<span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">See UPDATE below</span></span>
I was looking for an economical Spotting Scope (SS). I normally use a Zeiss, however for the 300 yard range and under I decided to set up an economical SS – as several people normally use it. This way I could save the Zeiss for the longer ranges and for my personal use.
Friends suggested Winchester, Nikon, and Leupold. One suggested trying a Vortex. I decided on a Vortex Skyline 20-60x80 (straight). I received the SS and at first it functioned fine for our 300 yard range. While it is not even near the Zeiss quality (fit, function, glass, etc.), neither is it the Zeiss $$$’s. However, on about my 6th outing the SS began to not range and focus correctly. The image quality became poor. After allowing another person to evaluate it and concurring with my opinion, I decided to contact Vortex.
I e-mailed Vortex and they advised me to ship it to them for a warranty evaluation. They even sent me a Fed-Ex call tag! Upon delivery at their factory, they stated it was performing to factory standards. I was rather surprised as that was not the case on the user’s end – but perhaps I was expecting a Zeiss at $500 (I had been using the Zeiss for 4 consecutive days prior to going to the range with the Vortex this last time …)? However, since I had been dissatisfied with the SS, Vortex offered to send me – for FREE – a Vortex Skyline 20-60x80 ED (angled). Free ED glass and angled eyepiece! I decided to try it.
Upon delivery I examined the new SS. I was attempting to set it up on the Skyline Tripod that came with the original unit I had sent back – and the Tripod broke! This is a not a high-quality Tripod. It is mostly plastic and one of the plastic knobs snapped. For a $500 SS I did expect something a little better. However, I e-mailed and called Vortex and they responded by sending out an upgraded Tripod (VX Summit Shooting Stand). It arrived app. week later. The optics were sent 2 day and the tripod – ground. Vortex paid for all shipping!
Finally, at the range, the ED version revealed a definite improvement over the standard Skyline – indeed getting closer to my Zeiss (but still very short – outer edges not as clear, the adjustments not as fine, the knobs not as firm and precise (too much play), etc.) – BUT at not near the cost. The angled version, as on my Zeiss, added consistency in my SS viewing, but the focus knobs on the Vortex were rather lose. They presently work, but I can see possible future problems with the focus knobs. The Tripod (VX Summit Shooting Stand) is excellent – metal (not plastic), better adjustments, and more versatility, etc. Vortex has other tripod offerings that I feel assured would function even better than this one – but for its intended use – it works well.
While the ‘standard’ Skyline is not for me (the $200 Winchester is better IMO and comes with a kit – better tripod and it includes a hard case and better tripod) – as I am spoiled by a Zeiss quality – Vortex’s Customer Service is EXCELLENT! I’m impressed.
Let me summarize:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">1. Vortex upgraded the standard Skyline model to an ED model at no charge.
2. Vortex upgraded the straight eyepiece to an angled at no charge.
3. Vortex upgraded the Tripod to a VX Summit Shooting Stand at no charge.
4. The values of these upgrades total over $320 retail list price.
5. Vortex paid shipping BOTH ways.</div></div>Vortex’s Customer Service and Warranty in one of the BEST in the weapon industry that I have experienced. Even when one of their scopes meets their “factory standards,” Vortex is not satisfied until they exceed their “customer’s standards.” Vortex’s Customer Service is a step above many! I know of an optics company where I may buy with confidence. However, while I will use some Vortex products for my lower-end optic needs – at present I will not consider them for my upper-end needs, as in the field I need more than just a company’s customer service to work. A good warranty is needed, but optimum optics and accessories are as well.
PS: This was sent to Vortex prior to posting. Here was their reply (edited for names, etc.):
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.... It's very rewarding to know that one's actions and efforts are appreciated. Vortex Optics welcomes all feedback (both positive & negative) from our customers. Hearing from our customers helps us to continue to improve our products and our service.
I'm glad to hear that the ED Skyline and the new tripod are doing a better job for you. I felt confident that they would, but what matters, is what you think, not what I think.
