Vortex Diamonback Tactical problem

[Elkman5]

I have a Vortex Diamonback Tactical and when it's zoomed out on low power you can't even see the crosshairs. They're clear when zoomed up but then everything in the background is blurry and its zoomed too far for closer range shots. Anybody else had this problem?

 

[CorbLand]

Is it first focal plane?

Rifle Scopes: First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane

If it’s First it Follows, If it’s Second it Stays A rifle scope’s reticle is placed in either the first focal plane (FFP) or the second focal plane (SFP). The main difference between the two options is how the reticle behaves when adjusting the scope’s magnification. An FFP rifle scope has a...

outdoorsmans.com

 

[JF_Idaho]

You have to adjust the diopter for the reticle and the focus/parallax for the distance you are shooting.

 

[flyfisher117]

Did you properly adjust the eyepiece first?

 

[doc holiday13]

Did you try asking this question in the optics section? Better yet maybe start with asking Vortex?

 

[Elkman5]

Did you properly adjust the eyepiece first?

Yes, doesn't get completely clear no matter what

 

[flyfisher117]

Yes, doesn't get completely clear no matter what

Then I would send it back to Vortex and try again. Unfortunately this is a common issue with cheap optics.

 

[alexnelon]

Big possibility that it's broken (Vortex) but in case it's not,

Set it to max magnification
Set parallax to infinity

Start with the diopter adjustment all the way in, and then briefly look through the scope at a white wall. If the reticle is not in focus, make 1/4 turn adjustments on the diopter and try again. Keep doing this (with like 15 second breaks between looking through the scope) until you have a crisp reticle and your eye doesn't have to adjust to see it clearly.

If you can't get it in focus, or it doesn't stay in focus through the full magnification range after doing this, congrats you get to experience that famous warranty the vortex fans always rave about.

 

[Elkman5]

Big possibility that it's broken (Vortex) but in case it's not,

Set it to max magnification
Set parallax to infinity

Start with the diopter adjustment all the way in, and then briefly look through the scope at a white wall. If the reticle is not in focus, make 1/4 turn adjustments on the diopter and try again. Keep doing this (with like 15 second breaks between looking through the scope) until you have a crisp reticle and your eye doesn't have to adjust to see it clearly.

If you can't get it in focus, or it doesn't stay in focus through the full magnification range after doing this, congrats you get to experience that famous warranty the vortex fans always rave about.

It's clear when I zoom up like that. But when its zoomed out you can barely see it at all.

 

[BLJ]

Which model of Diamondback Tactical?

What is the approximate distance that the target or object is that your looking at?

If it’s a first focal plane scope it sounds like that on low magnification the reticle is “disappearing” (hard to see on low mag like a lot of FFP scopes)
But when it’s adjusted to the highest magnification the parallax is t adjusted properly to match the distance.

Is your scope by chance a 6-24 and is the object that you’re using to test the clarity of the scope relatively close to you? Say 50-60 yards or less?

 

[Elkman5]

Which model of Diamondback Tactical?

What is the approximate distance that the target or object is that your looking at?

If it’s a first focal plane scope it sounds like that on low magnification the reticle is “disappearing” (hard to see on low mag like a lot of FFP scopes)
But when it’s adjusted to the highest magnification the parallax is t adjusted properly to match the distance.

Is your scope by chance a 6-24 and is the object that you’re using to test the clarity of the scope relatively close to you? Say 50-60 yards or less?

Yes it's the 6-24x50. At close range the reticle is very faint and can barely see it at all in the woods. When zoomed up though its clear, but the background is blurry

 

[BLJ]

Yes it's the 6-24x50. At close range the reticle is very faint and can barely see it at all in the woods. When zoomed up though its clear, but the background is blurry

Approximately what distance is the target?

 

[BLJ]

On that scope there should be a turret on the left side for parallax adjustments.
Try and set the parallax to roughly the distance you are from your target.

Meaning if the target you are looking at is 100 yards away, se the parallax adjustment knob that is on the left side to 100.

I believe it may be a combination of unfamiliarity with a first focal plane scope and parallax adjustment.

Just guessing but this kinda sounds like your problem. Hope this helps.

 

[Elkman5]

Probably 50 yards to the target I was looking at. I adjusted the parallax but it was still very faint unless I zoomed up pretty far, which you really dont need at only 50 yards. It's a brand new scope so maybe I just need to get used to it. Seems like it wouldn't be very good for hunting in the woods though.

On that scope there should be a turret on the left side for parallax adjustments.
Try and set the parallax to roughly the distance you are from your target.

Meaning if the target you are looking at is 100 yards away, se the parallax adjustment knob that is on the left side to 100.

I believe it may be a combination of unfamiliarity with a first focal plane scope and parallax adjustment.

Just guessing but this kinda sounds like your problem. Hope this hel

 

[BLJ]

Have you ever had a first focal plane scope before?

 

[Elkman5]

Have you ever had a first focal plane scope before?

No

 

[BLJ]

Not trying to sound rude.
But you may be dealing with an unfamiliarity with the characteristics of a first focal plane scope.

Not to say that it may not be functioning properly, but I would try and look at the reticles of some other FFP scopes to try and understand how the function.

Hope you work it out.

 

[wind gypsy]

Reticle size and reticle sharpness are two different things. Obviously its' going to get small/thin at low power but should still be sharp to the extent our eyes can see it.

If the OP has followed instructions from vortex for setting the diopter, understands how to use parallax knob, and understands that FFP reticle size changes with magnification, and still has issues with focus and reticle visibility - send it back.

Jumping ahead a bit - That scope is going to suck "in the woods" even if it's functioning properly.

 

[alexnelon]

Jumping ahead a bit - That scope is going to suck "in the woods" even if it's functioning properly.

Emphasizing this.

FFP with 6x minimum magnification = mega sucks for hunting
EBR reticle = sucks for hunting
no illumination = sucks for hunting
no zero stop = sucks in general
vortex durability = sucks in general

I'm not just hating, I have the 4-16 version of the same scope. It is not a hunting scope. It's an ok range scope for little kids to learn mils on a .22