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Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 Review

An excellent balance of price and all-around performance with particularly impressive brightness
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Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 Review (A great pair of binoculars, that would fit most budgets and needs.)
A great pair of binoculars, that would fit most budgets and needs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $320 List
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Manufacturer:   Vortex
By Benjamin Hickok and Jessica Riconscente  ⋅  Dec 23, 2023
71
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#6 of 16
  • Clarity - 35% 6.2
  • Brightness - 20% 8.1
  • Comfort - 15% 6.6
  • Field of View - 10% 8.4
  • Ease of Adjustment - 15% 7.1
  • Close Focus Range - 5% 8.9

Our Verdict

Whether you're an experienced bird watcher looking to enhance your viewing experiences and want a good value, or are seeking your first pair of binoculars and want something high-quality that won't break the bank, we think the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 is a fantastic choice. Vortex really knocked it out of the park with their relatively low-cost yet crystal clear HD glass, and these binoculars are potentially the most attractive model to sport that game-changing glass. Combine that optical quality with the rugged yet comfortable-in-hand construction that Vortex is known for, and you have a pair of binoculars that are sure to please. These binoculars get our whole-hearted recommendation for just about anyone in this price range.
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent brightness
Great clarity
Comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
Slightly heavy for backpacking
Editors note: The Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 was retested on December 22, 2023.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Editors' Choice Award
Also Great
Best Buy Award
Best on a Tight Budget
Top Pick Award
Best Compact Binoculars
Best Buy Award
Best Travel Binoculars on a Budget
Price $320 List
$173.84 at Amazon
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$170 List
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Bottom Line One of the best overall values on the market, particularly for mid-range price shoppersA great pair of binos for its mid-tier price rangeA great choice for birders on a tight budgetSome of the best portable bins you can buy on a budgetDecent clarity and compactness make these a good budget option for traveling, backpacking and hiking
Rating Categories Vortex Diamondback... Nikon Monarch M7 10x42 Celestron Nature DX... Vortex Diamondback... Nikon Trailblazer A...
Clarity (35%)
6.2
7.8
5.8
5.0
5.0
Brightness (20%)
8.1
7.2
7.4
4.6
3.5
Comfort (15%)
6.6
5.6
5.4
8.3
7.9
Field of View (10%)
8.4
6.1
6.8
5.0
5.2
Ease of Adjustment (15%)
7.1
8.5
6.6
5.1
4.4
Close Focus Range (5%)
8.9
8.8
7.5
7.9
8.3
Specs Vortex Diamondback... Nikon Monarch M7 10x42 Celestron Nature DX... Vortex Diamondback... Nikon Trailblazer A...
Measured Weight 23.1 oz 25.5 oz 22.8 oz 14.7 oz 10.5 oz
Measured Interpupillary Distance Range 56mm - 75mm 57mm - 74mm 57mm -74mm 55mm - 74mm 38mm -75mm
Measured Size 5.7" x 5.1" 5.8" x 4.5" 5.4" x 4.5" 4.7" x 4.1" 2.7" x 4.1"
Measured Close Focus 5.5 ft 5.8 ft 8.0 ft 7.4 ft 6.6 ft
Measured Eye Relief 18.0 mm 17.0 mm 18.0 mm 18.0 mm 10.5 mm
Glass Type HD ED BAK-4 HD Eco-Glass
Magnification 8 10 8 8 10
Objective Lens Size 42 42 42 28 25
Claimed Field of View 393 ft 362 ft 388 ft 332 ft 342 ft
Claimed Close Focus 5.0 ft 8.2 ft 6.5 ft 6.0 ft 11.5 ft
Claimed Eye Relief 17 mm 16.5 mm 17.5 mm 18 mm 10 mm
Waterproof/Fog Resistant Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Tripod Adapter Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Measured Lux Reading from Brightness Testing 1163 lux 1064 lux 823 lux 390 lux 237 lux

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 offers a near-perfect balance of optical performance and price, providing an experience that feels high-end yet falls squarely into the middle of the price range.

Performance Comparison


vortex diamondback hd 8x42 - a great all-around pair of optics that fits into most budgets.
A great all-around pair of optics that fits into most budgets.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Clarity


Outside of the much more expensive and multi-thousand dollar binoculars we tested, the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 provided decent clarity. We think this level of clarity would be great for beginner birders but would probably disappoint a pro.


We didn't notice much distortion or blurriness, though we did notice some color fringing when spotting birds where we noticed yellow hues on the bark of trees. We also noticed a slight haze near the bottom during our clarity tests. That said, we could usually easily pick out small distinguishing features of finches and chickadees at upwards of 30 feet.

vortex diamondback hd 8x42 - most images were crisp, but as you can see, there was a bit of color...
Most images were crisp, but as you can see, there was a bit of color fringing.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente

We noticed the very edges of the image lose a bit of clarity, but this didn't impact our viewing experience too much. Additionally, when looking towards the sun (and “towards” is the operative word here, we feel obligated to state the obvious that one should never look directly into the sun, especially when using binoculars), the lens produced yellow glares on the edges of the image slightly and a subtle haze. Here again, however, we didn't feel that the glare or haze significantly impacted our experience using these binos.

vortex diamondback hd 8x42 - the hd glass impressed us in every test.
The HD glass impressed us in every test.
Credit: Max Mutter

Brightness


This is where the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 truly shines (pun intended). These binoculars provided some of the most impressive brightness we've seen in this price range.


