Updated Spitfire™ HD Gen II 3x and 5x VS Original Spitfire™ 3x Prism Scope - FAQ

Find out what separates the updated Spitfire™ HD Gen II 3x and 5x prism scopes compared to the original Spitfire™ 3x.
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[@christopherbinkley2243]

Lighter colored clothing for presentations would be a better choice.

[@fubar1217]

Especially when the product is a dark color and they're not running B-roll showing a better view of the product.

[@collinis1]

Exactly

[@TheDarnook]

Not staring into your soul during entire video time would be a better choice.

[@Gonz.0]

For real dude. Everyone tries to match the color of the unit they are reviewing.

[@sirflipp5978]

I must concur.

[@bombink1968]

Can't wait. These are where I need my next Vortex to be!

[@stephenpetrikowski]

I just bought a spitfire 3x a couple months back. Didn't know you guys had a new one.

[@AP2020_Outdoors]

@Vortex Optics Stay tuned for my in-depth review on the Spitfire HD Gen II 5X + a cool surprise!!

[@johnday4883]

I have 2 of the Spitfire vortex 3x prism gen 1 with iron at a 45° excellent setup Love The Originals on my AR-15

[@IndyDog-ns8ws]

Original was $300 cheaper than Gen. 2. Glad I have the original.

[@SnakEyes23]

Awesome video Jimmy 👍 very helpful thank you 🙏 - Nick Olsen

[@kennygp2004]

I was just thinking about selling my 1-6 scope for a 5x prism scope. I'm not liking the eye box forgiveness on my 1-6. I'm also running an Arisaka Denfense offset mount at 35 degrees with a Holosun HS403b and pairing that with this new 5x Prism in my opinion might be a really good setup.

[@jaredandrews379]

Interesting! I think i need to pick one up and try it out!

[@afwaller]

The new one looks great, but I’m quite happy with both of my spitfire 3x models, and since I use them in green, no rush or desire to change. Still a fantastic product and the size improvement is awesome.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

That's awesome - the original Spitfire models are tough to beat! Thanks for being a part of Vortex Nation! 🤜🤛

[@CT-uz3bf]

Hey, I know i’m way late to this party but how is that Gen 1 3x treating you? I just bought a 7.62x39 AR a while back and wanted to run a decent 3x on it. I really don’t like the look of the new smaller model, Idk why. But anyways, just wondering how the Gen1 is holding up almost a year after your comment lol

[@afwaller]

@@CT-uz3bf still holding up great, still works great

[@patricofritz4094]

@@VortexOpticsUSA hey vortex optics do you think of making smart optics and ones that show ammo count hence smart optics ones that connect with guns through RFID or Internet/network connections : wireless or wired or even BlueTooth ? That would be an amazing step somewhere in the future , it is the 2020s now so that could bring firearm and optics into the 2020s .

[@gregorteply9034]

@@patricofritz4094 Try transparent mags or just keep playing CoD.

[@joshmorrison4453]

would love a side by side of the old 3X and the new X5 for size comparison

[@threeriversforge1997]

Gotta work on the camera set up with these videos. Why is the field of view so large? Do I need to see the tool cabinet in the back? Why is the host wearing dark colors, trying to show me a dark object in front of that dark background, from 6' away? Is the host so pretty that we really need to see him the whole time? Or would it be better to do an intro, then focus in close so potential customers can actually see the Vortex product being talked about? Are you selling the host or the optics? Product placement is kinda important, so make the product the focus of the video.

[@USMC_LAterZ]

Nice, PA ACSS Raptor reticle

[@andymorales6907]

What is the diopter adjustment range on the gen II models? +/- 2 or 3? I didn't see it in the specifications on the site. Thanks.

[@giannins]

What other open red dot sights could be used on top of spitfire or only works with vortex open red dot?

[@wadesafool]

I’m curious why it’s 1 moa per click adjustments? You also stated it has wind holds but did specify what mph for the wind?

[@nasserkuzbari2205]

I have a Rock River AR 15 with a fixed front sight. Will the SPITFIRE™ 3X PRISM SCOPE works on this rifle? Can I also put an MBUS as a backup rear sight? Thanks.

[@ArchHades]

The original Spitfire 3x not only had a green illumination setting, but also a bigger lense. 30mm vs the new 21mm.

[@derricktaylor7363]

So your saying go with the original cause this is the biggest debate for me rn y

[@ArchHades]

@@derricktaylor7363 I have the original. I put it on a Ruger Mini 14. Anyway mine works very well but with the mount it adds about 1 pound to your rifle. So it's your choice. Bigger lens and green option vs about a 1/2 pound weight loss with the new model.

