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Are you in the market for a new pair of binoculars and wondering which one to choose Vortex Diamondback vs Viper Binoculars? As an avid outdoors enthusiast, I have put both of these binoculars to the test and am here to share my findings with you.
Vortex diamondback binoculars fall in the budget category available at lower prices with fewer features. On the other hand, vortex viper binoculars are premium binoculars and you will need a handsome budget to buy them.
In this article, I will go into the similarities and differences between these two popular models, helping you make an informed decision on which one will be the perfect fit for your needs. Keep in mind that the information that I provide is my personal findings and I am not associated with any brand.
In other words, it is going to be an unbiased comparison guide that will give you an insight of what model is capable for what purpose. So, without wasting any more time, let’s dive into the details.
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Comparison Table between Vortex Diamondback vs. Viper Binoculars
| Features | Vortex Viper Binoculars | Vortex Diamondback Binoculars | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exit Pupil | 4.2mm | 4.2mm | Tie |
| Eye Relief | 17 mm | 15 mm | Viper |
| Size & Dimension | 5.6 × 4.9 | 5.7 × 5.1 | Viper |
| HD lenses | Yes | No | Viper |
| Field of view | 341 | 330 | Viper |
| Prism Type | Roof | Roof | Tie |
| Water-resistant | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Weight | 24 oz | 20 oz | Diamondback |
| Low light useability | Yes | Slightly Compromised | Viper |
| Affordability | Check Price | Check Price | Diamondback |
Similarities between Vortex Viper 10X42 binoculars and 10X42 Diamondback binoculars
In this guide, I will try my level best to give you a complete analysis – not just the differences between these vortex diamondbacks and viper binoculars. So, before I take you into more detail, let’s have a look at the major similarities between these two models.
Point: In this guide, I am taking 10×42 as the specification in both Diamondback and Viper binoculars. Keep in mind that all the differences and similarities are common across all the specifications available in these two models.
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1- Magnification in 10×42 binoculars
The first number in the specification of binoculars always represents the magnification power of binoculars. In these Diamondback 10×42 and Viper 10×42 binoculars, you’ll get a magnification power of 10x which means that you will be able to see the image ten times bigger than the actual size of the object.
2- Proofing and Purging
In both binoculars, you will get excellent purging which is common in both models. Argon gas is used as purging gas and the o-ring sealing is used to protect these binoculars from moisture and other contaminants.
As both models have the same gas purging and o-ring sealings, it means that both have the same water and fogproofing. Water, moisture, or fog won’t be able to go inside them and cause problems like fogging of lenses, etc.
3- Exit Pupil Size
Exit is a small aperture present on the eyepiece and its size is directly associated with the objective lens size and the magnification power. As both models have the same specification i-e 10x magnification power and 42 objective lens, the exit pupil is the same in both binoculars. To be more accurate, these binos have an exit pupil of 4.2 mm.
4- Lowlight usability
The size of an objective lens is something that defines how good the lowlight usability of any binoculars is! Both vortex diamondback and viper binoculars have the same size of objective lens size i-e 42 mm so the lowlight usability of both binoculars is the same.
Let me explain it. The objective lens functions to capture the light from the surroundings. When you use a larger objective lens, it captures more light and vice versa. 42 mm is good to give you decent lowlight usability but you will be able to get the same results on both binos.
5- Focus System
Both Vortex Viper, and Diamondback binoculars come with a very smooth, and user-friendly focus system. They have a central focus or zooming system which provides you with a focus knob. So, with the help of that focus knob, you will be able to zoom in and out quite comfortably. This feature is similar in both of these pairs.
6- Exit Pupil Size
It is a small aperture on the eyepiece from where the light leaves the binoculars and enters into users’ eyes. Better the exit pupil, then brighter, and sharper will be the visuals that you see through the barrels of these binoculars.
Different models of these two binoculars have different exit pupils. Let me give you a simple way to calculate the exit pupil.
Exit Pupil = Objective Lens size / Magnification power
If the objective lens size is 42mm, and the magnification power is 10x then,
Exit Pupil = 42/10 = 4.2 mm which is decent.
Both Vortex Diamondback 10×42, and Viper 10×42 binoculars come with an exit pupil size of 4.2mm and offer decently brighter visuals. This feature is also the same in both of these binoculars.
7- Additional Accessories
If you have read my previous posts, I always recommend everyone to buy only those binoculars that come with additional accessories. The reason is that those accessories are important for increasing the functionality of your binoculars.
