Great for birding! Great SMALL scope. Sooooo glad I bought it! Would buy again.

This scope is well built and works great. optics are amazing.

I shoot rifle and pistol matches for my profession and I needed a solid little scope that would fit in my Bullseye/Precision Pistol box and be light. Full disclosure, I used to be a Vortex sponsored shooter but I paid full price (here) for this scope. I also wanted it for a light pack scope on hunts when I don't want to lug around it's big brother. I'm honestly quite impressed by this optic. It packs a lot of punch for its size and Vortex has a solid warranty that helps get over the sticker shock of some of their top tier optics. Bottom line, I'd recommend it to anyone in the market for a light, compact optic capable of surprising image quality for its size.

Buen equipo, facil de portar, ligero, todo lo que queríamos

I got this scope 4 months ago. Since it first came out.
I used to own the older model too. Sold it and got this one.
And here are my honest thoughts about the new model compare to the old model.

They are both sharp, amazing glass. I honestly can't see a difference in clarity between new model and old model.

New model is for sure better looking. And I feel like it's more rugged ( I say I "feel" because I haven't actually drop them to find out ) The slim shape of new model makes it easy to handle, pack, and I can grab it with one hand better since it has the focus wheel around the body. I didn't like the fact the old one had two focus wheels. Always ended up using the fine focus anyways. I also like the green color better. Looks a lot likely the Swarovski.

I was also able to use the same black cordura nylon fitted case they sale separately for the old model for 50$ On this new model. Since the case they give u with both are just crap, and don't want the body to get scratches.

I've used it for wildlife viewing have watch from elk at dawn, chipmunks, squirrels, eagles, hummingbirds etc, the details are amazing....The hood really works nicely when sun it's out and bright. (With both scopes, the experience was the same)

When i got the new model the eye cup was super loose. I don't wear glasses so really need the cup all the way up. So I sent it to vortex and they took care of it. And send it back to me within 2 weeks. I didn't even pay to send it. They sent me a prepaid label.

Bottom line. If u don't care about the color, the two wheels that take some extra room, the fact that the new one is made in japan and assemble in the US and old one made in China, and want to save like 400-500 bucks, buy the old model for sure!! You will see your game with the same clarity. They will also weight about the same so no big change.

Also I got a manfrotto aluminum tripod with a pistol grip head. I find the pistol grip to be the best. Takes less room and it's faster to move.