Vortex Crossfire HD 20-60x80 Spotting Scope - Angled

Seeing a deer at the edge of a plot 600 meters away is one thing.Knowing if it's a brocade, counting the points or distinguishing a doe from its young of the year is another: This is precisely the role of a spyglass. The Vortex Crossfire HD 20-60x80 angled is Vortex's gateway to this universe : An 80mm lens, 20-60x zoom, Arca-Swiss mount and waterproof construction, without the budget of high-end spotting scopes.

Who is it aimed at?

To the hunter who equips himself with his first telescope. To assess an animal from a distance before initiating an approach, or monitor a plain from a viewpoint, the Crossfire HD offers the observation capacity of an 80 mm without requiring a heavy investment.

To the beginning wildlife watcher and ornithologist. Mudflats, ponds, edges, mountain slopes: the 80 mm lens and angled construction lend themselves well to long observations from a fixed point.

For the sports shooter who wants to track their impacts without commuting to the target, when distance and conditions permit.

It is less suitable to those who walk for hours with their equipment on their back (1.5 kg are felt), nor to the demanding observer who wants the best possible image at 60x: The higher ranges of Vortex, Diamondback HD then Razor HD, go further on this point.

In the Field: What the 20-60x Zoom Really Does

The figure of 60x catches the eye, but it does not sum up a spotting scope.The more you zoom in, the darker the image, the tighter the field and the more vibrations like heat rising from the ground become visible.The right setting therefore depends on what you are trying to do.

Our tests:

The exit pupil, which is obtained by dividing the objective lens diameter by the magnification (80 ÷ 20 = 4 mm), gives a good idea of the brightness of the image.Above all, remember this: on a hot day or at the end of the day, going down from 60x to 35 or 40x very often gives a sharper and more readable image.

What she does well

• A real 80mm at an entry-level price. The diameter of the objective lens is what matters most for brightness and distant viewing ability.
• Eye relief of 18mm, comfortable for most eyeglass wearers.
• Immediate implementation thanks to the Arca-Swiss sole and the lens and eyepiece caps attached to the spotting scope, you won't lose it in the grass.
• A simple adjustment by large helical ring around the body, without protruding wheel which catches in the bag.
• A reassuring construction : waterproof, anti-fog, shockproof and protected by a rubber frame.

What you need to know before buying

• The tripod is not included. It is essential as soon as we go beyond low magnifications, and its quality directly determines what we see at 50x or 60x.
• Approximately 1.5 kg and 39.6 cm : it is a telescope for a fixed position or use close to the vehicle, not for ultra-lightness.
• A minimum focusing distance of approximately 7.9m : it is not made for observing very closely (insects, feeder a few meters away).
• An entry-level optical level. Vortex indicates an “HD Optical System” with selected glass elements, without specifying the use of ED glasses.The image quality is good for its category, but it does not match that of higher ranges, especially at high magnifications.

Why an angled version?

The tilted eyepiece changes the way you observe.You look down into the eyepiece instead of standing straight behind the telescope: the tripod can be adjusted lower, therefore more stable in the wind, and the position remains comfortable for many minutes.It is also the simplest configuration to share between two people of different sizes, and the most pleasant for observing a subject located at height, such as a ridge or a treetop.

The right version retains an advantage for aiming very quickly at a subject in the line of sight or for observing from the window of a car.

Arca-Swiss tripod and mount

The sole of the Crossfire HD 20-60x80 is compatible with the Arca-Swiss standard: it attaches directly to an Arca-Swiss clamp, without an intermediate plate.It also has a thread for classic tripods.

To use it well, choose a rigid tripod with a fluid or panoramic head.In practice, a tripod that is too light is sufficient for 20x but becomes the limit from 40x: The image shakes and takes time to stabilize after each manipulation.For quick spotting, many hunters combine it with binoculars, such as Vortex Crossfire HD 10x42 : Binoculars to find, the telescope to detail.

Optics and construction

HD Optical System. Vortex uses selected glass elements to improve resolution, limit chromatic aberrations and improve color fidelity and sharpness.

Full multi-layer treatment. All air-glass surfaces receive anti-reflective treatments which increase light transmission, benefiting clarity and observation in low light.

Nitrogen filling and O-rings. They prevent internal fogging during temperature changes and protect the interior from humidity.The spotting scope is designed to withstand bad weather, but as no immersion depth or duration is indicated, it should not be submerged.

Rubber frame. It ensures a secure grip and protects the body against impacts.

Crossfire HD, Diamondback HD or Razor HD?

The three ranges meet different budgets and expectations.

Technical characteristics

In the box

• 1 Vortex Crossfire HD 20-60x80 angled spotting scope
• 1 neoprene cover
• 1 attached lens cap
• 1 attached eyepiece cap
• 1 lens cloth

Tripod not included. Compatible accessories, sold separately: Vortex Padded Spotting Scope Storage Case, Vortex Car Window Mount and Pro Car Window Mount, Arca-Swiss compatible tripods and heads.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Crossfire HD 20-60x80 come with a tripod?
No.Only the telescope is supplied, with its neoprene cover, its caps and a cloth.A stable tripod is also required.

Can it be used with glasses?
Yes, in most cases: its 18mm eye relief generally allows spectacle wearers to see the entire field.

Do you need a plate to mount it on an Arca-Swiss head?
No.Its sole is Arca-Swiss compatible and attaches directly to the clamp.

At what distance can we see the impacts when shooting?
No distance can be guaranteed: It depends on the caliber, the size of the impact, the contrast of the target, the light and the mirage.In hot weather, even impacts at moderate distances can become difficult to distinguish.

Bent or straight, which one to choose?
The elbow is more comfortable on a tripod, for long sessions and for sharing observation.The right is more intuitive for aiming quickly or observing from a car.

Vortex VIP Guarantee

The Vortex Crossfire HD 20-60x80 spotting scope benefits from the Vortex VIP lifetime warranty, according to the conditions defined and applied by the manufacturer.