The good thing is that both these Vortex Diamondback and Viper binoculars come with handy additional accessories. So, you won’t have to spend any extra bucks to buy some accessories separately.
Differences between Vortex Viper HD and Diamondbacks binoculars
Now, you know some of the similarities between these two models of vortex brands. It is time to go into the differences and give you an analysis of which one is better than the other. Keep in mind that the differences are slight, but they have a massive impact on the functionality of these two binoculars.
1- Optical Performance
The optical performance of binoculars refers to the visual quality and the vortex viper is clearly ahead in giving you excellent visuals. The HD glasses are used in the lenses of Viper binos and they also come with XR anti-reflective lens coatings which make the image sharper and crisper.
On the other hand, the glasses that are used in Diamondback binoculars are not HD – meaning that Diamondback binoculars won’t give you real sharpness in the visuals that you usually get with Viper binoculars. Keep in mind that the visual quality of Diamondback is not very bad – in fact, at a low price, Diamondback gives you a decent viewing experience. But when compared with Vortex Viper, Diamondback is slightly behind.
Winner: Vortex Viper Binoculars
2- Weight & Size
The size of both models is quite similar but, the weight of both binoculars is slightly different. Diamondback binoculars are lightweight and very easy to carry having a total weight of around 21.44 ounces which is considered very good for binoculars that are made for being used for outdoor activities.
On the other side, vortex viper binoculars weigh around 24.9 ounces which makes them heavier and hard to carry for an extended duration. I personally feel that diamondback binoculars are slightly more compact than the viper – meaning that carrying a diamondback in your hands is easier as compared to viper binos.
Winner: Vortex Diamondback Binoculars.
3- Clarity in Lowlight Conditions
As I said earlier both of these binoculars come with excellent usability in light. But being able to be used in low light conditions, and offering better clarity are two different things. There is a difference between these Vortex Viper and Diamondback binoculars when it comes to clarity in dim light conditions.
The Vortex Viper comes with HD lenses which means that they don’t produce any chromatic aberration, and offer you top-notch clarity without any color distortion at the corners. But the Diamondback binoculars don’t have HD lenses, instead, they come with only HD select glass elements.
Due to this small but impactful difference, you will get more clearer, and sharper visuals in lowlight conditions. So, I consider the Vortex Viper binoculars a slightly better option and also recommend you go with Vipers.
Winner: Vortex Vipers binos due to their HD lenses.
4- Durability
In the previous point, I told you that diamondback binoculars are lightweight. The reason is that these binoculars’ chassis are made with magnesium material which is very light and strong. On the other hand, the chassis of vortex viper binoculars are made with polycarbonate material. This material is very strong, but it adds more weight to binoculars.
As said, the strong polycarbonate material makes the vortex viper binoculars very durable and they won’t break even if you throw them from height. Diamondback binoculars are decently strong but they are not as good as Vortex Viper due to slightly low-quality chassis material (magnesium).
Winner: Vortex Viper Binoculars
5- Versatility
Versatility refers to the range of specifications that are available in a specific model of binoculars. A more versatile model will have a broad range of capabilities that make it suitable for various applications and situations.
Vortex diamondback binoculars are more versatile as they come in different specifications. You will get both smaller-size binos that are lightweight like 8×28, 8×32, and 8×42 binoculars. Diamondback binoculars also come with bigger-sized binoculars like 10×42 and 10×50 binoculars.
But vortex viper binoculars are not very versatile as they don’t come in smaller or lightweight sizes. You won’t see Viper models in 8×28 or 8×32 specifications. However, they come in bigger-sized specifications like 10×50. If you don’t like bigger-sized binoculars, Viper has no other option for you.
Winner: Vortex Diamondback Binoculars.
6- Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece and your eyes when using binoculars and seeing through the barrel. It is important for those who wear glasses due to weak vision. Vortex viper binoculars come with an eye relief of 17 mm which is ideal.
Vortex diamondback binoculars come with an eye relief of 15 mm which is decent – obviously not too bad. However, vortex vipers offer more eye relief and give you a more comfortable viewing experience. I recommend you go with a viper if you wear glasses.
Winner: Vortex Viper Binoculars
7- Field of view
The field of view is the area of space that the user can see through the barrel of binoculars. It is very important for hunters as they need more space to look at when finding the bucks for shooting. However, it may not be important if you’re not going to use binos for hunting.
So, which one is better? Vortex diamondback binoculars come with an eye relief of 330 feet while vortex viper binoculars have a FOV of 341 feet – meaning that you will be able to see more area or space and get the view clear when finding the buck.