[@jaybo2112ot]

Not correct. 32mm sir.

[@michaelm8973]

I know some 556 reticles can work with 308, can this new reticle do that?

[@tonyspeka7964]

Do you have a trade in program for Gen 1 customers that want to upgrade to Gen 2 (both 3x)?

[@clintster4945]

Anyone know of an offset for the gen 1? I swapped out my stock to a traditional and lost quite a bit of eye relief.. thanks

[@johnmartin1321]

I have 2 original 3x and 2 original 1x Spitfire scopes. I have 18 (yes 18) Vortex scopes all together. Bought a Gen II 5x today for $ 365 + tax and wish I hadn't. I mounted it as far back on the upper as possible and I have to collapse my stock almost all the way to get close enough to the optic to get a good sight picture making it a bit awkward feeling. Also, my nose is right against the charging handle. So needless to say, it's pretty much a $ 400 paper weight. I've always sang Vortex praises and got a lot of my shooting buddies to make the switch to you guys. Vortex really dropped the ball on this one. I started to go with Primary Arms SLx 3x for numerous reasons but my loyalty to Vortex made me buy this one. Should have just bought another original 3x from Cabela's for $ 250

[@morganyates6598]

I agree, I have 3 gen 1 spitfire 3x and I love them! Gen 1 is 1/2 moa adjustability, gen 2 5x 1moa? That is a total deal breaker!! Gen 1 $250 shipped!

[@bensmith2055]

1moa to one click adjustment would this be a problem putting it on a air rifle if I zeroed at 25 yards what happens when I can't centre my point of impact

[@jessfisher8822]

I purchased a quick release mount for the first gen spitfire 3x, will that mount work with this new gen 3x/5x? Are the mounting holes the same between the 2 gens?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Hey Jess - no, they are not compatible. The new Spitfire HD Gen II has the same mounting footprint as the T1/T2.

[@the_bearded_hobdy895]

Went to grab one and noticed the green was no longer an option.. Is this something that “possibly” could come back in the future or is red gonna be the only option?

[@googleuser8211]

Yeah, they lost me with removing green

[@davidgunther1282]

You mentioned in the video that the 2" of eye relief isn't that big a deal since "most of the rifles this optic is going on have little recoil." I can't speak for anyone else but I appreciate more eye relief just for the situational awareness aspect; I don't want to be "in" my optic. So what's the price "upgrade" for the gen 2?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

The 3x is selling stores for $399.99 and the 5x is selling in stores for $599.99.

[@SuperSneakySniper]

Is an updated version of the 1x going to come out? Just curious.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

There's no plans for that at this time, but we'll definitely pass the request along!

[@elcompaish2141]

Is there a model for AR-10 BDC ?

[@torrionbetts9861]

Spitfire × 3 gen 2 design should also be used for your red dot. It would easily be one of the best looking red dot on the market perfect match with the 3x mini magnifier just a suggestion

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Adding the red dot footprint would be pretty cool! We'll definitely pass that along to our new product team.

[@Random-hp5gj]

Can you put flip caps on the gen II

[@pd5156]

You should make placeon the top of the optic for RMR on 3x as well.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

We'll definitely pass the feedback along - we appreciate it!👊

[@Cmikul25g]

Sticking with the Green

[@sergiuvolda1155]

I have a folding backup rear sight on my rifle, if I mounted this optic on the rail directly in front of it, would it still be usable in the sense of eye relief? That seems to be the biggest issue other reviewers I've watched have with this certain optic.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

You would not get the proper eye relief with the flip-up sight installed. The best practice would be to run that on a 45 degree mount so you can get the Spitfire all the way back on the rail in order to get the proper eye relief.

[@airwrecktion]

If its like the original, the reticle should be etched. You wouldnt need a backup rear sight.

[@user-xl7ww7ys1t]

Can those survive firing grenade launcher (like m203)?

[@VLK-73]

Would this be good on Tavor X95 and would riser be needed in order to co-witness the iron backup sights?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

The Spitfire HD Gen II wouldn't be my first choice for a Tavor as they are subject to eye relief. A red dot would be a better option for that seutp.

[@VLK-73]

@@VortexOpticsUSA Thank you sir

[@michaelj.steffick2192]

Desire to shoot "both eyes open", is it true that this ability was hindered with the new Gen II? Please if possible, compare both in this regard? TNX!

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Hey Michael - it is important to note that the Spitfire HD Gen II are prism scopes and not red dots. If you can keep both eyes open with a riflescope you can also keep them open with a prism scope. There should be no issue there.

[@Av8torman42]

Why only 1 moa adjustments on a 5x scope?

