8X26 Vanquish vs Diamondback (1 Viewer)

[jer03]

I posted this in the wrong fourm (spotting scopes). Please forgive mods.

From reading some post I have the impression that the porro prism binoculars are optically better than the same price level roof prisms.
I am still considering a new pair of small binoculars, and have pretty well narrowed it down to the 8X26 Vanquish or the 8X28 Diamondback binos.

I think the Diamondback would fit better in a pocket, but not sure.

What would be the recommendations of those here between those two binoculars? They will not be used in bad weather normally. Would there be a noticeable difference in brightness?

Thanks,
Jerry

 

[jer03]

I posted this in the wrong fourm (spotting scopes). Please forgive mods.

From reading some post I have the impression that the porro prism binoculars are optically better than the same price level roof prisms.
I am still considering a new pair of small binoculars, and have pretty well narrowed it down to the 8X26 Vanquish or the 8X28 Diamondback binos.

I think the Diamondback would fit better in a pocket, but not sure.

What would be the recommendations of those here between those two binoculars? They will not be used in bad weather normally. Would there be a noticeable difference in brightness?

Thanks,
Jerry

I think that the people here are the most knowledgeable I have run into regarding binoculars. Accordingly, with 100 views I have some difficulty believing that someone cannot give me some educated opinions regarding my questions. Thanks.:h?:

Jerry

 

[ceasar]

I think that the people here are the most knowledgeable I have run into regarding binoculars. Accordingly, with 100 views I have some difficulty believing that someone cannot give me some educated opinions regarding my questions. Thanks.:h?:

Jerry

Hi Jerry,

The reason for this is probably because no one has compared these 2 specific binoculars.

In the past I had problems with the eye relief on a similar 8 x 28 roof prism binocular that Vortex sold. The eye relief was far too long. I had to hold the binocular away from my eyes in order to avoid blackouts. In the end I gave it to my son who wears glasses. He could use it without extending the eyecups. This particular model was discontinued and replaced by the Diamondback and it looks like the Diamondback has the same problem. See the reviews on it here:

http://www.eagleoptics.com/binoculars/vortex/vortex-diamondback-8x28-binocular

The last reviewer listed, Esa Jarvi, also encountered this problem. He has posted on this binocular forum hundreds, if not, thousands of times under his "handle" and he knows what he is talking about. In fact he might specialize in low cost binoculars. In his review he ended up with the 8 x 26 Vanquish.

In my experience small low cost reverse porro prisms will almost always perform better than small low cost roof prisms. They are usually brighter, have a wider FOV and better edges in their views. Small roof prisms are more complex and are harder to manufacture.

You could also consider these reverse porros: The Nikon 8 x 25 Travelite for under $100.00 or the Waterproof Nikon 8 x 25 ATB for about $140.00.

And the best of them all, the legendary Bushnell Elite 7 x 26 Custom Compact at $275.00 is not really out of reach if you are serious and want to get a binocular which could last you a lifetime!:t:

Check them out on the Eagle Optics website above.

Bob

 

[jer03]

Hi ceasar,

Many thanks for the reply.
These would replace a pair of Bushnell Custom Compacts 7X25 (I think they were 25 mm). I purchased them in 1965 when in Hong Kong from RVN. They were perfect for my hunting and other use, but I recently dropped them on a concrete floor and broke them. I didn't think they could be repaired so I ditched them.
I never felt that I needed any other binoculars. They were adequate to identify game even before and after legal shooting hours so suited me.

When you are carrying everything on your back and other gear to last a week or so in the mountains you don't need any additional bulk or weight.

I am thinking that the Vanquish will be a good replacement, even though I don't hunt or hike anymore. Actually, I am thinking that I will let the kids give them to me for Father's Day. I have everything I need and want, and they always ask what I want and I don't know of anything so these might be something I might use some.

Thanks for the reply. I realize that probably no one has used both and cannot compare from usage, but hoped that some comment such as your would help. Having read of the eye relief problem with the Diamondbacks I will get the Vanquish.

Edited: Just ordered the Vanquish through Amazon from Eagle Optics. Thanks again, Bob.

Regards,
Jerry

 

[OPTIC_NUT]

It's a bit late...but I just recently tried out the new 8x32 Diamondback.
Very impressive contrast, and an 8-degree field. Very compact for x32 as well.
So..that makes me consider it to replace Custom 7x25s.

They worked well with and without my glasses. They really did a decent job
on the contrast so these are great for the price, esp. for roofs. In the few years
(2012-2014) I think some roofs have improved on bang-per-buck. I didn't get at
the 8x28s to see if the eye issues on those are fixed up.

 

[cycleguy]

Just ordered the Vanquish through Amazon from Eagle Optics.

Regards,
Jerry

Jer03,

I would be interested in your opinion on the 8x26 Vanquish. (I was planning to order one next month when the toy fund has a couple of dollars available for binoculars).

CG

 

[perterra]

Jer03,

I would be interested in your opinion on the 8x26 Vanquish. (I was planning to order one next month when the toy fund has a couple of dollars available for binoculars).

CG

I think jer03 has left the building.