Vortex Diamondback Binoculars Review: Important Things To Know


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Are you looking for a Vortex Diamondback binoculars review? If so, it’s probably because you’re looking for a good pair of binoculars without spending a lot of money. Odds are, you’ve been shocked by some of the prices you’ve seen for a pair of binoculars. That is especially true if you’re new to birdwatching. Surely, there must be a more affordable option.

The Vortex Diamondback binocular series stands out in the realm of optics regarding features, capabilities, and overall performance. Exceptional build quality and advanced optics demand your attention, making them the pick of any avid birdwatcher.

Can the Vortex Diamondback really hold its own against more expensive brands? Do they provide the comfort and clarity you need in a pair of binoculars? Or do they fall short of expectations?

These are some of the things you need to know in a Vortex Diamondback binoculars review.

TIP: If you want to check out the best pair of binoculars for bird watching, we recommend a pair of waterproof and fog-proof 8 x 42 binoculars like the Celestron – Outland X 8×42 Binoculars (Amazon link).

What Are Vortex Diamondback Binoculars?

As you probably already know, a good pair of binoculars is an essential tool for birding. Having the right pair can really make a difference in this particular hobby. That’s where the Vortex Diamondback comes in. They are a quality pair of binoculars that almost anyone can afford on any budget.

Despite its relatively low price tag, these binoculars can easily compete with the bigger brands on the market. That makes them a good choice regardless of whether you’re buying your first pair or you’re looking to upgrade.

These binoculars also come in a very wide variety of sizes. They’re available in zoom magnifications anywhere from 8 to 28 all the way up to 12 to 50. No matter what level of magnification you require, you’ll be able to find it.

TOP TIP: If you have a close friend with an Avian obsession, check out our article on the best bird-watching gifts. Do you know how many birds are in the world? To find out the answer to this question and discover amazing aviary facts, read this article.

What Else Should You Know in a Vortex Diamondback Binoculars Review?

Obviously, there’s more you need to know in a Vortex Diamondback binoculars review. Here are a few useful facts that will help you decide if these binoculars are right for you.

Vortex Diamondback Binoculars: Special Features

These binoculars have a few unique features that set them apart from the competition. For one thing, they have multiple coatings. That allows them to increase light transmission and provide clear, color-accurate images. This set also uses rubber armor, which offers a secure, non-slip grip.

These binoculars have adjustable eyecups that you can twist up and down for comfortable viewing. They also have a center focus wheel that adjusts the focus of both barrels.

Additionally, there’s a diopter on the right eyepiece that adjusts for differences in a user’s eyes. On top of all this, these binoculars are fogproof and waterproof. They’re even compatible with tripods and car window mounts.

Are Vortex Diamondback Binoculars Comfortable?

Of course, you want your binoculars to be comfortable for those long birding sessions. Luckily, this product does not disappoint in that department. Virtually every Vortex Diamondback binoculars review mentions how comfortable they are.

They have a sleek, short hinge design with thumb indents. That gives your hands plenty of room to work with. Furthermore, these binoculars are highly ergonomic, and they’re also very light. And despite their lightweight, they definitely do not feel cheap.

Are Vortex Diamondback Binoculars Clear?

Naturally, this is the most important thing a person wants to know when shopping for binoculars. In this case, almost everyone was very happy with how bright and clear these binoculars are.

In fact, many people were pleasantly surprised by their clarity, considering the small price tag. That is a common theme in almost any Vortex Diamondback binoculars review.

However, there is one downside that must be mentioned. Several people who tried these binoculars mentioned that there is some blurring on the sides. The center is crystal clear, but the sides can be an issue. That is something you should keep in mind before you buy.

TIP: Knowing how to spot the birds in your yard is key to enjoying visits from your winged friends as much as possible! The best sources are trusted books, I recommend using the following (Amazon links):
National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America
National Audubon Society Birds of North America

What Do Customers Think of Vortex Diamondback Binoculars?

Overall, almost every Vortex Diamondback binoculars review is overwhelmingly positive. Customers, in general, are very happy with this product.

As mentioned before, they are surprisingly clear, and they’re comfortable enough to use for hours. And on top of all that, they’re extremely affordable. Many people said this set can easily compete with much more expensive binoculars.

That said, there were a couple of common complaints. As previously stated, there was some blurring on the sides.

