtforce scope? </div></div>

As I said, some folks get emotionally invested in stuff.
And yes, there HAVE been threads where PST owners have insisted they are as good as nightforce, that they are 1500 dollar scopes for 800, yada, yada, yada.

It's a fucking scope.
They make a nice scope with alot of features.
Yes, there ARE other options under 1000 dollars.
Weaver 3-15x FFP mil/mil illuminated reticle. No, it doesn't have a zero stop, but it has everything else for 150 less than the vortex.

Bushnell 3-12 tactical. Just about the same price point as the Vortex.

I don't have a problem with Vortex, they are an excellent company, with excellent customer service that listens to their customers wants and desires and attempts to meet those at fair price point.

I wish more companies would work on the same business model.

But, it is a fucking scope. Why the hell would someone become so attached to a tube and glass.

I use an IOR 3-18. Is it the perfect scope? No. Does everything I ask of it and does it well, though with idiosyncrasies. Does that mean I get my panties bunched up when someone compares it to a Premier or S&B and says it is not their equal? No. It is what it is.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

My Vortex products:
Razor HD Spotter with 20-60x and 30x eye pieces
Razor 1-6HD with JM reticle
PST 6-24 FFP Mil/Mil (two of them)
PST 4-16 FFP Mil/Mil
Viper 4-16 SFP

Now, I also own 10 NF scopes and have another on the way today.
I will not sell a NF and replace with a Vortex.
The only one of above scopes I am not truly happy with is the 4-16 PST. Why? It appears soft around the edges and, IMHO, detracts from an other wise great optic.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

I think the way the original post is worded makes it sound like he expected NF quality from a Vortex PST. Which shouldn't be the case. It's apples and oranges. I have a pst 6-24 and think its a great scope but i don't expect it to compare with S&B.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: paulL01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In response to "people that might be offended by Vortex 4-16and clarity"
Its not the fact that a few 4-16's may have clarity issues. Not the case at all.
Any scope maunfacturer could have a "clarity" issue" for that matter.
No, whats offensive is thats is brought out in open forum and compared with s Nightforce scope. Why even mention Nightforce at all?
You dont see Vortex Viper owners doing threads about the superb clarity of their 6-24x50 scopes and them asking how in God's name could and why or how any one human being be foolish enough to buy a Nightcorce scooe for DOUBLE the money and certainly not double the clarity?
Or how could Nightforce even be considered at all when a Razor could be bought? Its not an actual defect issue at hand its about being tactful.
and as I stated before this is not the 1st thread Ive saw where involving an issue with Vortex and Nightforce being shown as a superior product.
Seriously, if there was a simple problem with a 4-16 clarity why not just pm anotger member or call Vortex? Why do an open forum thread compared to a Noghtforce scope? </div></div>

As I said, some folks get emotionally invested in stuff.
And yes, there HAVE been threads where PST owners have insisted they are as good as nightforce, that they are 1500 dollar scopes for 800, yada, yada, yada.

It's a fucking scope.
They make a nice scope with alot of features.
Yes, there ARE other options under 1000 dollars.
Weaver 3-15x FFP mil/mil illuminated reticle. No, it doesn't have a zero stop, but it has everything else for 150 less than the vortex.

Bushnell 3-12 tactical. Just about the same price point as the Vortex.

I don't have a problem with Vortex, they are an excellent company, with excellent customer service that listens to their customers wants and desires and attempts to meet those at fair price point.

I wish more companies would work on the same business model.

But, it is a fucking scope. Why the hell would someone become so attached to a tube and glass.

I use an IOR 3-18. Is it the perfect scope? No. Does everything I ask of it and does it well, though with idiosyncrasies. Does that mean I get my panties bunched up when someone compares it to a Premier or S&B and says it is not their equal? No. It is what it is. </div></div>

