Vortex Diamondback 8×28 Review
For a long time being an outdoor enthusiast, let me confess that I am sometimes a little bit prejudiced towards the vortex.
If a binocular is from Vortex, it has to be good. So, I review almost all the binoculars I get my hands on from the vortex company.
Let’s see whether this time vortex diamondback 8x28 has met my expectations or not.
The vortex diamondback 8x28 binoculars is a nice balance of price vs performance combination in the optical world.
The binoculars first impression of mine is that they are sleek and awesome to hold and remarkably easy to carry around without compromising on the optical performance.
These green binoculars with their solid and rugged exterior are all waterproof and fog-roof.
Let’s move on to the important specification of Diamondback 8×28
Vortex Diamondback 8x28 Binoculars Specifications
Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| |
Prism Type | Roof |
Magnification | 8.0X |
Objective Lens Diameter/Type | 28 mm/BAK-4 |
Angle Of View | 6.9 degrees |
Exit Pupil Diameter | 3.5 mm |
Field of View ft@1000yds | 360 ft |
Eye Relief | 19.3 mm |
Minimum Focus Distance | 13.1 ft |
InterPupillary Distance | 56-74 mm |
Weight | 14 Ounces |
Colour | Dark Green |
Rating and Price |
Let’s see how these binoculars fare on the different criterion
Vortex Diamondback 8×28 Analysis and Results
Construction and Build Quality/What’s in the Case?
The binoculars are comfortable to hold and feels solid and compact with nice grip area for your hands despite belonging to compact binoculars class.
The eyecups can be twisted up or down for comfortable viewing with or without glasses.
The diopter is conveniently located on the right eyepiece which accounts for the adjustments for differences corresponding to different user’s eyes.
The prism used is of roof type and is phase corrected for better optical performance.
Vortex Diamondback 8x28 binoculars are waterproof and fog-roof with O-ring sealed and Argon gas purged.
Also, The binoculars are tripod compatible.
A convenient feature is that the binoculars contain a ribbed centre focus wheel which adjusts both the binoculars barrels focus simultaneously. The resistance of the focus wheel seems neither too stiff nor too easy
Accessories included in the package are comfortable neck strap, carry case, Tethered objective lens protector, cleaning cloth and, rain guard. All work well as they intend to be.
Field of View & Close Focus
The binoculars has got a great field of view i.e 360 ft @ 1000 Yards which is not bad at all considering its small size and compactness.
If you know anything about binoculars, then you are aware that a binocular’s field of view depends on its magnification and size of the objective lens.
The close focus distance is 13.1 feet which is a bit high as compared to the other binoculars in the range like the swaroski and zeiss model.
Weight
Weighing only 14 Ounces they are small enough and lightweight to move around with ease.
Stash it away in your day pack, camera bag, cargo jeans pocket or just move in around with them around your neck while hiking and other casual outdoor activities.
You won’t feel that you are carrying extra weight.
Comfortable Eye Relief
Eye relief of 19.3 mm is provided which works well whether you wear glasses or not.
Good eye relief helps in keeping your eyes comfortable and prevents strain even after using the binoculars for a long time.
Performance
The contrast and saturation are well enough and a well-defined image is presented to your eye.
The binocular is also equipped with a high-quality optical system with a fully multi-coated lens and dielectric coating on prisms which promises a good performance.
The binoculars perform very well in good light conditions but do not performs best when the lighting is low like for your Jungle Safari at dusk they might not be the ideal companions.
Chromatic aberration can also be seen with purple and green fringing with a little bit of optical distortion.
The close focus is decent which is 13.3 feet although its higher than its close counterparts.
Features of Vortex Diamondback 8X28 Binoculars
- 8X magnification
- 28 mm objective lens
- Roof prism design
- Fully multicoated optics
- Phase correction coated roof prisms
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- Tethered objective lens Rainguard covers
- Comfortable neck strap
- Bespoke carrying case
- Non-Slip rubber Armor solid body
Pros of Vortex Diamondback 8X28 Binoculars
- Small & Compact size
- Is an affordable binocular
- Adjustable eyecup twists
- Can be used with a tripod adapter
Concerns - Is waterproof and fog proof
- All optics are fully multi-coated
- Cover of the eye end fits loose and sometimes falls off
Cons
- Cover of the eye end fits loose and sometimes falls off
- Minor Optical distortion
- Limited low light capability
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can You attach these Binoculars to a Tripod?
Answer: The Binoculars are Tripod adapter-compatible, allowing use on tripods or car window mounts
- Where is this pair of binoculars made in?
Answer: Though Vortex is a Middleton, Wisconsin based company, its binoculars are manufactured in a different country, the Diamondback binoculars made in the Philippines.
- Does this binocular come with a carrying case?
Answer: Yes, Vortex offers this binocular with a custom molded carrying case
Vortex Diamondback Binoculars Video Review-Watch Here
Pricing
The Pricing of the Vortex Diamondback binoculars 8x28 is quite attractive and appeals worthy to an enthusiast owing to amazing views it can give to you at your next outdoor adventure.
Presently, you could get these impressive set of Binoculars at Amazon.com for under $130 only with free shipping facility.
Overall, They are great lightweight binoculars for their price. For their pricing, they are well built and are optically decent.
Warranty
The binoculars come with vortex VIP warranty which covers manufacturer's defect and accidental damage.
Binoculars will be repaired or replaced for life which provides great peace of mind.
Conclusion-Vortex 8x28 Diamondback Review
The binoculars seem to be compact and easy to carry. They are aptly suitable for your next hiking, camping or a bird-watching trip in nature.
The device provides a nice balance of price vs performance.
The optical performance is well but If you want more image clarity and have some more budget you can opt for the pocket Zeiss Terra ED 8X25.
The binoculars come with the most accessories and have the backup of vortex lifetime warranty which can be a deal maker for some of you.
You can also check out our review of best binoculars for hunting and review of vortex diamondback 10X42 binoculars
Please leave your comments on the Vortex Diamondback 8X28 Binoculars Review Below.
Vortex Diamondback Binoculars Review
Oudoor Wildlife Observation
Bird Watching/Camping
Hunting
Hiking
Build Quality
If you love being outdoors and want to keep yourself light then Vortex 8X28 Diamondback binoculars are an ideal companion.
