Binoculars are vital to the outdoor experience, whether you’re searching for birds or looking for a target in the distance. Two of the best are the Leupold Mckenzie and the Vortex Diamondback. We’ll dive into each product to determine the ideal option.
Technical Specifications
The technical specifications of each product determine what you can see and how the light bends inside each product. Different prisms make for different experiences with each viewing experience.
The Leupold Mckenzie has a roof prism, which reflects the surface in two angles like a roof with a slope. It’s a practical prism format that offers enough light for a quality view every single time. There is no specification for what prism type the Diamondback has.
The winner has to be the Mckenzie in this category, as there aren’t specifications for the Vortex Diamondback. However, it’s safe to say they both have quality interior offerings.
Next, let’s go into the optical features of these products. These items determine how well you can see through the lenses and how far you can look with each pair. Optics are a vital part of a binocular, no matter the brand.
Optics
Next, let’s talk about the optics of each product. These help determine how well you can see through the binoculars, as well as the scope of reach you receive with each product. The best binoculars will help you see far into the distance without being uncomfortable.
The Mckenzie and Diamondback tie when considering magnification. Both offer 10x the eye of the user, ensuring owners have an excellent view of whatever they are trying to look at in the world. You won’t miss a bird or your next target in the woods.
The products also tie when looking at the objective lens diameter, coming in at 42 mm. They also both have an exit pupil diameter of 4.2 mm. However, that’s where the similarities end - they have some very different features when considering the optics of each product.
The Mckenzie has an angle of view of 5.8 degrees, while the Diamondback has an angle of view of 6.3 degrees, offering better vision. The Diamondback also has a better field of view, coming in at 330’ @ 1,000 yards versus the McKenzie’s 305’ @ 1,000 yards.
The minimum focus distance of the Mckenzie is 9.84’, while the Diamondback is 6.7’. The eye relief for the Mckenzie is 13.7 mm versus 15 mm on the Diamondback.
Overall, you will have a much better viewing experience with the Vortex Diamondback over the Mckenzie. It provides a better angle of view, lower minimum focus distance, and ideal eye relief, among other factors. The Diamondback is the winner in this category.
Next, let’s dive into the adjustments category. We will compare the offerings that allow for adjustments in focus, mounting, and more to provide you with a pair that will bring the best possible experience on the move.
Adjustments
Adjustments are a helpful part of owning a pair of binoculars. With adjustment features, you can focus better on something in the distance or move the eyepieces to match the width of your face. Quality adjustment features mean a better experience with the product.
The interpupillary adjustment of the Leupold Mckenzie is 56 to 74 mm, or 2.2 to 2.9 inches. In contrast, the Vortex Diamondback offers 55 to 75 mm, or 2.2 to 3 inches. The Diamondback has a wider range of two millimeters.
Both products offer a center focus type, so you don’t have to worry about that aspect of the adjustment product with both pairs. The Mckenzie specifies a tripod mount with an optional adaptor, while the Diamondback description doesn’t touch on any tripod mount.
In this category, the winner is the Vortex Diamondback, thanks to the interpupillary adjustment ability. It will fit more eyes and allow for a comfortable experience with more people, no matter how far or close your eyes are on your face.
We’ve talked about many of the optics and adjustment features for each product. Let’s discuss the dimensions, including weight, height, and length. This information will help determine how practical it will be to take each pair with you on your journey.
Dimensions
The dimensions are another vital aspect of a quality pair of binoculars. The bigger they are, the more technology and magnification they might have - but they will be tricky to carry around and hold up for long periods.
The Leupold Mckenzie binoculars come in at 5.8 inches in length, which equates to about 14.73 centimeters. They weigh 22 ounces, which isn’t too much. Anything less than 30 for binoculars is ideal for the user.
The Vortex Diamondback is 5.8 x 5.1 inches, which equates to about 14.7 x 12.9 centimeters. It weighs about 21.23 ounces, which is slightly less than the competing pair. They are close, but not the same by a margin that will matter when using the product for extensive periods.
In this category, the winner is the Vortex Diamondback. The product is slightly smaller and weighs about an ounce less than the Leupold Mckenzie. It might not seem like much, but it will make a difference in the long run.
We’ve gone over many features, comparing the Leupold Mckenzie to the Vortex Diamondback. Now, it’s time to answer the ultimate question - which offers the better bang for your buck? Should you purchase the Leupold Mckenzie or the Vortex Diamondback for your next pair of binoculars?
Conclusion
Although there are benefits to both, the winner is the Vortex Diamondback. This product has better eye relief, a field of view, an angle of view, and more. You will get more bang for your buck with the Vortex over the Leupold Mckenzie, making it a valuable investment.
No matter which product you select for your binocular needs, you will have an excellent experience. There’s a reason you need an analysis to decide between these two - they are both quality products. A good pair of binoculars makes a massive difference in your overall experience.