Another complaint you’ll often see in a Vortex Diamondback binoculars review is that customers with smaller faces might have trouble seeing out of both barrels at the same time. That is an unfortunate design flaw. Sadly, you will have to consider the shape of your face before you try these binoculars.

Aside from that, most people were very satisfied with this product. Customers on Amazon gave it 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Here’s a basic comparison table for different models in the Vortex Diamondback binocular series:

ModelMagnificationObjective Lens Diameter (mm)Field of View at 1000 yardsClose Focus Distance (feet)Weight (ounces)Waterproof/
Fogproof
Diamondback 8×428x42393 feet5 feet21.8Yes
Diamondback 10×4210x42330 feet5 feet21.8Yes
Diamondback 8×328x32420 feet5 feet15.5Yes
Diamondback 10×3210x32345 feet5 feet15.5Yes
Diamondback HD 8×288x28340 feet6 feet12.7Yes

Our Review of Vortex Diamondback Binoculars

When reviewing the following products, we used Amazon as our main source of information. The products’ official websites were also used when available.

Additionally, our opinions were largely informed by customer reviews from Amazon.

In these reviews, we focused on a handful of important details. These include zoom, construction quality, clarity, and ergonomics. Price was also a major factor in these reviews.

How Do The Vortex Diamondback Binoculars Compare to Other Binoculars?

No Vortex Diamondback binoculars review would be complete without mentioning the competition. There are obviously several other quality binoculars on the market right now.

Let’s see how the Vortex Diamondback measures up.

Nikon Action Extreme

Nikon is, of course, one of the biggest brands in the binocular market, and the Nikon Action Extreme is one of its most popular products. It features a unique click-stop, twist-out eyecup design. That allows you to customize the binoculars to your eyes for long eye relief.

It also has multicoated lenses and BaK4 high-index prisms. As a result, you get bright, high-resolution images. It also has rubber armor, an ergonomic design, and is both waterproof and fog proof.

Most customers were very happy with these binoculars. Many people said they compare very favorably to more expensive Nikon models. Along with being affordable, they’re also incredibly sharp and bright. They’re quite durable as well.

There were relatively few complaints, but a few customers did say they were a bit difficult to focus. Some people felt they were a little heavy as well, which can make long birdwatching sessions difficult.

In terms of price, the Nikon Action Extreme is more or less the same as the Vortex Diamondback. The two products are very similar in many ways.

In the end, we have to give the edge to the Vortex Diamondback for its lightness. You don’t want your arms to get tired during your birding sessions.

Bushnell Legend Ultra HD

The Bushnell Legend Ultra HD is another excellent choice for birding. It has a rain guard and water-repellent lens coating. It also features ED prime glass and ultra-wideband coatings. These provide high-resolution, color-accurate images.

These binoculars also have soft-touch grips and rubber armor that make them highly durable and ergonomic. Additionally, they have an exceptionally wide field of view. These binoculars also come with a soft carrying case and a neck strap. They are both waterproof and fogproof.

Customers generally love these binoculars. They report that the ED glass really makes a difference. Colors appear incredibly bright and vivid as a result. Customers also say they’re very light and ergonomic overall.

Unfortunately, some people had issues with them in terms of durability. Several customers had experiences with them breaking or wearing out in a relatively short amount of time. Bushnell did not honor their warranty in many of these cases, which is unfortunate.

The Bushnell Legend Ultra HD is slightly more expensive than the Vortex Diamondback. However, the level of quality isn’t significantly higher. Because of this, we can’t recommend them in comparison. You’re better off sticking with the Vortex Diamondback instead.

Celestron Nature DX 8×42

The Celestron Nature DX 8×42 is a pair of binoculars made specifically with birding in mind. They increase contrast and resolution with phase-coated BaK-4 prisms. This set also has fully multi-coated optics, which increases light transmission for brighter images.

These binoculars feature twist-up eyecups with multiple stops. They have a close focus of 6.5 feet in case you want to view nearby objects. They are also waterproof, fogproof, and fully rubber-armored.

Many customers described these binoculars as a fantastic value for the price. The image quality is outstanding. They’re also very light, and they feel comfortable in your hands. Several people also appreciated how well it views nearby objects.

But once again, some people had to deal with quality issues. Screws are known to come loose, and more than a few customers had problems with eyecups breaking for falling off.

