Vortex Diamondback HD

[slimpikens]

Was wondering if anyone has experience with the regular diamondbacks and the HD version. I’ve had the regular set 10x42 but couldn’t get the very clear for me was thinking the HD might be clearer. Thanks

 

[gr8fuldoug]

If I make a suggestion.... We have the Athlon Optics Cronus 10x42 Binocular on sale for only $319.99 and it's superior to the Viper HD. While we have inventory at this low price it's a best buy under $500.00

• E2ES System- Edge 2 Edge Sharpness system: E2ES System is a field flattening system that produces sharper, clearer images all the way from one lens edge to the other
• ED Glass- High definition glass: ED glass gives you an image with little or no chromatic fringe so the final result brings a clearer and sharper image to your eyes
• ESP Dielectric Coating- Enhanced Spectral Prism Dielectric Coating: ESP Dielectric Coating is a multi layer prism coating that reflects over 99% of the light to your eyes bringing you a clear, bright image that displays accurate color reproduction.
• Lightweight Magnesium Chassis: Magnesium chassis give you the strength of a metal chassis while reducing the weight as much as 35%
• XPL Coating- Xtra Protective Layer coating: XPL Coating gives you an extra protection on the exterior lenses from dirt, oil and scratches
• Phase Corrected prisms: Phase corrected prisms produce images that have better contrast, a higher resolution and better color reproduction
• BaK4 prisms: Bak-4 glass prisms reflect more light to your eyes which will give you brighter and sharper image.
• Advanced FMC: Advanced Fully Multi-Coated lenses gives you better light transmission to bring optimum brightness and true color across the entire light spectrum.
• Locking Diopter: Locking Diopter keeps the diopter adjustment knob from accidentally moving from the optimal setting
• Long Eye Relief: Long eye relief can be particularly important for eyeglass wearers because longer eye relief allows them to still see the entire field of view.
• Close Focus: Close focus is important for those who are nature observers and especially important if you are going to watch butterflies or insects
• Twist Up Eyecups: Twist up eyecups with intermediate stops allow you to set the eyecups to the ideal eye relief for you eyes
• Waterproof: Waterproof to protects the binocular in the harshest weather conditions or if accidentally submerged underwater
• Argon Purged: Argon purging gives you better waterproofing and thermal stability

 

[BigLebowski]

I think the whole HD thing is marketing i own both and don't think the hd's are any clearer and they didn't raise the price On the hd's so how much better could they really be. I do notice the marketing is working though when I see guys put up the regular version of diamondbacks for sale On here they can't give them away. If you market a set of binoculars today you definitely want a HD or ED or UHD or some sort of acronym on them consumers to just for that.

 

[JRMiller]

Diamondbacks dont have ED glass so I wouldn't recommend them.
IMO ED glass is a minimum standard for hunters.
I would consider the Meopta Optika for your price range. I just finished comparing them (in hand) to four other binos in that category and it was the winner in brightness, sharpness, and in lower light situations it really stood out.

 

[kkoerperich]

I think the whole HD thing is marketing i own both and don't think the hd's are any clearer and they didn't raise the price On the hd's so how much better could they really be. I do notice the marketing is working though when I see guys put up the regular version of diamondbacks for sale On here they can't give them away. If you market a set of binoculars today you definitely want a HD or ED or UHD or some sort of acronym on them consumers to just for that.

I would have to agree. I haven’t found much benefit in going to the newer diamondbacks.

 

[Grassymike]

Just bought a pair of Diamondback 10x42 HD for $80 in a pawn shop. Wanted a pair of "truck bino's". This is the first Vortex I have owned besides a rangefinder. I am impressed with the optical quality for the price. They will work fine for the truck and as loaners.

 

[Huntin Fool]

If you watch for it cabelas will put the vipers on sale for around $300 and IMO you can’t beat the vipers for that price

 

[nettereo16]

If you watch for it cabelas will put the vipers on sale for around $300 and IMO you can’t beat the vipers for that price

They are up for 300 now. Just an FYI the cabelas/bps vipers for 300 are the older versions with narrower fov. Still pretty good Binos but they are different than the current model, take a look at the specs