Vortex Diamondback 8×42 Review

The device has 8 times magnification with a 42mm diameter objective lens.

One of the reasons for choosing an 8 power binocular is that it gives you more stability than a 10 power binocular. The more you magnify the image more the shakiness increases.

If you are going to hunt at greater distances and where you can make the binoculars rest on the stand, then use the 10x, otherwise, go with the 8x.

If you have chosen the 8x42 for the 10x42’s due to eye relief, which is important for an eyeglass wearer than let me tell you Vortex Diamondback 8x42 binoculars won’t disappoint you.

The binoculars come with an appropriate 17mm eye relief. Even If you are a person wearing glasses, you would feel comfortable in glassing through these Diamondbacks 8X42.

Also, The field of view is huge and stands one of the best in its class which is 393ft. You would be equally comfortable in scanning through long distances quickly with wide FOV.

The vortex 8x42 has less magnification than the 10x42’s but the binocular produces brighter images. The extra magnification compromises the light gathering ability in 10x42 than the 8x42.

The lenses are fully coated with dielectric coating and have optimum light reflectivity.

The prisms are fully multicoated and are phase-corrected which gives a clear and bright illumination.

I used the binoculars at dusk and the view seems to be bright and sharp with detail.

The Diamondback range is not fitted with ED(Extra-low dispersion) glass but in general daily use, you would notice little color washing.

Chromatic aberration is evident in certain light conditions particularly at the edge of the field of view. However, It is not too distracting.

Overall, the Image seems to be crisp, sharp and natural with these diamondbacks with negligible distortions.

The binocular feels very sleek and well carved in your hands.

Rugged rubber armor coating on a magnesium chassis makes the binoculars sturdy, solid and well built.

The right sized and shaped binocular barrels helps in easy gripping with your hands. Also, the thumbs feel well stuck in the ribbed area on the green rubber armor.

Located on right eyepiece the diopter knob adjusts aptly for differences in a user’s eyes although they are not lockable.

Adjustable tapered eyecups twist up and down for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses. Although, Personally I felt Vortex could improve upon on eyecups for the future versions.

The prism inside is of Schmidt-Pechan roof prism arrangement which is phase coated. The prism is made of BaK-4 glass and is multicoated.

The Binoculars come with an O-ring sealed body for waterproof performance. Argon gas purging makes the device fog proof too. You can use the binoculars even in harsh Alaskan weathers with confidence.

The Diamondback 8X42 model comes with a deluxe molded hard carrying case, protective covers for lenses, 2 carrying pouches one for device and one for the hard case, Rainguard, user manual, and a good cleaning cloth.

Weighing only 21.8 ounces, the binocular feels light and compact in hands. You can carry around these binoculars all day easily without feeling strain.

The binoculars are compatible with a tripod adapter, allowing use on a tripod or car window mount.

Let me tell you, I really like amazing Vortex VIP unconditional lifetime warranty.

Vortex promises to repair or replace defective or damaged products, absolutely free. No matter the cause. The only exceptions are lost, deliberately damaged or stolen items.

Surprisingly, sometimes quality control can fail even at Vortex and you can expect to use that warranty sooner or later.

The binocular feels very sleek and well carved in your hands.

Rugged rubber armor coating on a magnesium chassis makes the binoculars sturdy, solid and well built.

The right sized and shaped binocular barrels helps in easy gripping with your hands. Also, the thumbs feel well stuck in the ribbed area on the green rubber armor.

Located on right eyepiece the diopter knob adjusts aptly for differences in a user’s eyes although they are not lockable.

Adjustable tapered eyecups twist up and down for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses. Although, Personally I felt Vortex could improve upon on eyecups for the future versions.

The prism inside is of Schmidt-Pechan roof prism arrangement which is phase coated. The prism is made of BaK-4 glass and is multicoated.

The Binoculars come with an O-ring sealed body for waterproof performance. Argon gas purging makes the device fog proof too. You can use the binoculars even in harsh Alaskan weathers with confidence.

The Diamondback 8X42 model comes with a deluxe molded hard carrying case, protective covers for lenses, 2 carrying pouches one for device and one for the hard case, Rainguard, user manual, and a good cleaning cloth.