Vortex Diamondback Review
Having a good quality rifle scope is something that no hunter can do without. It’s the only way to make progress and improve your hunting skills. This is why we always recommend looking for a scope that offers a variety of hunting applications. Technically, this isn’t a difficult task because new models are introduced to the market every day.
As for Vortex, it’s been known for offering affordable yet functional scopes. Although the Diamondback stays an entry-level scope, it’s one of Vortex’s most popular scopes, merely because of the great value it provides.
Overview
Vortex Diamondback is an excellent choice for those who want to save some cash but still want to get reliable performance. It’s about $30 – $50 less than the previous Crosshair II model, even though it offers more tactical advancements and better construction.
It’s suitable for medium-range hunting as it has a magnification power of 4-12X40mm. The focus is sharp and clear, and you can adjust it to avoid parallax. Diamondback is a second focal plane (SFP) scope, and the turret is user-friendly.
Vortex Diamondback – Full Review
Design
The Diamondback is made of aircraft-grade aluminum that gives it its sturdiness. Although the majority might expect it to be a little heavy, it’s relatively lightweight (14.6 oz) despite the aluminum body.
Moreover, it features an anodized finish and comes with O-ring seals. This doesn’t only make it shockproof, but also it makes it resistant to poor environmental conditions like rain and fog.
The glass used to make the lens is multi-coated so as to extend durability. Additionally, it comes in a second focal plane, which offers more clarity and a brighter image, especially in the dark.
Magnification
The Vortex Diamondback comes with a 4-12X magnification, in addition to the Precision Glide Erector System we mentioned earlier. The system is made up of several units that are specially designed for a smoother transition between magnification powers. It also ensures a hassle-free experience with different temperatures, stress cracking, as well as friction-induced wear.
As for parallax correction, it’s factory-set at 100 yards. The scope doesn’t feature any specific technology to deal with parallax. However, you can adjust the objective lens according to the yardage so as to minimize parallax. Generally, most users don’t find it problematic and can make excellent use of the scope by just adjusting the lens.
Measurements
The tube of the scope is 12.8 inches long, whereas the objective lens is 40mm. Considering that the Diamondback comes with a 4-12X magnification power, such measurements make it more suitable for mid-range targets, whether you’re using it for hunting, law enforcement, or even recreational sports that include shooting at distance targets.
Eye-Relief
Unfortunately, the eye-relief is a bit short on the Diamondback scope. It’s limited to 32.4 – 11.3 feet at 100 yards. You’ll probably struggle with it a little; however, it’s expected for such an affordable optical accessory.
Reticle
The reticle of the Vortex Diamondback adds more value to the scope as it’s way more advanced for the price range. Actually, you can choose between two reticle options. The first is a dead-hold BDC and the second is a V-Plex. Each gives the user a different advantage than the other, and hence, makes a more suitable option in certain circumstances.
Hunters that shoot at varying distances benefit the most from the dead-hold BDC as it’s better for windage and elevation corrections. Accordingly, this type of reticle is more preferred in situations where the holdover interferes with accuracy. It utilizes a Long Range Ballistics Calculator in reference to your setup to help you drop your bullets with more precision.
On the other hand, the V-Plex is the simpler, all-purpose reticle that you can use when you have no fear of wind drift for bird watching or other purposes that don’t require shooting at a target.
Lastly, the SFP ensures that the size of the reticle doesn’t change while aiming at targets placed at longer distances. This helps the shooter maintain a clear image with higher magnification.
Turrets
The turrets of the Diamondback are user-friendly as they’re all capped. This minimizes any chances of accidentally readjusting them to different measurements while you’re using the scope. Additionally, you can re-index the turrets using a zero-reset option. This feature comes in handy for shooters who shoot and variable distances and need to keep readjusting their sights and continuously go back to zero demarcation.
Warranty
Another thing that makes the Diamondback of great value is that it comes with Vortex Important Promise (VIP). Thus, if your scope was damaged or if it came with any defects, you can either fix it or replace it without paying any extra money.
Moreover, this warranty is unlimited, so you can use it for as long as you have the scope. This is great because you won’t need to keep the proof of purchase as an indicator of the start and end dates of your warranty; the possession of the scope is all it takes for Vortex to take care of it.
User’s Reviews on Amazon
Most customers seem to enjoy this incredible scope that outfits different rifles and offers an outstanding performance that resembles the performance of other high-end scopes like Leupold. Also, compared to other sub-$200 scopes, the Diamondback provides the highest accuracy, and the BCD reticle is of great use at 200 – 500-yard shooting. As expected, the only thing customers have struggled with is the eye-relief, which again, comes as no surprise.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a pocket-friendly, variable, and durable scope, then the Vortex Diamondback should be at the top of your list. It’s a convenient and reliable option to opt for, and even though it remains an entry-level scope, as highlighted through our review, it has a lot to put on the table.
