Vortex Viper vs Viper HS – Which Vortex gives high-quality images?

High-quality imagery is the crux of riflescopes. If you can’t see clearly what you are shooting at, there is no way to take an accurate shot. So, which between Vortex Viper and Viper HS gives high-quality images?

The true test of this image quality is evident in dawn twilight moments when the buck and deer are out and about before the sun breaks out. Any ardent hunter knows this is the best time to go hunting.

Armored with a Vortex model riflescope, making out your target and estimating their distance is made possible by little added features. Let’s see how the two compete.

What are the differences between Vortex Viper and Viper HS?

Model	Vortex Viper	Vortex HS
Reticle	VMR-1	XLR
Magnification	6-24x	6-24x
Objective Lens Diameter	50mm	50mm
Eye Relief	4.0 inches	4.0 inches
Field of View	17.8-5.1 feet/ 100 yards	17.8-5.1 feet/ 100 yards
Weight	22.6 ounces	22.6 ounces
Length	15.4 inches	15.4 inches
Availability	Check Price	Check Price

Vortex Viper vs Viper HS – How do they compare?

Reticle

Vortex Viper has a VMR-1 Second Focal Plane reticle that gives shooters a sharp aim especially in long-range hunting. It is designed to effectively determine moving targets, range, and holdovers which are all important tactical hunting and shooting benefits. It is also fitted with a fast-focus eyepiece which guarantees fast target tracking.

Viper HS has a First Focal Plane set up and is fitted with the VMR reticle with MOA sub-extensions that are also fitted for long-distance shooting optimized to accurately determine ranges, holdovers, and windage correction.

Vortex Viper’s Second Focal Plane reticle will maintain its size regardless of any changes in magnification. Which makes it more ideal for long-range shooting as compared to the First Focal plane reticle offered by Vortex HS.

Optics 

Glass Lenses on Vortex Viper are protected from scratches and dirt by use of the Armotek coating technology. The lenses are further coated to maximize their light transmission, minimize fogging, and make them shock and waterproof. These properties are great for producing high fidelity pictures with high resolution. 

Vortex HS has an XD lens that is extra low light dispersion glass that increases resolution and color clarity. Also features XR fully multi-coated lenses increasing light transmission and brightness. All air to glass surfaces of this scope has been coated with multiple layers of anti-reflective elements to bring out good images.

Vortex HS glasses are not only XD but also XR coated to bring you crystal clear, bright imagery at dusk or dawn. Vortex Viper glasses are not as optimized for use in low light conditions. 

Turrets 

Vortex HS has capless turrets that are very flat top and this helps with scope leveling of your riffle. They are also tall which keeps the hash marks well in view while you rotate them. Re-zeroing has been made easy and convenient to do using the Fiber optic cap provided.

There is a CRS Zero Stop which quickly realigns to the zero marks even after running several revolutions on your turrets.

Vortex Viper has turrets specially designed for precision and repetition using finger-adjustable clicks in an exposed target-style set up. Coupled with the CRS Zero Stop mechanism, this scope easily returns to zero even after dialing several different elevations.

These two riflescopes are ideal for mounting with their uncapped turrets being ideal for symmetrical non-slewed mounting on any rifle of choice.

Eye Relief

Vortex HS has a type 3 hard anodized coating. You get more travel in windage and elevation for longer ranges. 4-inches of eye relief comes handy when shooting high caliber rifles and prevents scoping your eye. Parallax adjustments on the side go from 50-100.

The Vortex Viper has a hard-shelled durable anodized coating and also offers 4 inches of eye relief which is sufficient for any hunter or shooter. Parallax goes form 50 yards to infinity giving you limitless possible adjustments in windage and elevation.

While both scopes provide 4-inches of eye relief and parallax with a side adjustment knob, the Vortex Viper has an infinity range while the HS model stops at the 100 yards mark.

Vortex Viper vs Viper HS – A Comparison Overview 

Vortex Viper Review

This is a 30mm tube that is anodized with 6-24 power with a 50mm objective lens. It offers 4-inches of eye relief which is handy when shooting high-caliber rounds because it keeps it away from your eye.

On the side, a parallax adjustment knobs are going from 50 to infinity manipulated by semi-tactical turrets that are long and feature good grip gnarling. Their height allows you to watch the hash marks. It has a fiber optic to enable you to easily return to zero.

The reticle is the second focal plane which maintains its size as you progress through the magnification range. The turrets are capless and very flat top which makes it easy to level out the scope.

Pros

• Finger-adjustable turrets
• CRS zero stop
• VMR reticle
• Quality resolution and color

Cons

• No mount

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Vortex HS Review 

Armor tech coated on glass, waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof. The glass is extremely clear with no distortion on the edges. Good for use on long-range and precision guns matching perfectly with the gun’s cartridge and mount.

It has ¼ MOA clicks with a total of 65 MOA in travel with an easy to read reticle that is second focal plane which assures that your size of the reticle doesn’t change even with a change in magnification. Best to get the vortex 30mm mount for easy pairing.

XD lens elements extra low light dispersion glass that increases resolution and color fidelity. Also features XR fully multi-coated lenses increasing light transmission and clarity. Aircraft-grade aluminum. Side focus and parallax adjustments on the left side and it works perfectly going 50 yards to infinity.

Turrets are tactile and audible and the parallax is smooth and firm yet easy to move. Tracks effortlessly regardless of the range. The turret is a shin style zero-stop which is not 100% zero stop and it is mushy which means you might miss the zero stop by a measure or two.

Pros

• Magnification identification
• Zero stop
• XD lens
• Illuminated

Cons

• Zero-stop may miss

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Conclusion 

Vortex Viper has both windage and elevation exposed turrets and a side focus wheel. It is built and designed to optimize its performance in both hunting and shooting.

Vortex HS has many similarities to Viper but the extra coated lens and the illuminated XLR reticle provide good control in windage and bullet drop making for a powerful long-range rifle whether day or night.

Final Verdict: So, which is better? Vortex HST or PST?

Vortex HS is better than the Viper because it provides users with sharp precision in aim and shots. If you are in the market for a long-range riflescope for use in any light condition, pick this one.

FAQ

Is the HS scope good for a AR 10.308?

Yes. This is a great scope for any intermediate-range rifle. HS has both windage and elevation exposed turrets and a side focus wheel. It is built and designed to optimize its performance in both hunting and shooting.

What height of rings are needed for mounting the Vortex Viper scope?

Depending on your rifle, its action length, and barrel contour, you could choose to use an integral mount 40mm long for a low riser set up which is the best alternative to high risers.