Vortex is a well-respected American manufacturer of binoculars, and its HQ is located in Barneveld, Wisconsin. Two of their current bestselling models are the Vortex Diamondback HD Binoculars and the Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Binoculars.
Both are excellent binoculars, but direct comparisons are always tricky because people have different needs and expectations for most products. In this article, we will take a closer look at both to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Vortex Diamondback Binoculars Overview
The Vortex Diamondback HD Binoculars have a pair of up to 65mm objective lenses to accurately frame game with a magnification of up to 15x. They feature O-ring seals and argon to protect the binoculars from the elements with no fogging.
The external coating is rubberized to protect the binoculars during a fall and to give you a non-slip grip. Although they feel a little heavy these binoculars can be mounted on a tripod for extended viewing times. They are made in the Philippines, but the construction feels solid and durable and they are available in nine different sizes.
The image resolution quality is excellent, the light transmission is enhanced due to the dielectric prism coating and the multi-coated lenses. The external surface of each lens has a patented “ArmorTek” coating to prevent scratching and the clarity is amazing during bright viewing conditions. The HD system gives you excellent image resolution that’s sharp and any chromatic aberration is significantly reduced. Even in low-light conditions, the image quality is still high due to the brightness and contrast features of the lenses and prisms.
Vortex has claimed that these binoculars will “Punch the class above” and it’s hard to disagree with this statement. The colors are extremely accurate and the image doesn’t turn blurry at the periphery of the view. This performance is rare in binoculars that are significantly more expensive and it was a pleasant surprise to find them on a more affordable model. Birders are going to love the crystal-clear high-resolution views of objects at a distance.
How To Adjust The Binoculars
All adjustments are made with the centrally located focus wheel, which allows you to make changes in both binocular barrels simultaneously. This wheel can feel somewhat stiff when the binoculars are new and this is especially true when the weather is damp. But, repeated use will loosen the wheel and the ergonomic design is efficient for fast focusing. There are adjustable eye cups for use with or without glasses and they can be twisted upwards to get a full field view. If you wear glasses or sunglasses, simply twist the eye cups downwards to get the optimal viewing experience.
What Extras Come With Diamondback Binoculars
Vortex has included everything that you need to get started with your new binoculars, including a pair of Diamondback HD binoculars, a lens cloth, a rain guard eyepiece cover, a Glass Pak harness, a neck strap, tethered lens covers, and a limited lifetime warranty.
Vortex Diamondback HD Binoculars Pros And Cons
Let’s take a look at the Vortex diamondback HD binoculars pros and cons in more detail, they are:
Pros:
- A larger field of view-
- The close focus distance is shorter.
- The argon purging improves the weather resistance properties.
Cons:
- These binoculars are more expensive than the Crossfire models.
Vortex Crossfire Binoculars Overview
The Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Binoculars are perfect for hunting and they can be purchased in both 8×42 and 10×42 configurations. The outer surface is clad in an armored rubber coating for non-slip grip and external protection. These binoculars are nitrogen purged with O-ring seals to make them fog proof and 100% waterproof on wet days.
These binoculars are equipped with the HD Optical System which delivers crisp images under a variety of light and weather conditions. Select glass elements have been used to reduce chromatic aberration (blurring) and improve resolution and light transmission. These are features that are typically found on more expensive binoculars. For this reason, we believe that these are the best hunting binoculars on the market at this price point.
This company has a great reputation for its high-quality designs and the Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Binoculars is no exception. These are lightweight models that are easy to grip and deploy quickly and durable to withstand the rigors of the outdoors. The center focus wheel turns smoothly, which makes fast and quick focusing a breeze. The HD Optical System and Multi Coated Glass lenses offer superior low-light viewing. Vortex stands by its products and these binoculars come with an unlimited lifetime VIP Warranty.
These binoculars come with everything that you need to get viewing quickly, including the Crossfire HD Binoculars, a glass Pak harness, a glass Pak case, tethered objective lens covers, a lens cloth, a neck strap, an owner’s manual, and a glass Pak manual.
Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Binoculars Pros And Cons
Let’s take a look at the Vortex Optics Crossfire HD binoculars pros and cons in more detail, they are:
Pros:
- The included glass Pak harness keeps the binoculars securely fixed to your chest.
- The O-ring seals and nitrogen purging guarantee fog proof viewing.
- These binoculars are 100% waterproof.
- The Multi Coated Glass and HD Optical System deliver sharp details.
Cons:
- These binoculars are slightly heavier than some of the competing models.
- They are slightly more expensive but you get a lot for a modest investment.
Vortex Crossfire vs Diamondback Binoculars
Both binoculars are well built, they are durable and they are pretty close when it comes to pricing too. The Diamondbacks are slightly more expensive, but it’s natural to wonder if the Crossfire will deliver a similar experience at a lower price point. At first glance, both models look similar and a glance at the spec sheet demonstrates that they are not too dissimilar. So, it can be tricky to make a choice between them.
It’s worth mentioning that you cannot really make a mistake if you choose the Diamondback over the Crossfire and vice versa. They are both affordable and high-quality binoculars that are built to last.
The Diamondback binoculars are lighter, smaller and they do provide an improved viewing experience. They have better performance in low-light conditions and the argon purging delivers superior weather resistance characteristics. If price is less important, the natural choice for most people would be the Diamondback models.
The Crossfire is a great choice for most outdoor enthusiasts on a tighter budget. These binoculars have decent weatherproofing, good optics, and excellent protection against impacts. In a direct comparison to the Diamondback, it’s important to note that the minimal performance gains may not be worth the extra investment for most people.
Crossfire vs Diamondback Binoculars Conclusion
Both the Diamondback and Crossfire binoculars are ideal for a wide variety of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, bird watching, hunting, and more. The Crossfire binoculars are excellent, but the Vortex Diamondback HD binoculars are worth the extra investment if you need better optics, and improved durability.