I had a friend ask me to find a replacement for the "binoculars" she owns. I've looked thru her binoculars...they are TERRIBLE. I really don't see how they are of any use at all...but she uses them. So I set out on a quest to find her something better with the stipulation it has to fit in her purse. Really ANYTHING was going to beat what she HAS so this was going to be pretty easy. I looked around for some of the smallest, lightest 8X32s I could find that weren't too expensive....I came up with the new model Vortex Diamondback 8X32s. As the norm, I gave them a little once over before she gets them.
Vortex products have a good reputation and quite a following. I have owned a few of their binoculars namely Vortex Viper HD 8X42/8X32 and Vortex Razor HD 8X42, all nice, well made products. The Vortex Diamondback 8X32 retails for $189.99 and I've adjusted my expectations to that price point. Upon opening the box and initial examination the Diamondback 8X32 seem to follow in that theme. Construction seems to be fine. Focus adjustment is good with a VERY slight, not really worth mentioning amount of take-up in the focus. SLIGHT and it's really fine. Diopter adjustment is done on the right ocular and it functions properly as well. I put them on my scale, 15.7 ounces. That's really pretty LIGHT. They measure 4.4 inches long. That's small and light for 8X32s, PERFECT. So far, so good.
Time for a little viewing... I walk out to the front porch and do a little scanning around with the Diamondbacks. It's a pretty good image. Not too bad but not on the same level of the Eagle Optics Denali 8X42s I have. I hold the binoculars out from me a little bit and look at the oculars.....internal reflections/false pupils are easily visible. That's a bummer. It appears that's where the cost saving went. It makes me wonder if ALL of these binoculars are as such?? I'm thinking they probably are.
In conclusion on this very SHORT review... If these were going to be mine, back they'd go. Still debating that. A little too much compromise on optics for me to be pleased, even at this price point. I wouldn't re-buy OR recommend. Otherwise most that purchase these will likely be pleased because it will likely be a step up from what they are currently using or have adjusted their expectations accordingly.
Below is a picture of the oculars where the internal reflections are plainly visible and the Diamondback next to the Conquest HD and the Victory FL just for size comparison.
Vortex products have a good reputation and quite a following. I have owned a few of their binoculars namely Vortex Viper HD 8X42/8X32 and Vortex Razor HD 8X42, all nice, well made products. The Vortex Diamondback 8X32 retails for $189.99 and I've adjusted my expectations to that price point. Upon opening the box and initial examination the Diamondback 8X32 seem to follow in that theme. Construction seems to be fine. Focus adjustment is good with a VERY slight, not really worth mentioning amount of take-up in the focus. SLIGHT and it's really fine. Diopter adjustment is done on the right ocular and it functions properly as well. I put them on my scale, 15.7 ounces. That's really pretty LIGHT. They measure 4.4 inches long. That's small and light for 8X32s, PERFECT. So far, so good.
Time for a little viewing... I walk out to the front porch and do a little scanning around with the Diamondbacks. It's a pretty good image. Not too bad but not on the same level of the Eagle Optics Denali 8X42s I have. I hold the binoculars out from me a little bit and look at the oculars.....internal reflections/false pupils are easily visible. That's a bummer. It appears that's where the cost saving went. It makes me wonder if ALL of these binoculars are as such?? I'm thinking they probably are.
In conclusion on this very SHORT review... If these were going to be mine, back they'd go. Still debating that. A little too much compromise on optics for me to be pleased, even at this price point. I wouldn't re-buy OR recommend. Otherwise most that purchase these will likely be pleased because it will likely be a step up from what they are currently using or have adjusted their expectations accordingly.
Below is a picture of the oculars where the internal reflections are plainly visible and the Diamondback next to the Conquest HD and the Victory FL just for size comparison.