Vortex Optics Diamondback 8×42 is a note worthy name in the binoculars market, but what does it have to offer? Let’s find out its features in our review article.
Contents
Overview of Vortex Optics Diamondback 8×42 binoculars
Whether you are a normal or an advanced binoculars user, Vortex must be a very familiar brand to you. With numerous excellent products, it is searched by a huge number of consumers.
In this post, we will together discuss a very noteworthy pair of 8×42 binoculars from Vortex brand – the Vortex Optics Diamondback 8×42.
Plus, we also compare it with other binoculars in the same product genre (Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42 and Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×50) as well as another comparable opponent from Nikon brand.
But first, for easy tracking, let’s contrast the products in the same line.
| Technical Data | Vortex Optics Diamondback 8×42 | Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42 | Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×50 |
| Magnification | 8x | 10x | 10x |
| Effective Objective Lens Diameter (mm) | 42 mm | 42 mm | 50 mm |
| Exit Pupil Diameter (mm) | 5.25 mm | 4.2 mm | 5 mm |
| Twilight Factors | 18.3 | 20.5 | 22.4 |
| Field of view | 420 ft/ 1000 yds | 330 ft/ 1000 yds | 315 ft/ 1000 yds |
| Shortest focusing distance (ft / m) (Close Focus) | 4.5 ft | 5 ft | 6 ft |
| Eye Relief | 17 mm | 15 mm | 17 mm |
| Prism System | Roof Prism | Roof Prism | Roof Prism |
| Optical Quality | Prisms & Prism Coatings: reflective dielectricThe lens coating: Fully Multi-coated (FMC) Optics.The glass type used: ED = Extra-low dispersion.Light transmission = 80 % | Prisms & Prism Coatings: reflective dielectricThe lens coating: Fully Multi-Coated (FMC) OpticsThe glass type used: ED = Extra-low dispersion.Light transmission = 80 % | Prisms & Prism Coatings: reflective dielectricThe lens coating: Fully Multi-coated (FMC) Optics.The glass type used: ED = Extra-low dispersion.Light transmission = 85 % |
| Chassis Material | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Focusing | Centre Focusing (CF) | Centre Focusing (CF) | Centre Focusing (CF) |
| Diopter Adjustment | Standard Diopter Adjustment | Standard Diopter Adjustment | Standard Diopter Adjustment |
| Weatherproofing | Waterproof and fog-proof | Waterproof and fog-proof | Waterproof and fog-proof |
| Gas Filled | Argon | Argon | Argon |
| Uses | Outdoor sportsBirdwatching Wildlife observationHunting | Birdwatching Wildlife observationHunting | Outdoor sportsBirdwatching Wildlife observation |
| Size | Standard Size Binoculars | Standard Size Binoculars | Standard Size Binoculars |
| Brand | Vortex Optics | Vortex Optics | Vortex Optics |
As three items in the same product genre, Vortex Optics Diamondback 8×42, Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×42 and Vortex Optics Diamondback 10×50 share a lot of the same characteristics.
There are solely a few differences in the configuration that we can see very obviously from the comparison chart. Thus, here we just go into the details of Vortex Optics Diamondback 8×42.
Strong points
- Clarity and brightness
The Vortex Optics Diamondback 8×42 always provides sufficient clarity for almost all intents and purposes. With high-quality glass, you are able to view HD images in most conditions.
If the weather is not too bad, stunning crystal-clear pictures are always waiting for you.
Most users consider these bins to deliver pretty brilliant images during the daytime. As we are not looking for night vision binoculars, they are very usable.
- Ease of Adjustment
You can adjust their focus knob easily and precisely with a smooth action. Moreover, the twist-out eyecups have up to three stiff stops to suit the preference of the majority of users.
And, the diopter knob is moderately easy to make any adjustment but still hard enough to avoid accidentally dropping out.
- Construction quality and comfort
From the smooth movable parts to the robust rubber and ED glass, all of which are made of premium-quality materials. As a result, you do not have to worry about this product’s durability.
In general, these Vortex binoculars are comfortable to hold in your hands. The rubber covering the barrels is not sticky yet very grippy.
