Binoculars are an excellent tool to have on your side, whether you want to check out animals in the distance or determine where you’re headed next. It’s critical to invest in the best, so we’ve outlined two of the best for your consideration - the Vortex VANQUISH and Diamondback.
Technical Specifications
Technical specifications are a critical item to consider in a pair of binoculars. These determine how light filters through the mechanism, allowing the user to see through the lenses. There are several different types available
Two common varieties of prisms are the roof and reverse porro. Each offers a different experience for users, and the Diamondback and VANQUISH contain varying selections for the user.
The Vortex Diamondback has a roof prism type. This selection is typically a little more expensive than other options, allowing a longer lens and more light for a better viewing experience. It’s pricier, but the additional funds make it worth it for dedicated users.
The competing Vortex VANQUISH has a reverse porro system. This option offers a similar layout to the Vortex Diamondback but flips the interior horizontally. A reverse porro system is also typically much cheaper than a roof prism.
Although the roof prism is excellent, we recommend the Vortex VANQUISH and the reverse porro system. It offers a similar experience to the Diamondback for a much lower price point with the system.
Technical specifications are helpful. Now, let’s add to the information by discussing the performance features.
Performance
Performance features help determine how well you can see through your pair of binoculars and what it will allow you to view. Although there are many areas where the Diamondback and VANQUISH are similar, there are even more areas where they differ.
First, the similarities. The Diamondback and VANQUISH offer an 8x magnification and a center focus type. However, these are the only areas where they are the same and differ from this point forward.
The Diamondback has an objective lens diameter of 28 mm, while the VANQUISH has one of 26 mm. The Diamondback has a 6.2-degree angle of view, while the VANQUISH has one at 6.7 degrees.
The Diamondback has an exit pupil diameter of 3.5 mm and an eye relief of 18 mm, while the competing VANQUISH has one of 3.3 mm and 15 mm. These are significant separations.
Here are a few additional areas where the two stand apart in performance:
- Field of View: 332' @ 1000 yd / 110.22 m @ 1000 m for the Vortex Diamondback, 352' @ 1000 yd / 116.86 m @ 1000 m for the Vortex VANQUISH
- Minimum Focus Distance: 6' / 1.83 m for the Vortex Diamondback, 7.6' / 2.3 m for the Vortex VANQUISH
- Interpupillary Adjustment: 55 to 72 mm / 2.2 to 2.8" for the Vortex Diamondback, 57 to 71 mm / 2.2 to 2.8" for the Vortex VANQUISH
They each have excellent, yet different, performance abilities.
Overall, we declare the Vortex Diamondback the winner. It has a better minimum focus distance, interpupillary adjustment, and objective lens diameter, among other features.
We’ve discussed technical and performance features. Next, it’s time to dive into a few additional features placed in the system to help it withstand the environment while you are out and about.
Features
Features help determine how well a pair of binoculars will survive in the world outside. A quality pair should be equipped to withstand all weather circumstances, from rain to fog. Let’s examine how each pair performs.
First, the Vortex Diamondback. This pair offers excellent durability features, providing a fog-proof ability because of an argon-filled system. It’s also advertised as water resistant, though the test methodology is not supplied, which isn’t super common in this brand.
Next, the Vortex VANQUISH. This product is also fog proof, though because of nitrogen. It’s water resistant, also without the supplied test methodology, meaning you won’t get a different experience with water resistance if you select one over the other for your purchase.
There is no winner when considering the features of the Diamondback and VANQUISH. They are both water resistant up to a point and offer fog-proof features, even if they are achieved in different ways during the creation process of the pair.
We’ve gone over several items surrounding the VANQUISH and Diamondback binoculars. Next, let’s go over one final category - the general specifications surrounding each item. This category will help us determine our final choice for the winner between the two.
General
Our final category is the general specifications. This area includes the dimensions and weight of the product, revealing how easy each is to carry and transport. This section makes a difference in your choice, revealing what is practical for you to carry.
First, the Vortex Diamondback. This product measures 4.6 x 4.5" / 11.68 x 11.43 cm and weighs 14 oz / 397 g, offering a decent size-to-weight ratio for the user.
On the other hand, the Vortex VANQUISH measures 4.7 x 4.4" / 11.9 x 11.2 cm and weighs 12.7 oz / 360 g. It’s slightly lighter than the competitor.
Our winner in the general specifications category is the Vortex VANQUISH. It offers a smaller and lighter design, allowing it to move from one place to another without straining the user. However, it is critical to consider the Diamondback system contains a more advanced prism.
We’ve discussed many features, from the technical specifications of each product to the general dimensions and weight. Now, it’s time to answer the most vital question - which pair is better for your experience?
Conclusion
Overall, the winner of the two is the Vortex Diamondback. It offers excellent performance, decent dimensions, and plenty of quality features. However, the Vortex VANQUISH isn’t far behind the competitor.
No matter which pair of binoculars you select for your outdoor journey, you’re sure to have an excellent experience with either Vortex. The VANQUISH and Diamondback are quality products, sure to allow you a top-notch view no matter what you’re looking for in the wilderness.