Gear Review: Vortex 8x42 Diamondback Binoculars

The Vortex 8x42 Diamondback Binoculars

Preliminary Review

I've been in the market for a good set of binoculars for quite some time. I wanted a set with a good reputation without breaking the bank. I also wanted to purchase them on the island to support the local economy.

It eventually came down to the 8x42 Diamondback by Vortex, who offered a lifetime warranty at a reasonable price. In my research, I came across a lot of birders and wildlife enthusiasts who suggested purchasing them from The Bird House and Binocular Shop in St. John's and while this will be a review of the binoculars, it will be a review of the shop as well.

Babs, the owner of The Birdhouse and Binocular Shop provided phenomenal customer service, giving me the information I needed to make an informed purchase. I received the Diamondbacks for less than MSRP plus taxes and $20 to ship them from St. John's to Corner Brook. Babs processed my order on a Friday, the following Monday they were in my mailbox waiting to be collected. Needless to say, I was very impressed with the shipping and the customer service was something not experienced anywhere else.

The Diamondback binoculars look much nicer in person and the padded neck strap makes carrying the binoculars a joy, however, the carrying case is bulky and takes up a lot of space in your pack but it is a good option for long-term storage or if you need to transport your binoculars long distances.

Compared to the 7x35's that the Diamondback replaced, the image quality and sharpness are unsurpassed. The binoculars are argon gas purged to ensure that the glass remains fog-free and watertight.

Vortex offers an amazing warranty and will "repair or replace defective or damaged products no matter the cause..." with the exception of lost, stolen or deliberately damaged items. This warranty, along with the great price and customer service provided by The Birdhouse and Binocular Shop is what persuaded me to purchase the Diamondback binoculars over other contenders such as the Monarch 5 by Nikon.