NatureLvrCanada
Well-known member
I just purchased the Vortex 2016 Diamondback 8x42. Was looking for a quality binocular with a great warranty and found both with this model and brand. Used it tonight at dusk and the view seems to be bright and sharp with detail. For low to medium price range binoculars, the new 2016 Diamondback 8x42 came out with very high scores in a test by BirdWatching.com. http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/2016_affordable_8x42/review.html
My previous pair was an Alpen Shasta Ridge 8x42. It was a car binocular and something I did not have to ginger in the field. It saw its share of rough handling. Heavy and bulky but was easy to hold steady. Not so good hanging around the neck. The new 2016 Diamondbacks are lighter and less bulky. I kind of like the heft for holding steady. Prior to the Alpen, I had the Celestron Noble 8x42 which was rated highly. But I somehow misplaced it.
I like the Vortex Diamondback enough that I would not be surprised if I also bought the Viper down the road. But the Diamondback will more than do based on what I have seen in the field so far. I really like it.
My previous pair was an Alpen Shasta Ridge 8x42. It was a car binocular and something I did not have to ginger in the field. It saw its share of rough handling. Heavy and bulky but was easy to hold steady. Not so good hanging around the neck. The new 2016 Diamondbacks are lighter and less bulky. I kind of like the heft for holding steady. Prior to the Alpen, I had the Celestron Noble 8x42 which was rated highly. But I somehow misplaced it.
I like the Vortex Diamondback enough that I would not be surprised if I also bought the Viper down the road. But the Diamondback will more than do based on what I have seen in the field so far. I really like it.