REVIEW – VORTEX BINOCULARS

Vortex Diamondback binoculars with the Vanguard neck strap fitted

To start , these binoculars feel like a quality product , well designed and sleek. The rubber armour feels solid and secure and you feel like you have a strong comfortable grip whilst in use. In addition the rubber armour provides a sense of protection , you get the feel these binoculars are made to last, which is backed up by an unlimited life warranty. I really like the adjustable eyecups, they simply twist up and down offering a custom fit , making viewing more comfortable , with or without spectacles. The focus dial is large and easy to adjust even with wet cold hands ! Again the right eye diopter adjusts easily and is also easy to grip, providing adjustments for individual users.

I have replaced the neck strap with Vanguard’s VEO Optic Guard Neck Strap – Black , available from WEX for around £25.00 I think the Vanguard strap offers a little bit more comfort , plus I like the quick release feature , handy for when a strap gets in the way .

Now for some technical talk , the Diamondback utilises roof prisms to enable its compact size. As mentioned the binoculars are covered in an armoured rubber coating and the exterior lenses have a coating of ArmorTek , which it’s claimed helps to prevent damage from scratches, fingerprints and corrosive salts. O-ring seals guard against dust and moisture and the binoculars are fog proof thanks to the argon gas purging. They also boast anti reflective coating on all air to glass surfaces , which helps to increase light transmission.

The Diamondback range includes various model sizes , I decided to order the 10 x 50 model. They offer 10 x magnification, big enough for bird watching and still comfortable hand held. The object lens size is 50mm offering lots of light to enter. ( see the buying guide ) I have to admit I found them heavy at first , at 852g they are a lot bigger than my old pair but after changing the neck strap , now it’s not a problem . There is some colour fringing when spotting birds and you might noticed yellow hues on the bark of trees. However I think the performance is excellent when you consider the price.

Whether you’re an experienced bird watcher looking to enhance your viewing experiences and want a good value, or are seeking your first pair of binoculars and want something high-quality that won’t break the bank, I think the Vortex Diamondback HD 10×50 is a fantastic choice.

In the box:

Vortex Diamondback HD binoculars , eyepiece covers , tethered lens covers , neck strap and case.