Vortex and Leupold are two big names in the optical industry. Vortex Diamondback has a 16 mm eye relief.
On the other hand, Leupold binocular has a 13.7 mm eye relief. Besides, Vortex Diamondback weighs 24.48 oz., but Leupold weighs 22 oz.
If you are into birds or hunting, you must be familiar with these two binoculars. But looking closely, you will find many differences between them. I’m going to show their differences in this write-up.
So, let’s take binoculars and look at them closely.
A Quick Comparison Table
| Specifications | Vortex Diamondback | Leupold |
| Ease of Use | More Convenient to Hold | Less Convenient to Hold |
| Focus | Requires Frequent Adjustment | More Stable Focus |
| Eye Relief | 16 mm | 13.7 mm |
| Field Of View | Wider Field Of View | Less Wide Field Of View |
| Brightness | Brighter At Night | Less Bright At Night |
| Magnification | 10X | 10X |
| Weight | 24.48 oz. | 22 oz. |
| Price | Around $248.95 | Around $289.99 |
Key Differences Between Vortex Diamondback And Leupold Binoculars
- Ease of Use
When it comes to ease of use, Vortex Diamondback binoculars are more convenient to hold compared to Leupold.
They are tall and have slim profiles.
The binoculars are about 2 to 3 inches taller than Leupold.
So, you can grab it easily, and it will fit on your face quite comfortably.
On the contrary, Leupold binoculars are short and have a fat porro profile. Although you can hold it comfortably, it might feel a little uncomfortable when fitting on your face.
Also Read: Differences Between SPYPOINT And Tactacam Cellular Trail Cameras.
- Focus
Vortex Diamond is also better in terms of focus. It has a slower focus that requires fewer adjustments. On top of that, you can easily focus something with the binoculars than Leupold.
In contrast, Leupold requires many adjustments while focusing on a subject. It’s because this binocular’s focus is pretty fast and takes quite a bit of time to become stable.
- Eye Relief
Simply put, eye relief is the distance between your eye and your binocular’s eyepiece lens. A large eye relief means you can see through your binoculars without getting too close to the eyepiece lens.
Generally, 10 to 20 mm distance is considered a good one.
In that sense, both binoculars have good eye relief. However, Vortex Diamondback has a larger eye relief of 16 mm than Leupold’s 13.7 mm.
- Field of View
The field of view is the size of your subject’s image when looking through your binoculars. Generally, 6° to 7.5° is a good field of view for binoculars.
Vortex Diamondback has a 6.6° field of view, which is in the acceptable good field of view range. But Leupold has a 5.8° field of view which is not within the good range. So, the former has a wider field of view than the latter.
- Brightness
You won’t face any problems while looking through both binoculars in daylight.
However, at night, Vortex Diamondback offers better visibility.
It is brighter than Leupold. But you have to ensure a larger exit pupil.
On the other hand, Vortex Diamondback binoculars have Argon gas for purging, whereas Leupold binoculars have Nitrogen gas for purging.
I’m sure you know that Argon gas creates better purging.
That might be a reason Vortex Diamondback is brighter in the dark.
- Magnification
There are no differences in the magnification of both binoculars. Both can zoom up to 10 times. Also, both of them have roof-type prism. So, no differences here either.
However, Vortex Diamondback outpaces Leupold in resolution. You can watch your subject clearer with Diamondback binoculars upon magnification.
- Weight
Weight is very crucial for binoculars. You can hold lightweight binoculars for a long time without any fatigue feeling in your hand. Both these binoculars are pretty lightweight because of their construction.
Nonetheless, Leupold is slightly lighter than Vortex Diamondback. So, the point goes to Leupold binoculars.
- Price
Price is an important indicator for any product. As we can see from the table, even though Vortex Diamondback binoculars are overall better than Leupold, they will cost you less.
With a $289.99 price tag, Leupold binoculars are slightly more expensive than Vortex Diamondback’s $248.95 price tag.
Vortex Diamondback Binoculars: Key Features
The Vortex Diamondback binocular line offers an optimal balance of performance, value, and durability to suit a wide range of users. Here are some of the standout features that make the Vortex Diamondback binoculars a great choice:
Optics
At the heart of any binocular are the optics that gather light and magnify images. The Vortex Diamondback series uses quality prisms and lenses to deliver bright, clear, colorful viewing.
- Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission for brighter images compared to uncoated lenses. Multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass lens surfaces boost contrast and resolution.
- Dielectric prism coatings maximize reflectivity and improve light transmission through the roof prisms. This increases brightness and clarity across the entire field of view.
- Phase correction coatings on prism surfaces enhance resolution and provide better contrast and color fidelity.
Durable Magnesium Chassis
The Diamondback uses a lightweight magnesium alloy chassis that is both durable and ergonomic.
