Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Better Sub-$200 10x42 Bino Than Vortex Diamondback?

I have a nephew that wants/needs a 10x42 binocular for bean field deer hunting; he has the Leupold Yosemite 6x30 for woods. He's relatively recently married and then purchased a house. As a result, budget is extremely tight, must be under $200. Is there a better bang for the buck than the Vortex Diamondback at $130?

Thanks in advance.

Probably not. I have a buddy that started using some while his "Alpha" were being repaired, and he said there is shockingly little difference between the two and he could happily hunt with the Diamondback's forever more.

$130 for those binoculars and a lifetime warranty is a pretty dang good deal imho.

Dave

I'm not certain on the price,but the Busnhell Legend Ultra HD's are pretty good for the price.Should be well south of $200...

+1

I was surprised at the quality of view with my dad’s Diamondbacks. The diopter sometimes sticks and won’t move though......

I have been using the Vortex Diamondbacks for the past 3 years including elk hunting trips to Idaho and Colorado. I don't know what I am missing with more expensive binos, but I think I am totally fine with these. I wear glasses, and the diamondbacks have eye cups that let me see the entire picture with my glasses on. Had a pair of Leupolds that had eyecups that required me to remove my glasses to use.

I've used my Diamondbacks out west two years now and I don't see myself upgrading, even after doing some side by side comparisons with my hunting partners Alpha glass while glassing in the field...I will upgrade one day, but not because I have to.

I don't think you'll find better for the money. Optics have come a long way over the years. I've used my diamondbacks alongside some older Leupold wind rivers and in low light or bright light they are better. I've looked through some buddies Swaro's and they spoiled me. If funds were no object I'd have a set, but for the money, the diamondbacks will do everything I need them to.

Thanks for all the testimonials, guys, and the input. It seems like the Diamondbacks at that price are the way to go for that money!

Who has the Diamondbacks on sale?

How do the Diamondbacks compare to new Nikon prostaff binos?
I have a pair of the 10x42 prostaffs and really am not a fan.
View never seems very good and I can move just a hair or move my eyes even, and the view turns black.

Cabela’s/Bass pro Black Friday ad.

Thx!

I got a pair of crossfires, not bad. Well when it’s bright out anyway. I got bilked by a LGS in Sydney. $179. Running’s in Glendive was about $50 dollars cheaper. The Bakken Discount.

My Diamondback bino is all that I have needed. I bought them several years ago and they perform to all of my expectations.

+2 on the diamondbacks. Both my boys have them, and for the money, they are very good. We are into our 3 rd season with them. Using them hard, lots of glassing, no issues.

diamondbacks are a good buy, but the bushnell legend M are way better. They can be found for $125 used if you are willing to wait a bit

12% off at Opticsplanet.com with code 12BLKE1AC1ED.

I’m a fan of the Sightron Binoculars for solid truck carry good performance but they are almost $300 now so don’t make the budget cut. Vortex seems to be the low price champs in optics at most performance levels. I’ve seen enough quality issue in their brand new products that I’m less enthusiastic but you can always send them for repair.