Vortex Diamondback HD...8x42 or 10x50?

[TheCornishman]

Hi all, after some experienced input. My trusty minox 8x42s have given up the ghost. Probably one drop to many but they just don’t seem to have the edge that they used too and are suffering double vision. ( No I don’t take a hip flask stalking before you ask )

A friend has Diamondback HDs in 8x42 and I have been really impressed by them. They hold their own against another pals gen1 Leica Geovids that I really wasn’t expecting to see in low light. Perhaps down to the new HD coating tech vs older quality glass

The quandary is which configuration is the best in low light 8x42 or 10x50?

I am not bothered by the physical difference. I am a big boy so a few ounces here or there is really no big deal.

The exit pupil sizes are similar but is the exit pupil everything?...surely the larger objective has a big part to play?...

Anyone compared these 2x sets of Diamondback HDs in the field.....

All feedback appreciated

 

[Steff]

I cannot comment on the qualities of Vortex binos. I don't have any.
But there is a definitive answer to your question re. 8x42 vs. 10x50.
As all other parameter should be the same (exit pupil, lens coating etc.) you will see more with 10x50 in low light. Higher mag means higher resolution. And this plays a major part in low light conditions.

 

[palo]

Rider is correct the 10X50 should have the edge but let me tell you my experience with 2 pairs of leica binoculars.
I had the old model leica trinovid 7x42 binoculars and my mate bought the exact same model in 8x50. According to the specs the 8x50 should of been brighter in low light but this was not the case.
We both tested them on numerous occasions and we both agreed the 7x42 had the edge in low light.
I wouldn't worry too much about the difference in low light performance, you have tried the 8x42 and you know they are good enough so the decision really is do you want a 8x or a 10x binocular .

 

[Blench99]

i had the 8x42 diamondbacks but recently changed to 10x50 vipers due to my eye sight not being as good as it was, I'm well impressed with the new binos and would recommend them to anyone

 

[Steff]

Rider is correct the 10X50 should have the edge but let me tell you my experience with 2 pairs of leica binoculars.
I had the old model leica trinovid 7x42 binoculars and my mate bought the exact same model in 8x50. According to the specs the 8x50 should of been brighter in low light but this was not the case.
We both tested them on numerous occasions and we both agreed the 7x42 had the edge in low light.
I wouldn't worry too much about the difference in low light performance, you have tried the 8x42 and you know they are good enough so the decision really is do you want a 8x or a 10x binocular .

That‘s because the 7x42 has a 6mm exit pupil while the 10x50 only has 5mm.
If you are young enough to make use of the 6mm it will naturally appear brighter.

 

[palo]

They were 8x50 which actually had a slightly larger exit pupil

 

[norma 308]

Just got 10s In diamondback as my Swarovski are 8s blown away by vortex for the £ As a back up pair I’m chuffed free case too !

 

[VSS]

8x42 will give you a better depth of field, which is a big help I find.

 

[Freeforester]

7x42 gives both wider field of view and greater depth of field, not that they are on the list; Colin Jalland has an excellent pair of swaro SLC 7/42 advertised here (I sold them to him, that's how I know),

Sold: - Swarovski SLC 7x42

Swarovski SLC 7x42 in very good condition comes with bag and neck strap , the optics are so good on these SOLD

www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

and there's a pair of used zeiss 7/42 B/GA*TP* on sale right now

Zeiss BGAT*P 7x42 - 11075 | Buy Online at CleySpy

The quality Zeiss BGAT*P 7x42 - 11075 is available from CleySpy with a wide range of accessories (other filter)- buy online at fantastic prices

www.cleyspy.co.uk

 

[gonzo]

As a newcomer, I've been using my old pair of 7x50, 1970's jap bino's. And have been very impressed, comparing them to my Sworovski rifle scope, for their low light performance. Not found another pair of that vintage that were anywhere close, so I must have been lucky.

Recently brought a pair of 10x42 Diamondback Vortex. As I wanted something more compact and robust. And at the price, I am very happy.
I went for the 10x, as there were so many times that both myself and stalking friend/guide (it's his permission) both with x7, were just struggling to make out the gender, at the common distances that we shoot.
The 10x just gives that edge. And a 5mm exit pupil, is fine for my eyes. (Have taken a picture on my face, with an IR illuminator on the cam, and estimated pupil dism.)

The only down side, so far, is that then moving on to the 6x scope on the rifle, the deer look so far away!

 

[tdawson]

I just bought the 10x42 Diamondbacks, and I’m well chuffed with them. Being over 60, my eyesight has diminished over the years, especially poor depth of field in low light conditions - but the view through these at dusk are fantastic!

 

[Sierra]

I bought some non HD 8x42's early this year as a set for the truck. I'm well impressed. Have a set of late 1970's zeiss 10x42's that I have used for years to compare them to. To my eyes the Vortex colour definition is better & brighter. Low light they are spot on. If they were to break the Vortex warranty would replace them, if I lost them I would buy a new set immediately.

The only gripe, and it is really minor, is the focus drum has a tiny bit of lag.

 

[Fox Red]

I have the 10x42. Very good VFM!

 

[deerly departed]

Depends on how you shake. Bigger mag emphasises movement. I went 8x not 10x and they were Vortex Diamondbacks. Happy with then

 

[sako85708]

I've had a pair of 8 x 42 diamondbacks for a couple of years now and found them great for the money, I dropped them from the highseat and had no problem getting them repaired under warranty . A few months ago a friend of mine brought a pair of Diamondbacks in 10 x 50 and we tried both at last light and the difference really is noticeable

 

[Alex L]

I have the 8x42, very happy with them, my mate has the 10x50 but his eyes an't as good.
Vortex's are nice in the hand, good glass, nice coating that not to harsh on the eye prolonged use. Back up is great, had an issue with an I cup sorted under warranty with in a week.

 

[Themidlandstalker]

I've just bought some viper 8x42 and I'm well impressed with them especially in low light. They are light, come with a bag and strap which I have changed to a harness but with the warranty and price I can't see a downside to them.