- Magnesium construction provides strength and rigidity while remaining light for all-day carrying comfort. The metal resists temperature extremes better than polycarbonate.
- Rubber armor coating absorbs shocks and provides a secure, easy to grip texture. Thumb indents in the armor help with handling.
- Fully waterproof and fogproof design allows use in any wet conditions. O-ring seals prevent moisture, dust and debris from entering the optics.
User-Friendly Design
Several design features make the Diamondback binocular easy and comfortable to use:
- Adjustable eyecups twist up and down through multiple stops to get the perfect eye position with or without eyeglasses.
- The Diamondback uses a smooth center focus wheel to quickly bring images into sharp focus. Diopter adjustment in one eyepiece corrects for differences in eyesight between your eyes.
- A utility clip attached to the neck strap allows you to securely hang your binoculars when not in use. The strap also has rubber fittings to prevent slipping.
Variety of Sizes
The Diamondback comes in a range of magnification powers and objective lens sizes. Choose from compact 8×28 to high-power 12×50 models. This lets you select the best configuration for your specific needs.
The Vortex Diamondback combines excellent optics, durable construction, smart design, and affordable pricing. These features make it one of the most popular binocular lines for all-purpose outdoor use.
Leupold Binoculars: Notable Features and Technologies
Known for their ruggedness and reliability, Leupold binoculars are a favorite of hunters, birdwatchers, and sports enthusiasts. Here are some of the top features and innovations found in Leupold optics:
Leupold Twilight Max Light Management System
Leupold’s proprietary Twilight Max Light Management System maximizes light transmission through the binoculars for brighter images in low light conditions like dusk and dawn.
- Special proprietary lens coatings increase light transmission over the entire visible spectrum.
- The prism coating process enhances light reflection and image resolution.
- Precise lens grinding and polishing techniques also boost light throughput.
Waterproof & Fogproof Design
Leupold binoculars feature O-ring seals and nitrogen purging to make them completely waterproof and fogproof in any weather conditions.
- O-ring seals prevent moisture, dust, and debris from entering the chassis.
- Nitrogen purging removes all internal moisture and prevents fogging in temperature extremes.
Multicoated Lens System
Leupold’s Multicoated Lens System uses multiple proprietary coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces to increase light transmission:
- Index Matched Lens Coating enhances contrast and color fidelity.
- Mirror Coated Prisms optimize reflection across the full spectrum.
- Fixed Antireflection Device coating reduces glare.
- Highlight Light Control System increases contrast in harsh lighting.
Rugged Chassis
Leupold binocular bodies are made from strong yet lightweight aluminum alloys. Rubber armor provides shock absorption and a grippy texture.
- Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy resists abrasion and structural stress.
- Cold-weather tested to retain focusing alignment in frigid temperatures.
- Rubber armor protects the chassis and provides a secure grip.
With their legendary ruggedness and advanced optics optimized for light transmission, Leupold binoculars are ideal for hunting, birding, and outdoor use.
Which One Should You Choose: Vortex Diamondback or Leupold?
It’s clear that Vortex Diamondback binoculars are better than Leupold binoculars at almost every point. That’s why I most definitely suggest you go for Vortex Diamondback binoculars.
It has better focus, eye relief, a field of view, and brightness. Most importantly, it’s easy to use and will cost you less money, even being the best one. So, Vortex Diamondback should be your go-to choice.
Also Read: Differences Between Leupold SX-4 And Vortex Viper Spotting Scopes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Diamondback binoculars are a good deal for you in the mid to large-size segment binoculars. They have excellent clarity and focus. You will get a better field of vision, solid construction, eye relief, and brightness from these binoculars. Most importantly, they are a good bang for the buck.
Yes. Vortex Diamondback products are made in china, but not all of them. Some of its products are also made in the Philippines. But it doesn’t compromise the quality. All vortex Diamondback products are manufactured under the supervision of Japanese optics experts.
Leupold has a manufacturing plant in Beaverton, Oregano. But this company does not make binoculars here. Instead, it outsources them from factories located in Japan and china. But the company strictly maintains quality inspection.
Leupold is also a pretty good brand for binoculars. They have many good features that attract binocular lovers towards them. However, they are not better than Vortex Diamondback binoculars. Vortex is better in many ways, including focus, eye relief, field of view, brightness, etc.
Wrapping Up
The differences between Vortex Diamondback and Leupold binoculars are pretty clear and straightforward. You won’t have to be an expert to understand it. Vortex Diamondback binoculars are clearly a better choice.
So, if you have no issue with slightly more weight than Leupold, you must choose Vortex Diamondback binoculars. They are even less expensive than its counterpart.
So, go for it; you will thank me later for sure.
reviews on these most say leopold is better in low light….. cant trust anyone for an honest reviews
like politics everyone has an agenda