I hadn't heard much of Vortex Optics...the name is completely overshadowed by the Celestron, Bushnell, Bausch & Lomb (i.e. the "mass market big three"), Leupold, Minox, Nikon (i.e. the "middle big three"), Swarowski, Leica, and Zeiss (i.e. the "top end big three). Of course there are "top of the line" models from each maker that are for different purposes, but surprisingly and very refreshingly, this Vortex Diamondback 10x42 has a bright, clear picture, and pretty decent field of view (claim is 345 feet at 1,000 yards). It's not quite as bright as the Celestron Granite 12x50 that I have, but it's pretty darn impressive. Even my Minox BL 10x52 BR are just big, hulking, clunking, somewhat dark, and restricted (in its FOV) by comparison.
This binoc's also has a rubberized body and comfortable grip, with thumb and finger grips (not grooves) making it relatively slip-free. I haven't tried out its claim as to being tough against drops, bumps, and bruises, or waterproof claims, and I hope not to. The zoom is smooth, and the eye relief cups are wonderful (i.e. I don't use eyeglasses). There's no parallax or blackout if properly adjusted.
Now, sadly, the down sides (if you consider these "down sides") to this particular model. The lens protection cups don't quite fit right, they kind of slide off the binoc's on their own, but that's minor. The neck strap really is amateurish looking, but that's easily replaced with a visit to an optics shop. But the most glaring deficiency (for me personally) is the case. It's terrible! It's like a zippered clamshell case that would be provided with a set of inexpensive eye or sunglasses. When you put the binoc's in it and zip them up, they clang and clank around inside this clamshell case, because it's not molded the the binoc's, the case is just way too big to even be comfortable in your hands. You have to have a small towel or something to take up the extra space inside, and kind of awkward. It has strap rings, but try imagine having this leviathan molded clamshell thing around your neck or attached to a pack, trying to deploy the binoc's out of it. No, better to just get a new case.
BUT being that the down sides are only accessories, I can totally live with it, since the binoc's themselves are pretty darn awesome! I bought these at $599 and change, and maybe a bit pricey, but astonishingly one of the best - if not THE best - I've tried in the sub-$1,000 range.
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 8.94 x 7.32 x 4.25 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 1.07 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5.8 x 5.3 x 0.04 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.7 Kilograms |
| Brand Name | Vortex |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Warranty Description | Vortex will repair or replace your Vortex product in the event it becomes damaged or defective—at no charge to you. If Vortex cannot repair your product, they will replace it with a product in perfect working order of equal or better physical condition. |
| Model Name | VPR-4210-HD |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Composite |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adults |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Vortex Optics |
| Part Number | VPR-4210-HD |
| Model Year | 2015 |
| Style | 10x42 |
| Included Components | Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars 10x42 |
| Size | 10x42 |
| Sport Type | Hunting |
