Vortex Optics Diamondback 10x42 Roof Prism Binocular

Excellent in every way, and at this price... well, a bargain! I find the views bright, sharp, and completely without residual color fringing. The collimation seems perfect, so there is no eyestrain at all with prolonged viewing. The field of view is in good accurate sharp focus from the center of the field of view to edge of the field. The apparent field of view is huge, wide, and this heightens the perception of the 3-D effect that the binoculars give (it's clear that the eyepieces are a wide-field-of-view design-type). I also use the binocs for stargazing, and find the star images very sharp and without astigmatism or flaring, a stringent test for any optics! Viewing very bright objects such as the moon does not result in ghost images or multiple images: the anti-reflection coatings on all the optics and internal parts thus seem very efficient and effective. And I see no evidence of internal reflections from scattering when viewing bright objects: clean! The weight of the binocs is good, and not excessive, and they feel very solid; the focus control is easy and conveniently placed, and the variable diopter adjustment on the right-hand eyepiece is easy to adjust and it "stays put" once set, yet is always easy to re-adjust (say, when you hand the binocs to a friend with differing eyesight details). I'm very happy with these binocs, and will use them in all applications where 10x42mm binocs are appropriate, and especially in birding and Astronomy. I purchased a Vortex binocular Harness strap for easy carrying in the field, although the neck strap already included with the binocs is very fine and has a nice comfortably padded neck-piece cushion. The included binocular case is good, but my pair will spend most of its time out in the open and ready to use (read, "grab") in an instant. Again, this is a bargain and really a beautiful marriage of very high optical quality and mechanical design & implementation. Kudos!, Vortex. The 10 x 42mm Vortex Diamondback binocular is a hit with me, a retired Astronomer who appreciates fine optics and mechanism.

I hunt for deer, pig, bear and turkey. After using a Bushnell 10 x 50 binocular for several years, I was looking for something more compact, lighter in weight, easier to hold the image, and not as heavy. I researched various manufacturers for several months before selecting the Vortex Diamondback. I just needed to determine whether I wanted the 8x32, 10x42 or 10x50 model. I happened to be at a large catalog retailer store and checked out all three. For me, the 10x42 was exactly what I needed. I couldn't believe the clarity of the optics in the store. But as we all know, the proof comes when you are out in the field. I just returned from pig hunting at Lake Sonoma in California. I put these binoculars through their paces from pre-dawn to dark. I have to say I was able to clearly see movement at distance approximately 45 minutes before sunrise. Throughout the day I was continually amazed at the clarity and ease of use. I was bow hunting, and with my bow in my left hand and the binoculars on a chest harness I was able to effortlessly hold the image still and focus with my right index finger to search under every tree and every clump of manzanita for pigs. I also was able to clearly see detail at distance after sunset, when I could not see detail by eye. In my humble opinion I would say that the low light capability of these binoculars is really good--good enough for this 52 year old hunter that has worn glasses since age 16!!! I was able to comfortably use these binoculars with the eye piece cups in all positions. I tested this just to make sure. I did find that It is easier for me to keep the rubber eye piece and objective lens covers in my day pack, rather than deal with putting them on/taking them off multiple times per day. Once you set the diopter you are good to go, with no further adjustments needed, other than focus for varying distance. These binoculars even have a threaded connection for a tripod, if you need to use one. I had previously asked this question on Amazon and had received several replies saying it didn't have a threaded connection, but when you read the instructions included with the binoculars, you will see that all you have to do is unscrew the cap located below the focus wheel--and there it is. The binoculars come with a very comfortable neck strap, rubber objective and eyepiece covers, and a nice zippered storage case with shoulder strap. The case is large enough to accommodate the binoculars with the chest harness attached. The binoculars are both fog-proof and waterproof. I read another review on Amazon that said these binoculars aren't as good as some $600-$1,500 models. Well, I wouldn't know about that and it might be true, but as a blue collar hunter, I was able to purchase these binoculars for under $200 on Amazon (the vendor had a screamin' deal), and this put me in to a whole new world of hunting! More scanning, less hiking, and more meat on the table! One major reason I decided on the Vortex Diamondback binoculars over other manufacturers is their unconditional lifetime warranty. I saw other manufacturers had a "limited lifetime" warranty. For me, if a manufacturer is willing to stand behind their product 100% unconditionally, I will choose them over the other "limited lifetime" manufacturers--100% of the time. In closing, if you are a hunter or outdoorsman that needs a high quality pair of binoculars at a very reasonable price, I very highly recommend you take the time to evaluate the Vortex Diamondback 10x42 binoculars. You will be pleased you did---year after year, after year, after year!!!!!!!!!! I purchased these for myself for the upcoming Christmas, and I can tell you that after using these binoculars while hunting, this will be a Christmas to remember!! I am serious-if you are a blue collar hunter like me without a lot of money to spend, GET THESE GLASSES---you will be very happy you did!

I have owned many pairs of binoculars from very large astronomical binoculars to very compact ones and in between models over many different manufactures. These are the finest binoculars I have ever purchased. Compact, powerful, great light gathering power, just plan very fine optics. The right size for travel, so I am in Mazatlán Mexico watching whales from my 10th story balcony.