In our lighting tests, we measured the amount of transmitted light from a fixed and regulated light source and recorded 1163 Lux. Very few of the models we tested were able to transmit this level of light.

The Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 is also exceptionally good in low light. When using them in the dawn and dusk hours, only the much more expensive pairs we tested provided brighter images. Even with the sun barely peeking over the horizon, we were able to make out the different subtle blue tones on a Steller's jay.

Get bright viewing experiences, even in low light.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Perhaps more noticeable is the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42's relative performance in medium light, such as midday in a shaded forest. When comparing these to the best binoculars in their price class, it felt like the images had the contrast cranked up a few notches in these situations. We were able to notice much more detail at these times thanks to the brighter image. Especially for bird watchers, this translates into a far more enjoyable experience.

Comfort


The Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 are fairly comfortable, especially for those with larger hands. However, those with smaller hands may prefer a smaller pair.


One thing that can make a pair of binos much more comfortable in hand is thumb indents. These little grooves in the bottom of the barrels can be the difference between an awkward beer-can-like grip and a comfortable, relaxed pinch. Perhaps there is some cost-prohibitive engineering hurdle to making these indents that we're unaware of because they seem to only be present in the most expensive binoculars on the market.

An ergonomic detent and rubberized coating will give you a steady and comfortable grip.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 is a refreshing exception to this rule, as the binos sport ergonomic thumb grooves that make them very comfy to hold. That is complemented with a Goldilocks, not-too-sticky, not-too-slippery rubber coating that allows you to easily change hand position while focusing, yet provides a secure grip when needed. That said, these are a little heavy at 23.1 ounces — smaller hands, beware.

vortex diamondback hd 8x42 - comfortable, even when not in use.
Comfortable, even when not in use.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Field of View


Our field of view (FOV) test metric evaluates a realistic test scenario that includes observing a vertical board fence at a fixed distance and counting the maximum number of visible fence boards.


The Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 was one of our most impressive performers in this test metric. With this model, our team was able to clearly see 62.5 vertical fence boards, some of the best FOV in the lineup.

Ease of Adjustment


Everything about Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 is easy to adjust. The focus knob moves freely yet has just enough resistance to easily stop it at the desired point. The diopter knob is slightly stiffer but still relatively easy to adjust when needed, and that extra stiffness makes it less likely you'll accidentally throw the diopter out of whack during normal use.


Sure, some other models have slightly more creative diopter designs that are a bit more user-friendly, but overall, these binos are just fine.

Making quick adjustments can mean the difference between enjoying an incredible experience and missing out.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Close Focus Range


We measured an impressive close focus range of just 5.5 feet, one of the best in the field. Sure, some pairs provide a slightly closer focus range, but 5.5 feet means you'll probably be able to get a butterfly in focus if you're lucky enough to have one land on your shoe, and it's hard to ask for much more than that.


Accessories


We usually avoid discussing accessories because they are typically just the standard neck strap and carrying case, neither of which tend to differentiate one pair from another. However, the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 includes a soft case on a chest harness that places the case securely on your chest. Two more straps connect the binoculars to the case, so you can remove the binoculars and use them while the soft case remains securely attached to you.

vortex diamondback hd 8x42 - the soft case for these binos is also a chest harness, with lots of...
The soft case for these binos is also a chest harness, with lots of hands free application for hunters.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The chest harness design may not be for everyone. However, hunters who spend time walking through thick brush from glassing location to glassing location or want to simplify the transition from binos in hand to safely stored without having to remove a shouldered firearm and heavy frame pack will get good use out of the chest harness.

vortex diamondback hd 8x42 - large lenses and hd glass provide a clear and bright experience.
Large lenses and HD glass provide a clear and bright experience.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42?


The Vortex Diamondback offers incredible optical quality and brightness at a relatively reasonable price, making it one of the best values of all the many binoculars we've tested. We think most casual users will be thrilled with the quality of this pair — especially for the price.

What Other Binoculars Should You Consider?


We found very few reasons to complain about these binoculars. We think they will please pretty much anyone, from those looking for their first pair of binoculars to those who have been geeking out about good optics for years. However, Vortex's next step up in its line, the Vortex Viper HD 8x42, offers even more impressive performance, although it is over double the price of the Diamondback. If you're on a tighter budget, you might like the Celestron Nature DX 8x42. They aren't Diamondbacks, but they are a good base pair of binoculars that would be sufficient for a lot of needs.

Benjamin Hickok and Jessica Riconscente