[@jeffadams9807]

Do They Make A Kill Flash For These 2 Scope's ???

[@abnr1983]

Why don't they have a diopter adjustment? Also, are they compatible with the Scalarworks mounts?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

There is a diopter right on the end of the eyepiece. The Spitfire HD Gen II 3x and 5x share the same footprint as the T1/T2.

[@JTENJOI380]

Probably a stupid question but with the bdc4 reticle, when sighting in is the center dot supposed to be sighted at 100 yds or 200 yds? The manual recommends bore sighting at 50 yds and i guess i am wondering what distance that 50 yd zero will put the center dot of the reticle at before needing to drop to the lower hash marks for 200yd, 300yd, etc..

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Good question! It is based on having a zero of 50 or 200 yards. This will put you on very close at 100 yards when using the center dot as well.

[@JTENJOI380]

@@VortexOpticsUSA Sweet! thank you for answering so fast on a 3 month old video!

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

@@JTENJOI380 You are very welcome! Let us know if you have any other questions come up.👊

[@skookum4497]

With this, is the Gen2 reticle etched as well like the previous gen 1??

[@huntershorizon1671]

How well it's gonna work on 30-06 carabine ? Do you think it will be recoil resistance on that caliber? On Benelli Argo or on Browning bar MK3?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

It would absolutely work on a .30-06! It is rated for magnum recoils, so you are good to go, my friend!

[@huntershorizon1671]

@@VortexOpticsUSA oh thanks bro🤜🤛👌

[@unkulwilly]

hows the eye relief on the gen twos? my gen one 3x is great except for the short eye relief.

[@spraynpray]

About an inch. You have to put your glasses right up to it.

[@unkulwilly]

@@spraynpray thanks. i know prism optics tend to have a shorter eye relief than scopes do.

[@roncromwell9941]

What is the glass sizes on all of the.. are they all 25mm glass or are any of them 32mm glass

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

The Spitfire HD Gen II 5x has a 25 mm objective and the Spitfire HD Gen II 3x has a 21 mm objective. The original Spitfire HD 3x has an objective lens diameter of 35 mm.

[@dakus1181]

What does night vision “compatible” mean ? Do you have to upgrade it to actually have the night vision ? Mine will be here this week.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

It means that it can be paired up with clip on night vision devices. There is no night vision built into the optic.

[@dakus1181]

@@VortexOpticsUSA Ok thanks

[@stryker607]

It would have been better if gen2's adjustment were 1/2MOA just like the old gen1 i have (

[@cdsmit27]

Do you guys sell spring loaded lens caps that work on the new gen2 prisms like the old version has?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Unfortunately not but we can definitely pass along the feedback that those are wanted for this optic.

[@cdsmit27]

@@VortexOpticsUSA oh bummer. I was gonna buy this optic if it was capable of putting those on it. Having lens protection is important where I live.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

@@cdsmit27 It does come with rubber lens covers.

[@cdsmit27]

@@VortexOpticsUSA i strongly prefer the attached ones. The rubber ones will just be something that gets in the way and/or lost.

[@jeffpatterson8633]

Can the illumination be left on or does it automatically shut off after a certain time and have to be manually activated?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

The illumination will automatically shut off after 14 hours after the last button is pressed.

[@JP-wl5vj]

@@VortexOpticsUSA That's a long time! But glad for the auto-off

[@jeffpatterson8633]

@@VortexOpticsUSA thanks. Wish there was an option to leave it on. Shake awake has everyone spoiled lol.

[@rocketman121]

What happens when my original spitfire breaks or burns, will the replacement be the new gen or old gen. Just wondering.

[@greggarms5300]

Good question considering the vortex warranty

[@Interpolation1911]

From what i heard they will send you the updated version.

[@TomColontonio]

Just got this and I can't ise my micro 3x maganfier Should I be able too?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Hey there - no, you won't be able to use a magnifier with this optic as it is prism scope, not a red dot.

[@johnk9290]

Does the spitfire ar 1x have better eye relief?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Yes, the Spitfire AR will have longer eye relief.

[@shidoin5398]

The etched reticle on the spitfire original 3x is to faint. The lines need to be a bit thicker and darker. I don't agree that its astigmatism friendly. At least not with my eyes. I personally prefer the green illumination

[@joeb6986]

Auto off feature? And what’s the battery life?

[@JP-wl5vj]

Yeah I learned the hard way on the manual turn-off of the 3x

[@jward9637]

So if you want to run it on an AR-10 (308) your BDL are totally useless?

[@williamprice1243]

Understand these are 5.56 designed optics, but ears always perk up when hear Shockproof. Would older model survive a 50 Beowulf? What degree of shockproof? Don't care about BDC. If not what does Vortex offer that could handle that recoil?

