Vortex Diamondback HD 8×42 Review
Vortex diamondback binoculars have a reputation for pushing the limits of optical performance and the HD 8×42 model is no exemption. Vortex Diamondback HD 8×42 utilizes BAK4 prisms with fully multi-coated glass, which all in all ensures that optimum light passes through the binoculars.
Furthermore, this pair of binocular smashes the scale of price vs performance, to deliver a rock-solid optic that optically punches high above its class. It’s also versatile and lightweight.
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Specifications
- Magnification-8x
- Objective Lens Diameter- 42 mm
- Weights 21.8 oz
- Close Focus- 5 feet
- Eye Relief-17 mm
- Field of View -Linear 393 feet/1000 yards, Angular 7.5 degrees
- Exit Pupil-5.25 mm
- Interpupillary Distance 55-73 mm
- Dimensions-Height 5.7 inches, Width 5.1 inches
Optical Features
- Fully Multi-Coated Lenses enhance optimum light transmission even under low light conditions. The anti-reflective coatings are applied on all air to glass surfaces result in the production of bright and clear target views regardless of the lighting condition. This is an important feature for hunters who prefer to hunt at dawn or dusk.
- HD optical system is optimized with selected glass elements to deliver outstanding resolution, minimize chromatic aberration and deliver outstanding color fidelity, superior edge-to-edge image sharpness, and light transmission.
- Multi-layer prism coatings provide bright and clear target images full of color accuracy. This feature is important for those in need of a quality pair of binoculars for bird watching.
- Armortek lens coating creates a scratch-resistant lens cover that protects exterior lenses from scratches, corrosive materials, and dirt. This coating also sheds off fingerprints and oil to provide the user with clear target views.
- Versatile 8x zoom range brings faraway targets closer while the 42mm objective lens gathers optimum light need to produce bright and clear target views full of color contrast.
- 8 degrees field of view.
Construction Features
- Rubber armor provides an ergonomic, non-slip grip that stays in place even when it’s raining. It also provides durable external protection in case of accidental falls.
- Naturally contoured to perfectly fit your hands, promoting comfort and eliminating user fatigue.
- Large focusing knob that is simple to use even when wearing gloves.
- Durable and shockproof construction withstands impact and heavy recoil
- Waterproof and shockproof. All vortex binoculars are made to deliver waterproof and shockproof performance. Vortex uses Argon gas instead of nitrogen when replacing the air inside the optics. This prevents any fogging and is considered slightly better than nitrogen. Being O-ring sealed too provides 100% waterproofing, which when coupled with the dark green rubber armoring offers protection against all weathers.
- With a roof prism design, this optic is valued for greater durability and a more compact and lightweight size. This is an essential feature to consider for those looking to minimize weight. By being lightweight, they get to carry it around the fields without feeling like they are being weighed down. The lightweight construction also adds a certain level of comfort, making one-handed use fairly easy.
- Aluminum alloy construction withstands harsh impacts and terrain to ensure that the scope lasts long. Aluminum construction also ensures that the scope is lightweight.
Convenience Features
- Adjustable eyecups twist up and down for snug viewing for people who put on eyeglasses. The adjustable eyecups also provide customized eye relief.
- The right eye diopter system isn’t lockable but similarly to the eyecups, stays in position positively when set and is less likely to be accidentally moved.
- Tripod adaptable. For hands-free use or the steadies view, the binocular can be mounted on a tripod using the separately sold tripod adapter. This is feature is important if you engage yourself in long viewing sessions.
- The Center focus wheel enables you to adjust the focus of both binoculars simultaneously.
- The neck strap provides a comfortable way to carry the optic whenever in the field.
- Glass Pak binocular harness stores and protects your binocular while keeping them close at hand for quick and simple deployment. For added security against accidental drops, tethers attach to the binocular while the fully adjustable straps provide and snug fit.
Vortex Diamondback HD 10×42 Binoculars Advantages
- Relatively affordable.
- Reliable optical performance.
- High versatility.
- High-definition optical performance.
- Worry-free all-weather reliability.
- Lightweight and easy to use.
- A wide field of view.
Vortex Diamondback HD 8×42 Binoculars FAQs
Q: What’s the Difference Between 10×42 and 8×42 Vortex Binoculars?
A: The objective lens is the same and the main difference arises with the different zoom range. The 8×42 model boasts a very wide field of view of 8 degrees and with such a wide field of view, you get wide picture views with a very good level of detail.
Q: Which is better 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars?
A: While the 8×32 binocular model has a larger exit pupil with similar light-gathering capabilities to the 10×42, the twilight factor of the 10×42 is better. The good thing about this twilight factor is that it gives you an idea of image clarity which is easily resolved when in low light conditions.
Q: Are vortex diamondback HD 10×42 binoculars any good?
A: Yes. They are brilliantly sharp, easy to focus and their brightness and contrast are equally as good as high-end optics from other brands. They provide good resolution in low light conditions and for the price, they are really worth the investment.
Conclusion
The wide field of view plus the large exit pupil makes vortex diamondback 8×42 the best all-around binocular. By being lightweight, this pair of binocular is easy to carry around and better yet the small and compact size easily fits in a coat pocket. With multiple benefits at hand, investing in this pair of binoculars is worth it.
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