If you ever need anything else, just let me know. ....</div></div>
I was looking for an economical Spotting Scope (SS). I normally use a Zeiss, however for the 300 yard range and under I decided to set up an economical SS – as several people normally use it. This way I could save the Zeiss for the longer ranges and for my personal use.
Friends suggested Winchester, Nikon, and Leupold. One suggested trying a Vortex. I decided on a Vortex Skyline 20-60x80 (straight). I received the SS and at first it functioned fine for our 300 yard range. While it is not even near the Zeiss quality (fit, function, glass, etc.), neither is it the Zeiss $$$’s. However, on about my 6th outing the SS began to not range and focus correctly. The image quality became poor. After allowing another person to evaluate it and concurring with my opinion, I decided to contact Vortex.
I e-mailed Vortex and they advised me to ship it to them for a warranty evaluation. They even sent me a Fed-Ex call tag! Upon delivery at their factory, they stated it was performing to factory standards. I was rather surprised as that was not the case on the user’s end – but perhaps I was expecting a Zeiss at $500 (I had been using the Zeiss for 4 consecutive days prior to going to the range with the Vortex this last time …)? However, since I had been dissatisfied with the SS, Vortex offered to send me – for FREE – a Vortex Skyline 20-60x80 ED (angled). Free ED glass and angled eyepiece! I decided to try it.
Upon delivery I examined the new SS. I was attempting to set it up on the Skyline Tripod that came with the original unit I had sent back – and the Tripod broke! This is a not a high-quality Tripod. It is mostly plastic and one of the plastic knobs snapped. For a $500 SS I did expect something a little better. However, I e-mailed and called Vortex and they responded by sending out an upgraded Tripod (VX Summit Shooting Stand). It arrived app. week later. The optics were sent 2 day and the tripod – ground. Vortex paid for all shipping!
Finally, at the range, the ED version revealed a definite improvement over the standard Skyline – indeed getting closer to my Zeiss (but still very short – outer edges not as clear, the adjustments not as fine, the knobs not as firm and precise (too much play), etc.) – BUT at not near the cost. The angled version, as on my Zeiss, added consistency in my SS viewing, but the focus knobs on the Vortex were rather lose. They presently work, but I can see possible future problems with the focus knobs. The Tripod (VX Summit Shooting Stand) is excellent – metal (not plastic), better adjustments, and more versatility, etc. Vortex has other tripod offerings that I feel assured would function even better than this one – but for its intended use – it works well.
While the ‘standard’ Skyline is not for me (the $200 Winchester is better IMO and comes with a kit – better tripod and it includes a hard case and better tripod) – as I am spoiled by a Zeiss quality – Vortex’s Customer Service is EXCELLENT! I’m impressed.
Let me summarize:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">1. Vortex upgraded the standard Skyline model to an ED model at no charge.
2. Vortex upgraded the straight eyepiece to an angled at no charge.
3. Vortex upgraded the Tripod to a VX Summit Shooting Stand at no charge.
4. The values of these upgrades total over $320 retail list price.
5. Vortex paid shipping BOTH ways.</div></div>Vortex’s Customer Service and Warranty in one of the BEST in the weapon industry that I have experienced. Even when one of their scopes meets their “factory standards,” Vortex is not satisfied until they exceed their “customer’s standards.” Vortex’s Customer Service is a step above many! I know of an optics company where I may buy with confidence. However, while I will use some Vortex products for my lower-end optic needs – at present I will not consider them for my upper-end needs, as in the field I need more than just a company’s customer service to work. A good warranty is needed, but optimum optics and accessories are as well.
PS: This was sent to Vortex prior to posting. Here was their reply (edited for names, etc.):
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.... It's very rewarding to know that one's actions and efforts are appreciated. Vortex Optics welcomes all feedback (both positive & negative) from our customers. Hearing from our customers helps us to continue to improve our products and our service.
I'm glad to hear that the ED Skyline and the new tripod are doing a better job for you. I felt confident that they would, but what matters, is what you think, not what I think.
If you ever need anything else, just let me know. ....</div></div>
