For years, the Vortex Diamondback has set a standard for good, economical, reliable binoculars in the low-medium price range. It felt like the Diamondback would be around forever. However, in 2016, without changing the name, Vortex came out with a completely redesigned version.
the Vortex Diamondback 8×42 is particularly popular among outdoor adventurers and that made me curious about wanting to know why. Hence that curiosity resulted in this review. In this Vortex Diamondback 8×42 Review, I will outline both the pros and cons and why the majority of consumers like it.
For the last couple of years, binoculars have gotten better and are not necessarily expensive. These days, you can actually own a pair of decent binoculars with your desired features in the range of $200-$300. The Vortex Diamondback 8×42 binoculars which are most common among bird watchers within the Diamondback binoculars series are no exception.
Vortex Diamondback 8×42 Review Specifications
- Magnification: 8x
- Objective lens diameter: 42 mm
- Prism system: Roof
- Exit Pupil: 5.25 mm
- Field of view angle: 7.5 degrees
- Field of view: 393 ft. at 1000 yds.
- Eye relief: 17 mm
- Binocular Focus system: Center focus
- Coating of optical: fully multi-coated
- Inter-pupillary distance: 55-75 mm
- Diopter range of adjustment: -3 -3 dpt
- Minimum Close focus distance: 5 feet
- Level of water resistance: waterproof
- Dimension: 5.8″ x 5.1″
- Weight: 21.8 oz
- Eyecup types: twisted-up
- Adaptable Tripod: Yes
- Waterproof and Fog proof: Yes
Optical Performance
The Vortex Diamondback 8×42 has impressive optics which are dielectric multi-coated to transmit more light and produce clearer and brighter images.
When you compare them with other models within their price range, the Diamondback has outperformed the majority of them making them one of the best among their peers.
Clarity wise, when you look through these binoculars, because of the glass quality, they give you the impression that you are looking at a high definition image. Even though you might notice slight blurring around the edges.
With their wide field of view at 393 ft. at 1000 yds., you would see a clear image of your target very easily. You are able to glass your surroundings and efficiently identify your target.
The Vortex Diamondback 8×42 binoculars are considered bright enough for any situation at least 97% of the time. That is probably why birders like them a lot as they provide pleasant views whether in the evenings or mornings.
- 8x magnification and 42mm objective lenses, these Diamondback binoculars are the workhorse of...
- Dielectric, fully multi-coated lenses transmit more light and clearer, brighter images. A field...
The Vortex Diamondback 8×42 binoculars boast of a top-notch close focus range of just 5 feet. That means most people will be able to focus on a lovely butterfly that decides to land on their shoes. This is also a closer range than most of the competition out there.
When it comes to the eye relief, which is always of particular importance to eyeglass wearers, the Diamondback can boost of good eye relief at 17 mm. which is generous enough to accommodate those who wear glasses. Especially if you are going to be using them extensively, it is crucial that you feel comfortable using them.
You might be asking yourself, how easy it is to focus these binoculars?. Well even though according to some users these binos have a slightly stiff hinge, the focus knob still has a smooth action that allows for easy and precise adjustment.
Do you want bigger and higher magnification? then check out my recent reviews of the :
Vortex Diamondback 10×42 Binoculars
Vortex Diamondback 10×50 Binoculars
The eyecups twist out and have three hard stops that accommodate most preferences. The diopter knob which is found on the right ocular moves easily when being adjusted, but is stiff enough that it would be very hard to accidentally toggle it over. This allows you to adjust it to accommodate for focal differences in your eyes.
By standard, many binoculars in this range are weatherproof. Hence the Diamondback is no exception, they are argon purged and O-ring sealed to enhance waterproof and fog proof performance in extreme weather conditions.
Activities That Diamondback 8×42 Binoculars are Best For:
I. For general use
The Diamondback can be used for general activities such as sport, nature viewing, Safari/Wildlife, theatre, travel, hiking, camping, etc.
II. For bird watching and hunting
When carrying out activities like hunting and bird watching you need at least 8×30 lenses. Diamondback 8×42 which falls within this range will be a great companion.
Pros
- Good clarity and decent brightness
- Great close focus range and field of view
- Fully Weatherproof
- Easy to use
- Good grip with the armor rubber coating
- Cost-effective binoculars
Cons
- Some user complaint of Stiff middle hinge
- Slightly on the heavy side for an 8×42
Price
I have spoken about almost everything about these binoculars except the price. They are not as expensive as you may think. As I earlier on stated, you can get them for less than $300.
At the time of writing this review, their price was around $250. These are cost-effective and economical optics that won’t break the bank.
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
As mentioned above in this Vortex Diamondback 8×42 review, you can tell that these binoculars have more pros than the cons. They are great for birders who want something on the economic side but with decent optics. The Diamondback binoculars have clearly differentiated themselves in terms of performance among their peers.
They are durable and long-lasting. Their firm armor rubber grip allows you to handle them with ease without them slipping off your fingers to the floor.
Their generous eye relief makes them suitable for all people to use with comfort and the wider field of view allows you to see a wide area of your target at once. All Vortex binoculars come with Lifetime VIP Warranty. So, you can always return them in case of any effect or damage for replacement or repairs.
I hope you found this review useful. Let us know your thoughts in the comment box.
Happy Shopping!
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