[@alvinjayv5829]

New PRIMARY ARMS OPTIC?

[@SixStringJoy]

I don't know why the Gen2 isn't daylight bright. The eye relief is also very restricting, as the Gen1 can be mounted with a rear flip up and the Gen2 kind of can't be. But the -not daylight bright- is the deal breaker for me. I'm gonna go HWS (astigmatism isn't as bad as some ppl make it out to be, focus on the target, not the dot).

[@rich1958]

IMO daylight bright topic is overrated with prism optics. When j go to the range in sunny days I never use illuminated. You don’t need it. What scenario are you in “daylight bright sun” and need your reticle to be red?

[@SixStringJoy]

@@rich1958 On the range is fine, running classes with in and outdoor shoots though, I like my reticle illuminated. However I see your point - IF the reticle isn’t as small as this one. If it’s actual crosshairs one can see it without illumination, this tiny reticle however I can’t see, maybe it’s my eyes but at least it’s not for me.

[@leanit5756]

What country are these Gen 2s made in?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Great question - the Spitfire HD Gen IIs are designed and engineered here in the US and manufactured in China to our specifications and quality standards.

[@taronyoung5768]

Thoughts on a PCC?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

It would be a great choice for that setup!

[@Mrbankfisherman]

Does this have shake awake?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

These do not as they are prism scopes and have an etched reticle, so the reticle is always there. You would need to turn the illumination on or leave it on.

[@CharlesWalker-nc2rq]

The wedge on the base will not fit the picatinny rail

[@TheCoolestOfBeans]

Please make a housefire gen 4 or dumpsterfire gen 5

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

We've submitted those name ideas to our NPD team - we appreciate it ;)

[@iherrera180]

Best optic for .300 blk out?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

The Spitfire HD Gen II 3x would be a great choice for that setup! If you were looking for more of a traditional red dot, check out the SPARC Solar.

[@justlooking813]

I wish you guys made a .308/7.62 NATO reticle for these.

[@adamherrin1086]

Can someone tell me how with works on a 6.5 Grendel AR?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Hey Adam - it would work with that round just like it would with any other round. You would want to run the ammo you are shooting through a ballistic calculator to figure out what your adjustments are at different distances. You can then relate this information to the reticle to perform your holds. Here is a link to our LRBC: lrbc.vortexoptics.com/

[@McDaddy74]

can i use this for 300 blackout?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

You bet! You would just want to run the ammo you are using through a ballistic calculator to find out what distances line up with the subtension lines.

[@nallyg4314]

Why hasn’t vortex got on the auto on sensor train yet?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

We do have some models that have that technology! Check out the SPARC Solar!

[@SuperSneakySniper]

I really wish BDC reticles would go away :c I know they can be handy, but when using a different caliber like .300, 6.5grendel, 7.62x39, different weights or speeds or barrel lengths etc... The BDC becomes rather useless. Really just works on 16in 5.56

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Hey there - while the reticle in the Spitfire HD Gen II is designed around the 5.56 it can be used with any caliber. You would simply run the ammo you are shooting through a ballistic calculator to find out what your adjustments are at different distances. Once you know this information you can then relate it to the reticle to perform your holds.

[@TheStraightShooter500]

What’s the mil size of the dot?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

It's a 1 MOA dot.

[@TheStraightShooter500]

@@VortexOpticsUSA WOW!!! I didn’t see that information on the website. If it’s there, my bad. Anyway, that’s a huge selling point for me. I’m getting one!!!

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

@@TheStraightShooter500 You bet! Let us know if you have any other questions come up.

[@patdud1979]

That would look awesome on my ruger pc since I have the strike eagle Gen 2 on my 5.56 😜. Any chance to have a review unit? 🙏 il garantie 5 video on it minimum 😉

[@faridmk3707]

I don't think removing protective caps is an evolutionary step. I liked having them and that's why I didn't "upgrade" to the second gen.

[@OGgrimmsaw]

I actually did buy the 2nd gen because my rifle is set up for weight saving, I feel like the eye relief is worse and the reticle isn't nearly as good as the first gen spitfire, so I sold the gen2, sticking with the gen1

[@markbaglinit1990]

I want to have 1.where I can buy in the philippines

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Here is the contact information for the dealer in your area: Armscor Shooting Center, Inc 2F, 9 LILAC Building, Lilac Avenue Concepcion II Marikina City, Philippines Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail] Website: www.armscorshootingcenter.ph

[@sergioarmas6689]

They should have kept the green color options on the new version!!😢

[@Dmac6969]

How do your swap between magnification?

