Whether you are hunting in the wide-open areas or you are “bino truck” Scouting, the 12×50 binoculars are your hunting partner. In this Vortex Diamondback 12×50 Review, you will find out why these are some of the best models to have on your hunting trip.
In this review, I am looking at the new Vortex Diamondback series which was released in 2016. The older versions were fine but the newer is definitely better. They have better optics and are more appealing to the eyes.
I can’t definitely say these are the best in the market or the best of the Vortex Optics line of binoculars because there are better 12×50 Vortex binoculars you can find which are more expensive.
However, if you are looking for a pair that is a low mid-price range, then the Diamondback 12×50 is a good value for the money.
Vortex Diamondback 12×50 Review Specifications
- Magnification : 12x
- Objective lens diameter: 50 mm
- Prism system: Roof
- Exit Pupil: 4.25 mm
- Field of view angle: 5.2 degrees
- Field of view: 271 ft. at 1000 yds.
- Eye relief: 14 mm
- Binocular Focus system: Center focus
- Coating of optical: fully multi-coated
- Inter-pupillary distance: 60-75 mm
- Diopter range of adjustment: -3 -3 dpt
- Minimum Close focus distance: 7 feet
- Level of water resistance: waterproof
- Dimension: 6.7″ x 5.5″
- Weight: 28.7 oz
- Eyecup types: twisted-up
- Adaptable Tripod: Yes
- Waterproof and Fog proof: Yes
Optical Performance
The Vortex Diamondback 12×50 binoculars like all the other binoculars in this series have impressive optical quality and durability. They have dielectric fully multi-coated lenses and phase-corrected prisms. This is done to enhance light transmission and contrast.
These features help in the creation of somewhat high definition images when you look through them. Even though you might notice some distortion at the edge of the field of view. You can use them in low light and daylight, bright snow and dark wooded areas, they perform great.
This edge blurriness is something that was noticed in the other Diamondback series as well. It’s not really a major issue as you would get a very clear view of the center. This is to be expected considering these are not high-end binoculars.
With a field of view of 271 ft. at 1000 yds, you can scan the wide-open areas and long distances with them to see better clearer images and details of your target. These are not having a wide field of view as compared to the Vortex Diamondback 10×50 binoculars, but this is because the higher you go in magnification, the lesser your field of view will become.
- 12x magnification and 50mm objective lenses, these Diamondback binoculars are the workhorse of...
- Dielectric, fully multi-coated lenses transmit more light and clearer, brighter images. A field...
When it comes to the close focus, this Diamondback can boost an impressive 7 feet minimum close focus distance. This allows you to use them to view small creatures like butterflies that might be close to your feet.
These binoculars have an eye relief of 14 mm which is below the minimum recommended eye relief distance for eyeglass wearers.
So these I will not recommend for those who wear glasses and intend to use them for extensive periods. Not only will they be uncomfortable to use after some time, but you will not be able to see the entire field of view.
Roof binoculars are not complete without been weatherproof. The Diamondback 12X50 binoculars are designed to be waterproof and fog proof. This is to enable you to use them even in harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, fog or changing temperature conditions. They are Argon gas purged, O-ring sealed and coated with water repellent coatings to withstand these conditions.
Activities That Diamondback 12×50 Binoculars are Best For:
- Hunting: these are great for hunting in the woods and open areas. You can choose to mount them on a tripod or any mounting device to ensure more steady images while you glass through the wild bushes for some deers or your targets. If you are a birder you might want to consider the Vortex Diamondback 8×42 model instead.
- Stargazing: These are also great for stargazing. With their bigger aperture and high magnification, you can watch the milky way galaxy and other heavenly bodies.
Pros
- Comes with a padded neck strap and a carrying case
- Has a VIP lifetime warranty
- Fully weatherproof
- Is an affordable binocular considering its features
- Is easy to carry around
- Great for long-distance glassing
Cons
- The field of view is a bit narrower
Price of the Vortex Diamondback 12×50 Binoculars
These are affordable and economical. With a price range between $200 – $300. You will be able to get yourself a pair this season. If you are even lucky, you might even get them on sale for much cheaper. They are not expensive. They fall within the low mid-range.
Body Construction/Chassis
The Vortex Diamondbacks are sleek, have short hinge design and have a durable aluminum body with rubber armor and thumb indents which leave more room for your hands creating an easier, secure and non-slip grip.
Final Verdict
The Vortex Diamondback 12×50 binoculars are impressive for the money you will pay for them. The dielectric fully multi-coated lenses and phase-corrected prisms offer you the looks of high definition views at less than $300.
They are great and not big at all. Considering their objective lens size, they weigh 28.7 oz only and are not big at all. Even though I will recommend you get a mounting device along with them.
The new Vortex Diamondback binoculars have great improvements in weight, ergonomic feel, extra brightness, also a slightly more refined focus knob. The only thing the old Vortex Diamondback binoculars are better at is they have a wider field of view. Besides that, the new series is better.
What do you think of this Vortex Diamondback 12×50 review? leave your comment below!
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