Primary Arms Cyclops Vs Vortex Spitfire- which optical sight performs better?

The Primary Arms Cyclops has raised the competition bar, as it offers the best resolution and clarity when used by the older adults with aging eyes, despite the rather small reticle.  Vortex spitfire is also a great optic offering a solid reticle while giving users the option of choosing between the green and the red reticle.

What is your choice for hunting, a great reticle that can be used by all members of your family including the older adults, or a solid reticle that will give you a good service but does not have the automatic on and off option thus could easily drain your battery when left on. Whichever your choice be sure not to compromise on other features.

Optical sights do have a shelf life, and the ones with the least, don’t use batteries, so if you are looking for an effective sight for the long term, join us as we dig into the features of the Primary Arms Cyclops and the Vortex spitfire, to determine which of the two offers the best optical performance and lasts longer.

What are the differences between the Primary Arms Cyclops and the Vortex Spitfire

Primary Arms Cyclops vs Vortex Spitfire- How do they Compare?

• Field of view (FOV)

The field of view is normally provided by the manufacturers but they differ greatly with regard to the instrument that you are using. For example, the range finders, binoculars, and the spotting scopes measure their FOV in feet at 1000 yards. The rifle scopes, on the other hand, provide their FOV in feet but at 100 yards. If you are still orienting yourself with the various optical sights in the market then you must be able to tell the different field of view offered by each unit.

To make it easy to understand is that the Vortex spitfire offers up to 31.5 ft at 100 yards, the above means that you will be able to see up to 31.5 ft of a scene from the left to the right when looking at 100 yards. With the above in mind, it is quite obvious that the Primary Arms Cyclops offers the best field of view at 100 yards and you will, therefore, be provided with up to 76.30ft of view from left to right.

• Magnification

Magnification provides you with a better view of your target, and it works in two ways, the first one is that it will either bring it closer or make the target to appear like it is far away. So when using your optical sights, if you want to decrease your field of view then you will have to increase your magnification, the above will then present you with more specific details of your magnification.

Now when you decrease your magnification you will be able to capture a wide area thus an increased field of view. So with regard to the above, the Primary Arms Cyclops has a fixed magnification of 1x meaning that the images presented will not be as clear and crisp as the ones presented by the vortex spitfire at 3x magnification.

The purpose of the two different levels of magnification is to ensure that the magnifier delivers the best focus, which will then allow you to get a clear vision of your target, leading to precise target acquisition. The vortex spitfire is, therefore, the better unit because it offers up to 3x the magnification for shooters who want to be provided with a close-range vision.

• Night vision and the brightness settings

Hunters and professionals prefer an optical sight with the relevant night vision setting to give them eyes when pursuing a target in pitch-black darkness. So as you shop for sights, it all depends on what you want to use it for because some will come with both the daylight and night vision settings. While others will come with only the daylight settings but with one brightest setting, which you can use under the full glare of the sun and still be able to accurately acquire your target.

So as regards the customizable levels of brightness settings the Primary Arms Cyclops is the best because it offers up to 11 different levels of brightness settings, while the Vortex Spitfire offers only 5 levels of brightness settings. The Primary Arms Cyclops is not vision compatible and the vortex spitfire features the prism-based design known to deliver very sharp optics without illumination and comes incorporated with the NV settings.

• Weight

The weights of the sights is measured in grams, and which might seem little until you can actually feel the weight when speed is of the essence to engage a target or during transition. Most shooters, therefore, prefer a unit rifle that has less weight, such as the Primary Arms Cyclops which weighs a mere 9.7oz when compared to Vortex’s spitfire 15.4oz.

The Primary Arms Cyclops is, therefore, the best sight as it is light in weight thus enables faster transition, easy red dot recovery, and can be used in situations where speeds is of the essence.

Primary Arms Cyclops vs Vortex Spitfire- A Comparison Overview

Primary Arms Cyclops

Primary Arms SLX Compact 1x20 Prism Scope - ACSS-Cyclops

• ADVANCED CQB OPTIC WITH 1X MAGNIFICATION: The ACSS Cyclops includes BDC out to 400 yards and automatic...
• THE SMART RED DOT ALTERNATIVE: Using an advanced, etched, and illuminated reticle as well as an...
• RUGGED AND DURABLE: The Primary Arms 1x Prism Scope with ACSS Cyclops Reticle is built to last --...
• INCLUDED: Removable 1913 MIL STD Picatinny rail mount, flip-up lens covers and CR2032 battery

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The Primary Arms Cyclops has incorporated some very interesting but highly functional features, for one you will be provided with a glass-etched reticle and the best thing about it is that it works with the illumination on or off. The unit additionally comes equipped with a powerful battery that will power your sight for up to 3,000hrs when used at medium settings.

And that’s not all the eye box is a lot more forgiving thus offers up to 4” of eye relief complete with a bright 13mm exit pupil.

Pros

• Works great for people with astigmatism
• Perfect sights to be used with the older adults
• Good optical sights for quick targeting

Cons

• The optic is not bright enough

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Vortex Spitfire

The vortex spitfire is a serious optical sight, offering up to 3x magnification, it is super light in weight and will provide you with a convenient field of view at 31.5ft. The unit features a sturdy construction, on a single piece chassis, it is waterproof and can, therefore, be used under the rain, as the O-ring seals help prevent moisture and dirt from penetrating into the sight.

Pros

• The sight is corrosion and wear-resistant
• Users will be provided with the red and green dot color
• Mounting is a breeze

Cons

• Price is on the higher side

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Conclusion

For crisp and clear images with regards to the field of view, the Vortex Spitfire will suffice, but if you are looking to get an enhanced field of view, then the Primary Arms Cyclops is the best, the above is especially convenient for individuals who love bird watching.

Final Verdict: so which is better, the Primary Arms Cyclops or the Vortex Spitfire?

The Vortex Spitfire is the better optical sight because it offers up to 3x magnification perfect for accurate target acquisition.

FAQ’s

1. From where will my Primary Arms Cyclops ship?

Primary Arms Cyclops are normally shipped from the companies facility in Houston TX.

2. Does the Vortex spitfire come with a warranty?

The vortex warranty is 7-10 days when at the factory which also includes shipping time.