Although the thumb indents at the bottom of the barrel are not too deep, they still enable a convenient hand position for those with small and medium hands’ size.
- Close Focus Range and FOV
Boasting a fantastic close focus range of fewer than 5 feet, Vortex Optics Diamondback 8×42 bins are among the rare binoculars that let their users view a small insect crawl on the leaves.
Besides, their field of view at 420 ft/ 1000 yds is more significant than most rivals in their current segment.
These are really two biggest advantages of Vortex Optics Diamondback 8×42 binoculars over their competitors on the low-price 8×42 binoculars market.
Weak points and notes
- Not work well in low-light
Under intense light, perhaps everything is okay. Nonetheless, when it becomes darker, slight blurring will show up around the edges and reduce the image’s quality noticeably.
Try using these bins just before sunrise or sunset and your eyes will feel unpleasant. The objects you are looking at are likely to lose some details and look like silhouettes.
Thus, don’t try to grab your binoculars and go out even when it is merely a bit light outside. Or else, it is useless, and you will be extremely disappointed.
- The main hinge is hard to adjust
The main hinge that determines the gap between the eyepieces is a bit tricky to tweak. Since this hinge is somewhat stiff, it is only okay if you use these binoculars over and over.
Vortex Optics Diamondback 8×42 vs Nikon Monarch 5 8×42
When it comes to price and type, Nikon Monarch 5 8×42 is ideal for comparing with Vortex Optics Diamondback 8×42. Let’s see what these budget-friendly binoculars differ from each other as below.
| Factors | Vortex Optics Diamondback 8×42 | Nikon Monarch 5 8×42 |
| CLARITY | 8 | 8 |
| BRIGHTNESS | 7 | 8 |
| EASE OF ADJUSTMENT | 7 | 8 |
| CONSTRUCTION QUALITY | 8 | 8 |
| COMFORT | 8 | 9 |
| CLOSE FOCUS RANGE | 9 | 7 |
| FIELD OF VIEW | 10 | 5 |
| BRAND & WARRANTY | 8 | 7 |
| PRICE | 8.5 | 7 |
It is very explicit that the Nikon Monarch 5 8×42 binoculars, although quite comparable, are overwhelmed by Vortex Optics Diamondback 8×42.
In spite of both being sub $300 binoculars, Vortex Optics are actually much cheaper than Nikon. In fact, they just cost half as much as their opponent.
However, most of Vortex Optics’ scores are higher than Nikon’s. Except for inferior brightness, ease of adjustment and comfort, Vortex Optics binos are superior in almost every aspect. The viewing experience of Vortex Diamondback made us feel like they’re in sharper focus. You can justify that in the picture. It’s not actually sharper, but how they centralize the bird made us feel focused more on the target, while the Nikon Monarch one made us feel more on the enjoying side. Maybe, that’s why the Vortex Diamond is very preferred for hunting.
Regardless of equal clarity as well as construction quality, Vortex Optics binoculars deliver much shorter close focus range and double field of view.
In our opinion, we especially appreciate the broader FOV and close focus range higher than factors like image resolution. Binoculars are mainly used to bring about more vision instead of more beautiful pictures. (Of course, we are just talking about low-price bins, so we need some sacrifices)
In addition to the reputation of the brand and its warranty policy, the cheaper product has got a glorious victory over the pair of binoculars from Nikon, which is almost twice expensive.
However, if your point of view is that beautiful image reproduction is more important, you can pick Nikon Monarch 5. The choice is totally yours.
Final words
We have just gone through the outstanding features and notable cons of the Vortex Optics Diamondback 8×42. Hopefully, you have got a comprehensive overview as well as necessary details on this pair of binoculars.
To sum up, they are nearly perfect for small-budget birdwatchers, hunters, wildlife observers and some particular outdoor sports.
However, if you have more to spend or want something that works effectively on gloomy days, there are many better choices out there.
Anyway, thanks for reading!
Vilis-bino
Ref : https://vortexoptics.com/riflescopes/diamondback.html
List of Vortex Binocular Reviews