[@furreater9850]

I wanna put a 5x spitfire on my browning maral in 30-06. Whats ur thoughts

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

That would be an awesome choice for that setup! You would want to make sure you use the low mount that is included in the box.

[@spraynpray]

The eye relief is too short for that type of rifle. The gen 2s only work on AR platform mounts that you can put your nose up to.

[@joesosnowski2568]

Oh, boy. Knew i shouldnt have waited to buy an optic and a carrier 🤦‍♂️

[@Roscoeverdin5469]

I'm reading a lot of complaints about the eye box and needing to be up close to the glass. If you're running a can, you're going to be snorting a lot of gas.

[@KD-lb9bg]

Man, you guy’s videos are great, but they would be a lot better if you weren’t holding up a black product in front of a black shirt, and even zoomed in on the product itself a little more.

[@stevennihipali3607]

Will this hold up to a SCAR 16/17 recoil? Vortex honestly needs to make an optic that can handle those platforms to give us shooters a better optic than stupid ACOG

[@tommyguns4018]

buy it and run it. scar 17 approved. if it breaks they'll replace it but mines been fine, older 3x though.

[@stevennihipali3607]

@@tommyguns4018 I hate to buy and replace... I had 3 of their optics already that the 17 destroyed... LGS just kept on giving me a new scope when I walked in. I'll try it and see how it works.

[@bodiewest9202]

I like this guy. He should do a podcast or something

[@tungmiyaynusnbahls8936]

Are you gay?

[@Funexpected]

I agree, concise and well spoken. Also, Tung's comment made me laugh. 😄

[@danickert5459]

Have you not watched any of the Vortex podcast?

[@lap9216]

Can't see the optic in front of your black shirt . Camera guy didn't catch that I guess

[@georgiatrudell7787]

Looks nice but don’t have it on the gun

[@greggarms5300]

My guy probably should have worn a white shirt :)

[@fukkdasystemxd3759]

I just don’t like that I’m Paying 500 dollars for something made is China for 50

[@morganyates6598]

I will stick with my gen 1 spitfire.. 1/2 moa adjustments versus 1 moa at 5x? That's a deal breaker..sorry!

[@moisttowelette5353]

Word of warning. The eyebox and eye relief on the 3x is complete trash. I can't believe Vortex released something this flawed.

[@mikef5694]

1 MOA adjustments? Seriously?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Hey Mike - 1 MOA adjustments are pretty much the standard for red dots and prism optics as most are designed to be zeroed around 25-50 yards.

[@jubalgilbert7681]

@@VortexOpticsUSA heard the battery life is really bad on them is that true?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

@@jubalgilbert7681 If you were to leave the unit on the lowest setting you would experience about 3,000 hours of battery life. If you left it on the highest setting you are looking at about 250 hours of battery life.

[@michaelnyden8056]

What vortex should have done is instead of that 6x micro magnifier they just came out with, they should have taken this product, removed the electronics, the buttons, the top reflex mount and made it even lighter then made it into a 5x magnifier and kept the drop part of the reticle to compliment your primary red dot optic. This would have made the lightest, shortest, best eye relief 5x magnifier on the market!

[@Kentirir]

The eye relief was horrible on the 3x

[@markslayton5042]

No green is a showstopper.

[@TheBinary0101]

You are holding the scope with the black background of your shirt, which also black. Can't see.

[@googleuser8211]

Lost me by taking away green...

[@manyaivanov5726]

It is too boring to look at a person who talks and waves his arms. There are no live images through the scope. This does not allow us to assess the real work of the reticle and the quality of the lenses.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

It is very difficult to capture image quality through a camera as you are now adding additional lenses for the light to transmit through. The best way to get an idea of optical quality is to find the unit you are looking at and actually look through it as that will give you the best representation.

[@benbreakfast4314]

You lost me at 1 moa adjustments.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

The adjustments will move the point of impact 1 MOA per click. If you have any questions on adjustments, feel free to let us know or give our tech support a call at 1-800-4VORTEX ext. 5.

[@cliffordmontana4562]

Crappy video! You don’t zoom in on the optics or even set them next to one another for comparison. Plus, you have a guy in a black hoodie reviewing black prism scopes, which makes them impossible to see. Why is the camera so panned out? Terrible video by a great company.

[@ipreferfreedom7752]

I tried mounting my red dot on the 45 mount and it wouldn’t work. Very disappointed.

[@josebarba4213]

Can I use it on my AR-15 with back-up flip up iron sights?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Because the Spitfire is subject to eye relief you will need to have it mounted all the way back on that rail which would not accommodate flip up sights. One option would be to run flip up sights at a 45 degree offset.