These are great binoculars. Focusing is quick and easy and they seem to stay in focus between uses. I like the 10x42 size as a good size for multiple uses, from wildlife, sports, and even observations of the moon and some planets (but you are not going to see Saturn's rings with 10x). The unconditional warranty is refreshing in this day of very limited warranties on practically everything. To compare, I had an issue with some Celestron binoculars that were shipped out of collimation. Celestron would not help since it had been more than 30 days from purchase. These are very comfortable binoculars. Not lightwight, but not too heavy to use all day. The lens caps stay on the binoculars (but out of the way) when open, which I think is a huge benefit and will, no doubt, result in keeping my binoculars in better condition, not to mention I won't loose the lens caps.. I like these so much that I now want an additional pair in a different size. I wear eyeglasses, no line tri-focals. I can use these binoculars while wearing my glasses with no problem. I just leave the eyecups flush with the eyepieces. If I do choose to take my glasses off to view, I just extend the eyecups for a great view. Either way seems to work well. It does seem that removing my eyeglasses does work better for low light (dusk, night viewing) because it reduces ambient light that leaks in from under my eyeglasses. If you need a good all-around pair of binoculars, then you should give serious consideration to these. They are a good size, with good light and magnification, a pleasure to use. They are well designed, high quality, and fairly priced. I guess you can tell that I am impressed. You will be too.

After reading MANY good reviews about the Diamond Backs I had to give them a try. I had actually purchased the Nikon Monarch 5 bino and couldn't loose the nagging feeling that the Diamond Backs were better and less expensive. The Diamond Backs have a very rugged look and feel them. They are light and feel good in the hand. The eye relief is decent but could be better for those who, like me, wear glasses. The hinge pivot was a little tight but nothing to complain about. The case that comes with the DBs is a soft shell clam type case. It looks nice but may be a bit harder to stow if your needing space because its not something you want to "crush". As far as the optics, they are good but not what I would call fantastic. There is clarity but not an impressive amount crisp definition or color "pop out". If you are coming from a $40 bino to these you'll probably be quite impressed. If you are comparing these to other mid-range binoculars, you probably won't be disappointed but not overly impressed either. Many reviewers in other forums preferred the DBs over Nikon Monarchs. Because of the dates on the posts, I really think that they were comparing older Monarchs to the DBs, maybe the Monarch 3 or ATB. As compared to the newer Monarch 5, the Diamond Backs don't measure up. However, in their price range the Diamond Backs are a good choice that I am sure many people would be satisfied with. The Nikon Monarch 5 is more expensive, but I feel like the extra quality was worth the cost. I returned the Diamond Backs after my field test. I was able to obtain a set of Vortex Talon HD binos and test them. The Talon's are far superior to the Diamond Backs in every way except weight and comfort. They are also $250 more. If you are on a budget, don't want to spend more than $300 on a pair of binoculars or have never had a quality pair of binos you will probably be happy with the Diamond Backs. If you are looking for the best in a mid-range bino and don't mind the added cost, I'd go for the Vortex Talon or Nikon Monarch 5 or 7 (there are others out there also but I have not used them). It really is best to test a pair of binos before you buy because, as with many things, what makes a good binocular is a matter of preference.

Bought it for bird watching and future hunting trips. Before buying the Vortex, the only scope i ever had was a Nikon Sportstar and it did served me well. Small, lightweight and compact but it seem to be lacking in clearity and i wanted to see out futher. So i bought the Vortex as an upgrade after going to bass pro shops and checking them out. Also went to my local gun store to check out the super expensive $1000 Germen binos with names like Zeiss and Swarovski. I couldn't even tell the difference from this scope and using the expensive ones. Amazon had the best price i can find them for so i bought it online. A big plus with Vortex is that came with nice accessories like the cover caps for the front and rear lens, neck strap and neoprene carrying case. Saves me money from having to buy those seperately. It has a very comfortable rubberized feel yet very solid and has a hefty weight to it. The thing feels like a tank and can take a beating. Dropped mine a few times from setting it down on a chair and once from having it on top of my car and forgetting that i put it up there. Still works like nothing happened. Best part is that i didn't have to spend a arm and a leg for a great set of optics. $1000 for binos is just plain rediculous when you can just buy these and are as good as the expensive ones. The wider view is also a big plus. Probably the biggest reason i choose this over another Nikon. People useally pay more for this but i was supprised to find out that this Vortex model had a wider feild of view compared to its competitors in the same price range. And the dipoter setting to match your eyes are also a great feature, espacillay those who doesn't have 20/20 vision on both eyes. Can't say enough good things about this bino. Well worth the money.

These vortex binoculars works very well. The magnification is great, the view is clear. I consider this product to be of good quality. I also like the color and weight.

Binoculars are my hobby. And have many. I say these are the best binoculars for the money and I have compared with most all of the competion. O and by the way these old generation new production 10x42s are as good as the new generation diamondbacks (but different), just a little more weight that has advantages Have the feeling they put even better optics in these older generation than the early production. And the life of the company warrenty is great of course.

These are as good as they say

Il Diamondback 10 x 42 della Vortex è un ottimo binocolo, ben costruito, robusto, ma leggero da trasportare. Con il gas interno anti appannamento. I 10 ingrandimenti sono la miglior soluzione per il birdwatching. La qualità ottica, rapportata al costo del binocolo, è eccezionale. La confezione è completa di cinghia morbida per il collo e borsa semi rigida per il trasporto. Uno strumento sicuro e affidabile ad un ottimo prezzo.

Mom loved it

Es ist zwar das „ alte“ Modell, aber zu dem Preis unschlagbar. Wir sind rundherum zufrieden.

Vortex Optics D241 Jumelles - very easy to use, very bright, feel lighter than expected, which is good when you are treking