All hunters know the importance of having binoculars among their hunting gear. Today, I will be comparing some of the most popular economically affordable American hunting binoculars; Vortex Crossfire vs Diamondback binoculars; which should you buy?
Vortex has been in the system for decades now and has established itself as one of the leading binoculars brands in the world. The company is well-known for producing some of the affordable yet quality hunting binoculars.
Vortex is also known to be one of the best optics companies that offer the best service and lifetime warranty on all their products. That’s why many hunters prefer them over others. because if your binoculars get faulty or broken you can return them replacement free of charge.
Anyway, let’s get back to why you are here. Thus to know the difference between the Vortex Crossfire and Vortex Diamondback binoculars. Since they have a similar physical appearance. It is easy to assume they are the same quality. but the question you might be asking yourself is, what is the justification for their price difference?.
Well, there is a reason why the Diamondbacks are more expensive than the Crossfires even though both are low price-range binoculars.
Vortex Crossfire vs Diamondback Binoculars 8×42 and 10×42 Tables of Comparison
Optical Performance
Vortex Diamondback Binoculars
The new Vortex Diamondback binoculars series is one of the largest among Vortex binoculars. With a total of nine binocular models ranging from compact sizes (8X28,10X28, 8X32, 10X32) to full-size (10X50, 8.5X50, 10X42, 8X42, 12X50) binoculars. There is definitely something for everyone.
Been one of the popular series among hunters, the Vortex Diamondback binoculars are ergonomically designed to fit well in your hands and they have a great physical appeal.
With dielectric fully multi-coated optics, they are known for delivering impressive optical quality images even in low light conditions and are durable. This is because their fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces. The Dielectric multi-layer prism coatings provide bright, color-accurate and clear images.
Vortex Crossfire Binoculars
With a similar appeal like the Diamondbacks, the Vortex Crossfire Binoculars are entry-level binoculars. These series are all full-size binoculars, which include; 10X50, 10X42, 8X42, 12X50.
The Crossfire does not have compact sizes. They were discontinued. This makes the selection a bit limited compared to the Vortex Diamondback binoculars
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When it comes to optics quality of these binoculars, all the Crossfire binoculars have fully multi-coated optics which gives them impressive image quality. The multiple anti-reflective coatings on them ensure glass gives a clear and bright image.
Vortex Crossfire vs Diamondback Binoculars
These two Vortex binocular series seem to look the same if you look at them from a physical appearance point of view. However, even though they are all entry-level binoculars, they still have a slight difference in terms of performance and construction.
The Vortex Diamondback binoculars have fully multi-coated optics which are dielectric. The dielectric multilayer coating increases reflectivity from the prism surfaces by acting as a distributed Bragg reflector. This is a feature the Vortex Crossfire Binoculars do not have even though they also have fully multi-coated optics. Their level of reflectivity is not the same.
In terms of field of view, When you compare the two series model to model as seen in the comparison table above, they don’t seem to have much difference in terms of field of view. The Vortex Crossfire 8X42 binoculars model has the same field of view as the Vortex Diamondback 8X42 binoculars at 393 ft. at 1000 yds.
In a similar way, the highest magnifying power binoculars among them have almost the same field of view. The highest magnification binocular is the 12X50 model. The Vortex Crossfire 12X50 binoculars model is at 273 feet/1000 yards while the Vortex Diamondback 12X50 binoculars model is at 271 feet/1000 yards.
The other models in-between as can be seen on the table above have similar FOV.
When it comes to comparing them in terms of minimum close focus distance, the Diamondback binoculars have a better close focus compared to the Crossfire binoculars. The Vortex Diamondback 8X42 has a close focus distance of 5 feet while the Crossfire 8X42 is at 7.5 feet. The rest as can be seen from the table above, it’s obvious the Diamondbacks have an upper hand.
Both series have good eye relief to be able to accommodate users who were glasses. With the Vortex Diamondback 12X50 binoculars having the least eye relief among them all at 14 mm. The longest at by the 8X42 models both at 17 mm.
You might also be wondering whether you can be able to mount these binoculars. Fortunately, both the Vortex Crossfire and Diamondbacks are tripod adaptable. This means you can mount them on a tripod to enhance the stability of the image or just to free your hands.
Similar Reads:
Vortex Diamondback 10×42 vs 12×50 Comparison
Nikon Monarch 5 vs Vortex Diamondback Comparison
Their Twist-up eyecups, a smooth center focus wheel, and right eye diopter give you precise functionality.
Price
Well, I have spoken about these binoculars performance so far, but how much will it cost to own any of them?. Both the Crossfire and the Diamondback binoculars are economically affordable. They all fall under $300. If you wish to see the exact prices, check the links in the comparison table to see their current prices on Amazon.
The Vortex Diamondback binoculars are more expensive compared to the Vortex Crossfire Binoculars.
You may ask; what is the justification for the price difference between the Crossfires and Diamondbacks?. Well, the price difference lies in the quality construction and quality of glass used.
Many customers confirmed the Diamondbacks delivered better optical performance and durability compared to the Crossfire binoculars. Hence, the price justification.
Weight and Dimensions
The Vortex Crossfire binoculars are slightly bulkier in terms of dimensions and are heavier as well compared to the Vortex Diamondback binoculars. When you compared them, model, to model. Let’s take the 8X42 model, the Crossfire weighs 23.5 oz at dimensions of 6.2″ x 5.1″ while the Diamondback weighs 21.8 oz at dimensions of 5.8″ x 5.1″.
Silimar way if you compare the other models as well, you would notice the Diamondbacks have lower weights and are less bulkier.
Body Construction/Chassis
Having binoculars that are fully weatherproof is a huge advantage in the fields. This feature prevents moisture, fog, dust, and debris from penetrating the binocular for reliable performance in all environments.
Likely, the Diamondbacks and Crossfire binoculars are all waterproof and fog proof.
The Diamondback binoculars are Argon purged and O-ring sealed to provide enhanced waterproof and fog proof performance in extreme weather conditions, while the Vortex Crossfire binoculars are Nitrogen gas purged to prevent internal fogging over a wide range of temperatures.
Final Verdict
In conclusion of the Vortex Crossfire vs Diamondback binoculars comparison, it is obvious that the Vortex Diamondback binoculars have an upper hand in terms of quality of construction and glass quality. They Diamondbacks when you view through them are by far a better choice when compared to the Vortex Crossfire binoculars.
However, when it cost, the Crossfire binoculars are better. They are less costly and deliver good performance in the field. If the price is a big motivator for you then you might want to go for the Crossfire binoculars since they are a good value for the money. But if you can afford it, the Diamondbacks are well worth their cost.
Nonetheless, both the Diamondbacks and Crossfires are good for activities like hunting, bird watching and other outdoor activities you might deem fit for you. With the Diamondbacks having a better close focus, they might be preferred more by bird-watchers over the Crossfires while the hunters can choose between any for their adventures.