Winner: Vortex Viper Binoculars
8- Pricing Difference
I am talking about two binoculars that belong to two different categories – one is from the budget category and the second is from the premium category. So, it is very clear that Vortex Diamondback is the optimal choice for those people who have a tight budget as their prices are low.
On the other hand, vortex viper binos belong to the premium family and you will have to spend a serious amount of money. So, in terms of affordability, the Vortex Diamondback is a better option, but you will get compromised features as compared to the vortex viper binoculars.
Winner: Vortex Viper Binoculars
Who is the Ultimate Winner: Diamondback or Viper Binoculars?
Both vortex diamondback and viper binoculars are very good and calling one the winner is quite a difficult task. Both of these two optics belong to different categories and they are made to serve different purposes.
I personally consider Vortex Viper as the winner as they offer more premium features and give you ideal visual quality. However, if you have a tight budget, then going with Vortex Diamondbacks is good to go. In the end, I would say that your personal needs and preferences are going to be the ultimate decision-making factor.
That’s not the end – I have got my own experience after using and testing them. So, in the section below, I am going to give you my own experience and opinion about these two binos. It will further help you in making detailed decisions.
My Opinion and Experience with Vortex Diamondback 10X42 Binoculars
First of all, you should keep in mind that these vortex diamondback binoculars are budget products and you should not accept too many features. However, I can assure you that these optics offer good value even if they don’t have too many features.
The short hinge design with rubber armor and thumb indents also made it easy to grip and handle the binoculars securely, even in wet or slippery conditions. In fact, you can use them in the rain and their performance will surely impress you.
I am pleased to tell you about the binoculars’ durability and weather-resistant features, thanks to the argon purging and rubber armor, which provide enhanced waterproof and fogproof performance even in extreme weather conditions.
You gotta appreciate the adjustable eyecups, which make these binos very comfortable and users can use them even while wearing eyeglasses. IPD is another nice touch, that will allow you to rotate the binoculars until they align perfectly with your eyes. providing a clear and undistorted view.
Another thing that stood out to me about these binoculars is their ergonomic design. The short hinge design with rubber armor and thumb indents made them very comfortable to hold and use, even for extended periods of time.
My Opinion and Experience about Vortex Optics Viper HD 10×42 Binoculars
If you’re looking for a high-end, compact binocular that can provide exceptional optical performance, the Viper HD is definitely worth considering. However, these binoculars are very expensive and you will have to spend handsome money to buy them.
The high-density optical system provides excellent resolution and edge-to-edge clarity, while the XR anti-reflective lens coatings enhance the visual quality and give you more color contrast. The locking, right-eye diopter is also a nice touch that makes you able to adjust the focus manually.
I love the build quality of these Viper binoculars as their chassis is made with polycarbonate material which makes your optics very strong and durable. But hold on, the usage of this material also makes these binoculars slightly heavier which can be a downside of these viper binos.
As someone who has used the Viper HD binoculars extensively, I can confidently say that these binoculars are incredibly easy to use. The grip is excellent and you can even use them with wet hands. They won’t slip out of your hands as there is a textured surface which increases your hold on them.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Vortex Vipers and Diamondback series are both excellent lines of binoculars, but the Vipers are generally considered to be a higher-end option with better features and performance. However, diamondback binos are a good choice for those people who have tight budgets.
Yes, Vortex Vipers are generally considered to be worth the money, especially for those who are serious about outdoor activities such as hunting, bird watching, or nature observation. The Viper binoculars are well-built, offer excellent optical performance, and are backed by Vortex’s outstanding warranty and customer service.
Vortex Diamondback and Viper binoculars differ primarily in their build quality, optical performance, and price point. Diamondback offers great value for the budget-conscious, while Viper provides higher-end features and superior image quality.
Vortex Viper binoculars perform better in low-light conditions due to their superior glass quality, HD lenses, and lens coatings. They provide brighter and clearer images during dawn, dusk, or overcast days.
Conclusion
Well, is there anything that I have not covered in this guide about vortex diamondback and viper binoculars? I don’t think so as everything has been discussed in this guide in complete detail. Keep in mind that both diamondback and viper binoculars are excellent options for optics users. Choose what suits your needs perfectly. I hope that my efforts will be useful to you.
I’m a passionate outdoor activist who has got special love for optics. The school studies in optical mechanics and the travelling experience has made me an expert in optics like binoculars, scopes, and other devices. Stay connected with us for in-depth knowledge!