February 19, 2025

Vortex Diamondback 8x32 HD

I already have a heavy expensive set (My Zeiss 7x42B), so what about a decent quality small light and not too expensive set? I have been impressed by Vortex optics in several other items I own, so why not check out their binoculars?

Small and light

I started out looking at the 8x28, but ended up buying the 8x32. No regrets. Keep reading for details. These look to be amazing for the price. Amazon now sells these for $159, but says they are frequently returned. The look is different than the review, so they may have been redesigned. Reviews are good for the new version. There also is an 8x32 for $209 that weigh 15.9 ounces (2 ounces more).

So in May of 2025, I ordered the 8x32. They weigh 2 ounces more and even at $209 are inexpensive enough I won't worry about them like I do my Zeiss 8x42. Same day delivery from Amazon. If they are horrible I can return them. The 8x28 on Amazon had a high return rate they say (bad quality control?). 30 percent more light gathering. Somewhat wider field of view.

From the BH Photo page 
Angle of view 6.2 vs 8.1 degrees
Field of view  332 vs 426 feet at 1000 yards
Minimum focus: 6 versus 5 feet
Exit pupil:  3.5 vs 4 mm
Eye relief: 18 vs 16 mm
Weight: 14 vs 15.9 ounces
Both are Argon purged roof prism binoculars. They are made in China. The shorter 16mm eye relief may be a good thing, some people have said that the 18mm relief on the 8x28 was excessive, but these people may not have been eyeglass wearers.

They arrived at 7 PM (ordered the same day at 8 AM). The miracle of Amazon same day shipping.
The binoculars are stunning. I'll need to side by side compare them to my Zeiss 8x42. They look to be as good, perhaps even better. Amazing -- especially for the price. And they don't feel cheap at all. No problem using them with my eyeglasses.

They came with a nice semi-hard zippered case that will be perfect for shoving in a day pack or tossing on the seat of my vehicle. The 8x42 come in a cloth case that looks like it is intended to put over your shoulder, probably with the intended market being hunters.

Remember also that Vortex has a very well regarded unconditional lifetime warranty.

Feedback? Questions? Drop me a line!

Tom's Bird Info / tom@mmto.org