If you’ve ever wanted to see things with no magnification, then see things with more magnification, then an LPVO might be for you. The low power variable optic has exploded in popularity over the past few years. I’ve been behind a few of them myself, and I understand the appeal. Today, though, we’ll be talking about a specific model. Vortex makes optics that are priced from budget to second mortgage, which is one of the things I love about them. I tend to stick closer to the budget side of things, which is why I’ve decided to review an LPVO from their popular Strike Eagle line. This is the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 FFP riflescope.

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The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 FFP: Specifications

• Tube diameter: 30mm
• Magnification range: 1-8
• Length: 10.4″
• Adjustment graduation: 1/4 MOA
• Weight: 23.9 oz
• MSRP: $799.99

One Power: Big Picture

The Strike Eagle series of optics is known for its value. They’re not cheap. Instead, Vortex makes an optic that meets all of your expectations every time. They simply take a less expensive approach. This is a review of the Strike Eagle 1-8, which is the third Strike Eagle optic I’ve spent time behind.

You’ll see the same level of quality as the other Strike Eagle optics you’ve handled. This one is 10.4 inches long and weighs 23.9 ounces. She does feel chonky, tho, and she is. By comparison, the Athlon ARGOS BTR GEN2 1-8×24 SFP is listed at 16.1 ounces, and the US Optics USO TS-8X claims 17.9 ounces. I mounted it on my favorite Frankenbuild 16” 5.56 AR-15. It’s mounted using an Aero Precision cantilever mount. This rifle is my beater and the one that gets banged around the most, so the Strike Eagle had a full life. 

Four Power: A Closer Look

When shooting on the lowest magnification, the 1-8x can be used just like a red dot. Well, mostly. Here in Colorado, we have some pretty sunny days and sufficient brightness can be a problem. This is really my only gripe about this optic. I often lost my dot on targets that were in direct sunlight. It just never reached that level of brightness where I could be sure of my shot every time. This isn’t the first time an LPVO has lacked in this department, but with that out of the way, let’s look at the much longer list of positive traits. 

The overall feeling of the dials is positive. Each click will move your shot .25 MOA in the right direction. The illumination dial has nine daytime brightness settings and two night vision settings. There are no off settings between each value.  

The Strike Eagle 1-8x uses the Vortex EBR-8 MOA first focal plane reticle. It is glass-etched and includes BDC hash marks for quick corrections. I was able to easily reach out to about 400 yards with basic bulk 55-grain .223 ammo from Winchester. I’m not going to spend much time on first focal plane versus second focal plane. Just know that FFP takes a lot of guesswork out of the equation.

Having a scope with variable magnification means nothing if you can’t change it quickly and easily. The Strike Eagle 1-8x comes with an optional throw lever. It’s lightweight and a breeze to attach. It’s held on with tension from a screw and can be attached in whatever position you want. If you want it tucked in a bit more, you do you.

Eight Power: Under A Microscope

The glass clarity conversation has been pretty one-note for me. I just cannot imagine paying triple the price of this scope for better glass. Maybe you’re different, but my eyes can’t tell the difference between the Strike Eagle and the more expensive Razor line. The Razor feels better all around and has more features, but the glass looks basically the same. Feel free to school me on glass clarity in the comments.

The fit and finish of the 1-8x is good. Seams line up, everything fits together as it should, and the controls all work. It doesn’t look as nice, now that I’ve been beating on it a bit, but it’ll probably be rattle canned soon anyway. The 30mm tube is machined from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum and houses the 24mm objective lens, along with all of the internal goodies.

I think the Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm FFP fits a few roles very well. Due to the price, it would make a great first LPVO. If you’re new to the use of low-power variable optics, starting here would give you the quality level to understand what an LPVO is capable of, without having to sell all of your guns to afford one. I also think this is a great tactical competition optic, in theory. All of the competitions that I sign up for keep being canceled, or I can’t attend for some reason, but this optic would serve well in something like The Proving Grounds. It’s tough enough to do the work, but if it gets damaged, it’s not going to make you cry as hard as a $4,000 scope. Not to mention the famous Vortex customer service.

Even with the Strike Eagle line being affordable, you’re still getting a solid optic. It might not be the sexiest, but it has its lure. It might not be the brightest reticle, but it’ll still put rounds where they need to go. It performs at the level you’d expect, and I’m pretty happy having it on my favorite long gun. If you’d like to give one of these a closer look, head to the Vortex Optics website. Don’t forget to find them on all of their socials. Vortex can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Keep your rifles zeroed and get out in nature!

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