Vortex DiamondBack 4x12x40

[Ray]

I picked up this scope a few weeks back : http://www.vortexoptics.com/riflescopes/view/vortex_diamondback_4-12x40_(black_matte)

I'd say that in a nutshell the glass is not as good as a Leupold VX-II but this is better than VX-I glass and comes much cheaper. At first I believed that I would dislike the long turning radius of the magnification knob but in practice I ended up preferring this over the smaller designs such as on Leupold scopes. One thing that I preferred as well on this Vortex DiamondBack was that the turning knobs for zeroing were capable of being moved with my fingers instead of a screwdriver or other projectile. I have the VPlex Reticle....

Considering the warranty I think that this is a good product for the money. Too bad it's not made in the United States... but neither are my Nikon Monarch binoculars. If faced to buy a VX-I or a Vortex Diamondback I would choose Vortex first. In fact I was originally considering a VX-II but ended up with this DiamondBack instead... I have not looked at any other Vortex Scopes except for this one. Durability is untested but there is no reason to believe it would not be a sturdy product.

I have owned this product:
Less than 90 days

Scopes I currently have:
Leupold VX-II 4x12x50AO
Leupold VX-I 3x9x40
Tasco 2x9x40
Leupold FX-II 2x20

[Head-shot]

Looks like a pretty nice set up. And the price isn't too bad either. With all the money you saved you can buy A tank of gass to get out somewhere to use it.

[Ray]

With all the money you saved you can buy A tank of gass to get out somewhere to use it.

I drive a 2.0 liter. I think I might be able to get about 5 or 6 tanks. 

[smdave]

Did you get the v-plex or the BDC reticle?

Dave

[Ray]

V-plex

[Elknut1]

  Ray, great review there! I found nearly the same things in difference as you did, except I felt the VX-ll was neck & neck with the Diamondback. I agree the VX-l is a good scope but felt the Diamondback edged it out! The VX-ll sells for 419.00 though where the Diamondback is just under 200.00 If you'd like to compare the next Vortex one up in the price range of the VX-ll that would be the Viper Scope, it's awesome, of course you's expect me to say that, (grin) but it really is! It's 429.00 There's a noticeable difference!
  Ray, did you compare your VX-ll in 4X12X50 to the Diamondback 4X12X40 if so then I could see where you would give it the nod. I compared the Diamondback to the same 4X12X40 VX-ll

  The big thing I notice about the Vortex Scopes is the eye relief, the field of full view is not easily lost when rifle is shouldered. It comes up nice & it doesn't matter if you move your eye an inch up or back from the scope, the full field of view stays wide open where the VX series does not, it gets shadowed on the edges quickly & you get that tunnel vision effect. I personally would not like that on moving critters before I shot. But to each his own! Not trying to sway anyone but this has been my findings in my comparisons.

  ElkNut1

[bucklucky]

Can you get target turrets on those Vortex scopes?

[Elknut1]

 Bucklucky, I believe this is what you're referring too? Both the Diamonbacks & Viper Scopes have this feature.
  http://www.audubonbinoculars.com/riflescopes/view/vortex-diamondback-3.5-10x50-riflescope-dead-hold-bdc-reticle

  Check it out & see if this is what you mean?

  ElkNut1

[Ray]

I think he's talking about big knobs for windage and elevation.

[Coasthunterjay]

GO LEUPOLD!!! 

     

just messin...............lol

[Elknut1]

 Ahh hah!! (grin) You see I'm not a know it all !!!!! Thanks Ray!

  If I now understand what you're asking, the knob for adjustments in sighting in are easily turned by hand one click at a time, no need for a screwdriver or coin! Is this what you mean?

  ElkNut1

[bucklucky]

Nope, they are external knobs that have numbers and marks on them for dialing into you ranged distance. So if your target is 625 yards you twist the knob to 625 yards and hold dead on. I hope that makes sence. Just wanted to know if that is an option with those scopes.

[Ray]

That is not on my scope.

This scope has that sort of thing though. http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0043015712760a.shtml

It seems to be that you would need a different knob for different calibers.

[KillBilly]

I picked up this scope a few weeks back : http://www.vortexoptics.com/riflescopes/view/vortex_diamondback_4-12x40_(black_matte)

I'd say that in a nutshell the glass is not as good as a Leupold VX-II but this is better than VX-I glass and comes much cheaper. At first I believed that I would dislike the long turning radius of the magnification knob but in practice I ended up preferring this over the smaller designs such as on Leupold scopes. One thing that I preferred as well on this Vortex DiamondBack was that the turning knobs for zeroing were capable of being moved with my fingers instead of a screwdriver or other projectile. I have the VPlex Reticle....

Considering the warranty I think that this is a good product for the money. Too bad it's not made in the United States... but neither are my Nikon Monarch binoculars. If faced to buy a VX-I or a Vortex Diamondback I would choose Vortex first. In fact I was originally considering a VX-II but ended up with this DiamondBack instead... I have not looked at any other Vortex Scopes except for this one. Durability is untested but there is no reason to believe it would not be a sturdy product.

I have owned this product:
Less than 90 days

Scopes I currently have:
Leupold VX-II 4x12x50AO
Leupold VX-I 3x9x40
Tasco 2x9x40
Leupold FX-II 2x20

Great review Ray. After reading it I called Paul and ordered a Viper. I'll post a review after wringing it out.

[bucklucky]

I got on the Vortex site and the Viper 6.5-20x44@50 said they had the tall turrets , target style. I wish they had a picture of the turrets with the cap off so I can see what it looks like. Sounds like what I am looking for, but not sure.