Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42
by Vortex Optics
8x42 roof-prism binocular, dielectric-coated HD optics, Vortex's unconditional VIP warranty.
$319.99MSRP
Where to buy
Price shown is manufacturer’s suggested retail price — check the retailer link for current pricing.
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Specifications
- Angle Of View Degrees
- 7.5
- Close Focus Ft
- 5
- Exit Pupil Mm
- 5.25
- Eye Relief Mm
- 17
- Field Of View
- 393 ft @ 1000 yds
- Fogproof
- true
- Interpupillary Distance Mm
- 55-73
- Magnification
- 8x
- Objective Lens Mm
- 42
- Waterproof
- true
- Weight Oz
- 21.8
Source: Vortex Optics official product page — Last verified: September 7, 2026
Pros
- 393 ft field of view at 1000 yds is wide for this price tier
- 5-foot close focus is closer than several competitors in the same price band
- Backed by Vortex's no-questions-asked VIP warranty
Cons
- 17mm eye relief is workable but not class-leading for glasses wearers — see our eyeglass-wearer guide before assuming it's comfortable for you
- 21.8 oz is on the heavier side for an all-day carry compared to compact 8x32 alternatives
Who it’s for
Birders shopping the $250-$350 tier who want a wide field of view for tracking moving birds and don't want to think about the warranty ever again. The 5-foot close focus also makes this a reasonable pick for backyard birders watching feeders at close range, not just distant field views.
Who should avoid it
Glasses wearers who need generous eye relief should compare this against the Nikon Monarch M5's 19.5mm eye relief before buying — see the comparison below. Anyone prioritizing minimum pack weight over field of view should also look at compact 8x32 designs instead of this 8x42.
Our verdict
On specifications alone, the Diamondback HD 8x42 earns its spot in the sub-$350 tier on field of view and close focus rather than on any single standout number. The real differentiator is Vortex's warranty policy, which removes long-term risk from the purchase in a way a spec sheet alone can't capture. We have not physically tested this unit ourselves; this page is built from Vortex's own published specifications and MSRP, not hands-on impressions — see our how-we-test page for what that does and doesn't mean for this page's reliability.
Based on specifications, published information, and our evaluation framework — see how we test.
Related
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