The Celestron Nature DX 8×42 is essentially the same price as the Vortex Diamondback binoculars. That being said, the Vortex Diamondback is quite a bit more durable.

Although it’s not necessarily typical for Celestron users to have quality issues, it still happens often enough to make you worry. By comparison, the Vortex Diamondback is much more reliable.

Wingspan Optics Skyview Ultra HD 8×42

Finally, we have the Wingspan Optics Skyview Ultra HD 8×42. Again, these are made specifically for birdwatching. They feature ED glass, which allows colors to appear brighter and more vivid.

They also feature fully multi-coated lenses and phase correction-coated prisms. These make the images you see sharper and clearer.

Furthermore, these binoculars use DuraTech technology. That makes the binoculars both highly durable and spectacularly light. Like the other binoculars on this list, these are both waterproof and fogproof.

Most customers were very happy with these binoculars. For one thing, they’re very affordable. They’re also very durable and easy to use. Many customers predict they’ll be able to use them reliably for many years to come.

However, several people had difficulty getting both barrels to focus simultaneously. Also, some customers complained that the image loses its sharpness if you’re not looking directly in the center.

The Wingspan Optics Skyview Ultra HD 8×42 costs basically the same as a pair of Vortex Diamondback binoculars. While the durability is good, the image quality leaves something to be desired.

Obviously, this is the main thing you’re looking for in a good pair of birding binoculars. Therefore, the Vortex Diamondback is once again the better choice.

Our Vortex Diamondback Binoculars Review: Pros and Cons

As you’ve seen in this Vortex Diamondback binoculars review, there’s a lot to love about this product. This set of binoculars is surprisingly bright and clear, it’s highly ergonomic, and it’s both fog proof and waterproof.

And, of course, they’re very affordable as well. You could easily spend a lot more money on a pair of binoculars that’s roughly the same quality.

On the downside, there is some blurring on the sides. Also, customers with smaller faces might have trouble seeing out of both barrels at once. These are some things you need to consider before buying.

PROS

  • They’re extremely bright and clear
  • You can comfortably use them for long periods of time
  • They’re fogproof and waterproof
  • They’re cheap

CONS

  • The sides can be a bit blurry
  • They might be too big if you have a small face

Are the Vortex Diamondback Binoculars the Right Binoculars for You?

Now that you’ve read this Vortex Diamondback binoculars review, you have a good idea of what to expect. Overall, these are a fantastic pair of binoculars at a relatively low price.

They’re extremely comfortable, they last a long time, and they provide shockingly clear images. If you’re looking for a good pair of birding binoculars without spending a ton of money, then these are an excellent choice.

That being said, you will likely notice a difference if you buy a very expensive pair of high-end binoculars. That is something to keep in mind if you’ve been birding for a long time and have a lot of money to spend.

Nonetheless, even experienced birders were very happy with the Vortex Diamondback. They’re a great pair of binoculars, and they could be exactly what you need to begin your birdwatching journey.

My Favourite Equipment for Bird Watching

Bird watching is one of the least expensive hobbies out there, but you still need some equipment to get the most out of it. 

The essential equipment to start bird watching is a pair of binoculars. My preference is 8 X 42 binoculars. The number 8 is how much the magnification is, while 42 is the field of view in millimeters of the lenses.

A pair of waterproof and fog-proof 8 x 42 binoculars like the Celestron – Outland X 8×42 Binoculars on Amazon is an excellent choice for both beginners and experts. 

In time, you can choose more expensive models and also opt to buy a spotting scope like the Celestron Ultima 80 on Amazon.

These are a lot more expensive compared with binoculars though, so if you are only a beginner, start with binoculars first. A spotting scope is only helpful for birds far away, such as out on a pond or seashore.

There are a few rules or guidelines you should abide by as an ethical birder. These are listed below.

  • Do not enter private lands without prior permission from landowners.
  • Follow all the rules in refuges and reserves, including cleaning up any garbage from your campsite.
  • Do not disturb birds on nests.
  • Do not use apps and play songs to call up birds when they are hungry, tired, and breeding during spring and summer.

Do you own these binoculars, or perhaps a different set? Let us know your recommendation in the comments!

Amy Connelly

As a little girl, I was fascinated by birds and liked to watch them in nature. This interest of mine has lasted until today, so I decided to create this website. This should be a place where all birdwatchers find anything and everything that they need for birdwatching.

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