Vortex Diamondback

[Hunter mike]

Pulled the trigger on a set of these today!

So far, I'm very impressed.  I spent about an hour comparing several different brands - Nikon, Bushnell, Alpen.

I did a side-by side shootout (1 on 1) of each pair of binos in my price range.  I purposely tried to forget which bino was in which hand and switched it around a lot.  The Vortex easily outperformed everything else in my pricerange.  I had walked in expecting to purchase a pair of Nikon Monarch 3's on sale for $200.  They were the front-runners until I picked up the Vortex and then they couldn't compete. 

The salesman then gave me a set of Monarch 5's ($230 on sale, I think).  They were very comparable to the Diamonbacks, but I couldn't put them better in any particular catergory.  So the Vortex won out on being a couple bucks cheaper and a more solid warranty and customer service.  I couldn't fault either set of Nikons, but the Vortex were noticably better than the 3's and equal or beter than the 5's.

I'll be pounding the timber in the rain for several days coming up, so I'll report back on their performance.

[WonkyWapiti]

I have a pair of Nikon Monarch's and although I like them the thing that really irked me about them is that the moveable eye pieces suck.  One of mine got misaligned off of it's rotating threads and got stuck just like I've read in other reviews.  I'm really interested in possibly picking up some 10 by 42 Vortex's. 

[Cuda]

I just went through this comparison between the Nikon Monarch and Vortex Diamondbacks last week. The Nikon's edged the Vortex out (barely) but for the sale price I couldn't pass them up. I really liked the Vortex pair and considering that Cabelas has a 60 day return policy, I may go back for them if the Monarch's don't live up to their reputation. Good luck and if you like them let us know.

[cem3434]

IMO, Vortex are better than Nikons in the similar price ranges across the board. I use a pair of Leicas,  but have Vortex Diamondbacks as a backup in my truck. They are very good glass for the price.

[Cascade]

I saved up a bunch of Cabelas gift cards and applied my Cabelas points last fall and did the comparisons as well.  I ended up with a pair of 10 x 42 vortex hd's.  I absolutely love them.  I think that you made the right choice!   

[BOWHUNTER45]

I had my nikkons for about 6 yrs now and they fogged up on me the other day ,, inside - not out  I will never buy another pair again !!!! COME TO THINK ABOUT IT  The eye piece on mine never worked right to begin with ...one time it totally unscrewed from the Binos ...Yeah they may end up left at the next stump I decide to stop by ...

[bobcat]

I got a pair of 10x42 Vortex Diamondbacks a couple years ago for $119 from Camera Land. Been pretty happy with them, for the price. I'd love to upgrade to Leica or Swarovski, but that's not in the cards for a long, long time. These seem to be doing the job, and I like that they have a warranty as good as Leupold.

[BOWHUNTER45]

I got a pair of 10x42 Vortex Diamondbacks a couple years ago for $119 from Camera Land. Been pretty happy with them, for the price. I'd love to upgrade to Leica or Swarovski, but that's not in the cards for a long, long time. These seem to be doing the job, and I like that they have a warranty as good as Leupold.

I never was much on these Higher brand items ...unless you have alot of money to burn  I have a couple Bushnell Banner scopes that have been around for 30 + yrs and never fogged up on me and still shoot dots until today ... think I may get those New Bios they just came out with ! and the way i loose things I sure do not need a pair of Leicas or Swarovski 

[bobcat]

I got a pair of 10x42 Vortex Diamondbacks a couple years ago for $119 from Camera Land. Been pretty happy with them, for the price. I'd love to upgrade to Leica or Swarovski, but that's not in the cards for a long, long time. These seem to be doing the job, and I like that they have a warranty as good as Leupold.

I never was much on these Higher brand items ...unless you have alot of money to burn  I have a couple Bushnell Banner scopes that have been around for 30 + yrs and never fogged up on me and still shoot dots until today ... think I may get those New Bios they just came out with ! and the way i loose things I sure do not need a pair of Leicas or Swarovski 

I agree, I'd hate to lose a $1500 pair of binos, but my Diamondbacks, wouldn't be the end of the world. I also beat the crap out of them, they go with me everywhere, and I don't have to baby them. I'm not sure I'd even want the high dollar binos for over here in the rain, mud, and brush.

[elkhunter107]

I'm with bobcat, i also own diamondbacks, 12x50's. I love them, beat them, crossed under water with them, froze them on a hunt and they always perform! i owned an original pair of Vortex years ago, last year the left eyeglass was foggy, i sent them in and they sent me a brand new pair of diamondbacks with no questions asked!!! that is 100% customer service right there and they paid via fedex label for all shipping to and from For what i use them for, i don't need higher end glass, i have friends with 15x65 Leicas (1 mile is no problem counting horns) but for $2600 i can get lots of great gear. Everyone has their own opinion but mine stands solid with Vortex for now

[Deep Forks]

I have Vortex Razor HD and they are fantastic, the Vortex Viper HD are also awesome.  The only way they're not warranteed is if you lose them.    Best prices I've found is Camera Land NY or The Outdoorsman in Arizona.

[Reesedw]

I Just got a pair of the Votex Diamondbacks in Oct. LOVE them.. Went Coyote hunting Thanksgiving weekend, the first chance to use them. They are amazing. My buddy has Swaro's at dusk I could see as good if not better with mine. I was able pick out antlers on a spike where the others you were not sure at about 300yds.. Mind you a small spike.. I am thoroughly impressed.. China, Zimbabwe, Goatscrewastan, I don't care, for the price I do not think they can be beat, and then throw in the warranty.. I'm good..

[Elknut1]

Just a note here, but any interested in Vortex Optics please give us a shot, we generally will beat any Advertised price & most non-advertised prices or Specials. It won't hurt to ask! Feel free to PM me or email me at elknut@elknut.com  Thanks!

  ElkNut1

[WilliamIV]

Just a note here, but any interested in Vortex Optics please give us a shot, we generally will beat any Advertised price & most non-advertised prices or Specials. It won't hurt to ask! Feel free to PM me or email me at elknut@elknut.com  Thanks!

  ElkNut1

If you guys are goung to get Vortex's, You should really go through Elknut1 (Paul). I bought a pair of diamondbacks for $190 from him and they only took two days to get to me! I would/will buy from him again. No hesitation. Thanks Paul!

[Intruder]

IMO, Vortex are better than Nikons in the similar price ranges across the board. I use a pair of Leicas,  but have Vortex Diamondbacks as a backup in my truck. They are very good glass for the price.
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Lifetime warranty to boot.