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A useful range accessory
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| The Vortex Impact 25x-75x Spotting Scope |
Recently, I bought a Vortex Impact spotting scope to use on range trips. It will not be taken into the field to observe wildlife,
although that is an option. The unit cost $210 and came in a well made cloth bag, with a desktop tripod and two lens caps.
I mounted it on one of my camera tripods and tightened the body down. The scope comes with a plastic front lens cover
that threads on, protecting the front glass (objective lens) from any accidental scrapes and bumps. The rear cover is a standard
plastic friction fit type found on virtually every binocular and spotting scope made. I removed both and looked around and
downrange from the firing line.
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| Accessories - factory tripod, lens covers and bag |
At 25x, it was easy to see the 100 and 200 yard target markers. The picture was crisp and distortion free. There were no
aberrations at the edges of the glass that professional reviewers talk about when judging optics. This scope is a catadioptric
type, which means that it uses lenses and mirrors to manipulate the light inside. You do not get the edge distortion that
is often seen in prismatic (refracting, lenses only) spotters.
The eyepiece is rotated to change the magnification from 25x to 75x. It is focused using the dial directly on top. Like
any spotting scope, it's best to start at the lowest setting and increase the magnification as required. There was some slack
or play in the focusing dial, but nothing to get upset about.
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| You can see the grease around the spring. That's hardcore dirt bait!! |
I will not use the small tripod provided. It is easier to use a full size camera tripod with the scope placed in front of
me, just to the side of the shooting bench. A full size tripod allows you to shoot, rest the rifle on the bench and then
bend forward to observe the target. Small, bench top tripods are alright if you are observing only, but can be difficult
for shooters to use. The exception would be when prone shooting. The factory tripod should work well because of its small
size, in tandem with the scope's 45 degree, angled eyepiece.
One thing that I did not like at all were the adjustment mechanisms on the factory tripod. There are knobs that turn,
raise and lower the scope. The mechanical hardware - the spring and threads - are exposed to the air. They are packed with
grease which I guarantee will collect and hold any dirt in the vicinity. If you use it in dusty, blowing conditions, pay
close attention to these areas!
The clarity and light gathering qualities of the Vortex Impact were much better than my older, mid 1980s vintage 25x power
scope. The images were crisper and holes in the target were a breeze to see at 200 yards, with the scope set on 50x. I'm
looking forward to trying it in all the different weather conditions throughout 2008 to see how it performs in the long haul.
The scope is small, lightweight and waterproof, which is a plus on those damp days when your equipment sits around in
the rain. Not all firing lines are covered.
The last word: It comes with a lifetime warranty - the Vortex VIP Lifetime Warranty says -
No warranty card to fill out.
No time limit on our promise.
No restrictions on coverage...even if you transfer ownership of the product.
Hopefully I'll never have to send it back, but it's nice to know that it's a simple matter of boxing it up and sending
it to Vortex for repair or replacement.
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| 70mm objective lens |
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