Vortex DIAMONDBACK Binocular Review – 10×42

Vortex DIAMONDBACK Binocular Review – 10×42

Editor Name: Tanner Christensen

Basic Description of Item:
This is a simple and effective binocular system with a very rugged and grippable exterior, which is easily cleanable and waterproof. The optics are multi-coated for scratch resistance and the prisms are phase-coated to enhance the overall picture. The Diamondback binocular has a 6.6 degree apparent field of view, which really makes seeing motion at a distance an easy task.

Just the Facts:
Magnification: 10 x
Objective Lens: Diameter 42 mm
Eye Relief: 16 mm
Exit Pupil: 4.2 mm
Linear Field of View: 345 feet/1000 yards
Angular Field of View: 6.6 degrees
Close Focus: 5 feet
Interpupillary Distance: 57-73 mm
Height: 5.9 inches
Width: 5.6 inches
Weight: 24.4 ounces
Tripod Adaptable: Yes

My Story:
Let’s just start off with the price point of these binoculars, because that is very important to most of us and these binoculars go above and beyond their price point. The performance you will get out of these Diamondbacks, for the price, is really quite amazing. The clarity of the lens is “spot on” and very effective in low light. The weight being at measly 24.4 ounces really makes a difference when trekking it a long way.

I have used these binoculars on numerous adventures and I haven’t been disappointed yet.

My first trip took me to the MUD flats of Utah Lake:
The diamondbacks have held up under some pretty serious conditions. I can promise you, I have put them through the ringer. While out doing some pre-duck season scouting this last year. I hiked out to a muddy “bog hole”, as there were thousands of ducks residing on it and I wanted to see how close I could get to them. Well let’s just say I pretty much got stuck and had to army crawl/swim my way out in water and mud. When I got home I wiped them off and gave them a quick spit shine and they were good to go for the next adventure

Next Trips, summer and Fall High Country Glassing for Mule Deer:
They are great for high country glassing and most of the time provide just the right amount of magnification to find what you are looking for.
I mentioned earlier the great clarity in low light conditions. This is imperative for Mountain Hunting, as Elk and Deer spend the late hours of the day, and early morning foraging.
I have not been disappointed once in my ability to see at twilight and dusk.
The weight of Diamondback binoculars is also a huge plus. I am looking to cut weight in every place possible when hiking the mountains of Utah.

You could spend a LOT more on a set of binoculars, and maybe get some small advantages. However, a guy like me, and frankly a guy like most of us, need to be budget consicience. The Diamondbacks do not disappoint!

What really sets vortex apart in my book is the unlimited lifetime warranty (no strings attached).

What they could do better:
I did not find any problems with the 10X42 Diamondbacks that kept me up at night but I do have a few things that I would change. My biggest complaint would be with the objective lens caps/covers. They are made from a really terrible rubber that stretches out and will fall off after only a couple of uses. I feel Vortex could make these stock lens covers a lot better for a minimal price to them.