Vortex Binocular Comparison

[ian_padron]

Can someone provide me with the differences between the Vortex Crossfire and Vortex Diamondback Binoculars? I'm looking to get a pair of 12x50s and was wondering how much of an upgrade the Diamondbacks are. Thanks in advance team!

[jackelope]

If they're both in your budget, I wouldn't even consider the Crossfires.
 

[Stein]

I had the Diamondbacks and ended up taking them back for the Talons.  I know it isn't the question you asked, but it really does make a huge difference if you can save up a few more bucks.

[bobcat]

If you're going with low end binos, you'd be better off getting 8x or 10x rather than 12.  The Diamondbacks are acceptable glass but I sure wouldn't get them in a 12x50. You'll be disappointed and need to replace them next year.

[ian_padron]

Thanks for the responses guys. Bobcat, what is it about the Diamondbacks in 12x50 you don't like. Glass quality, FOV, etc.

[JDHasty]

Tripod mounting is almost a must w/a 12 power binocular.  If you already have a serviceable pair of seven or eight then by all means consider a pair of 12s.  If it is to be you only pair of binoculars, I would think long and hard about it before I went with them over an eight or ten.

That being said, a twelve power may be right for your application, but please consider it very carefully and try to use a pair in the field for a day if at all possible before committing to them.   

[ian_padron]

I really appreciate that insight, the reason I am going with the 12x50s is that I wanted something that could pull double duty as I won't have a spotting scope for a while. I will be hunting mainly in the eastern cascades and plan on glassing more than still hunting. I like the idea of getting a tripod to pair them with though....

[JDHasty]

I really appreciate that insight, the reason I am going with the 12x50s is that I wanted something that could pull double duty as I won't have a spotting scope for a while. I will be hunting mainly in the eastern cascades and plan on glassing more than still hunting. I like the idea of getting a tripod to pair them with though....

Think about a pair of eights or tens with this http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-2x-binocular-doubler instead.  I am not saying it is going to be the best choice for you, but do consider it. 

Binoculars are for looking for game, a scope is for looking at game.  That's the old saying.  What is means is you need FOV and lack of eyestrain to glass for hours and then once you find something you need a scope to get "up close and personal" enough to really assess it. 

So, this may meet your needs. 

All of the above being said, we have a pair of Swarro 15x56 and when using them they rock.  But their utility is fairly limited.  That most certainly would not be my first choice if I had to pare our optics down to one pair of binoculars. 

Most big game is crepuscular, so most of the game finding is done at dusk and dawn.  I am concerned that 12x50 binoculars may not be the best choice for you.  Even going down to Cabela's, and if they have them in stock looking back into the laser shooting gallery with them, and comparing different binoculars is not going to be all that great way of making the best choice.   It is better than looking at a brightly lit retail floor, but it just doesn't get the job done when the job at hand is assessing low light effectiveness of one binocular vs another binocular.   

 

[toyman2]

I just got the Diamondback's, they are by far better than my old pair of Bino's.
The clarity is pretty nice compared to what I was use to, not that the old set was bad, these are just better.
I went with the 10x50 and am glad I did, everybody I talked to said the same about the 12x

[ian_padron]

I ended up going with the 12x50 Diamondbacks and have no complaints. The glass is clear clear clear, especially for my first pair of binos. I didn't think they were too shaky at all last weekend up in the Central Cascades, even after significant glassing, but I'm a pretty big guy. Will still probably get a tripod, but for the terrain I hunt in the extra mag. is worth its weight in gold.

[JDHasty]

Congratulations!

 All indications are that you did due diligence and made an informed decision after giving thoughtful consideration to what is right for you.  You have a binocular that meets your needs and Vortex will stand behind it for as long as you own it. 

[ian_padron]

Thanks JD, I appreciate the insight of everyone who chimed in tremendously

[huntingbaldguy]

Honestly, i own both 8x42 and 10x42 Diamondbacks.  The Crossfires weren't good at all imo, but even the Diamondbacks fall short of what i really want.  I just couldn't afford them at the time and needed another pair of binos for my wife.  IMO the best Diamondbacks are the 8x42.  If you go higher magnification than that you really see where the cost for high end optics come into play.