Wow.........
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

Thanks ArmchairElite. I am amazed when a simple question turns into so much more. You are right, I own 2 scopes. The pst and the nf. They are what I compare since I shoot them both each time I go out. I wanted to verify that it was my scope clarity and not the operator. I have steered many people to vortex, so I have no hidden agenda ... though I am from Idaho
smile.gif
Thanks for all the help guys. As for the adjusting the eyepiece, we are talking about two different things. The rear most movable portion of the scope where your eye meets (hopefully not when firing) can be rotated. That is what I was referring to when I was trying everything to get it to focus on my shots.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kvwpwr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think the way the original post is worded makes it sound like he expected NF quality from a Vortex PST. Which shouldn't be the case. It's apples and oranges. I have a pst 6-24 and think its a great scope but i don't expect it to compare with S&B. </div></div>
Wrong. I compared it to the NF, but didn't expect them to be comparable or I would sell my NF and buy 2 PSTs. I did think they would be closer which is why I wanted to see if I was missing something or doing something wrong.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

Yes, you appear to be referring to the ocular adjustment.

You set that once and leave it alone. That focuses the reticle, nothing else.

The PST has a side mounted parallax adjustment, that is the only thing you should be adjusting.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mram10</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks ArmchairElite. I am amazed when a simple question turns into so much more. You are right, I own 2 scopes. The pst and the nf. They are what I compare since I shoot them both each time I go out. I wanted to verify that it was my scope clarity and not the operator. I have steered many people to vortex, so I have no hidden agenda ... though I am from Idaho
smile.gif
Thanks for all the help guys. As for the adjusting the eyepiece, we are talking about two different things. The rear most movable portion of the scope where your eye meets (hopefully not when firing) can be rotated. That is what I was referring to when I was trying everything to get it to focus on my shots. </div></div>You're very welcome
smile.gif
. I'm sorry about the scope. I know that I have rethought this many times wishing I would have got the 6-24x50 PST instead which seems by all accounts to have great clarity. If I had gotten one I would probably still have it. I also still like Vortex and I may get a Razor at a future date.

shoot4fun: That's a serious scope collection/habit there! I'm just trying to save up for one 5-20 Razor or 3.5-18 IOR.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

I own both Nightforce and the Vortex PST. The Nightforce is better duh. But the PST is great for its price point. Like others said apples to oranges.
Pat
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArmchairElite</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> shoot4fun: That's a serious scope collection/habit there! I'm just trying to save up for one 5-20 Razor or 3.5-18 IOR. </div></div>

One must have scopes when one has rifles. There are no spares.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoot4fun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">One must have scopes when one has rifles. There are no spares.
</div></div>Suddenly my toybox seems rather empty
frown.gif
.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

Shoot for fun,
If you are ever looking to adopt, I am sure we would all gladly accept
smile.gif
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

I have been happy with my PST, it does everything as it should. The glass is clear and the turret adjustments have a very positive feel.

I purchased a Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56 with a R1 reticle. I had to see for myself just how much of a difference there is between the Vortex and the Nightforce. Although I have yet to install the NXS, just looking through both seem very close.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

You can't really judge scopes unless both are properly mounted. Trying to hold a scope up free-hand will only tell you how much you wiggle...
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

The difference in clarity becomes very apparant as the range extends.
Pat
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoot4fun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My Vortex products:
Razor HD Spotter with 20-60x and 30x eye pieces
Razor 1-6HD with JM reticle
PST 6-24 FFP Mil/Mil (two of them)
PST 4-16 FFP Mil/Mil
Viper 4-16 SFP

Now, I also own 10 NF scopes and have another on the way today.
I will not sell a NF and replace with a Vortex.
The only one of above scopes I am not truly happy with is the 4-16 PST. Why? It appears soft around the edges and, IMHO, detracts from an other wise great optic.</div></div>

I ain't no mathmatician but thats about 17 scopes...$around $16,000 in NF alone. .....can I be your friend?
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoot4fun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It has taken almost ten years of work to build my collection. Fine guns are my one vise/vice (can't ever remember which is correct).
</div></div>

Vice is the gambling & hookers, Vise is what your wife puts your balls in when she finds out about the gambling and hookers.
 
Re: Vortex Viper PST Clarity??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoot4fun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It has taken almost ten years of work to build my collection. Fine guns are my one vise/vice (can't ever remember which is correct).
</div></div>

Vice is the gambling & hookers, Vise is what your wife puts your balls in when she finds out about the gambling and hookers. </div></div>

Or all the scopes
smile.gif
 
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